SCHOOL OF INNOVATION

The sun was shining when the Year 7 students embarked on their camp to Howqua last week. It's an exciting time for the students, heading off on their first secondary camp together. Students enjoyed a quick stop in Benalla before continuing on to Howqua. 

The happy campers bonded over their shared experiences of participating in low ropes and an initiatives course. Students were then challenged - some facing some fears and conquering them - on the flying fox, high ropes course, survivor course and archery.

Such amazing weather had by our students, at such a picturesque camp. 

The students returned full of smiles after a jam-packed three-days away! 

Hear from some students who reflected on their time away:

"Camp was amazing for me. The teachers and LSOs were amazing and helped everyone get out of their comfort zones. The activity’s were fun and survivor was really wet and dirty but everyone got out of there comfort zones and tried it all. Can’t wait for Year 8 camp!" 

- Sunny 

"Camp Howqua was an extremely fun camp. It was great to get to experience so many fun activities that could be scary but to know that everything had a guarantee of safety. There were so many things that, without the camp, I might not have gotten to experience. The camp helped develop independence and confidence." - Cherie

Students Owen, Taj, Kobe, and Gurman developed their idea from the Crazy Ideas College Social Innovators Program from earlier this year, taking part in another follow-up session today. 

Their idea is called “Farm for a Day” which aims to have students from around the region step into farms to learn more about the food production industry and where our food comes from. 

In the Ideas2Life part of the program students from St Anne’s College and Goulburn Valley Grammar School met with community partners from the Greater Shepparton City Council to develop these ideas and make them a reality!

"Farm for a Day, know for a lifetime!"

Students in Year 5 participated in the annual event National Simultaneous Storytime on May 22 at noon, joining millions of other people from across the country to listen to a reading of Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker. 

Published in 2023, this special story follows Bowerbird, a curious bird who loves the colour blue and likes to collect objects in his favourite colour. The children's book also explores themes of longing and connection.

The annual event is organised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and it aims to promote the importance of reading and literacy for young people.

In Year 5, students have been expressing an interest in the medium of watercolour. This was the perfect opportunity to engage the skills of Visual Arts Learning Mentor Mark who showed us many of his own spectacular pieces of watercolour paintings. 

Mark then did a demonstration to the class and taught us some tips and tricks to use when experimenting with watercolour. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are very thankful for Mark sharing his expertise and passion with us. 

Take a look at the process and some of the beautiful creations below: 

Year 7 and 8 students attended the Winter Sports Carnival this week and represented St Anne's College in netball, soccer and basketball.

Congratulations to the students, not only for their efforts on the court and field but also for the way in which they demonstrated incredibly positive behaviour. So much so that this was noticed and commented on by other schools. Without hesitation, our students volunteered to provide players to opposition teams, wait patiently as "subs" and push on against significantly stronger opponents.

Congratulations to these students who upheld the St Anne's College values and were incredible College ambassadors.

𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 

Monday saw the Year 9 students conduct an experiment looking at chemical reactions.

In the experiment, students weighed the chemical samples before and after reacting. They discovered that a gas, carbon dioxide was produced. To check they were correct, students held a lit match above the balloon and as the gas was released the flame was extinguished.

Advertising is going strong around the College with the upcoming Market Day next week.

Students were challenged to start up a small business as part of their inquiry learning, in preparation for the market.  

They will now have the opportunity to sell their product or service to other students, staff and our St Anne's College community at their Market Day. Families are welcome to join us between 11.30am - 1pm on Thursday, June 6.

All students will have the opportunity to make purchases on Market Day. They are invited to bring cash on the day. Items, food, drinks, music, games and prizes range from $1-$15. Money will be exchanged for tokens. Tokens are 50 cents and the advertising on the day will list the number of tokens, as well as the price in dollars.

Proceeds from the market will be used to purchase something for the College that all students will benefit from. Last year the Year 9's purchased a set of GoPros for the entire College to use. On Market Day, all students will be allowed to be out of uniform for a gold coin donation. These funds will be donated to a charity, to be decided by the Year 9's.

To view a copy of the market publication Al Mercato (At The Market) Issue 2 visit: https://newsletters.naavi.com/i/MLrlYpN  

We are very excited to begin promoting our information sessions for students in Year 10, 11 and 12 in 2025. We have made the decision to change the format of these evenings. Instead of individual nights for each year level, information relevant to students completing studies in Year 10, 11 and 12 in 2025 will be delivered on the one night. This evening will be Wednesday June 5. Please save the date! 

It will be very important that families prioritise attending this evening, as very important information is delivered about learning programs and subject selections. All students currently in Year 9, 10 and 11 are invited, and highly encouraged, to attend. Keep an eye out for further information in the coming weeks!

Great opportunity with fantastic prizes for SOI students!

Love the GV are running a Video Revolution Awards competition for 2024 open to all schools in the Goulburn Valley. You are invited to make a one minute video about a social issue that is important to you. Whether that be bullying, public speaking or even how you love living in the GV, this is your opportunity to educate locals. The competition is open to different age categories, there is also a group category. Videos will be judged by 'Shepp-famous' locals including the mayor, with fantastic prizes on offer for the winning entries.

Register now using the QR code below. 

Video submission closes 5.00pm,  Thursday, August 1.

Class Resources

Our iPads! Please ensure any damage is reported to Pastoral Group Leaders and IT staff to ensure it can be rectified as soon as possible. iPads must be fully charged each day and it is encouraged that we adopt good habits to assist us with this. 

Important Pastoral Group Information

At St. Anne’s College, all students within the School of Innovation are allocated to a Pastoral Group. These groups are overseen by a Pastoral Group Leader and currently comprise students from their respective houses: Montessori, Charles, Cooper, and Majella houses.

Each morning, students commence their day within their Pastoral Groups. This time involves participation in morning prayer, a welcome to country, and updates about the day's news and events at the College. This period holds significance in allowing our students to establish strong connections with their peers and their Pastoral Leader. Consequently, our students are able to cultivate a strong sense of community at St. Anne’s College.

Our Pastoral Leaders also seize this opportunity to implement the three core principles of Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness (GEM), which stem from our school-wide program conducted by the Resilience Project. These principles encourage our students to contemplate and recognise the positive facets of their day-to-day experiences both at the College and at home. This practice ensures that our students embark on each day well-prepared for successful learning and meaningful connections with others.

Given that this session only spans 10 minutes each morning, it is imperative that students are punctual and actively participate within their designated Pastoral Groups. If students miss this period or arrive late, they will forfeit this crucial initiation to the school day.

We extend our gratitude to all parents and caregivers for your sustained support in ensuring that this routine is upheld for the continued success of our students.

Important Uniform Information

A reminder that all School of Innovation students are required to wear their academic uniform items each day, except for sports days or other nominated days when their sports uniform items can be worn. Please ensure your student is in their full academic uniform. If this is not possible on a particular day, please send a note, including the date your student will be able to be in full school uniform.

A dress code, in particular a uniform, provides a visual connection to identify students as members of St Anne’s College community. The way a uniform is worn makes a statement about our college and it represents the fact that the student is a part of the community.  The benefits of a school uniform include:

• Allows all students to feel equal

• Helps prevent bullying and competition on the basis of clothing

• Ensures students appearance reflects the expectations of St Anne’s College

• Enhances the profile and identity of the College and its students in the wider community

• Strengthens the spirit of community within St Anne’s College

• Enhances individual student safety and group security

• Ensured all students are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities

• Encourages students to develop pride in their appearance

• Prepares students for the expectations in workplaces

• Encourages students to present themselves appropriately for a particular role

Thank you for your support.