Showcasing School Events

Our wonderful teacher, Nancy Merrick along with her students Sylvia, Leo, Rayan and Hamish were interviewed about their involvement in Maths Olympiad and Australian Mathematics Competition 

Our recent Maths Olympiad sessions have become a highlight for both students and teachers, bringing a spirit of curiosity, challenge, and collaboration to maths learning. Students like Sylvia, Leo, Rayan, and Hamish have shared how much they enjoy exploring a variety of strategies, tackling advanced-level questions, diving deep into algebra, and solving puzzles that truly challenge them beyond the regular classroom. 

Students value the chance to work together with friends, discussing solutions and learning from each other. The spirit of competition adds to the excitement. All four students have participated in events like the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) or other contests. Some found these competitions harder or more fun than the Olympiad itself, but all agreed they offered valuable learning experiences. Preparation includes working through practice sheets and mock tests, often with guidance from teachers, family, or online resources. When it comes to favourite maths topics, algebra is a popular pick, valued for its challenge and variety. Other favourite areas range from geometry to logical reasoning and puzzles. Students are proud of how much they’ve achieved with support from their teachers and family. Many highlighted how discussing problems with friends helps them discover new ways of thinking and creates some of those wonderful “aha!” moments.

From the teacher’s perspective, the moments of understanding the concepts are what makes teaching truly rewarding. Nancy, who has been teaching in our school for many years, expressed immense joy at seeing students’ faces light up when a tricky concept finally makes sense. Nancy credits her favourite teacher - Miss Smith - a substitute teacher who stood out for being hands-on, patient, and fun—as a model for the caring, engaging approach she brings to her own teaching. She emphasises the importance of maths in real life - whether managing money, problem-solving, or just enjoying the challenge of a new puzzle—urging students to see the relevance of maths beyond the classroom. She reminds us: “We use maths every day,” a message she hopes will stay with every student. 

Our Maths Olympiad program is about more than just problem sets or competitions. It’s about creating a community where curiosity is rewarded, challenges are celebrated, and learning is a shared journey. May these experiences continue to light the spark of curiosity and confidence in all our budding mathematicians.

We would like to sincerely thank all families who have made their school contributions. These funds supplement what the Department provides, enabling us to offer the rich programs and opportunities our students enjoy. Without this additional support, we would only be able to provide the basic essentials, so your contributions truly make a difference in creating the vibrant and engaging learning environment our school is known for.