I would like to commend our Years 10 and 11 students who positively engaged in the variety of activities throughout the week that were designed to enhance their experiences beyond the classroom. The knowledge and skills that were enhanced as a direct result of these experiences will put them a step ahead of their peers in future life events including applying for part-time employment and their interactions on large scale projects.

It was a busy week with many new providers involved to provide their expertise in areas including enhancing leadership, improving preparation and presentations at interviews and making informed and road safe decisions that impact not only the individual but also the community.

Read about the experiences of our students below.

Ms Fiona Vanstan

Assistant Principal, Curriculum & Pedagogy

First Aid with Instructor Sarah was really interesting! We took a few breaks to help us understand all the content that was being covered. The best part was practicing CPR on different dummies for two minutes each which was intense but really useful. At the end, we had a big 107-question test to see what we'd learned. It was tough since there was a lot of questions, but it showed us how ready we were to help people. Thanks to Instructor Sarah, we feel confident and prepared to handle emergencies. Learning this stuff was enjoyable, and I now feel that we're ready to help people in need with what we've learned!

Sanjay Bandla

Last week I attended the first aid VET course. It ran through the whole day and was led by Sarah, our lovely speaker. We learnt a lot about how to assess and act in different medical emergencies. Sarah told us about some of her real experiences, allowing us to grasp a full understanding of the importance of first aid. She was very patient and understanding of our questions and queries. The lectures were engaging as well as informative. Sarah taught us about how to treat wounds, bites, broken bones and all kinds of medical emergencies. We were also shown how to use equipment such as defibrillators and EpiPens. However, the big focus of the day was CPR. The class learnt how to do CPR on people of all ages.

Sarah explained that this information was important for us to know but reassured us that first aid is not a scary thing and that it is okay to be uncomfortable. 'You have to be selfish to be selfless', meaning you must ensure you are not putting yourself in danger. At the end of the day, we began our assessments whilst Sarah took different groups at a time to attempt and practise CPR on dummies which I found to be the highlight of the experience. The first aid course was definitely a great experience, and I learnt a lot which I will remember but hope to not have to use often.

Talen Truong

On the final day of the camps and pathways week, several Year 10's including me, did a VET course for First Aid where we would later get a certificate for it.

We were lucky enough to have a few presenters to explain the First Aid course which started off with basic information, principles and procedures to responding to medical emergencies. From minor allergies to deadly animal attacks to fatal respiratory emergencies, we learnt how to react and respond to these situations. Towards the end of our lesson, we did a helpful yet tiring practical activity of commencing CPR on an adult, child and infant dummies. As the lesson ended, I am sure all of us learnt something new and meaningful.

Jinmy Park

We started the day off by introducing ourselves and going over types of coffees and chocolates. We then kicked off our four hours by exploring the history of a variety of coffee beans and learnt the significance of coffee in different cultures around the world, even tasting raw coffee beans. Afterwards, we were taught how to grind fresh coffee beans using the machines and correct techniques. The experience was more enjoyable since we worked in pairs and groups, encouraging collaboration. After many rounds of grinding the beans into a fine powder, we were taught how to brew it into a rich, aromatic liquid and went through how to refrain from “undertamping” and burning the coffee.

Once we memorized those steps, we moved on to learning how to steam, froth and pour the milk. This resulted in many spills which only made the process more enjoyable and proved that not everything works out on the first try. Countless latte art attempts and chocolate toppings later, we had learnt the art of transforming cocoa beans into a delicious cup of coffee. Our coffee barista VET course concluded with a time-based speed round challenge, utilizing our coffee brewing, milk frothing, chocolate art, presentation and collaboration skills - all which we had worked and improved on in the session.

Ishita Kumar - Yr10

For my VET experience on Friday, I did restaurant waiting skills and barista making. It was really fun and collaborative, and I learnt a lot from it. Restaurant waiting skills was enjoyable and I learnt many new skills such as carrying many plates using my arms and hands. The whole group worked well together, and it was really fun to meet and talk with new people. We were told about the different pathways you can go into if you start off as a waiter and how it can also eventually lead to different management opportunities.

