Clyde North Campus News
Year 10 Student Excursions
Year 10 students experienced two critical events over the past week, the Road Smart Excursion and a Reflection Day as part of supporting their leadership formation as senior students. I much prefer the voice of this newsletter to be that of our students and I will often invite feedback and reflections via an email to the year level in focus. Here is just a sample of wonderfully insightful and well-constructed feedback I received.
Year 10 Road excursion
"Good morning Ms. Banda, my name is Vidya and I was one of the students who was lucky enough to attend the Road Smart excursion.
It was my very first time driving, as it was for the majority of us. I am 16 but still hesitant on starting to learn because of my fear getting the best of me. I still remember my heartbeat increasing the moment our driving instructor told me to sit in the driver's seat. Nevertheless, I gave it a go, taking in deep breaths. It also helped that the instructors there were super friendly and chill, making me feel at ease.
I was honestly frowning when my time was up, I wanted to drive around a bit more, the fear and anxiety that was eating me up a few minutes before had all vanished. The learning experience was great too, I feel like I completely understand how a car works now. The instructor had thoroughly explained everything before starting. From what pedal was the brake, to the blind spot. He made us practice a few times to make sure we got the hang of it before we started. His explanation was so clear and good that even now if I were to hop in a car, I could tell you what everything was and how it worked, and you could trust me enough to take you on a drive. Okay...maybe not just yet.
The environment itself was amazing, the staff and instructors were all bubbly who clearly had great experience. Overall, it was so much fun and we took home the wonderful experience to tell our families who were very delighted upon the news. Especially my father who had been pushing me to try and take the driving test which I was so reluctant to do so, but now, I already can't wait!
In fact, my friend and I want to take the driving test this coming holidays.
I'm really grateful for being able to have this experience, it was truly unforgettable.
We all had a blast, and I think future students should take advantage of this great opportunity. I consider myself lucky for being able to do this, and I would like to thank the school and Road Smart for offering us this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Thank you, and regards"
- Vidya
"Thursday was an amazing day as far as I'm concerned, finally getting a taste of driving was something I'd been excited about for a long time, something I'm sure can be said about other year 10's." - Sam
"On the 21st of August, the Clyde North Year 10 students attended a Road Smart Excursion at Sandown Park racecourse. On this day, in groups of three, we all participated in a short driving experience, practising basic driving skills. Having no prior experiences as such, it was extremely nerve-racking to be driving with three other passengers sitting in the car. However, the instructors were very helpful and patient while they shared various tips to ensure the occasion went smoothly. Overall, the day was extremely beneficial in gaining some firsthand pointers on driving and even improving already gained driving knowledge. I would definitely encourage all students to participate in this excursion and to make the most out of every opportunity given."
- Arushi
Year 10 Reflection Day
"Going into it, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect for the day’s festivities. It was interesting to see how our year level meshed when tossed together in one room for a whole day; it really showcased our strengths and weaknesses as a cohort. I particularly enjoyed the guest speaker from Vinnies and how he got us involved in an activity. I think in the future perhaps we could be split into smaller groups throughout the day with different people for certain activities to switch things up and get us moving from our seats a little more."
- Alliah
"Tuesday was a good day to take time and listen to inspirational people helping around the community. By the end of the day really getting the sense that as a year level we are a team and we need work together to be the best we can be."
- Sam R
2020 College Captains. The nerves, the process and innovation!
Sophie Lingaya, Gemma Sabbadin, Norma Sher, Jaden Ward, Deng Makuei, Will Phan, Rochelle Datson, Zoe Moore, Suhad Mohammed, Joshua Butler, Tom Ryan, Emily Coco, Dane Javier, Ashely Beley, Mariel Garcia, Shruti Naushad, Nathan Willett, Chantelle Forbes, and Aaron Suaiso.
The list above represents the future based on the success of the past and the present. Nineteen equally competent, dedicated and passionate candidates that could all easily be our 2020 College Captains presented themselves to their community on Tuesday, 27 August 2019. This was always going to be an exciting day as not only were we going to witness the wonderful speeches of remarkable candidates but some unique innovation was going to be unveiled. In front of the year seven and year eleven students the candidates presented their speeches which were then live streamed through out the Campus to Years 8, 9, 10 and 12's who were based in their respective house venues. We are now a population too big for one building and instead of the candidates presenting their speeches twice, as we have in the past, before two large groups we considered the idea of live streaming. What was a wish and a mere concept last year became a reality and my sincere thanks to Mr Brad Pulley, Mr Thomas Runting and Mr John Phillips for putting this together with effortless expertise. The second innovation this year was our live online voting. Whilst there were a couple of hiccups with the online voting as the system went into overload (with excitement), within a short time, all was calm. Any student without a laptop or phone, was given the opportunity to fill in a paper ballot.
The calibre of candidates was indeed excellent and I truly believe this is a reflection of the fine example of servant leadership illustrated and led by our 2019 College Captains. They watched with pride as each candidate presented and articulated their passion, purpose and hopes for the college community in 2020. The next hurdle for our candidates is an interview and then finally the results which will be announced next week. Good luck to all of the candidates, you did yourselves and the College proud. Well done.
An open letter to the College community from our Social Justice Captain.
"Dear St Peter's College Community,
On the 23rd of August last Friday, 30 students and 9 staff participated in the annual Clyde North Winter Sleep Out.
This night is about spreading awareness of homelessness in our wider and local community. The students sleep at the school for a night, to get an experience of what it's like for a homeless person to sleep out in the rough.
This year we had the privilege of listening to Mr David Edwards, the head of St Vinnie's in the Casey region. He spoke passionately about what St Vinnie's does and why it is so important. He opened our eyes to the economic divide in our society. We were all taken aback by this. There are people, struggling right in front of us, so close to the poverty line - and we don't even notice. We thank him deeply and aspire now to live and work through the same compassionate lens as he does.
The night gave students and teachers a chance to reconnect in an environment where they might feel divided. It created a sense of unity and belonging - one that you cannot buy. It truly warmed my heart to see so many people in one space, being truly content in the moment. We were all able to come under one roof, to support one cause - and words can't describe how grateful we all are for that chance.
This night would not have been successful without the help of Mr Woodbridge and the VCAL team who prepared an informative presentation and ran our very own St. Peter's College soup van. Mr Brad Pulley put together a fun trivia night, which everyone enjoyed being a part of, even if they didn't win. And to all the staff who attended the night giving of their own time to support this cause and us the students.
The night is a true reflection of what it means to come together as a community to fight for a cause and strive to become true servant leaders beyond the school gates.
Yours faithfully"
Ophelia Heng
Social Justice Captain 2019
I wish you all a safe and productive week.
Julie Banda
Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus