The Nazarene

Applied Learning News

Balloon Football

After 6 weeks as newcomers to Balloon Football we have observed that it’s a good volunteering opportunity as we get to assist clients from Scope to participate in an AFL competition.  This allows the players to  have fun, be involved in community events and  have something to look forward to every week. 

 

Maisie and I supervise both the players and their team managers play carefully to ensure that all participants are given a  fair and equal opportunity. It is fun to watch and join in and to be a part of the community.  We enjoy watching the joy on participants’ faces as they prepare for their matches and play to their best ability each week. The connections made both with other players and Nazareth students are invaluable.  We look forward to continuing with this program next year but for now we prepare for Finals! 

 

Alana and Maisie - Year 11 Vocational Major 

Balloon Footy Season's Ending Report

BFL was awkward at the beginning because it was confronting because we didn't want to push players' wheelchairs, through fear of hurting players or damaging their expensive chairs.  The chairs are after all their means of mobility. 

 

As weeks went by, we got to know our players, learning names, faces, how to communicate with them, understanding their skills and their emotional connection to the game. Most players want to win games, and of course, we too want victory each week.  

 

Standout players in our league would have to be :

  • Dave (demons) - he can hit the ball far and he’s really into the game
  • Ben (bulldogs)– a past brownlow player, he carries the bulldogs as he has great reach and power
  • Sarah (tigers) – so enthusiastic as a player, who wants action all game
  • Ricky (tigers)– a top player who has reach and he is a tiger fanatic!
  • Cade (magpies) - plays ruck mainly and loves playing with his mates from his house
  • Nicole – loud, fierce and has a good sense of humour

 

As assistants, we like the physicality of Thursday mornings. Those of us who find it hard to concentrate or sit still in lessons put all our energy into this community outreach. We are invested in this sport. Next year, we take over as team managers and will mentor the new year 11 VM students.

 

There are two weeks of finals and then the grand final in the last week of term. We will make the team banners for the competing gf teams in the coming weeks, so the pressure is on. 

 

Jerry and the boys - Year 11 Vocational Major  

 

Pushing players in this competitive wheelchair sport is really confronting, but VM students get used to this and share the role. We also umpire on the sideline and goals, and this is still helping out, while getting to know the players and seeing them have fun. From our observations, Ben likes to hit the balloon high and far, whilst Kimmy loves getting goals! 

 

As the  season has come to an end, we start finals of Balloon Footy. Bulldogs sit on top of the ladder, one game ahead of the Magpies. Then we have Demons in third position, with a gallant Tigers team in last place. 

 

So next week, the top two teams play off in our Qualifying Final, with the winner guaranteed a place in the Grand Final. 

 

Meanwhile, the Elimination Final between Demons and Tigers will see one of them knocked out of the finals battle. Our second week of final will see the Loser of Preliminary Final have another shot at playing in the Grand Final, by playing in the Preliminary Final. 

Regardless, it is sure to be an exciting Grand Final on Thursday 18 September.  

 

Nazareth Parents and VM Alumni are most welcome to watch at Springers, Cheltenham Road Keysborough from 10.30 – 12.00 pm.

   

Catriona and the girls - Year 11 Vocational Major  

Warm Feet, Warm Hearts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An initiative of Eddy Nguyen

Year 12 MK4

Donating Games

Dear staff and students of Nazareth,

As part of my community project, I am collecting board games, puzzles, and card games to donate to local aged care homes. Many elderly residents in these homes benefit greatly from activities that keep their minds active and provide opportunities for connection and fun.

I am reaching out to our school community for support. If you have new or gently used games or puzzles at home that you're no longer using, please consider donating them. Every single item, big or small, can make a real difference in someone’s day. 

Games to donate include Scrabble, Uno, Chess, Jigsaw puzzles, Connect four, Memory games, Sudoku, Pictionary, Charades, or even simple card decks are all welcome!

Aged care residents play these games to support mental stimulation, improve memory, encourage social interaction, reduce loneliness, boost their mood, and promote physical activity. Games provide enjoyment, routine, and a sense of purpose. Games help residents stay engaged, recall memories, and maintain overall wellbeing in a fun and meaningful way.

Donations can be dropped off at the Joseph Centre between now and August 30. Let’s work together to bring a little joy and entertainment to those who need it most. 

For any questions or concerns please contact me at ava.solomons@nazareth.vic.edu.au

 

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity,

Ava Solomons

Year 12 MA7

Mission Pawsible

Dear Students and Teachers of Nazareth College, I’m excited to share a cause close to my heart, Mission Pawsible. 

An inspiring animal rescue organisation based in Bali, Indonesia, that’s doing incredible work to save and rehabilitate stray, abandoned, and abused animals. Every day, they rescue dogs and cats from heartbreaking conditions—off the streets, from neglectful situations, or even near death—and give them a second chance at life. Their mission is simple but powerful, rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome. 

With love, patience, and the support of people like us, they’re turning lives around, one paw at a time. 

How You Can Help...

 

You can be part of this mission: 

1. Donate Online ($$) Support Mission Pawsible directly through my donation link: 👉[https://donorbox.org/mp-help-the-animals-of-bali-fundraiser-new/fundraiser/klarabenczedi] Every little bit counts—whether it’s $5 or $50, your contribution goes toward food, vet care, shelter, and the chance for animals to find loving homes. These donations go directly to Mission Pawsible in Bali, where people are there to help, rescue and resource theses animals. Any donation counts, big or small. 

 

Why Is This Cause Important? In Bali, stray animals often suffer from disease, malnutrition, and abuse. Mission Pawsible is more than a shelter, it’s a healing home and a voice for those who can’t speak. Let’s stand with them and show that compassion knows no borders. If there are any enquiries, please contact me at: klara.benczedi@nazareth.vic.edu.au Thank you for taking the time to read about Mission Pawsible!

 

Kind regards

Klara Benczedi 

Year 12 MX5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An initiative of Khunmeng Ly 

Year 12 MA6