Senior School Highlights

Robotics and Engineering Elective Reflection

In semester one, a group of Year 9 students participated in the Robotics and Engineering Elective.

In this class we attempted to build a self-planting, vegetable growing FarmBot. This involved assembling a gantry that hangs over a planter bow, with a programmed arm that plants seeds, waters vegetables, destroys weeds and measures the condition of the soil.

The main challenges we faced were the construction of the wooden planter box frame, and using the somewhat complicated 3-D printing system.

Since the parts for the FarmBot were expensive, we decided to challenge ourselves and 3-D print some pieces out of plastic. This meant we had to design each piece using specialised software and transfer the measurements onto the UP Printing Program. From there we could print almost anything we needed for the robot.

Although we didn’t get the robot complete in the time frame we were allocated, what was built was definitely an achievement for all of us. The hard work and patience each team member showed was above expectation.

I believe everyone’s efforts deserves to be commended, as the results reflect our hard work and team spirit. Facing several challenges along the way, each of us discovered and improved our problem solving skills, and most importantly, developed an open minded approach to trying out new activities and to working in teams. 

Thank you to Mr Alexander for his enthusiastic and encouraging approach to this challenge, and also for introducing my team mates and I to new and exciting life experiences and concepts.

I would definitely recommend the elective to anyone interested. I have grown in my abilities and knowledge, and most importantly, made some strong friendships along the way.

Annika Challice - Year 9

A Cross-Curricular Masterclass!

English

On the 16th of June, we were given the wonderful opportunity to attend an exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria by one of the most renowned artists of the 19th Century – Vincent Van Gogh. The exhibition showcased some of Van Gogh’s artwork that revolved predominantly around the seasons and how they changed.

I was inspired by the numerous art pieces that depicted how the change in seasons affected ‘commoners’ such as  the farmers and coal miners of the 19th Century, and how it mimics the cycle of life.

I hope to craft a written response in the form of poem or a letter from Van Gogh’s perspective that does his artwork justice.

Leanne Chua - Year 10 

Art

It was really interesting to learn about Vincent Van Gogh’s life and the different places he was in, both physically and mentally, when he created his paintings.

The exhibition clearly displayed Van Gogh’s seasons and what they represented.

Not only did we get to see many of his finest works, we also saw a collection of pen and ink drawings and Japanese prints that he had collected as inspiration.  I found it interesting to discover the source of some of his ideas and how these later developed into his own work.

We were also able to see the transition between some of his old works, which were quite dull in colour, to his more recent works which were vibrant and colourful. 

Amy Pontifex - Year 10 

French

For the Van Gogh exhibition, we attended a presentation completely in French. 

I personally found this extremely interesting and valuable. Not only were we able to have practice discussions about what we were seeing, but we also learnt new vocabulary which expands our ability to eloquently express ourselves in French. 

I believe that it's important to be able to have conversations about art, music, politics and culture. However, while I understand French quite well, I still have difficulties in wholly expressing myself so having such opportunities to practise is invaluable for my future.

What I learnt in this workshop will certainly be useful to me when travelling or going on exchange, where I can discuss art in a technical and sophisticated way.

Imogen Thomas - Year 10 

Following on from this excursion, these students will meet in Term 3 to develop written pieces and artwork which will then be displayed at the Kilvington Art Show later in the year.

It was a fantastic opportunity for the three Faculties to work together, and to share our unique skills to create something amazing!

Rosie Busuttil  - Academic Dean of Visual Arts

Lucie Dickens - Academic Dean of LOTE

Marian Le Bas - Academic Dean of English

Our Journey to Japan 

Excitement coursed through our veins as we stepped off the plane into Fukuoka Airport, eyes wide with wonder.

We felt both excited and nervous as we boarded the 'shinkansen' (train), on our way to meet our first set of host families in Hiroshima.

Murmurs of 'I wonder what my host family will be like?' and 'how am I going to survive with my limited Japanese?!' filled the carriage as it ricocheted towards Hiroshima.

Hiroshima

However, this unease dissipated instantly upon meeting our new families, who were wonderfully warm and welcoming.  

Arriving at our new homes, our experiences over the next few days differed greatly. Some of us had the opportunity to view grand structures, such as Hiroshima Castle or Kintaikyo Bridge, whilst others took the chance to explore the expanse of the bustling city. Despite the variance in activity, we all came away with wonderful stories to tell! 

Before we knew it, our time in Hiroshima came to an end. With much reluctance, we departed for Kyoto; shedding tears, exchanging hugs and promising to 'kesshite wasuremasen' - never forget.

Kyoto

After checking into the ‘ryokan’ (traditional Japanese inn), we visited an abundance of  beautiful temples and museums.  However, the surprising highlight of Kyoto turned out to be karaoke!

We had many fun moments here, from Mr de Winter performing a heart wrenching rendition of Mariah Carey’s 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' to Alejandro’s unintended lesson on how to properly pronounce the Spanish lyrics in the 'Macarena'. Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed this experience!

Ogaki

The next few days of the trip were spent in the countryside of Ogaki, so vastly different to the bustling streets of Hiroshima and Kyoto. 

Here we had the privilege of wearing the culturally significant and representative attire of kimono. We visited the picturesque Ogaki Castle, and were also fortunate enough to meet the mayor of Ogaki, from whom we learned more about the city.

However, as quickly as we came, our time for departure arrived. Leaving with fervent promises to keep in touch with our new friends and family, we boarded the train bound for Tokyo. 

Tokyo

Overarching skyscrapers and neon lights punctuated the lively streets of Tokyo. Here we  visited a myriad of famous sights, including the heights of the towering Tokyo Skytree and the crowded Shibuya crossing. Along with our host siblings, we also had the privilege of going to Tokyo Disney Sea, a longtime dream for many of us!

It was with a heavy heart that we finally left for the airport to return to Australia, the image of our host families waving goodbye still imprinted in our hearts and minds.

We feel exceptionally lucky to have met and stayed with such warm, kind and accommodating people, people from whom we learnt much.

We still desperately miss Japan, and no doubt will remember this experience for a long time to come.

Gabby Lim - Year 10