Secondary News
Year 7 Sailing the Tallship ENTERPRIZE
On Thursday 17 November, Year 7 students travelled to Williamstown in order to experience sailing on the 27-metre topsail schooner Enterprize. This vessel is a replica of the tall ship that brought the first European settlers from Tasmania to found the city of Melbourne in 1835.
The Year 7 English classes studied the classic text Treasure Island, and it seemed fitting that these students would enjoy the experience of sailing on a tall ship, somewhat similar to the Hispaniola that featured in the novel. Students participated in an hour long sail in the sheltered waters of Port Phillip Bay. During the sail students were shown the basics of sailing a tall ship, helped crew to set sails, work lines, and steer the ship.
The mission of the Enterprize is to provide all Victorians with the opportunity to experience life on board a 19th-century sailing ship. Enterprize is sailed by a crew of volunteers from all walks of life and is managed by the Enterprize Ship Trust on behalf of the people of Victoria.
Secondary School overview
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16.
Recently, I was at the local shopping precinct near my home when I noticed that that the streets had all been lined with elaborate Christmas decorations. The streets looked great, all the shops around the area also had beautiful decorations. It is easy to see how we can all get caught up in the Christmas spirit, especially young children who eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus who will leave gifts under the tree. For me, Christmas is a time to think back over the year and reflect upon all for which I am grateful. I am also aware of the significance in God making the ultimate sacrifice for our eternal salvation.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with such a great student cohort in the Secondary School. Our students have shown resilience, grit and determination to come out of two years of interrupted schooling and cope with the rigours of returning to school onsite for the four whole terms. I am grateful the way in which our students have rallied around to support each other when necessary and for their ability to show strength and leadership. I am especially proud of the way in which our students have selflessly worked together to respond to need in the world, be it through fundraising for local causes or raising awareness of social justice issues. We are all truly proud of all of our students.
I am also grateful for being part of a teaching, administrative and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure Lakeside College always provides the very best of educational outcomes for our students. Our teaching staff have always demonstrated their commitment and dedication to our students and their wellbeing and growth in learning. I am always amazed at how many times teachers will spend time in their free periods, recess, lunchtime and after school to sit with a student in needs of extra support or help. I am also grateful for the value and effort teachers to in building supportive, productive and wonderful relationships with their students. We all know that success in learning and teaching rests heavily upon the relationships between teachers and students.
The relationships I have developed with our parents/guardians over the year is something that I am also truly grateful for. Apart from welcoming me into the Lakeside College community, our parents/guardians have been incredibly supportive or me and the work we all do with our students. I am also grateful for the way in which parents/guardians have been willing to work with myself and teachers to support the learning journey of their child. A successful education is one that relies heavily upon the partnership that exists between school and home and this is something that we are very blessed to have in abundance here at Lakeside College.
There has not been a day that has gone by this year when I haven’t been thankful for my colleagues on the College Executive. As an Executive team we have discussed, debated, envisioned and put into place strategies and programs to fully support our staff and students from both a pastoral and learning and teaching perspective. We all feel called by God to serve each other, our students, staff and parents/guardians and our faith guides and supports us in our decision making.
Finally, I feel so grateful and blessed to be part of the Lakeside College community. You have welcomed me with open arms and made me immediately feel as though I was part of a special community. I truly believe God has called me to serve our wonderful students, teachers and parents/guardians and I am humbled by this call. God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas.
Mr Robert Tassoni
Head of Secondary School