Middle School Report

Message from the 

Director of  Learning - Middle School

Ms Michelle Collins

Wow, what a term! Just like that, we are halfway through 2023! This is a good time to pause, reflect, and check-in with your goals for the year. Are you putting time and effort into achieving your goals or have you let things slide a little as the cold weather sets in? Taking the time to set clear and achievable goals for your learning can help you stay motivated and on track with your studies. 

When we return in Term 3, students in both Year 9 and Year 10 will have to select their subjects for 2024. While it might seem far away, the subject selection process ensures a smooth transition into the following year. These decisions should be carefully considered and discussed with parents/guardians and subject teachers. 

Year 9 students will choose their iCreate subjects and two elective classes. Year 10 students will choose their VCE/VM subjects for their transition into Senior School. Students have already been supported in this process through events like the Careers Expo and the Work Experience program in Semester One.

In Semester Two, we will continue to run information sessions, excursions, and workshops to assist in pathway and subject selection. 

I would like to thank everyone for another wonderful term and keep up the amazing work in Term 3! We hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday break!

Middle School Camp

The Year 9s and 10s had the opportunity to attend Camp Rumbug from 5/6/23 to 7/6/23 and it was an unforgettable experience. Luckily, Camp Rumbug is surrounded by beautiful bushland and a serene lake which made every moment at the camp so relaxing and fun! The camp was top-notch, with comfortable cabins, a large dining hall, and plenty of fun outdoor activities.

During camp, we participated in a range of activities, including the mud run, giant swing, canoeing and even an amazing flying fox (my personal favourite). The counsellors were knowledgeable and supportive, encouraging us to challenge ourselves and try new things and step out of our comfort zone. However, with all these activities included big chunks of walking throughout the day, up hills and down hills, but luckily the food made up for it.

One of the highlights of my time at Camp Rumbug was definitely the campfire the night before we left. It was a clear night, and we could see the stars shining brightly above us. Our guide helped us toast marshmallows over a big fire and had us dance to music in the bush, it was a joyful time and I enjoyed it a lot. Overall, Camp Rumbug was a fantastic experience that allowed me to connect with nature, step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself in new ways. It was a wonderful opportunity to go on a trip like this with all my friends, so I thank all the teachers who came along and helped plan the camp!

Khaing Lin Year 10

Meet the Teachers

This term, our Year 9 and 10 students are thinking about their future career pathways so we asked our Middle School teachers – ‘What is one piece of advice that you would give your younger self?

’“Stick to your choice and don't be distracted by the attractions or the choice that you didn't choose.” Mr Ji

"Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” - Rainer Maria Rilke Ms Moore

“When life's plans unravel, be brave - there is always something better around the corner just waiting for you.” Ms Borgonha

 “Get a haircut.” Mr Goulimis

“Follow your heart, it usually knows what it's doing.” Mr Murray 

“Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath and start again.” Ms Collins

Classroom Corner

A snapshot of what is happening in our Middle School classrooms:

Monash University Campus Experiences: An Inspiring Journey of Year 10 Students 

We are thrilled to share the exciting excursion that our Year 10 students recently embarked upon. Our enthusiastic students from Year 10 had the opportunity to visit the prestigious Monash University Clayton Campus. This excursion was aimed at providing our students with a glimpse into the world of higher education and inspiring them to pursue their academic and career aspirations.

The excursion itinerary was carefully crafted to showcase the diverse academic offerings and facilities available at Monash University. Our students had the privilege of participating in interactive workshops and engaging discussions led by Monash staff and students. One of the highlights of the excursion was the campus tour led by Monash student ambassadors. They led our students through the state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, lecture halls, and recreational facilities. This immersive experience allowed our students to envision themselves as part of the university community, igniting their aspirations and motivating them to strive for academic excellence.

Moreover, the excursion provided a valuable opportunity for our students to interact with Monash University students and faculty members. They engaged in thought-provoking conversations, asking questions about academic programs, student life, and extracurricular activities. These interactions not only deepened their understanding of university education but also gave them a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse campus culture.

We look forward to sharing more exciting experiences and achievements with you in the future.

