Foundation

This week in Foundation we have been very busy with our learning! In Literacy, we have been comparing narratives and information texts and learning about the different features in each. The children have been identifying characters, settings, facts, labels, and diagrams and talking about how stories and information books are different.

In Maths, we have been investigating sharing and making groups. We have been learning about fair and unequal sharing through hands-on activities and discussions.

On Fridays, the children work in writing groups and have been creating very simple poems about the Seasons using nouns and verbs.

Winter

Rain Falling

Wind Blowing

Puddles Splashing

Thunder Shooting

By Darla

Summer

Fish swimming

Family digging

Surfers paddling

People splashing.

By Marigold

Mrs Tanya, Classroom Teacher

Year 1 & 2 B

Mrs Torney, Classroom Teacher

Year 3 & 4

Mr Campbell & Mrs Gleisner, Classroom Teachers

Music

Mrs Postle, Primary Music Teacher

Year 9 - Mt Egbert Camp

Ms Piccoli and Miss Van De Wetering, Duke of Ed and Homeroom Teachers

Year 10

Holocaust Museum Excursion

On Monday the 25th of May thirteen year 10 students and two unit 1/2 History students boarded the train to Melbourne for a trip to the Holocaust Museum in Elsternwick. Despite the early start, the spirits were high for the long train ride to the city. There was a small train delay, but despite this we got to the museum only a little behind time, switching trains, cutting off time in DFO and trying to cut through the roadworks helped.

We only missed a small part of the start and joined in with another secondary school who had over 90 students in attendance. Starting with a deep dive into certain primary source artifacts from the Holocaust that really started the conversation and got us thinking, we followed on to the museum section, getting to explore their vast collection with a guide. It was intense. Many of us left the room feeling righteously angered and saddened. The level of discrimination and violence at the hands of Nazi Germany was reason enough to want to punch something. Then, we were fortunate enough to hear the tale of a survivor which had us all engrossed and we just wanted to stay longer. His name is Andre Dubrowin, who survived the Holocaust as a young child through being cared for in secret by a catholic orphanage, a business associate of his fathers and then on a farm. Andre developed rickets from being kept in a dark room for his own safety.

Sadly, we were on a tight schedule and couldn't stay any longer, leaving us with a message to be brave, hopeful, just, kind and fair. And above all, keep anything like the holocaust from ever happening again.

Obviously, we needed an uplift, learning history can be as painful as it is important so we spent time shopping and eating before finally heading home. With not too many issues.

Thanks again to Mr Watson, Mrs Braybrook and Peter for staffing this trip, we all got something out of it and it was amazing to have the opportunity that not many do.

Written by Violet Stephenson & Mr Watson

Year 11

It’s hard to believe we’re already at Week 6 — the term is flying by, and there has been plenty happening both in and out of the classroom.

In our last newsletter we neglected to mention the fantastic Careers Expo excursion to Melbourne. This was an amazing opportunity for students to explore future pathways, speak with universities, employers and training providers, and start thinking about the many opportunities available after school. A big thank you to Mrs Woodman for organising such a valuable experience for our students.

The end of Week 4 marked Education Support (ES) Appreciation Day, and we would like to acknowledge the incredible work of all our ES staff. We are especially grateful for those working within the VM space (Robyn, Haley and of course Mr Z), whose support, flexibility and willingness to help allow us to provide such meaningful and engaging opportunities for students. We truly appreciate everything you do for our school community.

Over the past few weeks there have been some fantastic excursions and incursions taking place across the College. Our Year 11 History students visited the Holocaust Museum on Monday, which was a powerful and thought-provoking experience that encouraged reflection, empathy and understanding of an important part of world history. Thanks to Mr Watson and Mrs Braybrook for organising this opportunity.

As we move towards the second half of the term, attention now starts turning towards the GAT and End of Unit Exams in Week 9. It’s really important that students stay organised, keep up to date with their work, and seek help early if needed. Consistent effort now makes a huge difference later on.

