Year 7 Buddies

By Mikha Thapa, Year 7, The Ridgeway Campus

As a new student in Year 7, my experience with the Year 11 buddy system has been nothing but positive. My buddy’s name is Siri and I’ve spent the last couple of months with her learning a lot about our school. At first, I was quite hesitant to have a Year 11 buddy and frankly I did not know what the point of having one was. I thought “It’s not like I am in prep and don’t know how to ask directions.” Now I realise that having a Year 11 buddy means having someone in the school like a big sister who you can reach out for anything. This includes simple things like asking “does the canteen sell ice cream?”

I always look forward to our Tuesday catch ups so I can ask her all the things that I don’t think are big enough questions for teachers. She has helped me with many things like getting around the school, all my curious questions about the camp, what to expect in the swimming carnival and has also offered me help with homework if I need any. She is there to guide me through the troubles I may have in Year 7. Siri has made me so comfortable around her that I know I can reach out to her even just to have a chat with her about my personal life. Seeing how much of an impact she has made in my transition to school, I am inspired myself to become a great

buddy when I am in year 11.

Year 7 and 12 First Day Back

By Jess Hooker, Year 12, The Ridgeway Campus

The first day of school for the Year 12s is a half day which takes place the day before the rest of the school returns. The idea behind this is to offer a fun, lesson free day, in which students wear casual clothes and enjoy catching up with friends and teachers after their last summer holiday. The day started with a pancake breakfast in the courtyard in the morning, where we got to eat pancakes and reunite with classmates. I found this was a great way to start the day, and it certainly made getting out of bed after eight weeks of holiday a little less daunting. It was the perfect way to start what will go on to be a very challenging year. After this, we moved into Buckley Hall to attend a workshop on study skills for Year 12. The workshop was inspirational and motivating, not only reminding us that we can all be successful in Year 12 but also giving us tangible, helpful study skills which we could implement from day one. After this workshop, we spent time in our houses, getting organised for the year and talking to graduates of the class of 2022, again with a focus on tips on how to be successful in Year 12. The day ended in the same way in which it began, with a BBQ lunch. This was the perfect way to finish the day, as it was again a good opportunity to reunite with friends and enjoy being together before the stress of Year 12 began. All in all, after our first day back, I went home feeling less nervous for my return to classes the following day, and more broadly, felt more prepared to begin my Year 12 journey.

Plenty Campus Model UN Reflection

By Gaatha Goel, Year 10, Plenty Campus

On Wednesday the 22nd of March, the Year 10 students of Plenty Campus at Ivanhoe Grammar School participated in a Model United Nations, where all of us assumed the role of the delegates representing the respective countries in the UN. We then attempted to solve real-world global issues through the perspective of our assigned countries, aligning our positions with that of the political policies of said country. We also had to present opinions which we didn’t necessarily agree with, but would’ve hypothetically been the stance of our country. With a real panel of committee members to help us through the entire process, it was as though we were genuinely part of the real UN.

With all the students having enthusiastically worked on this to produce a position statement, everyone was able to know where each and every country stood with particular policies and topics, and were able to know which countries they could best align themselves with. This then led to a “caucus” session, which was an opportunity for the countries to have a healthy and friendly yet competitive debate, further advocating for their own political positions.

It was an incredible opportunity for us all to experience public speaking in different settings than the ones we’ve been previously exposed to, as well as learn more about the real United Nations. It was also an opportunity to learn about many global issues currently being spoken about in the world, as well as the level of importance many countries place them at. Overall, it was an incredible learning opportunity which we fortunately got to experience.

Out of Class Program – Sport

By Isabella Ciavarella, Year 9, University Campus

Twice a year, the Year 9s embark on an Out of Class Program which lasts for 5 days. Students select an area of interest and perform a wide range of activities within a facilitated program. I chose the category of ‘Making Melbourne Marvellous’ and selected the sport program which is based in the city. Over the week I participated in a variety of activities that linked back to the principle of sport. This included kayaking, sailing, cycling and rock climbing which all made for an action-packed week.

When I arrived at Federation Square on Monday, my group undertook an introduction to the city of Melbourne as well as a safety talk by a local police officer. Our first activity was a scavenger hunt around the city. Thanks to our safety talk, we were aware of the potential dangers the city poses and were able to stay safe with the knowledge in the back of our minds.

As we were infused with the history of Melbourne, we were able to identify various landmarks and historical sites during the scavenger hunt. We had successfully familiarised ourselves with the city and managed to link it back to our sport theme as we had taken over 18,000 steps in the process.

Another sport activity we participated in was kayaking around the city under the guidance of Rohan, our instructor. Rohan made our experience so much fun with his humorous personality and passionate nature. In total we kayaked 9km which was tough but very rewarding as we were able to observe the beauty of the city from the water.

My favourite activity of the week was cycling through the city as we were able to ride alongside the seashore. This was truly a tranquil and peaceful experience. All up we rode 18km, stopping at halfway for lunch in St Kilda.

Overall, this wonderful program made for an adventurous week and also brought independence to many of us who are unfamiliar with travelling to and around the city. I have learnt so much from this program and am so grateful to have been able to experience what makes ‘Melbourne Marvellous.’

Crossword!

Artwork by Kynan Home, Year 11, The Ridgeway Campus