During our Barista skills workshop our teacher was very patient with us and taught us some exciting skills. It was confusing at first but after a few tries everyone got the hang of it. Overall, the courses were really engaging. I loved the teachers and collaboratively working with everyone.

Armita Tehzeeb – Yr10

Title: A Journey through VET in Coffee Barista and Food Safety

Embarking on a journey through Vocational Education and Training (VET) in coffee barista and food safety & handling has been a transformative experience. Each step has contributed to personal and professional growth. From mastering the intricate art of coffee brewing, including comprehending the subtleties of different coffee beans and perfecting the techniques of espresso extraction and latte art, to ensuring the highest standards of food safety and handling, encompassing principles of hygiene, contamination prevention, and compliance with regulations, every aspect of the courses has been instrumental.

Through rigorous hands-on training and theoretical learning, I have not only acquired technical proficiency but also developed a profound appreciation for the craft and a heightened sense of responsibility towards maintaining quality and safety standards. This journey through VET has not only equipped me with essential skills but has also instilled in me a commitment to excellence, precision, and continuous improvement, laying a solid foundation for success in my professional endeavours.

Keyon Abeyesekera

The VET/Volunteering day of Pathways Week was definitely one of the most anticipated days by the students, myself included! I was very excited to acquire skills in safe food handling as well as the talent of barista-ing! In all, the day was insightful and allowed us to dive into aspects of different vocational careers and the result was new knowledge and certifications which will likely serve use in our future part-time jobs. It was also quite fun, I even got to offer Dr Alley a cup of coffee!

Ket Win

Last week, I had the pleasure of volunteering at Puffing Billy Railway Station, where we spent the day tending to the gardens. A friendly competition was held amongst the different teams, challenging us to collect the most weeds. The competition not only motivated us to work harder but also fostered teamwork. Towards the end of the day, we had the opportunity to discuss Puffing Billy's conservation efforts with the staff and learn about the native species they protect. Overall, it was a fulfilling experience, combining the joy of giving back to the community with the serenity of nature at Puffing Billy Railway Station.

Colin Feng – Yr10

During Camp and Pathways week, a group of Year 10s had the fortunate opportunity to assist at Berwick Fields Primary School. Being avid to revisiting a nostalgic environment, I took great enthusiasm in observing with a teacherly lens whilst also engaging with the students directly. From playing 'Just Dance' with the Year 5s to being approached by many confused students questioning who the tall people in Nossal uniform were, I thoroughly enjoyed the holistic experience and it's one which will not soon be forgotten.

Nellie Hewawasam

Volunteering was an experience that made us truly experience the world with a new lens. From feeding those in need, to getting to cook a classic comfort food (even though we REALLY wanted the cupcakes), it felt good to take a break from the monotonous life of a Nossal student, to truly give back to the very community who helped us become who we are. Was it in the best of interests of those eating our food to eat potatoes that had been boiling for 50-ish minutes? No, probably not, but at least, we now can say that we helped those that may have needed the pick-me-up.

Aksh Upreti

In the recent Lead It program, my peers and I gained valuable insights into effective leadership and the importance of staying true to one's values whilst positively impacting others. Through the program, we discovered that leadership comes in various forms, emphasising that one doesn't need to be the loudest to lead effectively. It further emphasised self-awareness, helping us recognise our strengths, qualities, and values, which in turn help us lead effectively and authentically. A highlight was the team task where we collaborated on a presentation showcasing a core value, demonstrating how each of us embodies it uniquely, with multiple groups performing entertaining short acts. Overall, the program equipped us with the tools and mindset to excel in a leading role and foster meaningful impact within our communities.

Serena Chu

During last week's Camps and Pathways week, the Year 11 cohort engaged in a series of diverse activities that filled each day with memorable experiences. From refining our interview skills to re-sitting the Edutest, and volunteering to a full day dedicated to road safety education, this week was both impactful, enjoyable, and one to remember.

The journey began on Day 1 with Elephant Ed, a session where we delved into the political and social perspectives on various societal groups. This was followed by an intensive workshop on interview skills and cover letter writing, providing us with invaluable insights into the professional world. These activities were not only engaging, but also educational.

