From the Director of Primary

“Change can be instant — growth is slow

Change can be a one-off event — growth is an incremental process

Change can be made by a single decision — growth requires consistent motivation and learning

Change can be the beginning of growth — growth always starts with a decision for change.” 

Danielle Bernock

Is the idea of change and growth interchangeable?  Or does it require willingness to change to see growth?  Can someone grow without changing or is it just seen as moving goal posts and being more accommodating?  Or is the idea of growth attributed to many facets in one's life and change is not part of it at all?  

Over the years we have seen throughout the world so many changes - many for the good of the planet and its inhabitants, but also many that have a negative impact. For example, the changes in girls attending school in Afghanistan saw  growth. They became more independent and confident in who they were, who  they felt themselves to be, and also experienced growth in literacy and numeracy achievements. Growth and change combined.

With the change in the Afghani government last year, there was a return to a political situation that saw female students not being allowed to attend school. Have the changes halted and growth ceased,  or has it made the female student more determined to move forward with a desire for change and growth?  Recent news articles throughout this week have shown Afghani female students protesting in the streets.  So despite the setback and not being allowed to attend school, do these students see their protest as a change and a recognition of how far they have grown? 

With the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II,  we have all observed a woman who represented so many with a sense of love and duty during many times of change. Despite her age, she has brought together all ages and symbolised a capacity to see the need for significant change in extraordinary times across the globe.  Now that her reign will pass to her son, there is a change in the title for him, and a ripple effect for others in the royal household.  Will this see a growth in them? Or in the manner in which they are seen within the community?  Only time will tell.

Change and growth is not limited to world wide events but also seen across the Primary school. Over the last week, the College has gathered to witness an amazing celebration of The Arts and a story behind that celebration that was full of change and growth.  The journey leading up to the evening was growth that had been borne out of necessary changes and an ability to be flexible, due to the challenges of typical event logistics not always going to plan. Despite these hurdles, all who were present to witness the excellent performances and beautiful artwork were duly impressed and enamoured with the many and varied celebrations of ‘growth and change’ displayed, and shared.   

Arts Festival

Last Friday night the College came together to celebrate The Arts.  The evening was an explosion of senses from the sights of our amazing dances, to the singing that was full of enthusiasm and pure joy.  The aroma wafting and the inhaling of the saporous delights on offer, or being able to feel the different textures that made up the many creative art displays throughout the school, all contributed to a very special evening.  

A huge thanks must go to the staff and students who worked tirelessly on pieces of art and items for audiences to enjoy and to the Primary and Secondary Music and IT Departments, whose guidance, advice and calm demeanor was evident and needed throughout the week. 

Moya Belcher Arts Award

Each year Moya Belcher, a retired teacher who worked at the College for over forty years and had a passion for The Arts judges the ‘Moya Belcher Art Award’.  This is in recognition of an outstanding piece or pieces of work completed by students in Kindergarten to Year 2 and students in Years 3 to Year 6.  

This year was especially hard as the calibre of work on display was so incredibly high.  It took Moya over an hour to make a decision on whom she believed were the worthy recipients for 2022 and these students were acknowledged on Friday night. Thanks to Hamish Hall from ‘Archaica Schola’ who provided our winners with a voucher to further explore their artistic talents. 

Moya Belcher Award

Primary Winner: Aven King (Year 6 White)

Runner Up: Alyssa Groenewoud (Year 4) 

Early Years Winner: May Nguyen (Year 1) 

Runner Up: Imogen Groenewoud (Year 2) 

Tournament of Minds

On Saturday 3 September our Tournament of Minds (TOM) teams came together to present their long term challenges to the judges and also participate in the Spontaneous section of the event. 

At the conclusion of the day the Primary STEM 1 team was announced as the State Winners for 2022 and the Primary STEM 2 team were awarded Honours (second place).  We were also successful in the Secondary with the Language and Literature team receiving Honours in their chosen discipline.  

Thank you must go to the Year 4 - 6 staff and Ms Julia O’Rourke who assisted over many weeks in getting these teams ready for the day.  Also a huge thanks to parents and carers who provided support as well as transporting their daughters to and from early morning, late afternoon and weekend rehearsals.  

Year 6 Camp 

On Monday our Year 6 Staff and students, along with Gerard McNulty and myself head to Spring Bay Mill for a three day camp.  The expedition will involve such things as a walk on Maria Island, star gazing, conversations around the fire pit and a horticultural experience that includes such things as pruning and harvesting to mulching and composting.  I am sure you will join me in wishing them all the very best as they head off on this adventure.   

Primary Athletics Carnival

Information about the Primary Athletics Carnival has been sent home to all Kinder - Year 6 parents this week.  This will be run on Friday 23 September and the following information was conveyed via EdSmart on Tuesday 13 September.

• Students will be transported from the College to the Domain by bus and will return to the College by bus.
• Kinder students will return to the College at 12:15pm.
• Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 will return at 12:45pm.
• Year 3 - 6 and Year 10 Leaders will return from 2:40pm.
• Selection for the Interschool athletics team will occur for Year 3 to 6 students.
• We are unable to supervise students at the Domain before and after this event, and therefore we are unable to accommodate any variations to travel arrangements.
• If any student is unwell and unable to attend on the day, parents/carers are asked to follow the usual procedure of advising the College Office by 9:00am of the reason for the absence.

Footy Colours Day 

Although the Melbourne Football Club was unceremoniously dumped out of the AFL Finals race Footy Colours Day is still ‘alive and kicking’ in the Primary School.  We will join the Secondary in celebrating all things AFL/NRL/Football (Soccer)/umpires/supporters on Friday 30 September - the last day of Term 3.  Further information about this will be sent home soon.