Out and About

Thriving Minds 

Enrichment Excursion

On Tuesday 8 August, a small group of students attended the Thriving Minds Day Out at Concordia College. This event is presented by Julie Arliss, a teacher and author at the University of Oxford.

Students expressed interest in attending this event which gave them opportunities to extend their critical thinking, collaboration, and abstract thinking skills.

Paige Emery (Year 9) summaries her experience below:

Today I and a group of middle years students went to Concordia College for Thriving Minds. We started the day with an introduction from an Oxford scholar named Julie Arliss, before having a scenario about a bunch of girls and boys on an island, and what philosophical theories constitute a good rule. After a short break, we had a different scenario that a teacher named Bruce, who was once working with “rich people”, left because he felt it was unfair. We got a bunch of questions about equality/Bruce’s situation to talk about in groups from other schools, and answered them in-front of the other groups. After lunch, we were introduced to the wonders of nanotechnology and how the next generation

 (AKA US) can work on it even more and make it part of our day to day lives. The fourth and final session was a debate of: is it always right to tell the truth? In which yours truly assisted and our team agreed that it is important to lie in certain situations. All in all, it was an amazing day full of learning and developing perspectives and we all very much appreciate it.

        Paige Emery

We are looking forward to taking another group next year!

Morgan Rigby

Enrichment Learning Leader

Amplifying Voices: 

Year 8s ‘Speak Out’ Project

Year 8 students recently captivated the school community with their ‘Speak Out’ project, presented during the recent Middle Years Assembly. 

This project, centered around social justice, showcased spoken work poems, impactful video montages, and evocative artwork inspired by street artist Peter Drew. 

The students’ aim was to give a voice to the often marginalised, addressing critical issues like refugees, racism, homelessness, and human rights. Through eloquent spoken word poems, students succinctly conveyed complex emotions tied to these issues. Their heartfelt verses shed light on the struggles faced by refugees, the harmful impact of racism, challenges of homelessness, and the significance of upholding human rights. 

The power of words as a medium for change was palpable. Accompanying the poems were striking video montages that merged visuals and narratives to convey the urgency of the topics at hand. These videos bridged the gap between students’ insights and the audience’s understanding, highlighting their technological prowess and creativity in advocating for change. 

Inspired by Peter Drew’s style, the students’ artwork visually portrayed the emotions and narratives behind each social justice theme. Their talent was evident as they translated thoughts onto canvas. These artworks reinforced the notion that creativity can serve as a powerful force for transformation. What stood out most was the students’ sincere dedication to giving voice to the silenced. 

The ‘Speak Out’ project was not just an assignment; it ignited a passion within these young individuals to champion important causes. Their commitment to raising awareness reflects the College’s Endeavour Way Values; Love, Hope, Courage, and Forgiveness. 

This project reminds us that through creativity and collective action, we can truly make a difference in our world. 

Kirsty Hansen 

Leader of Middle Years Learning and Innovation

Book Week Kindy Collaboration

On Thursday and Friday of this week small groups of Year 9 students ventured to Salisbury Lutheran Kindy to help them celebrate Book Week. They brought along their favourite book, dressed in costume and limbered up for the task. 

We were greeted by children waving at the fence, and then joined in the morning routine of Acknowledge of Country, Prayer and Welcomes. The students from 'the big school' introduced themselves and their favourite book. Children then chose to join them in small groups for storytelling. This process of reading the books was gorgeous, as our Year 9s read, the Kindy children were mesmerised, with demands of 'more'. 

Once book reading was over, it was time to make playdough, towers, painting and drawing. The children wanted to show our students everything they made. Outside play followed, the big kids pushing them on the swing a highlight.

Our students left the Kindy tired but happy, and with a new appreciation for Early Childhood teachers.

Thank you, Koen, Madden, Jessica, Madi, Ruby, Jessie, Charlotte, Samantha, Asher, Fran, Charlotte and Naomi for being a part of the early literacy journey for these children.

It was great to strengthen our relationship with our Connected Kindy. 

Catherine Barnes

Teacher Librarian