Recently, I came across a 1997 acceptance speech for a lifetime achievement award on American television by Fred Rogers. Affectionately known as Mr Rogers, he hosted a children’s program, ‘Mr Roger's Neighbourhood’ on Public Broadcasting System (PBS is America’s equivalent to Australia’s ABC) for decades, showing how people worked together and looked out for one another in a neighbourhood.

The central part to his acceptance speech was where he asked the audience (inside the auditorium and viewing on television) to ‘take 10 seconds and think of the people who have helped you become who you are…those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life.’ Then he followed by saying ‘Ten seconds of silence, I’ll watch the time.’ He, then, paused for 10 seconds and looked at his watch so that people could think of those who have helped them. It was a powerful moment to watch and reflect.

So, I would like to extend his invitation – take 10 seconds today and reflect on the people who have helped you become who you are, and, if you are able, then send them a note, message, email and thank them.

(For those interested, here is a YouTube link to that speech - Fred Rogers 1997 Emmy Lifetime Award Acceptance Speech

VCE External Written Exams

Year 12 VCE external written exams begin next week with English on Wednesday 26 October at 9am. This 3-hour written exam kicks off the VCE external written exams for students doing Year 12 subjects in 2022. (Oral and performance exams have already been conducted during the last month.)

Philosophy Cafe

This year, students from our Year 11 Philosophy class have had the privilege to explore their content and ideas in a different format to most classes.

Students have, on several occasions, attended local cafes to explore ideas in a different setting to school and instead in a manner characteristic of the great philosophers of the past, and many great thinkers philosophical, scholastic, political, and theological.

With the opportunity to unpack ideas ranging from the metaphysical to the ethical, not only have these experiences been deeply enriching but they have also been profoundly thought provoking – inspiring enquiry into a whole range of questions and issues, some of which we’ve been able to agree on, and some of which are irresolvable.

It’s also been a fantastic chance to explore matters of taste – namely in aesthetics (VCE Unit 2 Area of Study 2) but admittedly also gastronomical.

Mr West would like to thank the class including Indiana B, Kareena C, Jeremy C, Shay J, Faith K, Bethany O, Rajvir S, and Yuxuan W for their exemplary behaviour and representation of the College on these numerous excursions.

Debating

Over the course of the year, students from Years 9-12 have competed in the Debating Association of Victoria’s regional competition.

Initially, our teams had very little debating experience and so in our first few rounds, we faced several narrow (and a few not-so-narrow) defeats.

But as the season progressed, and the skills of our debaters strengthened many of our teams began to taste victory.

By the end of the inter-school competition, the results held a few pleasant surprises:

Our A Grade Team (Year 12), Good News Lutheran College 1 came joint second
Our B Grade Team (Year 11) Good News Lutheran College 1 came fourth, while Good News Lutheran College 2 sadly did not place
In the C Grade (Year 10) competition both teams Good News Lutheran College 1 & Good News Lutheran College 2 came joint third
Our youngest interschool debaters, in the D Grade (Year 9) competition Good News Lutheran College 1 came fifth

Congratulations to every student who contributed to these amazing results.

Mr West would like to thank all the staff who have helped make each debating training session and evening possible – particularly Mr Vladamir Hnatejko; the parents who have travelled to collect students from Geelong Grammar in Corio when debates have been in person; and, Mia C who has served as the 2022 Debating Captain and coached her peers, while selflessly providing afternoon tea and snacks at every meeting – Mia your impact has been profound, words cannot express how grateful the entire team is for you.

The debate team is already hard at work preparing and sharpening their skills for the 2023 season.

Students interested in joining the Senior Years Debating Team next year should speak to Mr West.

Year 10 Camp

53 students and 7 teachers went on a 3-day camp to Anglesea in the last week of the school holidays. Although the weather did everything possible to discourage “fun”, the students and teachers were not deterred at all. This camp, which is predominately a “water activity” one, had students and staff surfing, paddle boarding and canoeing in cloudy and not so warm weather. Memories were created, new friendships made, and surfing careers born! We celebrated a birthday Thenukan T and a 21st wedding anniversary for Mrs Wickson. Congratulations again to you.

Camp was a fun time for everyone, as we were all able to talk to some people we never really talk to. The amount of free time where we were able to hang out and just chill with all our friends, and more was really nice. The variety of games was a highlight, as well as the walk down to the shops. It was a fun time to relax and spend time with schoolmates without the stress of SACS and EXAMS.

Mitchell B

On day 1 my group the kingfishers went kayaking and got very wet when we went for a swim. On day 2 we went mountain biking on a trail that was thin and was quite challenging, followed by surfing later on in the day which was fun, and we could ride waves, but I was terrible at it. And on the final day we did paddle boarding. At first, I wasn’t too enthusiastic about it, as I was a little worried and it was cold but by the end of the activity, I had fun. Overall camp was a great experience for me and spending time with friends and overcoming some worries.

Madit M

Throughout the 5th and 7th of October, the Year 10s, along with the staff, went down to Anglesea for the Year 10 camp. The activities that were running included surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, mountain biking, and many more little activities. The grade was split into smaller groups for the activities to run smoothly. My group did mountain biking on the first day, which was quite fun and inclusive (+ good weather). On the second day, we began with surfing and then did stand-up paddle boarding later. Unfortunately, I can't swim, so my goal the whole time was to not fall into the water, which was quite successful. On the last day, we had kayaking which the weather got quite intense towards the end, and before returning to school we took a tour of the chocolate factory somewhere near Anglesea. Overall, the camp was fun and enjoyable and hopefully, there will be more to come.

Rita H

Year 12 Transition : Alumni Guest Speakers

On Wednesday our Year 12 Students met with several of our College Alumni, who shared their study and pathway stories and provided very helpful and useful information on the journey ahead with exams, tertiary studies and the wider world of work. Some key points our Year 12’s took away were:

Real life examples of pathways toward your end goal/course
The broader benefits of studying a Double degree and Arts degrees
Plan but also be prepared to be flexible. Things can and will change; if you’re too focused you might miss out on other opportunities that are there for you
Follow your heart; the rest will fit into place
Engage with your Lecturers they are very knowledgeable
How to navigate the University timetable
A typical day at University
The importance and benefits of student support services at University
The importance of part time work in your related Industry while you are studying
How you can get involved in University life
If you get stuck about your destination; think about your favourite subjects and where they can lead
The benefits of Early Entry programs

German Poetry Competition