One of the best experiences was our day of volunteering. There were many options available, however I chose to volunteer for the Food Truck. Alongside many others, we prepared meals for the less fortunate members of our local community. The sense of fulfillment and purpose we gained from this was very rewarding. Knowing that we positively impacted lives and made a difference was extremely meaningful for each of us.

This week was such an amazing opportunity for us to gain practical skills and contribute effectively to our community. It has equipped us with skills that will allow us to progress as we navigate our future paths. Each moment of Camps and Pathways week was a stepping stone towards personal growth and development, which I'm sure all the Year 11 students will greatly value.

Justine Huynh

During Camps and Pathways Week, I participated in two Vocational education courses, which explored the fields of food safety and the responsible service of alcohol. Ultimately, I was very impressed by the high level of engagement and confidence of the guest speakers as they led us through the course content.

Each course consisted of a unit of competency, which initially caused apprehension due to the requirement of a satisfactory completion with a score of 100%. I soon overcame this as the questions were all multiple choice and had little difficulty analysing and interpreting information from the information booklet provided at the start of the session.

In addition to the lectures, I participated in two practicals – one being how to properly wash our hands for good hygiene practices and the other being a roleplay exemplifying how to deal with intoxicated patrons at a bar. In brief, these are important life skills to understand, and I am grateful for undertaking these courses.

Edmund Zhu

On Tuesday 19th March, the Year 11 cohort kicked off Careers and Pathways week with the Elephant Ed program, which talked about privilege and the three most commonly affected categories of people who face privilege discrimination; People of colour, people who identify as LGBTIQA+ and those who identify as females. Afterwards, in preparation for our mock interviews in May, we had the opportunity to learn how to write a CV and a cover letter and took part in an ‘interview skills’ workshop where we were able to practise our interviewing skills in pairs to develop communication, quick-thinking and public-speaking skills essential to our academic development.

On Thursday, we were blessed with the opportunity to volunteer at Berwick Field Primary School. Being in an environment with highly energetic primary school children gave us a rush of nostalgia to when we used to be in their shoes all those years ago. During the day, we assisted the teachers and the students with various activities, and there was a lot to experience through the communication and cooperation of the students and staff members at the school. Overall, volunteering was an extremely joyous and reminiscent experience, and we would love to volunteer again if we had the chance.

Finally, on Friday, the Year 11 cohort gathered at Nossal to complete the RYDA driving safety course, where we learnt the different rules and regulations around safe driving and strategies to drive safer, including how to identify potential dangers whilst driving, safety features on a car and how long it takes to stop after driving at a certain speed, and how to complete a crash investigation. The course was enlightening and insightful and helped us develop our awareness and critical thinking skills for the road.

We’d like to thank Ms. Vanstan, Ms. Campagna, Clarissa and all the other staff that helped to make this week possible. Overall, the week was full of fun and engaging activities, and would highly recommend these seminars and activities to the future Year 11’s.

Andy Kratky and Jeffery Ly

During Camps and Pathways Week, several students and I were given a volunteering opportunity at Bk2 Basics, a local community pantry. We packed food and tidied up the surroundings.

Although our time there was brief due to the low demand during Ramadan, it was still a meaningful experience. We felt the impact first-hand when customers arrived, and are grateful for the those in our community who support struggling families and make their lives better.

Edward Marshall

Year 11 Volunteering – Transit Soup Kitchen

On the 21st of March, for Camps and Pathways Week, Year 11 students had a choice to spend their day volunteering at the Transit Soup Kitchen in Narre Warren. While we were there, we were able to see the tremendous amount of work that is put into providing others a way to obtain produce, meat, dairy and other groceries.

At the start of our day, we were tasked with helping the other volunteers in organising the produce they had, to supply the best quality they can to their consumers. After lunch, we helped with handing out the different foods and serving the many people that were coming in. Today, we only saw a small snippet of what the volunteers at the Transit Soup Kitchen do every day, and we thank them for their hard work and lovely hospitality.

Karreena Thivakaran (Y11)

Year 9 Camp