Mr G’s Study Tip — Don’t Just Read Your Notes

One of the biggest mistakes students make is simply rereading notes over and over.

Instead:

Test yourself without looking
Do practice questions
Explain concepts out loud
Use key vocabulary in full sentences

If your brain has to work to remember, that’s when real learning happens.

“Confidence comes from preparation, not luck.”

Mr Gretgrix , Homeroom Teacher

VCE Art Excursion

On Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th May, our Year 12 VCE Art Making and Exhibiting students travelled to Melbourne for an overnight excursion designed to deepen their understanding of exhibition spaces while also building connection as a group.

After arriving in the city by train, students made the most of the evening, taking in the sights and enjoying some friendly competition through laser tag and arcade games. It was a great opportunity to strengthen team spirit outside the classroom before a busy and enriching day ahead.

The next morning began with breakfast before heading out towards the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Along the way, students visited the Shrine of Remembrance, taking a moment to reflect in one of Melbourne’s most significant landmarks.

At ACCA, students experienced This is not the storm, an exhibition by contemporary artist Julius von Bismarck. Von Bismarck’s work explores the forces of nature, perception, and human intervention, often using large-scale installations, film, and experimental processes to challenge how we experience the natural world. The exhibition offered a powerful and unfamiliar experience for many students, quite different from artworks they had previously encountered in person.

Mrs Barker, Art Teacher

VM Report

Mrs Postle, VM Teacher

Year 12

As we move further into the term and the weather becomes cooler, it is timely to remind our Year 12 students of the importance of looking after themselves alongside their studies. Year 12 is a demanding year, and while academic effort is important, so too is maintaining good health, balance and wellbeing. Students are encouraged to prioritise regular sleep, nutritious food, movement, hydration and time away from screens where possible. These small routines can make a significant difference to energy levels, concentration and overall resilience.

With coughs, colds and seasonal illnesses becoming more common, we also remind students to take sensible steps to protect their health and the health of others. This includes staying home when unwell, practising good hygiene, keeping warm, and seeking support if they are feeling run down or overwhelmed. Falling behind can feel stressful, but coming to school unwell often makes recovery slower. Students are encouraged to communicate with their teachers if they are absent so that we can help them stay on track in a manageable way. Remember, if you are away from school unwell that you will be asked to provide a medical certificate for your absence.

A helpful way for students to manage their self-care is to take small, practical steps each day. Students might ask themselves:

Step 1: Check in with yourself

How am I feeling today physically, mentally and emotionally? Am I tired, stressed, unwell or needing support?

Step 2: Choose one small action

What is one thing I can do today to look after myself? This might be drinking more water, eating a proper meal, going for a short walk, having an early night or taking a break from study.

Step 3: Plan your study realistically

What are the most important tasks I need to complete today? Focus on what is manageable rather than trying to do everything at once.

Step 4: Take proper breaks

Have I stepped away from my books or screen today? A short break, stretch or change of environment can help reset focus.

Step 5: Ask for help early

Who can I speak to if I am feeling overwhelmed, behind or unsure? Students are encouraged to reach out to their teachers, Year Level Coordinator, wellbeing staff or a trusted adult.

Step 6: Reset for tomorrow

What is one thing I can do tonight to make tomorrow easier? This could be packing a bag, writing a short to-do list, charging a device, or getting to bed at a reasonable time.

It has been pleasing to see our Year 12 students continuing to work well across their subjects. Many are turning up each day with a positive attitude, engaging in their learning and making the most of the support available to them. They are also demonstrating our school values through their commitment, respectful interactions and willingness to keep trying, even when the workload feels challenging. These habits matter, and they will continue to serve students well as the year progresses.

We encourage families to keep checking in with students at home and to support healthy routines where possible. A calm conversation, a reminder to rest, or encouragement to take a short break can go a long way. As always, we are here to support our Year 12 students as they continue to balance the demands of study, wellbeing and life beyond school.

Mrs Woodman, Mrs Barker and Mrs Postle, Homeroom Teachers

Parents Association