Student Involvement & Academic News 

Lions Youth of the Year

Five of our Year 11 students, Ethan Tangatatutai, Molly Sawyer, Daisy Montgomery, Camryn Small and Tia Van Raay, recently represented the school in the Lions Youth of the Year competition.  As part of the program, students completed an interview with the judging panel as well as delivering a prepared speech, and they all did an outstanding job.

Students spoke on a range of contemporary topics. Tia explored The Power of Being Too Much, Molly examined Diet Culture, Camryn discussed The Next Chapter in Publishing: The Impacts of AI, Daisy analysed The Manosphere, and Ethan spoke about Competence as a Form of Compassion.

All students represented the school exceptionally well and were a credit to the school, showing great maturity throughout the evening. A special congratulations goes to Camryn, who received the Public Speaking Award, and to Ethan, who was named the overall winner. A special mention also goes to one of the judges, ex-student Charlotte Denman, from the class of 2024. 

Ethan will now progress to the State Final in Frankston over the school holidays, and we wish him the very best of luck.

Willum Warrain (F Block)

On Wednesday the 11th of March, our class had the privilege of visiting Willum Warrain Aboriginal Gathering Place in Hastings, a space created by and for the local Aboriginal community to celebrate culture, connection, and Country.

 The excursion was not only informative but also deeply meaningful, offering us a chance to learn directly from First Nations people in a welcoming and respectful environment. Fromthe moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and generosity. We began with a guided walk around the gathering place, where we learned about the significance of native plants, bush foods, and traditional tools. Our guides shared stories about their ancestors, their connection to land and water, and the importance of caring for Country.

 Hearing these stories firsthandhelped us understand that Aboriginal culture is not just history—it is living, evolving, and thriving today. One of the most memorable parts of the visit was participating in a smoking ceremony. Standing together in the smoke, we learned how this practice is used for cleansing, protection, and welcoming people onto Country. It was a powerful moment that encouraged reflection and respect. We also had the chance to explore the art and artefacts ondisplay. 

The artwork, full of symbolism and storytelling, helped us appreciate how culture is passed down through generations. Many students said this was their favourite part of the day because it showed how creativity and identity are intertwined. What I found most valuable was the opportunity to listen to the voices of the community. The visit reminded me that reconciliation begins with understanding, and understanding begins with learning from those whose stories have too often been overlooked.

 Our excursion to Willum Warrain was more than a school trip; it was an invitation to deepen our knowledge, challenge our assumptions, and strengthen our respect for the world’s oldest living culture. It’s an experience I will carry with me long after we return to school. 

Dromana IndoBand

On Sunday, 29 March 2026, five students from the Dromana IndoBand performed at Clayton Hall as part of an Indonesian music event, IndiONEsia. Zali (Year 12), Abbie, Isla and Aaron (Year 10) performed four songs in Indonesian in front of an audience of 200, delivering an outstanding performance. The audience were very receptive and showing their appreciation throughout the set. They also had the honour of taking a photo with the Consulate General of Melbourne, Yohannes Jatmiko Heru Prasetyo. 

Debate Team

This term in debating has been all about learning the ropes. Students have taken part in training sessions to build their skills, along with a range of fun and challenging speed debating activities.

A highlight of the term was our Open Night, where students ran a debating stand and took on members of the public. It was a great success and a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their developing confidence and engage with the wider school community. 

The term concluded with the first round of interschool debating in the final week of term. This provided valuable experience for all students as they put their skills into practice in a competitive setting. We look forward to seeing their continued growth next term.