The Anchor

Out and About

Debating

Round 3 of the 2024 Debating SA season concluded late last term in the midst of a busy period, with Year 10s (and even some Year 9s) in the middle of exams throughout the round!

In round 3 topics were:

  • Year 9: That 'Hostile Architecture' is necessary.
  • Year 10: That conscription should be introduced in Australia.

The results by the end of round 3 were:

  • 10 Blue – WIN (Samantha Perryman – BEST SPEAKER)
  • 10 Green – WIN (Olivia Vasilev – BEST SPEAKER)
  • 10 Red - WIN (Jessie Roberts - BEST SPEAKER)
  • 9 Yellow - WIN (Gjevika Poongavanam - BEST SPEAKER)
  • 9 Purple - WIN

With 5/5 wins and 4/5 best speakers, this was our best round yet. Each team refused to rest on their laurels and instead, they continually improved with the feedback provided and progressed their skills in discourse and public speaking.

 

Round 4 is currently in progress with the following societal-based topics:

  • Year 9: That a cashless society is a bad idea.
  • Year 10: That nuclear power plants in Australia are a good idea.

The topics have proven to be challenging but our teams remain confident in their continued preparation and have graciously taken feedback from the adjudicators on how to improve. 

Our teams are already thinking about round 5 before round 4 has even finished. 

Current results are:

  • 9 Purple - WIN
  • 9 Yellow - LOSS
  • 10 Red - LOSS

In round 5, Year 9s will debate the topic "That the portrait of Gina Rhinehart should be removed by the gallery", while Year 10s will participate in a short preparation debate, in which they will only receive the topic 90 minutes before their debate!

 

Lastly, I also wanted to thank Ms Paige Tregenza for her support within Debating in Semester One. I know the students would agree when I say thank you for your hard work with 9 Yellow, it was truly invaluable.

^Gjevika receives Best Speaker Award in 

round 3

 

Anthony Bonini

Debating Coordinator

Year 10 Creating Careers and Workplace Learning

We were impressed with the engagement of our Year 10 students who late last Term participated in our annual Creating Careers Day, aimed at providing opportunities to explore how life could look beyond Endeavour. Students were able to hear from community members and old scholars alike about their varied career journeys, as well as engage with University and Vocational experts to learn more about the pathways available into many different industries. Groups visited UniSA to tour their facilities and engage in various activities with the Future Industries Institute, learning all about careers of the future!

Our Year 10s then completed a week of work experience placements across a wide range of venues and industries. 

Reports from workplace supervisors indicated that all our students performed exceptionally well. They were able to demonstrate employability skills and capabilities including teamwork, independence, organisation and a positive attitude. 

 

Care group teachers enjoyed the opportunity to visit their students and discuss their learning as they work toward achieving their learning goals and career aspirations.

Annie Fitridge

Careers and Pathways Learning Leader 

Year 12 Retreat:

Transition Breakfast 

We kicked off our Year 12 Transition program last week with our Year 12 Transition Breakfast. Over a scrumptious breakfast old scholars shared their stories of transitioning into industry and tertiary education. 

This inspired our current students to consider how next year may look for them. 

Past student, Nathan Zeppel (class of 2008), shared his journey from school student to working at Rising Sun Pictures. 

Key learnings Nathan shared with students included finding your passion, being open to new ideas and opportunities, along with the importance of networking and establishing professional connections.  

 

We had a wide range of alumni in a wide variety of professions and fields of studies that provided a great opportunity for the current Year 12s to ask questions and hear first-hand of the joys and challenges of life beyond Endeavour. University and Vocational Education Centre ATEC staff also joined our breakfast and presented to our students regarding courses, entry requirements and pathways. 

Annie Fitridge

Careers and Pathways Learning Leader 

Year 12 Retreat Reflection:

From the Student Executive

This term, the graduating Class of 2024 ventured to Mylor for three days to complete some bonding, adrenaline pumping and reflective activities as a cohort. Though the weather was cold, the Year 12s committed to fully participating in the adventures and excelled in supporting and carrying one another.

 

Before heading to Mylor on day one of our Retreat, we attended a Transition Breakfast. Students chatted with Endeavour College Old Scholars and representatives from local universities and vocational education institutions. This offered the Year 12s insight into career and study pathways beyond Endeavour. At midday, we arrived at Mylor Adventure Camp!

 

In the afternoon, one group slid around the muddy field in Archery Tag, while the other enjoyed the giant swing and high ropes. We had a competition-filled night with Amazing Race/Trivia activities organised by the Student Executive, followed by a devotion led by Andrea Campbell and Year 12 students. 

I cannot confirm if we were all asleep by our designated “bedtime,” however day 1 left us excited for the next two days ahead.

 

After an amazing day of activities, the second day of Retreat primarily focused on taking a visit back down memory lane – coming together in our Year 9 Voyage classes! Both the boys and girls were honoured to welcome beloved youth speakers, David and Katie Kobler, from Your Choicez. We found these sessions highly rewarding, as we were guided through the topics of consent, healthy and respectful relationships, the impact of pornography on young minds, and the value every human life holds. These sessions were followed by empowering discussions and reflections within our Voyage classes, helping us understand how we have all grown from Year 9 and where we all wish to embark upon adventure beyond our time at Endeavour. The night was concluded with a wholesome camp bonfire… and many, many roasted marshmallows!

 

The third and final day of Retreat brought upon a day of reflection; a time where we could look back, and ahead. We completed a solo reflection focusing on our letter from Year 9, we wrote a letter to our graduating selves, and finally participated in group reflection with the Endeavour Way Walk, in which we enjoyed recalling the best moments of our schooling together, in line with the values of the Endeavour Way. 

The whole day was meaningful, and something truly special that we will remember for a long time.

 

Overall, this Retreat solidified the foundations of trust, support and care the has been formed over the past six years within our year level. It is difficult for us to put into words how much we, as a class, appreciate the hard work and continuous efforts of not only the teachers that attended the Retreat but all of them throughout the year. The efforts and support given to us is the main reason for the nurturing, loving and empowering community created within our cohort. This Retreat meant so much more than any of the Year 12s could express and will definitely be a highlight of our senior years.

 

Retreat was so much fun. It was great to be able to look back at all the memories that we have made. - Manay Najib

 

Retreat was amazing. There were a lot of fun outdoor activities, and I enjoyed the freedom we got in our dorm and activity time. - Ethan Jusup

 

There were heaps of opportunities to reflect on the past throughout retreat and it was emotional at times. Food was also really good. Definitely worth going!

 - Mia Ngo

The 2024 Student Executive