VCE News
Monash Model UN
Participating in the 2025 Model United Nations was an enjoyable, productive and memorable experience. In preparation for the event, we were allocated countries to represent on the day. I had the privilege of representing Spain. Prior to the day, I collaborated with my co-delegate from another school to research Spain’s stance on the topic and draft a comprehensive position paper.
On the day of the event, we travelled to Monash, Clayton university and met with our partners. We then began to plan our strategies before the sessions began. After a briefing on the run down of the day, we engaged in formal debates and negotiations, working closely with other nations to draft resolution documents and encourage support for our proposals. The central focus of the discussions was the sustainable development of artificial intelligence, where we exchanged innovative ideas and explored global solutions. We also enjoyed a tour of the university and a lunch break, providing opportunities to connect with like minded peers from various schools.
In the end, our resolution paper was one of only two passed out of a total of nine submitted, which was an incredibly rewarding achievement. The day was both educational and inspiring, allowing us to develop valuable skills in diplomacy, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Taylah Corkery (Year 12)
Staff vs Students: Lettuce Eating Showdown!
The recent staff versus student Lettuce Eating Competition was a highlight of the first half of term three, with contestants racing to munch their way through an entire iceberg lettuce. Representing the staff, Mr Hemsley took an early lead with a fast, stop-start style that had the crowd thinking he was unbeatable. On the student side, Daniel Griffiths pushed himself to the brink, while Jayden Patterson also gave it a solid crack.
But it was Macy Shearer who claimed victory for the students. Like the steady and reliable tortoise to Mr Hemsley’s stop-start hare, she paced herself beautifully and crossed the finish line first, proving that sometimes slow and steady really does win the race.
The crowd was in stitches the whole way through, and the contest will surely go down as one of the most memorable (and leafy) events of the year.
Year 11 MAP - Australian Catholic University Visit
Exploring ACU: A Glimpse Into University Life
On July 30, some Year 11s had the chance to visit Australian Catholic University (ACU) as part of a program designed to introduce us to a variety of tertiary education options—especially ones we might not have considered before. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the beautiful setting. Right in the heart of the city, the campus offers stunning views that might make it a little hard to focus in class—but honestly, I couldn’t blame anyone for getting distracted!
Getting there was easy, too, thanks to one of Melbourne’s iconic trams. Once inside, the campus was full of surprises. Level 8 has a full-size basketball court, and there’s even an ambulance bay and a full hospital ward—perfect for those interested in health sciences. The classrooms and rooms felt welcoming and just the right size, which made the tour really enjoyable.
During our visit, we learned about ACU’s early entry scheme and got a sneak peek at what campus life is like. Our trip coincided with the orientation day for the mid-year intake, so we were able to see all the activities, clubs, and social events available if we choose to study there. Between the free gifts, tasty food, and fun games, it was a great insight into ‘uni life’.
Overall, the visit was both informative and inspiring—it definitely gave us a lot to think about when considering our future study options.Thanks to Mrs Andrews for being her usual organised self, and ensuring the day went smoothly.
Year 11 Legal Studies - Arthur Bolkas Incursion
When Arthur Bolkas came to speak to our legal studies class, it was one of the most memorable visits I’ve experienced at school. He shared his personal story of being in prison and then later becoming a criminologist, with a strong focus on rehabilitation. What stood out was his honesty about the failures of the justice system, especially the harsh realities of prison life, like the poor food, unsafe and violent environment, and overall lack of proper living conditions. Hearing this directly from someone who lived through it gave us a perspective that no textbook could provide, and it helped me understand the human side of crime and punishment. He also explained why people commit crimes and how inequality shapes people’s choices, which made me reflect on the bigger picture of justice. The way Arthur talked about the crimes he committed and his arrest was surprisingly funny and entertaining, which made the whole experience more engaging and memorable. Since I want to study criminology at university, I found his talk not only fascinating but also motivating, and it has made me even more certain about the path I want to follow.
Cathy S (Year 11)