School News

Do you love reading? 

Do you have an opinion about books that are published and win awards? Do the ones that win deserve to win? Have or would you read any winning titles?

The library is starting up a “Shadow Judging” committee who will meet regularly to discuss books that have been nominated for the Children’s Book Council of Australia. We will chose a category and choose our own winner. If you would like to be involved please talk to Kerry or Lesla in the library.

SEAMS (Strengthening Engagement and Achievement in Mathematics and Science)

Over the summer holidays, myself and four other students of Mirboo North Secondary College, (Nathan Bates, Jacob Daly, Ella Nowacki and Jasmine Thompson) were lucky enough to experience a three-day mathematics science camp run by The University of Melbourne and Monash University; SEAMS (Strengthening Engagement and Achievement in Mathematics and Science). From an 8:30am start right up until a 5:00pm finish on the last day, the program was jam-packed with so many wonderful learning and socialisation opportunities. We were each split off into our respective chemistry or physics teams and were invited to take part in experiments in the high-tech science labs of The University of Melbourne while learning from university students themselves. We also partook in theory-based lessons in mathematics and either chemistry or physics; giving us a wonderful opportunity to expand our knowledge and get a head start on the busy year of learning to come as we dove into numerous points to be covered throughout Unit 1 of our subjects. 

Besides being an amazing place to learn and grow as a student, the camp was also a chance to interact and mingle with other students with similar interests and grow new bonds with peers that we otherwise might not have had the chance to meet. I know many people who went home with new friendships and memories that they will never forget, myself included. Yet another perk of the program were the mentors, each person was part of a small group, and each group was assigned a mentor. Our mentors ranged from current university students to high school teachers, and each and every one of them made a lasting impact on the students they talked to. Our parting even included a little piece of advice from each mentor (with a few fun jokes along the way). Overall, an experience I will never forget, and absolutely worth it. 

By Olivia Henning

Year 7 Camp

I had a fun time at camp but in the last few days a revolting smell filled our room, which I believe to be caused by the boys flushing things like socks down the toilet. Other than that I enjoyed it a lot 😊.

By Lola Dunlop 

At camp I had a nice time even though there was some wonky weather. The surfing was good, and I caught lots of waves, the rock climbing was fun, and I got to make it to the top.

By Julian Henning

Camp was really good we did surfing, rock climbing, volleyball and my favourite Aero Ball. It is played with 4 people at a time. It is just like basketball on a trampoline, you try to get people out; I love it. The food was quite good I didn’t like it all but it was still really good. With surfing I drank half the water in the world but it was still super fun I loved catching the waves 😊. 

By Jade  Jackson 7A

Camp was a great experience. The camp was called Waratah bay beach camp and it was lot’s of fun. I made new friends and had fun being on kitchen duty. I also had fun surfing.

By Thomas Kennedy

I enjoyed the trivia night and dress up; aero ball and rock climbing were my Favorite activities. The hike was challenging but it was worth the outstanding view. The marshmallow blessings were a very significant moment in my life.

By Ella Williams

My Camp Experience

All the Activities were decently fun such as surfing, Aeroball, volleyball and rock climbing. We also watched a movie was pretty interesting. The meals we consumed were also really good.

By Bo Reynolds

Student Leadership and VOS (Voice of Students)

Nominations have been open for a week. The closing date is Monday the 12th of February.

Here’s a great opportunity for you to self-nominate to be a College Leader. Qualities of commitment, respect, pride, trust (our College values), caring and willing to make positive changes to benefit the college community are what our student leadership team need. We need two Year 9 Middle School Captains, and two representatives from Year 7, 8, 10 and Year 11. The application form was posted in Compass or a hard copy can be obtained from Mrs Benn. The last section of the application requires a community member to write some brief comments about your ability to be a leader. Please think carefully about this opportunity and put in an application. An interview process will follow. Good Luck!

Mrs Benn

Zoo Club

Jess:

I love to see zoo club growing bigger from time to time and I’m glad that Mis Poland and David Poland brang them in for us to take care of.

Tahlia:

I am so grateful for David Poland and Mrs Poland for taking care of these wonderful animals while we were on school holidays, It is great to see more people coming to zoo club and wanting to be a part of it and a special thank you to our principle for ordering our badges for zoo club that we have now received.

Mylee:

Being apart of the zoo club is a wonderful opportunity that I hope most people will take in over the years. Watching these animals grow is an experience most other schools would not get to have.

Get to know the staff.

1. Name: Mr. Simkin
2. How long have you been at MNSC? 3 years
3. How long have you been teaching? 10 years
4. What subjects do you teach? I started with Philosophy and Global Politics in Melbourne, but now I teach Humanities and English.
5. Who/what inspired you to become a teacher? I just really enjoyed learning and I had some great university lecturers. I also found my personality suited teaching.
6. What pets do you have? No official pets but a wallaby lives outside my house named Mr. Wallaby and a pig named Frank wanders into my yard. My neighbour's guinea fowl also won’t leave us alone!
7. What are your main hobbies? I play guitar and piano, I like reading and I enjoy a craft beer.
8. Your favourite holiday destination? My favourite holiday was Japan because it was so unique and different, but my favourite local holiday spots are Walkerville South and the Prom.
9. What is your favourite food? Everything
10. What is your favourite movie? Pans Labyrinth, Lord of The Rings, and Interstellar.
11. What footy team do you go for? The Mighty Bombers, soon to be mighty again!
12. What is your biggest fear? Living a boring and pointless life.
13. What is the best compliment you have received? I don’t get many compliments, but my Year 12 class always say nice things to me.
14. What historical figure would you most like to meet? A philosopher called Socrates.
15. If someone wrote a book about your life what would the title be? The Amazing Adventures of an Absolute Genius and Really Humble Guy.

2024 House Captains

Exciting news!

Two of the four exchange students have now arrived in the sunny land of Oz from Germany. We welcome Mascha, Hailey’s exchange partner and Ben, Chris’ exchange partner. They will be with us until mid-April. If you see them around, make sure to say ‘Hallo’! Tschüss for now!