STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

CADET ELIZABETH LARSEN

College Vice-Captain Elizabeth Larsen is an army cadet and participated in the Guard of Honour duty at no less than three ANZAC Day ceremonies this year: Wentworth, Merbein and Mildura. She also marched on ANZAC Day.

JOHNNY GUTHRIE

Johnny Guthrie swam in the State Swimming Finals in Melbourne on Thursday 23 April. He scored a mere second less than his personal best time and placed seventh in both of his races in the Boys 14 & 15 Years events. It is worth mentioning that Johnny is 14 and really held his own against the 15-year-old swimmers. We can't wait to see him in the pool next year. Awesome work, Johnny!

Dear Mr Greg Kluske,

Thank you for supporting Alissa Ovenden’s participation in the 31st National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC). Alissa was among 113 students from around Australia who travelled to Canberra from 24 to 26 March 2026 to participate in the Convention. 

We would also like to thank you supporting supervisor Amanda Morrison’s participation in the Convention.  The success of the Convention would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the onsite supervisors.

At the Convention, Emeritus Professor Clement Macintyre led a two-day program in which students explored ‘Should Section 53 of the Constitution be amended to prevent the Senate from blocking supply (rejecting money bills)?’.  

The students heard presentations from experts including Professor Gabrielle Appleby, University of New South Wales, Professor Emerita Anne Twomey of University of Sydney, Former Senator Nick Minchin AO, Former Minister for Finance and Administration & Former Director of the Liberal Party of Australia (SA), Former Senator John Faulkner, Former Minister for Defence & Former President of the Australian Labor Party, and Professor Alan Fenna, Curtin University, Western Australia.

After considering inputs from experts and discussing the main issues in working groups, students voted in a mock referendum facilitated by the Australian Electoral Commission. 

The majority of people and majority of states/territories agreed on NO to the vote question:

• Proposed Law: To amend section 53 of the Constitution to prevent the Senate from blocking supply (rejecting money bills).

This outcome was included in the Communiqué which was presented to Senator The Hon Sue Lines, President of the Senate for inclusion in Hansard.  A copy of the Communiqué is attached. 

Other notable elements of the program included the Prime Minister’s Welcome Reception at the Parliament House hosted by The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister of Education, a meeting with The Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, a reception hosted by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC at Government House, an official dinner at the National Press Club with guest speakers Tom McIlroy, Political Editor at Guardian Australia, and Amber Brock-Fabel, Founding Director of the South Australian Youth Forum and NSCC Alumna, a visit and address by the Treasurer, The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, and a video address by the Attorney-General, The Hon Michelle Rowland MP.

The Convention is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education as part of its ongoing commitment to civics and citizenship education.

I hope Alissa will have an opportunity to share their experiences at the Convention with other members of the school community.

Thank you again for supporting Alissa and Amanda at the National Schools Constitutional Convention in 2026 and in this important civics and citizenship event.

Best regards,

Candy Chan (Ms., she/her) | Conference and Events Manager| National Curriculum Services (NCS) – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Victorian Commercial Teachers Association (VCTA)

LET US KNOW

We want to celebrate all our students' achievements, both on- and off-campus. You can share their successes with us by sending details and photos via email or direct message on Instagram. 

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