7L Visit to GAWS

As part of their Humanities studies, 7L spent much of Term 3 learning about Ethical Consumerism. They focused on the difference between needs and wants and considered how their spending habits impact the environment, the animal world and the human rights of others.

Each member of the class investigated in detail an aspect of consumer spending that had an impact on the animal world. Their aim was to become an expert on the issue and to educate others about more responsible choices. Some of the topics that were researched included choosing a pet, puppy farms, whaling, palm oil production, cosmetic testing on animals, animals in tourism, circuses, zoos, animal products in clothing and the role of organisations such as the Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Holly and Macy investigated the use of animals in circuses

Gemma investigated body care products and animal testing

Jess made and sold some delicious cupcakes to raise awareness about animal testing

The class then organised an exhibition of their work and invited other students to attend. On the day of the exhibition, we were delighted that hundreds of students across all year levels took the time to come and look at our work. In addition to learning about the issues, visitors had the opportunity to purchase items or make donations, all of which were to be given to GAWS. Just over $300 was raised in the space of one hour!

Our class gathered outside GAWS with donations in hand

7L then went shopping at Westfield for items to donate. They purchased dog and cat food, pet toys, towels, blankets, beds and washing detergent. With bags in arms and about $15 of loose change, the following week we boarded the bus and travelled to GAWS in Moolap. There the donations were handed over to some very grateful workers, especially the person who does all the washing! We then had the chance to look around the facility and to fall in love with the dogs and cats up for adoption. Ms Myers had to do a head count of people on the bus five times to make sure that no extra ‘four-legged students’ were joining the class!

Robyn Myers

Humanities Learning Area Leader

YEAR 8 DESIGN - EXCURSION

Mr. Burgess’ 8L Design class took part in a Walking Tour of Public Art sites in central Geelong on Thursday 7th September. Using a free app developed by the COGG, students visited eight sites.

After the tour, some comments from students included:

“I wasn’t expecting the amount of effort people put into the street art.” - Olivia.

“I enjoyed doing something different.” – Hayley

“I enjoyed seeing the different styles of street art. Now I can show them to my family.” – Madison

“My favourite public art made me think of the artists intentions” – Lizette.

This was a culmination of a unit of work about ‘street art’. Below are two samples of class work, completed by students Tyla Gibson and Georgia Clingan.

Library News!

Book Week and Beyond.

The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book Week theme this year was Escape to Everywhere. Through literature, we can escape to other places and times, experiencing life through the eyes of other people in distant lands and entering into their worlds for a short time.

Students had the opportunity to borrow from a display that showcased our school’s vast collection of books with stories set in other countries and from the travel books collection to plan for their future adventures!

With Spring in the air, we’re encouraging students to borrow our latest books and to find a sunny spot to read in. We’d also like to promote our MONDAY LUNCHTIME Circle of Friends Reading Group – open to students from all year levels who’d like to share their latest reads and to write reviews for books in the library. Thank you to the students who have already signed up on the posters inside the library next to the Discussion Room or in the Foyer.

With Spring in the Air and warmer days ahead, we’d like to encourage students to get some sunshine. The library has been a busy hub during lunchtimes over Winter and we encouraged students to eat lunch inside the library. From Term 4 we will not be having this option available. We will instead encourage our students to come in when they’ve finished eating lunch outdoors or in the open area outside the canteen. Water bottles will be the exception to this rule.

We’d like to encourage everyone to borrow and return their library books on a regular basis and to return any overdue library books as soon as possible please! It will be time for holiday borrowing soon!

Happy Reading from the MFGSC Library Team: Miss Marshall and Ms Kimpton.

STUDENT POETRY

These poems were written by Eva Carbines-Laspada of 8B. They were inspired by sensory imagery and the five senses.

Everyone was bathed in black. Sorrows echoed. Family hugged, tried to fake a smile. I crouch over the toilet and sob into my hands. I didn’t even have the strength to hold my hair up. Too stressful, not strong. I walk out to Mum. She holds me as I cry.

I sink under. The cold water rushes through my body giving me energy and life. Bubbles hanging onto me like pearls. I get a shiver through my body. I see the waves on top of the surface. I wish I could stay here forever. Yet so loud, so very peaceful.

I sat on the top of the hill and looked out onto the bay. The calm water and the birds glided along the water elegantly. Everything about this spot was beautiful, the trees, the fish, the birds, the water and the sunset. Only we knew about it. Our little secret.

MFG PATHWAY & SUBJECT SELECTIONS 2017-2018, UPDATE

This term has been a busy one for MFG students and their families in choosing electives, subjects and pathways for 2018.

I would like to thank everyone for their contribution in ensuring this process has been as smooth as possible; which is always a challenge due to the tight time line.

There have been many conversations both at home and at school regarding the best fit of subjects and pathways for each student. I would like to particularly thank the team of teachers who were part of the interview process, namely Michelle Crofts, Damien Toussaint, Jeremy Dyson, Jo Toone, Kellie Walker and Greg Burgess. Special thanks to Freda Wright, who has spent countless hours speaking with students and parents/carers in her role as Pathways Leader at MFG. Thanks also to the office staff who inputted student selections to our data base which means we have made excellent inroads in 2018 planning.

One of our goals is to support all parents/carers in their use of Compass which is our main communication platform. Access to Compass for parents / carers is through a special window that we call the ‘Parent Portal’. As you could no doubt guess, students access Compass through a different window called the ‘Student Portal’. Both windows have different usernames and passwords.

If parents /carers have lost or forgotten their username, please contact MFG on 42430500 and ask to speak to our ICT technician, Zac Constable, who will be able to arrange access for you.

Joy Carr

Important Dates

Term 3 - Semester 2 Parent Calendar