Whole School News
WHOLE SCHOOL NEWS - including WURUN CAMPUS
Project Salam
About the Pilot Project:
Project Salaam aims to build self-confidence, develop leadership skills and attain academic achievement alongside skills in conflict resolution and interpersonal relationships for youth grappling with experiences of discrimination and trauma. The first pilot in 2018, with tertiary students was developed for two Auckland, New Zealand secondary schools. The focus of the experiential workshops was on developing resilience, confidence, and self-esteem through the use of effective communication skills, understanding the cycle of conflict and responses to it. This included ways to manage peer pressure with the awareness of techniques to respond to conflicts positively. The sessions are based on appreciating identity and the value of cultural roots despite living in a different country from that of origin. The topics have been chosen for these students mindful of the challenges facing them to support their preparation and development for a challenging world where these skills will stand them in good stead as they develop and flourish.
Outcomes:
Based on the written feedback, the participants at both locales valued gaining skills in communication (particularly relating to ways of speaking, tone and listening), rapport building, mediation (respectful mediation), self-confidence, and self-respect. The latest evaluation from a deputy principal:
- “We are seeing them much less frequently in the Deans Centre for negative pastoral issues – this is fantastic and exactly what we were hoping for those specific students”.
- “Some of the girls in particular in how they are communicating with others – are much more respectful, thoughtful and considerate in their language and how they are interacting and speaking with us”.
- “Particularly the latest group, they seem much calmer, much more confident in themselves and more self-regulated”.
- “They’re making choices around school which are much more positive – going to class on time, engaging better during lessons”.
Students responded to what has been of benefit for you in the workshops mentioned:
- “How to be respectful
- Safety in situations when you may feel pressured
- Not to use violence
- Heartwarming and unforgettable information
- Learning to deal with things in a more mature way
- Stand up for myself
- Important to see both sides of the story and put yourself in other shoes
A third of the students remarked “It gives me more confidence”.
Pizza Party
It was fantastic to see so many families at our Welcome Pizza Party. Thank you all to all the volunteers and Hannah Marshall for coordinating the event, firing up our pizza oven, and making some of the best tasting pizzas for our school community and guests!
Felicia PEH
Leading Teacher (Acting)LBOTE and International Operations
School Social Media and Digital Productions
EAL and Mandarin Chinese Teacher
Lunar New Year
Collingwood College's students have been observing and learning about Lunar New Year through a range of activities during the first two weeks of Term 1. Our students were introduced to legends behind the festival, songs, Chinese calligraphy and craft work.
May the year of the snake bring everyone great health and courage to chase your dreams!
From the Chinese Language Team
Xiaoming Li, Beth Huang and Felicia Peh
Swimming Carnival
Annual Swimming Carnival: A Splashing Success!
The much-anticipated Annual Swimming Carnival took place last week, and it was a fantastic display of talent, teamwork, and school spirit. Students from all grades came together for a day filled with exciting races, cheering, and unforgettable moments.
The carnival featured a range of events, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and relays. The cheering sections were loud and filled with school pride, with each House contributing to the fun and excitement of the day. A huge congratulations goes out to the overall winning House and all the individual winners who swam their hearts out!
But the fun didn’t stop with the races! Between events, students enjoyed games and activities on the pool deck, keeping the energy levels high and ensuring everyone was involved. The carnival truly was a celebration of our school’s swimming talent and community spirit.
As we wrap up this year’s Swimming Carnival, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff, and everyone who helped make the event a success. We look forward to next year’s carnival.
Until then, let’s keep swimming toward new challenges and making waves of success in everything we do!
Staff Profiles
Each newsletter, three profiles are included to help families get to know the staff at our college. Enjoy finding out about the expertise, passion, and life experiences that our staff bring to teaching and learning at Collingwood College.
Rebecca Cooper
Science Teacher & Leading Teacher - Disability Inclusion
As a dyslexic student, I was fortunate to have teachers who inspired my curiosity and helped me discover a love of learning. It was in science class that my fascination with how the world works truly blossomed, eventually leading me to complete a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of Western Australia. I later pursued a Master of Teaching at the University of Melbourne, driven by my passion to share the wonders of science with others. Now, as a science teacher at Collingwood College, I strive to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where students can nurture their curiosity and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Elly Louchart
Primary Teacher & Literacy Learning Specialist
Growing up, I could either be found with my head in a book, singing and dancing or on the basketball court. My first ever job, at thirteen years old, was as a basketball referee, which provided an extensive education in how to work and communicate with children, people and parents. Towards the end of high school, I had my heart set on becoming a police officer, but soon realised it didn’t really connect with my values or view of the world. I completed a Bachelor in Social Science (Criminal Justice), travelled and then completed a Masters of Teaching. This is the beginning of my 14th year of teaching. I’ve taught as a Generalist primary teacher in each year level, as well as a Specialist in the Performing Arts. I’m super passionate about Inclusive Education and Wellbeing and am currently undertaking a Masters in Specialised Inclusive Education. Collingwood College is such an amazing and inspiring place to be. I hope that I can make as positive impact on the school and its community, as it has had on me.
Beth Huang
Primary and Secondary Chinese Language & Mathematics Teacher
I have taught Chinese and mathematics in a variety of educational settings, including regional, suburban, and inner-city schools, over the past ten years. This is my fourth year at Collingwood College. I completed a Master of Teaching at Monash University, majoring in Business, Economics, and Linguistics. I also earned a double Master’s degree from the University of Melbourne, and I truly embody lifelong learning—constantly acquiring new skills and knowledge through study and travel. Growing up in a family of teachers, I have always enjoyed teaching. When I first arrived in Australia 15 years ago, I was inspired by the country’s multicultural atmosphere. I began working at a community language school 11 years ago, where I found joy in sharing Chinese culture with children. In my years at Collingwood College, I have been deeply inspired by its strong multicultural environment. I have grown to love the school's vibrant community of students, teachers, staff, parents, leadership team, and school council. Now, I truly feel that I have found where I belong and am committed to making a lasting, positive impact at Collingwood College. At Collingwood College, I am passionate about fostering a love for language, Mathematics and problem-solving in my students. Beyond teaching, I enjoy swimming, singing, camping, watching movies, taking local walks, and spending quality time with my family. Collingwood College is an incredible community filled with exceptionally kind and creative young people, and I feel privileged to be part of it.
INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE (updated 27 October) - Contact Person - Steve Wu
Please click on the attachment below to see a list of Stringed instruments for sale. If you have an instrument for sale please email Steve at: fengchih.09@gmail.com
COLLINGWOOD COLLEGE ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
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