Arts Soirée

Hannah McCrae, Arts Soirée Coordinator

In week 1 of Term 4 we were treated to a feast for the eyes and ears at our annual VCE Arts Soiree! What a delight it was to share the evening with our graduating class of design, performing and visual arts students, and to witness the culmination of their learning for this year.  

Under the glow of festoon and fairy lights, and in our brand new Senior Secondary building, we were delighted by the sweet sound of our musical performers and our small jazz band. Inside our B and G buildings we were able to wander the visual arts exhibitions, watch the drama performances and enjoy the short films and animations put together by our media students. Our food studies students were popular as always, providing some amazing ‘food truck’ style bites for our audience to enjoy throughout the evening.  

Thank you to our fantastic VCE Arts teachers for their time and effort to facilitate such a wonderful evening, as well as inspiring and engaging our students throughout the year. Thank you also to the staff, families and community who come along each year to enjoy the sights and sounds of our talented students.  

Year 11: History Excursion

Paul Reid, History Teacher

Earlier this term the Year 11 History class embarked on an Indigenous Songlines Tour, visiting five significant Indigenous locations around inner-city Melbourne. This walking and bus tour aimed to offer insights into local Indigenous history and culture, increasing awareness and sensitivity to the social, political, physical, and spiritual forces affecting many Indigenous Australians, both past and present. Our student ‘historians’ connected admirably with these aims, showing respect, interest and engagement throughout the tour.

The tour connected with our History ‘Empires’ course, which focuses on the British Empire and colonisation, addressing justice-related issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonisation. The sites visited included a walk along Merri Creek to the site of John Batman’s treaty signing with Indigenous people. Batman wanted to name the region ‘Batmania’ but it was ultimately named Melbourne.

We also visited the Gore St Church of Christ in Fitzroy, a significant place for young Indigenous leaders and civil rights activists, including prominent people such as Sir Doug Nicholls and William Cooper, one of our DCC House namesakes. The tour continued to the John Batman memorial and the Indigenous cemetery at the Queen Victoria Market, where we explored the complexities of colonisation and remembrance. The tour concluded at the artwork and monument to Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, with a view of the William Barak Portrait Building, designed to resemble the face of William Barak.

The experience acted as an important reminder of the ways in which the study and experience of history gives insight into remembering important events and the importance of honouring and respecting common values between all cultures.

A special thanks to our guide, Nick Wight, Indigenous Ministries Australia Coordinator with Global Mission Partners (GMP), who shared his deep faith-connections with Indigenous people and their culture.

Year 8: Hanging Rock and Organ Pipes Excursion

Natalie Peel, Humaities Teacher

As part of their Humanities and Science studies the Year 8s recently enjoyed a day long outing to Hanging Rock Reserve and Organ Pipes National Park. Students have been studying the topics of ‘Landscapes and Landforms’ in Humanities and ‘Geology’ in Science.

This excursion provided students with an opportunity to explore how ancient volcanic eruptions have changed the natural landforms of these beautiful environments. It included the adventurous and challenging activity of climbing to the top of Hanging Rock and marvelling at the stunning natural rock formations.

As students prepare for their upcoming Year 8 Camp at the Grampians, this experience has been an opportune time for them to engage in some light hiking activity to further develop their skills.

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