Learning Highlights
Drawing from famous works!
Our Year 9 Sculpture and Ceramics class has recently been exploring the works of the renowned sculptor Henry Moore, focusing particularly on his organic abstract figure sculptures.
Students are busy preparing for creating their own Henry Moore-inspired pieces, completing figure study drawings using a variety of mediums. They will now abstract these forms and transform them into clay sculptures. Some exciting work to come!
Ready, set, dance!
Our Year 10 Child Studies Foundations classes recently had an exciting session with Hannah from Versatility Dance Centre. Students were guided through a pretend toddler dance lesson, teaching them how to select age-appropriate activities and the reasons why certain exercises are ideal for engaging young children.
Over the next few weeks, the students will take their new knowledge and confidence to lead their own toddler dance classes at a local childcare centre.
We're excited to see them put their learning into action!
Surf's up!
Students competing at the Red Herring Surf Tasmanian Schools Surfing Championships battled some tough conditions to make the most of the in between waves, with some solid 6 foot waves causing chaos in the lineup.
Congratulations to all students that participated and represented MacKillop with pride as they took to the waves. A special mention to Duke Armstrong and Charlie Gibson (Year 9) who took out the team win in the U16 division. Showing off their smart surfing skills with some solid turns as they found the ideal sized waves. In the U19 girls individual event Poppy Woodberry (Year 10) found the wave of the heat in the last minute to take out the win.
End of term fun in N5!
Hear all about the end of Term 4 fun had at N5 the Japanese language proficiency test group that is run weekly for students to learn and study together, in the words of Abel Harris (Year 9).
Last week, for an end-of-term activity, we ran a session in the school kitchens to make Japanese hot cakes (fluffy pancakes). N5 ran as usual and afterwards, we all watched a video with some useful tips before heading to the kitchen. Working with Ms Sullivan, Miss D'Amico, Ms Haldane, Mrs Quinn and the other people in the Japanese classes was very different from my experiences so far in the kitchens. We all chatted away about the latest things we’d learned in N5, and many people made plans for the fashion parade we’ll be running next term for N5 students and their families. Soon the smell of cooking filled the kitchen and after only two melted spatulas we all had a plate with two lovely thick, fluffy, pancakes in front of us ready to put toppings onto. We then all sat together around our tables and enjoyed our pancakes. It was like eating big pieces of fluffy cloud – with ice cream.
Lawn Bowls in Year 10!
Our Year 10 HPE class recently took a trip to the Howrah Bowls Club to try their hand at lawn bowls. With the help of some experts students were able to learn a new skill and enjoy cheering on their peers.
A big thank you to the Howrah Bowls Club and their volunteers for hosting the students.
St Helens Camp in Outdoor Education
From September 10th to 12th, 2024, the Outdoor Education 2 class embarked on an unforgettable end-of-year camp at St. Helens. The primary goal of this adventure was to deepen our connection with ourselves, each other, and the environment. Our base for the trip was the picturesque Cosy Corner North campground at the Bay of Fires.
We hired mountain bikes with plans to explore the Flagstaff Gully trail network, culminating in a group ride on the renowned 42km Bay of Fires Trail. However, things didn’t go entirely as planned. Mechanical issues on the track and recent wild weather wreaked havoc on the trails, leaving trees and debris scattered. The top section of the trail remained closed due to persistent wet conditions. Despite these challenges, we managed to complete several trails, including the lower half of the Bay of Fires Trail.
Students pushed themselves both physically and mentally, overcoming numerous obstacles. We were in awe of the ever-changing landscape and vegetation, as we collaborated and negotiated our way through various challenges on the track and around the camp. The weather was classic Tasmanian spring, with a solid eight-hour downpour, but we also enjoyed glimpses of sunshine.
A special thanks to Mr. O’Brien and Miss Williamson for their invaluable assistance during the camp, and to the entire student group for their fantastic behaviour and participation. This year’s camp was a true testament to their resilience and teamwork.
Darren Gregg
Marine Discovery Centre Fun
The Year 10 Biology Class and TASC Biology class recently travelled down to Woodbridge to the Marine Discovery Centre to learn about all things Ecology. Students had the exciting opportunity to spend the day as a biologist.
The group went out on a boat to look at the biotic and abiotic factors that affect the diversity of different animal and plant species in the ocean. They were given the opportunity to look at plankton samples under microscopes and handle different species of starfish. The students had an information session on invasive species and the impact that humans have on our native species here in Tasmania. This experience gave students a real taste for what scientists do to protect our beautiful ecosystems here in Tasmania.
Laura Negri
Girls in Power
A group of students joined in on the Girls in Power Program with Hydro Tasmania this week, spending two days learning all about their future career options as women in STEM.
Touring the Meadowbank Power Station and the Hydro Cambridge Workshop, students had the exciting opportunity to hear about the work of an engineer and see how the tools they create can benefit the lives of everyone in Tasmania.
Tassie Dancers Against Cancer
Our MacKillop Dance team will take part in Tassie Dancers Against Cancer on Sunday 13 October.
This important event is when the dance community come together to support and raise money for cancer. Providing young Tasmanian dancers with the opportunity to dance on stage in a supportive and non-competitive environment.
Stay tuned for a summary of the night coning soon!
