Faculty News

This year we welcomed Ms Genelle Jones to the Science teaching team at Mazenod. Ms Jones brings a wealth of science knowledge and experience as a former laboratory technician from St. Francis Xavier. Since starting, Ms. Jones has played an active role in establishing the Mazenod Science Club, after receiving overwhelming support from students across Years 7 to 9 in Term 1. The Science club has grown to around 30 regular members and provides an opportunity for young, like-minded science enthusiasts to socialise, explore science ideas and participate in various challenges and competitions. It has been wonderful to witness Year 9 students mentoring and assisting their younger peers during their recent crystal-growing competition, as well as seeing the excitement the club brings to many of the students’ school lives.  

In early August, members of the club will participate in the online International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ), hosted by the Royal Australia Chemistry Institute (RACI). Each year, over 59,000 students from across 21 countries participate in the ICQ which is designed to promote the study of chemistry amongst secondary school students. We wish our students all the very best in the upcoming competition.   

Below is a reflection from Year 8 students, Senuka De Silva (8 Simonds) and Vishnu Bhimaraju (8 Simonds), on their Science Club experiences so far: 

We started Science Club around the end of Term 1. During our first lesson, we learnt of RACI and how they host a crystal-growing competition. In Term 2, we started creating the crystals with the help and guidance of Ms Jones and the lab techs. This was one of the most incredible experiences that I have ever had. The crystals were mixed with (a high concentration of) copper sulphate, making them an incredible blue, and some students experimented with other colours such as green and red. We were amazed by the intricate patterns and shapes that the crystals formed, and we were excited to submit our entry to the RACI competition. We worked tirelessly to ensure that our crystals met all the competition requirements. This experience has sparked a newfound love for science in many of us, and we are already excited about our next project for the Science club.  

In a few weeks, there will be a competition in chemistry. The competition is a fun challenge that students can partake in and is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn and experience new things about chemistry and the periodic table. This opportunity is something that can ignite a student’s interest in chemistry, which is something that could lead to a huge passion.  

The Science club is open to all students in Years 7 to 9 and meets every Thursday lunchtime in GS2. New members are warmly welcome.

Jennifer Vissenjoux

Science Coordinator (7-9)