Around the College

Reconciliation Around the School

This week, we acknowledged Reconciliation Week at the college. 

We began the week by recognizing National Sorry Day, observed on Sunday, May 26th.

This year's theme, 'Now More Than Ever,' prompted us to reflect on the histories surrounding Reconciliation Week. Through engaging activities, as pictured below, our students explored the significance of Reconciliation Week and its meaning to each of us:

• Students in VET Fashion were given the challenge to complete a design brief as part of Reconciliation Week. They had limited time to work collaboratively to fulfill all requirements. The design brief was: Create an educational display of a traditional Aboriginal Kangaroo Cloak that reflects the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Aboriginal people. The cloak should be authentic, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, incorporating traditional designs, techniques, and materials. The information displayed should incorporate research into the history and cultural significance of kangaroo cloaks. Students worked effectively and collaboratively to create an educational display for Mary Mac students to learn from. This display is currently on view in the library.

• Year 10 Religious Education students, alongside Mr. Cox, explored the geographic location of the Bunurong People and their territorial boundaries. Mr. Cox also led discussions on the history of colonization and smoking ceremonies, highlighting how traditional owners utilized gum leaves for smoke. Each student took a leaf as a gesture of respect, acknowledging the Indigenous people of this land. 

• Mr. Robinson used a yarn circle in his year 8 Drama to focus on journalling as a reflection tool around the Reconciliation Week conversations. 

• In the year 12 Personal Development VM class, Mr. Sten used their yarn circle as a platform to move the discussion to current global issues impacting our culture today, allowing students to reflect on both the past and present, and the many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey.

• In addition to this, the year 7 and year 8 French classes worked together to translate the students' responses to "What Does Reconciliation Mean to You." 

• While the Youth Ministry wrote these prayers:

INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION PRAYER

STOLEN GENERATION PRAYER 

Dear God, 

Weighted by the actions of our ancestors and the pain endured by those who lost their families, culture and identity, we offer prayers for all those who were and continue to be impacted by colonisation and the stolen generation.

We pray for healing and comfort for all those who still carry the scars of this dark chapter in our nation's story. Grant them strength to continue their journey towards healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

In National Reconciliation Week, we acknowledge the importance of recognising the wrongs of the past, and strive for a future of justice, equality, and mutual respect. 

Grant us the courage to listen with open hearts to the stories of those who have suffered, and to work tirelessly for a better future for all Australians.

Lord hear us,

Blue Tree Project

In the year 12 VM class this term we are working on the Blue Tree Project, it is a mental health initiative where people paint dead trees blue to raise awareness about mental health issues. It started in Australia to honor Jayden Whyte, who painted a tree blue as a joke. After his passing, his family repainted the tree to remember him, sparking the movement. These blue trees act as reminders for people to check in on each other and talk about mental health. There are now over 1,170 blue trees around the world. 

We are supporting this project, by making our own blue tree out of metal and making wood benches to put around the tree for people to sit there for a mental health break. We hope by making this tree and creating a safe space people can go there if they need someone to talk or just want to be alone. 

This all wouldn't of happened without our sponsors Bunnings Warragal, AC Metal Fabrication located in Archies Creek, and Haymes Paint Shop Leongatha. - VM Class 

Youth Ministry Volunteers Morning Tea at Leongatha RSL

On Thursday 23rd of May, the volunteers from our year 12 Youth Ministry class had the privilege to join other volunteers at the Leongatha RSL to celebrate National Volunteer Week. This was to recognise not only our efforts in raising funds for ANZAC Day but other student volunteers from Leongatha Secondary College and Return Service League volunteers. It was inspiring to see that our work as small as making and selling ANZAC biscuits, meant so much to RSL members. When putting it in perspective, our contributions were small but significant in raising over $15,000 dollars to go back into our community. Although we didn’t expect such gratitude or praise, it was heartwarming to see that our efforts were valued and appreciated. We were greeted with a big thank you from the President of the Leongatha RSL and lots of tea, coffee and treats as a sign of their gratitude. It was a great motivator to keep pursuing volunteer opportunities knowing we don’t go unnoticed. - Dinisty Francis 

Learning Resource Centre

Term one in the Learning Resource Centre was a busy time with library staff learning to use the new cataloguing system. There have been many teething problems with the change-over from the old system including emails about overdue items that have already been returned. If you have received such an email, check if it was sent from Concord Infiniti. If so, then it can be ignored. Please read your emails regularly to see if the new system, Oliver v5, has sent you an overdue notice as this will be accurate.

The Resource Centre has altered the arrangement of the fiction section by putting books together in genre groups. We have also been buying more novels and graphic novels to boost the collection. Students are allowed to borrow up to two items at a time for up to two weeks. Renewing items is easy. It can be done online, through the new catalogue or the staff can help students and staff to renew items. 

Laptop charging is available in the Resource Centre. There is also space for quiet socialising, reading, private study and computer use. Games are also available such as chess, Connect Four and card games. The Resource Centre is open before and after school, at recess and lunchtime. It is available for quiet study, library lessons and borrowing during class time.

Recently Liz and Alanah have been made Library Monitors. They have been assisting with shelving and keeping the collection in a tidy state. 

Fair Trade Stall

The Year 10 Youth Ministry recently managed a food stall featuring Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance-certified products, investigating the pros and cons of these sustainability programs. Students learned that while these certifications help ensure fair wages and safe working conditions, challenges such as certification costs and market access persist. This critical examination was part of an initiative to promote ethical consumer habits and social responsibility. Funds raised were donated to the school's Walkathon, demonstrating the students' commitment to both local and global community support through thoughtful engagement and action.

Wicked the Musical

Theatre Studies students in years 10, 11 & 12 were wowed by the awe-inspiring performance of the musical, Wicked. The set, costumes and lighting were spectacular additions to the overall show, making it a magical experience. The talent was exceptional, with beautiful songs and dynamic choreography. The Theatre Studies students were left with an extensive amount of content to analyse in their upcoming exams.

Haiku Poetry

Year 7 students have been studying the novel Sister Heart by Sally Morgan.

The students explored different forms of poetry and then wrote about an emotion they may experience in their lives. Oscar from 7D chose to write a Haiku about ‘Empathy’.