Mr. Jeffrey Ji

Humanities Teacher

Year 9 and 10 Elective: Lit Histories

The students in Lit Histories have been studying the history of crime and punishment. After our excursion to the Old Melbourne Gaol, students were tasked with completing further research on the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly and created a folio of written tasks. Here is a taste of what the talented students have produced. 

Obituary

Edward “Ned” Kelly by Tristan Chan                       Friday 12th November 1880

Edward Kelly was hanged yesterday morning at 10 o’clock in the Melbourne Gaol. A number of journalists, prison officials and police officials witnessed his hanging. It is reported that Kelly’s last words were: “Ah, well I suppose” or “Ah well I suppose it has come to this”.

Edward Kelly, widely known as Ned Kelly was said to be born sometime in December 1854. Kelly is the son of the late John Kelly and Ellen Quinn Kelly and has eight other siblings including Dan Kelly, who was killed in the shootout at Glenrowan that led to Edward Kelly being captured. 

As a child, Kelly saved 10-year-old Richard Shelton from drowning in a creek. For his actions, Kelly was given a green silk sash by the Shelton family. It is said that he wore the sash during his final shootout at Glenrowan. Perhaps he kept that sash with him for so many years because it reminded him of his own bravery and courage.

In 1878, Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick went to the Kelly household to arrest Dan Kelly who was accused of horse stealing. A fight led to Constable Fitzpatrick being shot in his wrist by Ned Kelly. As a result, Ellen Quinn Kelly was arrested for aiding an attempted murder and sentenced to three years in prison. Ned Kelly, Dan Kelly, Joe Byrne and Steve Hart fled and went into hiding. The four men formed the infamous Kelly gang. 

The Kelly gang proceeded to rob the National Bank at Euroa in Victoria which led to them being declared as outlaw and a 500-pound bounty was put on each member’s head. 

While on the run, the gang discovered a group of four policemen sent to track them down near Stringybark Creek. The gang ambushed Constables Lonigan and McIntyre in their camp, Kelly then shot Lonigan dead as Lonigan was reaching for his revolver. McIntyre immediately surrendered. The two other policemen returned to their camp and were both shot by the Kelly gang. I say that this confrontation was a case of self-defense as if they wish to kill Constable Lonigan and McIntyre, they would have just shot them both without a second thought, but Ned Kelly only shot Lonigan because he reached for his gun. It was also possible that the gang did not know that the men were police as at Ned Kelly’s trial, McIntyre said that the policemen were not in uniform.

Four months after the incident at Stringybark Creek, the Gang robbed a second bank, the Jerilderie bank of New South Wales and a warrant was issued by the governor of New South Wales for their arrest as well. The gang continued their journey through the bush, evading the police at every turn. During this time, the gang created their famous suits of armor which would be used in the final shootout at Glenrowan.

14 months following their robbery of the Jerilderie Bank of New South Wales. The Kelly gang are reported to have shot Aaron Sherritt for helping the police. It is unknown why Sherritt helped the police, but his betrayal was enough justification for the Kelly Gang to go after and kill him. 

A day after, the Kelly gang took over the Glenrowan inn with hostages inside. A train carrying the police arrived at Glenrowan and besieged the inn. The police started to fire into the inn with their rifles and revolvers but the armor that the gang constructed protected them. However, due to the carelessness of the police force, two innocent civilians were shot and killed in the siege. The Kelly gang held out for as long as possible, they even managed to get the remaining civilians out of the building. But the Kelly gang were picked off one by one until only Ned Kelly was left alive. He was severely wounded and was transported to the Melbourne Gaol right after the siege ended. 

Kelly was tried for the murder of a constable by Judge Redmond Barry who sentenced Kelly’s mother to jail for three years. Kelly’s defense was not given enough time nor resources to prepare properly for the trial. This trial was deliberately unjust against Kelly and judge Redmond Barry may have also had biases against the Kelly family for their Irish Heritage, something that I have personally noticed to be widespread in Victoria and the other colonies. Though it may seem that Kelly died in vain for his cause but his message has reached every man in every colony on this continent. He will be remembered for fighting the injustice and oppression of the government and we shall keep his legacy.

Extended Response Paragraph

By Somchai Somchai 9B

To what extended should Ned Kelly be remembered as a courageous hero? 

