Parent and Student Matters

Year Group/Homeroom and Individual Photos - Important Information
da Vinci Decathlon
Science
Maths Drop-In
Languages
Visual Arts - The Touchstone Portrait Prize goes global!

Year Group/Homeroom and Individual Photos -Important Information

On Friday 29 May the College will be having school photos from Periods 1 - 6. Year 12 will have a full year group photo while Years 5 - 11 will be in homeroom groups.

Please note that the procedure to order photos is different from previous years.

You will need to order your photos ONLINE prior to Friday 29 May.

Please follow the instructions below to order the packages of photos you would like:

Go to Melba website: www.melbastudios.com.au
Select: Schools option
Password: anderson

Please remember to order online before our photo day on Friday 29 May.

You will receive a receipt for your order.

Please print this out or write down the reference number and give it to your son to hand to the photographers on the day.

You will NOT be charged until after the photo is taken.

Ms Leisa Proc – General Coordinator

da Vinci Decathlon

Congratulations to all students who competed in the da Vinci Decathlon this year. We will start up the da Vinci Club again later in the year. Underneath is a summary of our results.

All boys were great ambassadors for the College. They travelled well on the train to and from Knox, they worked well as a team during the event, with teamwork, collaboration and perseverance on very challenging tasks in a high-pressured environment. They competed against 80+ other schools including many Selective high schools.

Year 5

Legacy (General Knowledge) – 5th

Year 6

Ideation – 11th

Year 8

Ideation – 16th

Year 9

Engineering – 2nd

Science – 15th

Legacy – 13th

Year 11

Code Breaking – 13th

Congratulations

Mr Paul Cummins - HPGE Coordinator

Maths Drop-In

It is fantastic to see so many students from Years 7–12 attending Maths Drop-In sessions. These sessions are a great opportunity to complete extra study and prepare for upcoming assessment tasks.

Year 12 – Thursday, 18 June
Year 11 – Tuesday, 16 June
Year 10 – Friday, 12 June
Year 9 – Wednesday, 10 June
Year 8 – Thursday, 11 June
Year 7 – Wednesday, 10 June

Don’t leave your study until the last minute - come along and get started early!

Where: C1

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays

Time: 7:40 am - 8:30 am

Mrs Amanda Fileman - Mathematics Teacher

Science

National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) 2027

The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program gives students who are about to start Year 12 a broader understanding of study and career options available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In January 2027, the NYSF Year 12 Program will run two summer sessions at:

The Australian National University, Canberra – 6-14 January 2027
The University of Queensland – 13-21 January 2027

Staying on campus at university colleges, students are immersed in science and technology. Participants:

participate in tours of science and technology facilities,
learn about cutting-edge research,
engage with industry partners and research providers,
learn about university, training and STEM career pathways,
mix with like-minded students their age from all over Australia,
participate in social and team-building activities, and
network with former NYSF participants

For more information about the application process, cost and details of the program, please visit: https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/

Mrs Joanne Schuster - Leader of Learning, Science

Languages

Chinese Club

Chinese Club is a blend of energy and culture and is an escape from the busy school routine. Held every Thursday at Recess, we explore the Chinese tradition and learn all about what it means to be a Chinese student at Pius. This term, we are journeying through the food unit, with snacks available on specific weeks!

Last term we created various artworks such as a calligraphy horse painting, Chinese New Year posters and Chinese origami, as well as learning a Chinese song. In the past few weeks, we have been trying Chinese snacks while watch a popular Chinese film.

In the upcoming weeks we will be learning the Chinese song Run!, followed by making a Chinese Pumpkin Mochi with a red bean filling. To conclude the term we will be trying some Chinese drinks and tea and learn how to order food at Yumcha!

During the term students will also be able to participate in the Linguafest Short Film Competition.

Why not join Chinese Club today to unlock a world of fun?

(You don’t need to be a Chinese student to join!) Big thanks to Ms Lee for making Chinese Club fun and enjoyable!

Written by Vihaan Kadam and Noah Menezes

Mrs Kara Manga - Leader of Learning, Languages

Visual Arts - The Touchstone Portrait Prize goes global!

Our 2026 Touchstone Portrait Prize exhibition has been attracting a steady stream of visitors, and the Art rooms corridor has been a busy space. Among the many impressive works on display, one portrait has travelled far beyond our school walls - reaching all the way to an Australian cricket legend currently playing T20 in Pakistan.

Mr Martin Gillogly recently shared a photograph of a portrait with Australian cricketer Steve Smith, celebrating him as a figure who embodies the Touchstone values. The artwork was created in class by Christian Valenzuela (Year 7), whose thoughtful depiction clearly made an impact.

To everyone’s delight, Steve Smith replied personally, writing: “Looks great. Tell him I appreciate the support and thank him.”

Christian’s portrait not only impressed our school community but also caught the attention of one of Australia’s most admired athletes. A wonderful moment for a young artist - and a proud one for our Touchstone community.

Ms Frances Doyle - Leader of Learning, Visual Arts