Year 9
Year 9 BRIDGES and Duke of Edinburgh Camps
After months of anticipation and preparation, the Year 9 students were excited to embark on their BRIDGES Camp. This annual camp is always a highlight for the students. This year, in conjunction with the BRIDGES Camp, a group of students also elected to complete the Duke of Edinburgh camp as part of the program.
The BRIDGES Camp was a chance for students to push themselves out of their comfort zones. The students spent three days in Kangaroobie, completing a very well-coordinated and structured Geography field trip of the 12 Apostles and Cape Otway Lighthouse led by Mrs Melanie Marsh, Mr Tony Grosso and Mr Sean Wogan. Students also completed a river study as part of the Science curriculum led by Mrs Sarah Avitabile and Mr Simon Gurowski. A big thank you to Mrs Melanie Marsh who coordinated and led the BRIDGES Camp.
For the Duke of Edinburgh students, it was an opportunity to take on the added responsibility of cooking for themselves, setting up their tents, cleaning up after themselves as well as supporting the other students in their group during the program. Thank you to Mrs Joanne Wood and Mrs Maree Clarke for coordinating and leading the Duke of Edinburgh Camp.
The overall mood of the girls was excitement, and the anticipation to disconnect from their busy routines was something many students could not wait for. During their time at camp the students participated in an Aboriginal Interpretation experience through the Worn Gundidj cooperative, bush cooking over an open fire and canoeing in the Gellibrand River.
During the time away, the girls bonded closely with each other and developed even greater relationships and friendships.
Since returning from camp, the students have shared wonderful stories, memories and advice with each other. The positive feedback indicated that the camp was a great success!
I truly would like to thank Mrs Melanie Marsh, Mrs Jane Ward, Mrs Sarah Avitabile, Ms Amanda Flynn, Miss Julia Smith, Mrs Breanna Neighbour, Miss Alana Wright, Ms Cara Mitchell, Mr Simon Gurowski, Mr Tony Grosso, Mr Sean Wogan, Mr David McKail, Mrs Maree Clarke, Mrs Joanne Wood, Mr Vince Camera, and Mr Derek Haagsma for their tremendous effort and contributions in making the BRIDGES and Duke of Edinburgh Camps so successful!
Duke of Edinburgh Practice Journey
The Duke of Edinburgh practice journey was lots of fun to do. For Group 2 we started with a 15km hike which I found enjoyable. The hike included lots of hills and uneven surfaces which gave it an added challenge. We also got to cook dinner on trangias and sleep in tents for the full outdoor camp experience.
Overall, I had a really great time at this camp, and it was a good opportunity to get an idea of what will happen in the qualifying camp later this year.
Emily Smith
Year 9
Year 9 Leadership Structure
Congratulations to the following students who have been awarded leadership positions for 2021:
Student Representative Council (SRC)
Nyrie Bedikian and Gabrielle Smyth
Community Action Leaders
Lola Martin and Bridgette Veneris
Sustainability Leaders
Caitlyn Singleton, Elke Madlener and Chloe Davis
Living Justice Leaders
Emily Smith and Mia Espinoza
Health and Wellbeing Leaders
Aline Boyadijian and Meghna Vinodhram
All applicants for these positions met the following criteria
- Visibly live the College Theme for 2021 - Wonder: Celebrating all that is good with joy and gratitude.
- Available to attend fortnightly Friday meetings promptly starting at 8.00am
- Have an excellent attendance record
- Lead by example e.g. wearing the correct school uniform
- Are willing to be flexible, work as a team and be a mentor for others.
The leaders will be provided with full leadership training run by 'yLead', an organisation that works with young people at schools to develop their leadership skills and help them to make a positive contribution to their community.
Everybody Happy
Kelly Nash visited the Year 9 students, presenting on a range of topics that explored the inconsistencies of the fashion and advertising industries and looked at strategies for feeling good in your body in a world that is bombarded by images of women who are photoshopped and altered.
Using her unique brand of comedy song and dance she challenged the students to rethink the popular notion of beauty. We don’t all come in the same package, there are many different shapes and sizes that are healthy and it's time to start celebrating and embracing diversity
Consent
On 27 April, Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement, Ms Stephanie Smyth presented to the Year 9 students on the topic of consent. Ms Smyth spoke of the brave young women who had come forward and empowered others to consider that consent is not just an issue for schools but one that needs to be addressed by the broader community.
In a year where our school theme inspires us to have Wonder- Celebrating all that is good with joy and gratitude, I felt it is important that Kilbreda lends its voice to call for positive and lasting change that brings about greater respect and safety for all women.
Student Achievement
Congratulations to Emmasen Bryant who auditioned for the Cecchetti Ballet Victoria Scholars program and secured a place for 2021. Cecchetti trained dances have achieved great success throughout the world. They are generally well regarded for their ability to adapt easily to many forms of dance. An amazing experience and achievement. Well done, Emmasen!
Leah Cristiano
Level Leader: Year 9