Ned Kelly, the infamous Australian outlaw, is a figure that has polarized opinions throughout history. While some argue that he should be remembered as a courageous hero, others dismiss him as a criminal. Based on the evidence at hand, it is evident that Ned Kelly deserves to be remembered as a courageous hero due to his defiance against an unjust system, his compassion for the marginalized, and his enduring impact on Australian culture. Firstly, Ned Kelly's defiance against an unjust system is a testament to his courage. Born into a world of hardship and inequality, Kelly experienced firsthand the injustices faced by his family, the working class and the immigrants. His rebellious acts were not born out of a desire for personal gain, but rather a fight against a system that oppressed the common people. His audacious bank robberies were accompanied by eloquently written letters that outlined his grievances and sought to expose the hypocrisy of those in power. In one of his eloquently written letters, Ned Kelly expressed his defiance and determination to fight against the injustices he perceived, stating, "I will give the straight facts and let the people judge me as they please. If they consider me guilty, I am, but such guilt as mine, if guilt it be, must fall on the shoulders of others who have driven me to it" (Kelly, 1879). This quote exemplifies Kelly's unwavering belief in the need to expose the corrupt forces that oppressed the common people and his willingness to shoulder the blame for his actions. Despite his criminal activities, there are accounts of his acts of kindness, such as saving a young boy from drowning. These moments of humanity amidst his tumultuous life highlight his empathy and a desire to protect the vulnerable in society. Kelly's actions were driven by a sense of justice and a belief that all individuals, regardless of their social standing, deserved fair treatment. Furthermore, Ned Kelly's enduring impact on Australian culture reinforces his status as a courageous hero. His life and exploits have become legendary, immortalised in folk songs, literature, and popular culture. As the Australian writer Peter Carey aptly stated, "Kelly's voice has always been a powerful one, speaking to the Australian experience of a fair go and the fight against authority" (Carey, 2000). Kelly's story continues to captivate the imagination of the Australian people, with debates surrounding his legacy persisting to this day. His defiance against authority and his willingness to stand up for what he believed in have resonated with generations, inspiring others to question the status quo and fight against injustice. In summary, Ned Kelly's bravery can be perceived in his rejection of an unfair system, sympathy for the downtrodden, and enduring imprint on Australian society. While some may have considered his acts unlawful, his unrelenting drive to fight a system rife with unfairness and corruption cannot be overlooked. With his complex and diverse demeanour, Ned Kelly stands as a symbol of heroism and resistance, deserving of recognition as a brave hero. 

Year 10 Work Experiences Visit

This week, our Year 10 students will be stepping out of the classroom and into professional settings, immersing themselves in real-world work environments. They will have the chance to observe professionals, collaborate with teams, and experience the day-to-day responsibilities of their chosen fields. This hands-on experience is an essential stepping stone toward building their skills, confidence, and understanding of the working world.

The work experience program offers numerous benefits for our students. Firstly, it allows them to explore their interests and passions, helping them discover potential career paths they may not have considered before. By observing professionals in action, they can gain a clearer understanding of the skills and qualifications required in different industries.

We would like to express our gratitude to the businesses and organizations that have generously opened their doors to our students, offering them the chance to learn and grow. Their support and guidance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our students' lives, and we are incredibly thankful for their commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals.

As parents and teachers, we play a vital role in supporting our students during this exciting journey. Encourage your children to embrace new challenges, ask questions, and make the most of this unique opportunity. Take the time to discuss their experiences each day, allowing them to reflect on what they have learned and how it aligns with their interests and aspirations.

“I really enjoyed working here, my main jobs are being an assistant and clean up. It’s a really valuable experience when stepping out from the classroom.” Joey Do 

“These kids are ‘bullying’ me, but it is good you know, it means they like me and they love to play with me. It feels so good and I learned a lot here.” --Mo Ah (Primary School)

“I found some jobs are easy and boring at first, but after I observed and learned with the senior staff, I found that if I want to make the easy job to be perfect, then they are not boring at all.”--Lucas Nagliati (Tech Company)

I hope you enjoyed and learned well with the content so far. 

Ms Michelle Collins

Director of Learning Middle School