Secondary School

Year 7

Planting Dreams 

Inspired by the practice of Hiromi Tango, our Year 7 students worked collaboratively to create this series of hanging colour‑house sculptures. Tango’s work explores memory, emotion and connection through the use of colourful, soft materials, and this project invited students to respond in a similar spirit.

Each student created an individual flower stem using wadding, felt, foam, yarn and fabric. Through techniques such as weaving, binding, twisting, tying and knotting, they transformed soft materials into sculptural forms. These tactile processes required patience, experimentation and care, reminding us that growth takes time and attention.

Hidden within each stem is a handwritten wish, hope or goal. Like Hiromi Tango, students wove personal words into their sculptures, embedding their dreams for the next six years of high school into the artwork itself. Though unseen, these messages are powerful — symbolising potential, growth and the journey ahead.

Together, the individual stems spill from four suspended colour houses (Perricoota, Meninya, Martin or Chanter). The houses represent the school community — a shared place of belonging — while the cascading flowers symbolise the diverse talents, ambitions and identities of the students within it.

Created in collaboration with artist and educator Sarah Fordham, this installation celebrates new beginnings. It marks the start of the students’ high school journey and reminds us that when individual hopes are nurtured within a supportive community, they grow into something vibrant, interconnected and strong.

Surf’s Up!

Our five‑day camp at the YMCA’s Camp Wyuna has been a great success!

The first day had its challenges: packing the bus in torrential rain, getting caught on Axedale Rd with a tree down, and waiting for the SES to clear it! Despite the very wet start, we arrived in Queenscliff to nothing but a smatter of rain and an uninterrupted afternoon schedule.

From there, it has been nothing short of an action‑packed adventure!

Our Year 7 students have been engaged in a wide range of beach‑based activities. The highlights have been our surfing program, boogie boarding, beach safety, canoeing on Swan Bay, and the Marine Wildlife and Fisheries Museum. This year, we added a trip to Fort Queenscliff, where our tour guides showed us through the fort and explained its historical significance. It was a fascinating walk through time. The fort was built in the 1860s with the intention to defend Port Phillip Bay at a time when the Gold Rush was in full swing across Victoria. It was a terrific learning experience for our Year 7 budding historians!

Our Tuesday Night Trivia was also a camp hit. The ‘Small Brains’ were victorious and enjoyed Magnum ice creams as their prize the following day.

It was great to watch our Year 7s come together and celebrate the commencement of their secondary school. There were many great memories made and many new friendships forged!

Year 10 & 11 English Students Experience “Black Lights” at the Malthouse Theatre

On Tuesday 3 March, students from Year 10 Extension English and Year 11 Advanced English embarked on an enriching literary and theatrical experience at Melbourne’s iconic Malthouse Theatre in Southbank. The group attended a special performance of Black Lights, gaining a unique opportunity to explore storytelling through live performance and deepen their understanding of contemporary theatre.

Throughout the day, students were commended for their engagement, curiosity, and mature representation of the school. The performance of Black Lights offered powerful insights into themes studied in class, allowing students to connect curriculum content with real-world artistic expression. The visit also supported their analytical skills by exposing them to live dramatic techniques, character interpretations and innovative stagecraft.

Year 12 Music 1 Students Experience Sydney’s Arts and Culture

Students from Year 12 Music 1 departed Moama early on Sunday morning for their much‑anticipated Sydney excursion. While the journey from regional NSW to Sydney is a lengthy one, the travel was an essential part of accessing the rich musical experiences our capital city offers — though we all agreed we wouldn’t complain if someone invented a faster way to get there!

After a full day on the road, students stretched their legs by exploring some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, including the ANZAC War Memorial, St Mary’s Cathedral, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay. The opportunity to experience these cultural and historical sites added depth and context to their studies, reminding students that music does not exist in isolation but within a vibrant artistic and civic landscape.

The highlight of the trip was attending HSC Encore 2026 in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, alongside more than 2,000 students from across the state. The concert showcases outstanding performances from the 2025 HSC cohort and represents the pinnacle of achievement for Music students in NSW. The performance opened with an energetic rendition of “YYZ” by Rush, performed by fellow regional student Luke Young from Maclean on drums — an inspiring reminder that excellence is not limited by postcode.

Although our students were understandably in awe of the talent, skill and dedication displayed on stage, they left feeling motivated rather than discouraged. Many commented that the experience clarified the level of discipline and refinement required for an Encore‑standard performance, vowing to return home with renewed focus and determination.

In the evening, the group visited the University of Sydney campus, attending a performance of Evil Dead the Musical at the Seymour Centre. The thrilling horror‑comedy production was a fitting contrast to the formal concert setting earlier in the day. With three of the seven lead performers hailing from Western Australia, Mrs Hale took great pride in ensuring everyone was aware that WA continues to produce exceptional musical and theatrical talent.

The single day of immersive musical experiences proved well worth the two days of travel required to make it happen. For our regional students, opportunities like this are invaluable — broadening horizons, raising aspirations and reinforcing the standard of excellence toward which they are working.

Celebrating Excellence: John Leaver Award Ceremony

Attending the John Leaver Award Ceremony was a privilege, offering the opportunity to witness outstanding students from Ecumenical Schools across Victoria receive their well‑deserved recognition. The award honours students who embody the values of Reverend John Leaver himself: compassion, resilience, connection, and broad‑mindedness.

Each year, Ecumenical Schools Australia (ESA) hosts the John Leaver Award Celebration Day for Year 12 recipients. This event brings together students who have demonstrated exceptional character and leadership within their school communities. Named after the founder of many Victorian independent schools, the celebration empowers award winners to reflect on their achievements and strengthen their commitment to service and community.

Reflecting on the day, award recipient Remi Baulch (Year 12) shared:

“I recently joined with other students who received the John Leaver Award in 2025. We came together to honour Reverend Leaver’s contributions and the values he represents. It was a wonderful day filled with reflection, activities, and school spirit. Students and staff enjoyed taking part in events that highlighted teamwork, kindness, and leadership. The celebration reminded us of the importance of carrying these values forward in our everyday actions and continuing to make a positive difference in our school community.”

Why Swimming Education Matters More Than Ever

Experts warn that swimming skills are in rapid decline, making school‑based swimming programs more vital than ever. Our river is deceptively dangerous due to its murky water, fast‑moving currents that aren't always observable, and hidden hazards like submerged logs. Nationally, drowning deaths reached a record high of 357 fatalities in 2025 — a 27% increase over the 10‑year average — with rivers and creeks remaining the leading location for these incidents.

To address these risks, participation in swimming is a mandatory component of the PDHPE curriculum for Years 7–10. For these year levels, part of the practical mark is based on mastering essential survival sequences, techniques and knowledge.

By engaging in PDHPE swimming, students aren't just earning a grade; they are gaining the lifesaving skills necessary to navigate our local environment safely. We sincerely appreciate the ongoing support of our families in this program and your encouragement of students to develop the skills and confidence to become lifelong swimmers.

Student Spotlight

Chase’s Wakeboarding Journey Hits New Heights

Chase has had an impressive start to his first season in the Junior Pro Men division with Wakeboard Australia.

At the Wakeboard Australia National Titles in Bundalong last weekend, Chase placed 2nd in a highly competitive field. He also finished 3rd overall in the Malibu Series for the Junior Pro Men 14–19 division.

Chase has once again been selected to compete in the Nautique Moomba Masters yesterday. Chase will travel to the USA on May 1st to train ahead of the Nautique Masters, held in late May as the second stop of the American series.