Senior School
Year 8 Canberra Trip
From November 3 - 7, our Year 8 students travelled by bus to the national capital Canberra for an extended time of learning and discovery through participation in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia's history, culture, heritage, and democracy. It was an action packed week in which the students visited and experienced some excellent places in the city and surrounding areas. For many, it was their first time visiting Canberra.
We headed off very early on Monday morning and after visiting the iconic Dog on the Tuckerbox near Gundagai, arrived in Canberra at about 6pm.
On Tuesday, we took group photos at the Government House Lookout before visiting Government House. After a drive around Yarralumla looking at the embassies of various nations and discussing how they reflected the culture of their home country through architecture and design, we headed to Parliament House were we met and talked with our local MP, the Hon. Dan Tehan. We were privileged to be able to watch both the House of Representatives and the Senate in action, as both chambers were in session.
We visited the Australian War Memorial for the wreath laying ceremony, at which Grace and Eli represented our school by laying a wreath as part of the memorial ceremony for a WWI soldier from Horsham.
On Wednesday, we visited the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, where we learned about the history of democracy and civil freedoms in Australia, and were reminded of the importance of every Australian participating in elections and having their voices heard.
Afterwards, we enjoyed fresh air and sunshine while orienteering at the National Arboretum. In the afternoon, we visited the National Museum and the Australian Botanic Gardens. After dinner, we visited the Wildbark Learning Centre at Mulligan’s Flat for some nocturnal learning and wildlife surveying.
On Thursday, we sat beside Lake Burley Griffin and discussed its history, ancient and modern, before an extended session at Questacon. After lunch in the park, we visited the Australian Mint and the Australian Institute of Sport. After dinner, we drove up Mount Ainslie to see the city from a different point of view. We took group photos to commemorate our visit to Canberra and admired the city lights as night fell.
We headed off very early on Friday morning for the trip home to Warrnambool, feeling a bit tired and very inspired and thankful at the end of a brilliant week together. We are thankful most of all to God for His provision and protection throughout the trip.
Because the Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education, they assist families in meeting the cost of such excursions to the Australian Government by contributing $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program. This rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
Jo Van Leerdam
Senior School Teacher
Christmas Maker's Market
The Christmas Makers Market was a well organised event with many entertaining stalls, ranging from cotton candy to homemade pipe cleaner dogs. It was a fun filled night with many stalls to look at and many students to hear from.
The PTFA held a BBQ and Mr Wakim made coffee for our guests. The VCE VM team had spent a lot of time hoping for the night to run well and it was a beautiful night with many laughs. Can't wait for next year's market!
Jemima SY
Year 11 VCE VM Student
Year 9 Careers Fair
I am so very proud of the Year 9 Careers Students and the commitment they showed to preparing for the Careers Fair on Friday 7th Nov!
The students had to research all aspects of a chosen career and present to students from other classes.
Thank you to all the students and teachers who came along to support the Year 9's, particularly those from Junior School. It was a very successful event!
Megan Twycross
Senior School Teacher
Food Tech
Last week in Year 7 Food Technology, our budding chefs rolled up their sleeves and got creative in the kitchen making muffins! The classroom was filled with the delicious aroma of freshly baked treats as students experimented with different ingredients, from rich chocolate chips to juicy berries and sweet banana pieces.
We discussed how changing ingredients can transform the flavour and texture of muffins, and everyone enjoyed seeing (and smelling!) the results of their hard work. It was a fantastic, hands-on lesson that mixed learning with a whole lot of funand the muffins were absolutely amazing!
Other Senior Food Tech classes made a simple recipe due to exams, but with a twist - Pancakes with a spiced Maple Syrup. A true winner! If you want to recreate this Christmas special at home, follow the simple recipe below:
- 1 cup real Maple syrup
- 1tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Cloves, Ginger and Cardamom
- A pinch of Nutmeg and Fennel seeds
Simply infuse on a low heat on the stove, adjust to taste, strain and enjoy!
Ally Robinson & Rose Pritchard
Senior School Teachers