Teaching & Learning
Year 7 Debating
On Wednesday 9 September, six enthusiastic Year 7 students took part in a specialised debate training session with the Debating Association of Victoria, where they explored the pillars of effective debating - manner, method, and matter. Through practical activities and guided coaching, students strengthened their speaking confidence, sharpened their argument structure, and learned how to present ideas with clarity and impact. Students participated in quick ‘on the spot’ debates with students from around Victoria.
Our Year 7 debating team will compete in upcoming online debates in November. We wish them the best of luck!
Ms Quayle & Ms Nguyen
Debating and Literacy Club Coordinators
Victorian Student’s Parliamentary Program
On 15 and 16 September, six Lyndale students proudly represented the College at the Victorian Students’ Parliamentary Program (VSPP) Online Secondary Schools’ Parliamentary Convention, joining students from across the state to debate one of Victoria’s most current and complex issues: Should Victoria require registration and licensing for e‑bikes and e‑scooters, or are there better ways to regulate them?
Across two days, students engaged in a program of parliamentary learning, expert presentations, and collaborative discussions. The Convention opened with a welcome from facilitator Sandra Venneri, followed by an official address from Nina Taylor MP, and an introduction to how laws are made in Victoria. Students then participated in pre‑polling, delivered opening statements, and worked in breakout discussion groups to analyse the topic from multiple perspectives.
A highlight of Day 1 was hearing from two keynote speakers:
- Associate Professor Milad Haghani, who explored urban mobility and safety, and
- Garry Brennan from Bicycle Network, who discussed community use, infrastructure and policy considerations.
Day 2 included a Parliament Quiz, finalisation of group statements, a lively Soapbox session, and a formal vote where students acted as delegates and appointed whips to report results. The Convention concluded with closing remarks from Brad Rowswell MP.
Our students showed thoughtful engagement throughout the program, working collaboratively, considering different viewpoints, and developing a clearer understanding of how civic decision‑making works. We’re proud of the way they displayed the College values.
Year 9 Chinese Excursion to Chinatown
Our Year 9 Chinese class recently enjoyed an exciting day exploring Melbourne’s Chinatown, putting their classroom learning into practice while experiencing different aspects of Chinese culture.
The day began with an energetic Kung Fu workshop, led by Master Damien. Students learned a range of basic Kung Fu movements and techniques and had the opportunity to practise the skills themselves. It was a fun and active way to learn more about an important part of Chinese culture.
After working up an appetite, we headed to a local wonton restaurant for a delicious lunch. Students enjoyed a variety of dishes, including noodles, rice and, of course, wontons! There was also an unexpected bonus for some lucky students, who had the chance to spin a prize wheel and walked away with free drinks and food.
We finished the excursion with a Chinatown scavenger hunt. Students explored the bustling streets in small groups, searching shopfronts, signs and displays for Chinese characters they could recognise. Some students even interacted with local shop owners, giving them a chance to engage with the community and use their language and communication skills outside the classroom.
It was a fantastic day filled with culture, food, language and plenty of fun. Well done to our Year 9 Chinese class for their enthusiastic participation throughout the excursion!
Chenfei Bian
Victorian State Schools Spectacular
Our students had a great time at the highly anticipated Victorian State Schools Spectacular on Saturday 29 August 2026.
It's been amazing to see our students dedicate their time to preparing for this opportunity - it certainly paid off when it came to the final performance!
