Amplify

Amplify Provocation Day: Inspiring Change Through Creativity and Learning

This week, St Joseph’s College hosted its Amplify Provocation Day for Year 9 students, an inspiring and engaging event designed to immerse students in hands-on workshops that spark ideas for positive change in their community.

We were very fortunate to have one of the Year 9 students, Marlon Micalizzi start our day by delivering the Welcome to Country on behalf of his Yorta Yorta ancestors. All students then took part in a smoking ceremony that Marlon had prepared for us.

The workshops began with an insightful keynote address from Shannon Walker, Vivid Executive Manager and SJC parent. Shannon shared with us about Vivid, their history and the difference they make in the community. During the workshop sessions, Vivid clients and staff joined us to create a joint artwork to seal the start of our partnership.

We were also privileged to host Fleur Ferris, award-winning author and filmmaker of young adult fiction, as a guest workshop presenter. She shared her expertise in storytelling, offering students a glimpse into the creative process behind powerful narratives in the form of a crime scene documentation. Students not only wrote but also filmed what they had written.

Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of workshops, each designed to inspire creativity, problem-solving and environmental awareness. These included:

• Water Testing – Exploring water quality and environmental sustainability
• Working with Clay – Hands-on artistic expression through sculpting
• Damper Making – A traditional and delicious outdoor cooking experience
• Watercolour Painting – Unleashing creativity with brush and pigment
• Storytelling & Yarning Circle – Sharing stories and ideas in a meaningful way
• Photography & Printing – Capturing and preserving moments through art
• Bike Riding & Environmental Workshops – Encouraging sustainability and outdoor exploration

Through these diverse experiences, students gained new skills, shared ideas, and most importantly, were inspired to think about how they can contribute to positive change in their school and beyond.

A huge thank you to our guest speakers, workshop leaders, and staff for making the Amplify Provocation Days such a memorable and impactful experience!

Ange Tutty and Brook Ward