English and Humanities

Shrine Ambassador - Nandira Xavier

Last year I was selected to be one of the Shrine of Remembrance Student Ambassadors.  As part of that role all Ambassadors were taken to Canberra to visit the Australian War Memorial during the last holidays.

On arrival we were welcomed by Director Chris Widenbar who spent an hour with us discussing the different battles and wars remembered in specific galleries throughout the Memorial.  In each we were told stories of the leadership skills that were displayed by the troops. Following this session, we were given free time to investigate the different galleries. After 1.00pm, we gathered again at a nearby cafe to have lunch with the Spirit of ANZAC Award Prize winners of 2018. They were all around our age group and from all across Australia, so it was rather interesting getting to know and speak with most of them. At 2.00pm, we headed back to the Education Centre, where we learned about Australia’s engagement in various world wars in regards to the technology used and predominant leadership figures. We then continued to enjoy our free time by navigating our way through the galleries in two groups.

As the evening approached, I was honoured to be chosen as one of the two wreath layers at the Last Post Ceremony.  This was a very moving experience to be involved in. Our study trip concluded around 6.00pm as our flight back to Melbourne was to depart at 6.50pm. I appreciated the opportunity of going on this intensive study trip to Canberra as it was an exceptional learning experience.

Applications are now open for current Year 8 students to apply for the program in 2020.  It is an opportunity I encourage all to consider. 

Nandira Xavier, Year 9 St Emilie

Year 12 Ethics

In the Year 12 Ethics unit, students study about ethical decision-making and moral judgement, they explore methods of ethical decision-making in at least two religious traditions and as well as explore ethical issues in societies where multiple worldviews coexist.  The main ethical issue that is being investigated during our current classes is ‘ethical fashion’.  As consumers, I’m sure we all love a bargain.  But have you every stopped and thought about the process and conditions that certain workers endure in order to make a piece of clothing?  On Thursday 25th of July, the Year 12 Ethics classes along with the VCAL students had the pleasure of listening to a guest speaker Ms Sheridan Kane from Ethical  Clothing Australia (ECA). Ethical Clothing Australia is a not for profit organisation that independently  accredits businesses that produce textiles, clothing or footwear in Australia, ensuring that their workers are being paid appropriately, receiving all the legal minimum conditions and working in safe workplace, throughout their entire supply chain. There are many Australian companies that are accredited such as:  CUE, Veronica Maine, Perri Cutten and Nobody Denim to name a few. Feel free to visit ECA’s website if you are interested in finding out more at https://ethicalclothingaustralia.org.au/

Ms Litza Katsikoyannis, Year 12 Ethics Teacher