Camps, excursions and activities. 

Ecolinc: Women in STEM

On Wednesday 10th June six Years 9 and 10 students attended the Women in STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at Ecolinc in Bacchus Marsh. The day consisted of a guest speaker, workshops and a STEM ‘Careers speeding dating’ session, where they got to meet, talk and learn from a range of women in STEM fields. 

Guest speaker was Dr Prue Francis, FHAE, Associate Professor in Marine Science at Deakin University. Prue is originally from Kyabram where she spent her youth fishing and swimming in the Murray. Prue mentioned that 28% of STEM related jobs are held by women. Prue is also the co-author of the children’s book “The Great Barrier Reef”. She spoke about the challenge of Purple Sea Urchin’s population explosion and how it is affecting not only Golden Kelp but all Kelp (seaweed). Prue also recently appeared on the TV show 'Gardening Australia'. One key message that stood out clearly to students from Prue’s presentation was “Follow what makes you curious”.

The students were divided up into groups for the workshops. There were four workshops in total and our students participated in two. The workshops were:

• Micro-threats, macro-impacts: Small plastics, big problems: Patience, Chloe, Nevaeh & Evie

• Oceanography: Victory & Milla

• Seaweed ‘Fountain of Youth’ Moisturiser: Patience, Chloe, Nevaeh & Victory

• Beat the Waves – Evie & Milla

Before attending the day, students had put in their 6 preferences from a list of 20 professionals to “speed date”. The sessions were in 10-minute time slots, where small groups of students learnt a little about each professional's career and the pathways, they took to get to where they are today. 

We asked the students to write down one thing from the day:

• Lots of people had good things to say about Deakin Geelong

• There are lots of different options and pathways you can take

• Humans have heaps of microplastics in them

• Most people during the speed dating recommended a GAP year. 

• Dr Kay Critchell (purple labcoat) was very informative and very engaging with her ocean facts and information

• Food! 

• The Science lesson (Micro-threats, macro-impact) with the VR headsets.

VET Taster Day

On Thursday 11th June, our Year 9 students travelled to the North Central Trade Training Centre (NCTTC) to participate in the VET Taster Day. 

Prior to the event, students selected subjects they were interested in exploring and were then able to experience three different areas throughout the day. Subjects on offer included Engineering, Sport and Recreation, Childcare, Beauty, Hair, Animal Care, Building and Automotive. 

The day was both engaging and enjoyable, providing students with valuable insight into the skills and opportunities each course offers, and assisting them with their subject selections for 2027. We thank the NCTTC for hosting the day and Miss McKay for accompanying the students.