Senior Years
Exploring Nature's Classroom: A Recap of our Riverland Kayaking Camp
Venturing into the heart of the Riverland, our recent kayaking camp to Ral Ral Creek near Renmark proved to be an unforgettable journey filled with remarkable experiences. Blessed with perfect weather, each stroke of our paddles was accompanied by the gentle caress of sunlight, setting the stage for an adventure like no other.
As we glided along the serene waters, nature unveiled its treasures, offering glimpses of its diverse inhabitants. From fish darting through the currents to majestic birdlife gracefully patrolling the skies, the abundance of wildlife provided endless fascination and served as a reminder of the delicate ecosystem we are privileged to explore. A definite highlight was the family of emus crossing the river!
Beyond the sheer beauty of our surroundings, the camp also presented invaluable educational opportunities.
The camp also fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants, as we navigated the river's twists and turns together, sharing laughter and forging lasting friendships.
Scott Charlton
Outdoor Education Teacher
Port Noarlunga Aquatic Reserve Excursion
To enhance our knowledge on ecosystems, the Stage 1 Biology classes embarked on an excursion to the Port Noarlunga Aquatic Reserve, where we observed and experienced a Rocky Shore ecosystem. For me, learning how to snorkel was the highlight of this excursion, with my muscles cramping every 10 minutes and goggles fogging up constantly! We also walked through the sand dunes where the instructors explained the impact of colonisation and industrialisation on the Port Noarlunga area and the damage that was done to the habitat in this time. We learned about the Onkaparinga Council's efforts to preserve Port Noarlunga’s Rocky Shore ecosystem, with the creation of a sanctuary zone and ways they have prevented the heightened levels of salt in the ocean. This information will be utilised in a SACE summative task where students need to create a public awareness campaign for a chosen audience, to promote the continuation of the area’s restrictions. The best way to preserve an organism is to preserve the habitat.
Emily Heng
Year 11 Biology Student
Year 12 Business Innovation
Guest Speaker, Entrepreneur Richard Miller (Poddiy)
The new Discovery Centre is home to two innovative Poddiy units, specifically designed for students and staff to create Podcasts as part of their learning. The designer and owner of this Business, Richard Miller, was kind enough to talk to the two Year 12 Business Innovation classes. He shared his business journey and discussed the processes involved in taking an idea through the prototyping and testing phase, and then to market. In the Q & A session, the students were able to gain greater insight into some of the challenges and joys of establishing and operating a business. This was an extremely valuable learning experience for the students, and we are very grateful to Richard for being so generous with his time.
Kelli Delacy
Business Innovation Learning Leader
Product Design
A busy start for 2024 for the Year 10s currently undertaking Product Design. Students have progressed through the design process and constructed a coffee table. Students have learnt many new techniques and methods, including framing skills. They have learnt how to select joinery techniques and have continued to upskill themselves with finishes.
All coffee tables have been constructed from Australian Oak.
Please see the below images for finished products.
Wayne Slattery
Design Technology Learning Leader
Musical Theatre
Year 10 Drama students have recently been expanding their knowledge and skill set within the craft of musical theatre. In groups, they've chosen popular musical scenes from well-known productions such as Hamilton, The Producers, Dear Evan Hansen and Matilda, and adapted them to present to a small audience. Students tackled this task head-on, and the results were just outstanding, highlighting their creativity and adaptability, whilst showcasing their confidence, self-expression and teamwork.
Jamie Richards
Drama Learning Leader
Year 12 Formal
The class of 2024 shone at their Senior Formal, held at the Pavilion on South Terrace on the 22nd March.
With the theme of Hollywood, students stepped from their luxury vehicles and walked down a red carpet to a paparazzi of proud parents and teachers, taking as many photographs as possible.
The first hour of the evening was spent in the twilight of the Veale Gardens, where canapes and drinks were served to parents and family members. This was a wonderful community aspect to the event that allowed families, students and teachers to mingle, take professional photographs, and listen to the speeches presented by school captains Vinka and Jack, and principal Richard Baird. At 7pm, parents were bid farewell, and the celebration moved up to the ballroom, where students were greeted with a display of their Year 7 photographs, highlighting just how much they have matured over the last 5 years. The Hollywood theme was represented in the table settings, balloon centrepieces and the photo wall, which fast became a favoured location! Dinner was served, then students enjoyed a speech about the Class of 2024, as well as student awards being presented in categories such as ‘Peas in a Pod’, ‘Miss Congeniality’ and ‘Best Sportsperson’. The coveted ‘Best Dressed’ awards were also announced – congratulations to Clare Edlington and Aaron Kumar who received the most votes in the female and male categories respectively. DJ Ben then played a carefully curated hit list of songs chosen by the Year 12 class, and the dance floor was full until the final song played at 11pm. It was an incredible night, where many memories were made for the Class of 2024, as they celebrated the years they have spent together, and anticipated their final journey through Year 12, which is still to come. I would like to sincerely thank the students who worked on the Formal Committee throughout Term 1 to plan this event, as well as Shikha Avadhani and Alicia Whan for their support and planning of the evening.
Innika Ackerley
Formal Committee Coordinator
Term 1 Recap
From the College Captains
As we approach the end of Term 1, there is a lot to reflect upon. This term has brought many major school events such as the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals upon us, and as a Student Executive, we have engaged in our first term of leadership, which has entailed running chapels and assemblies, organising the Student Action Team (SAT), assisting with Open Day as well as other opportunities. Our first term of our final year has been exciting, challenging and rewarding, not to mention also very memorable, especially through events such as the Year 12 Formal which brought the entire year level together.
Formal was an amazing opportunity to celebrate all the growth we have experienced, and the endless opportunities we are granted every day; and too a moment to thank our parents for their guidance, support, and unconditional love.
During the break, the Student Executive will be taking part in ANZAC Day services with Jack, Miles, and Crystal participating at a local service run by Salisbury Council, whilst myself and Amelia represent the College at France’s Villers-Bretonneux service. We also pray that all those students and staff part of the College’s 2024 Europe Trip have safe travels and cherish their time in Europe, which has so much art, culture, and history to offer.
We also would like to wish all our Orthodox Christian (Serbian, Russian, Ukrainian, Greek, Romanian, Bulgarian, Ethiopian, etc.) students and members of staff a Happy Easter later this April and early May.
We hope that all students and members of staff can take the time to reflect on how they have grown and challenged themselves this term, and how they can further extend themselves upon their return for Term 2.
We wish all a safe and restful break!
Vinka Lakic
Jack Wake-Dyster
College Captains