Around the College

Year 10 Music Solo Night

On Monday, 16 June at 6:30pm, the Year 10 Music class presented a concert of solo performances to friends and family in the music room. Students had worked hard throughout the semester to develop their pieces, and the end product was a polished and engaging concert.

Geraldine Ngeri played Blackbird on the guitar and Amee Mann performed French and Latin pieces on the flute. Natalie Dao and Sienna Loveday showcased the jazz style on alto saxophone and trumpet, while Zoe Huyhn performed a classical concerto on the violin. Blake Eckert and Romeo Thomas played rock and R & B pieces on the drum kit and Thomas Wake-Dyster finished off the night with a high-energy vocal and piano performance from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Congratulations to all performers on their first public solo performance!

Catherine Stanley

Music Coordinator

Servants on the loose:

Year 7 Christian Living update

Year 7 students have recently been looking outside the classroom, and under the desk, for opportunities to explore the concept of ‘Christian service’.

As part of their Christian Living unit, students are learning that Christians are called to love and serve all people, in response to God’s love and the example of Jesus.

The Bible encourages Christians to look for uniquely personal ways to do this.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.”1 Peter 4:10

Students in all Year 7 classes have been exploring three different ways to serve: through advocacy, indirect service, and direct service. After drafting letters of advocacy on an issue of personal interest earlier in the term, students collaboratively decided on a way to serve indirectly, for example by donating food, items or money to an organisation that helps people in need.

Class 7.4 chose to donate warm clothes, books and toys to people struggling in the local community, via the St Vincent de Paul’s Society.

Students also embraced the opportunity to choose a direct service action in their Week 8 lesson, with learners spreading out around the school to show love and make a positive impact.

Students Charlotte, Blake and Sidak linked their service to a personal strength, by visiting another Year 7 class to provide Mathematics support. Another group of students went to help straighten out shelves of books and resources in the Discovery Centre; others picked up litter in the Year 7 locker area and playground, while Ben and Kane took the initiative to offer their support to Year 7 Coordinator, Miss Colagiovanni.

“They were such a huge help preparing resources for camp activities tomorrow,” Miss C said.
“They saved me hours of work!”

Back in classroom 129, Kim and Sophie were determined to straighten out the resource cupboard and make it more functional.

Their classmates Matthias and Saaransh worked hard to remove old chewing gum from the underside of tables. Others arranged to access science classrooms at recess times, as they were determined to clean graffiti off tables in that particular room. By coming up with the service activities themselves, students took ownership of their learning and were fully invested in making a positive impact.

With a buzz of purpose, focus and servant hearts, Year 7s discovered not only that service can be hard work, but also that it can be intrinsically rewarding.

Sheree Schmaal

Christian Living Teacher

Rough Sleep Out

Over the course of the term, our Year 11 Service students have been deeply engaged in learning about the growing issue of homelessness.

With winter approaching and more individuals finding themselves without shelter, this has been a critical and meaningful focus.

Between Weeks 4–7, students worked in small groups to design and implement initiatives aimed at raising awareness and funds to support the vital services provided by Baptist Care.

Their efforts included: Teachers Got Talent, School Assembly Presentation, Awareness Video, Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser, Winter Appeal, Jellybean Challenge, and a Fragrance Stall.

One of the most impactful moments of the course was the Rough Sleep Out, held on Friday, 13 June in the Endeavour Centre. Students arrived at school at 5:30 pm equipped with a sleeping bag, pillow, and a cardboard box - their shelter for the night. They were served a hot meal by Baptist Care, identical to those provided to individuals experiencing homelessness.

During the evening, guest speaker Elton shared inspiring insights into the work Baptist Care does, reflecting on personal testimonies.

The experience was both humbling and eye-opening, reminding all involved of the importance of compassion and community support.

The Year 11 Service staff would like to thank all 60 students for their commitment, empathy, and the incredible effort they have shown in making a difference.

Student Reflections:

"I have never been more grateful for my bed!" – Millicent

“The rough sleepout was quite a reality check for me.” – Flynn

“The most challenging aspect of the night was the feeling of vulnerability, something people experiencing homelessness live with constantly” – Charvi

“Donating, letting the homeless sleep in a secure facility, providing them with some comfort, is the best form of service” – Mark.

A heartfelt thank you to all the parents who supported their children in participating in the Rough Sleep Out.

To end I will leave you with these powerful words from