Secondary School News

Judith Clelland

Assistant Principal

Secondary Education

Class 9 Steiner Hike to Baw Baw National Park

For our first hike for the 2021 Year 9C Hike Program we explored and hiked in the area of Mt Baw Baw, part of the Australian Alps Walking Track. This area was chosen for the challenges it will offer the students, the possibilities for exploring, the gaining of some insight into Australia’s natural environment. In the remote natural setting, students were required to work with each other to be successful, enjoyable and enriching journey. Students gained practical experience in observing the importance this area plays for recreation and the significant role it plays in ecology and the habitats that surround it.

During this program students further extended their understanding of the degree of responsibility and planning that are required for hiking for a week. The aims of the trip included; self-catering, travel skills, task responsibility and personal, socio-cultural and environmental sustainability.

It was a pleasure to introduce hiking to the student for 2021 and we look forward to 3 more hikes this year to the Great Ocean Walk term 2, Grampians term 3 and the High Country term 4.

Sarah Alexander

Collingwood College Camp Coordinator

VCAL Camp to Phillip Island

With the support of the Y11 VCAL students, the Y12 VCAL students recently planned and implemented a short camp to Phillip Island. As part of their assessment, students worked towards a strict budget and were responsible for contacting all companies and arranging the necessary health and safety protocols. Students visited the Vietnamese War Museum, The Penguin Parade and the Clip and Climb activity centre and we stayed at the The Big Wave Accommodation where students prepared food together in the kitchen. Myself and Euan were so impressed with how well the students stayed organised, worked together and supported each other and now we cannot wait for the next camp!

Vicky DeRome

Senior Student Support, 7-12 English Teacher, 11-12 VCAL Teacher

Collingwood College

On the 1st of March, Year 11 and 12 VCAL went on a two day trip to Phillip Island. The trip was organised and planned out by VCAL students. We participated in activities such as visiting the Vietnam Veteran War Museum, watching little penguins waddle out of the water at the Penguin Parade and climbing really tall walls at Clip n Climb.

During the planning process the class was split up into different groups to organise the itinerary, food plans, the accomodation and transport. Although the bus company wasn't helpful, it was a successful operation.

Overall the VCAL Philip Island trip was an exciting and memorable experience and we would all love to do it again. Big thanks to all of VCAL and especially Vicki and Euan for tagging along and being the best.

Kasey Galloway & Zizi Morreo

Year 11

Introducing the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at Collingwood College

Class 9 & 10 students of Collingwood College are starting to embark on a terrific journey with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards program.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a unique and exciting opportunity for young people (aged 14-25) to get out of their comfort zone and develop their initiative, self-esteem and sense of adventure. It is the world’s leading youth achievement Award, empowering young people with the skills and opportunities to realise their full potential and go beyond academic success. The Duke of Ed Award can be achieved at three different levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

There are four sections – Physical Recreation (a sport or exercise), Voluntary Service (unpaid voluntary work), Skills (non-physical ability) & Adventurous Journeys. As the levels increase, the time commitment required to complete each level also increases. The Award is self-directed by each young person – they choose the activities they would like to pursue and set goals for each section.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is internationally recognized and can help students in many aspects of their lives. The Award has helped participants find jobs (both part-time and careers), apply for both national and international scholarship programs and University applications. Both Latrobe University’s Aspire Program and Australian Catholic University’s Early Achievers Program have community service criteria which is fulfilled by any level of The Duke of Ed Award, increasing your student’s chance of receiving a university placement.

We welcome you to contact our Duke of Ed Coordinator Sarah Alexander on saraha@collingwood.edu.au if you have any further questions.

To find out more about the program visit www.dukeofedvic.org.au.

This program is open to all Collingwood Students from Class 9-12 and in the coming months, the program coordinator will be in touch with students and families to help start your adventure…. Are you #worldready?

Melbourne Victory Holiday Program

Melbourne Victory will be delivering a revamped school holiday program in April 2021 and we want to invite secondary school aged students.

The Holiday Program, delivered by Melbourne Victory, will provide participants with the opportunity to engage with Melbourne Victory staff, coaches and players, as well as participate in education and employment sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills as well as learn and improve their football skills and knowledge through daily training sessions and games.

This program is targeted at young people from African and Pacifica backgrounds, with a focus on engaging them during their holiday break and time away from the structure of schooling and education.

The Holiday Program in 2021 will be delivered across 8 days, split into two, 4-day programs each holiday break. The two programs will target schools and participants in the South & East of Melbourne and schools and participants in the North & West of Melbourne.

As COVID-19 restrictions are ever present, program venues are still being confirmed and will be communicated directly to young people who register for the program.

Registrations are now open and can be completed via this link: http://myclubvictory.com.au/melbourne-victory-holiday-program/.

Please note registration numbers are restricted, so we encourage early sign up.

We hope to host young people from all across Melbourne, providing them with an opportunity to develop key skills and engage with new friends during their holiday break.

For more information please see the link above.

Kind regards

Tim De Graaf