Seniors Journey to the Ancient Past (by train)

On Monday 28 November, the Ancient History Seniors Class travelled to the Chau Chak Wing University of Sydney Museum. The Museum contains the artefacts and remains from civilisations of Ancient History, such as the Romans, Egyptians, and the Etruscans. At the Chau Chak Museum, we learnt about the ethics of a museum and the display of historical artefacts, including cultural considerations. We also heard of the tragic past mistakes, that the museum tries to expose and show how they have rectified and learned from their mistakes.

One of the most exciting parts of the experience was when we were able to very carefully handle ancient artefacts including a ‘brain hook’ from New Kingdom Egypt (1539-1075 BC), which was used to extract the brain from bodies during the process of mummification. We also were lucky enough to see some mummified people. The Pompeii exhibit showed us that there are more ways to engage with history than just through ancient artefacts. Interactive exhibits put together by a team such as this lego display helps to develop and retain information, while making the task enjoyable too. The Chau Chak Museum was an insightful and confronting experience that the Ancient History class immensely enjoyed and would be keen to go again.

Amazing Writers

In August, a number of teams took part in 'Write a Book in a Day'. Thrillingly, one of our teams was short-listed as possible winners for the Middle School category. Tabi B, Maddie C, Eli H, Erik K, Ethan L, Jonathan McL and Jalesa P-B wrote a story 'The Lost Factory of Zarr'. They eventually were chosen for a Highly Commended prize. We are very proud of these amazing young creatives. Their awards were presented at the final Secondary Assembly of the year.

Primary ICAS Competitions

Congratulations to all primary students who competed in the ICAS Competitions. This year, students competed in the English, Digital Technologies, Mathematics and Science competitions. Overall, students were awarded eight merits, 18 credits and two distinctions. This year, the Principal's awards were awarded to:

Chelsea T for English
Levi H for Mathematics
Will P for Digital Technologies
Ethan V for Science

Congratulations to all students involved.

Year 7's Design a Future City in Australia

In Term 2, Miss Abascal's Year 7 Geography class entered the AUDRC (Australian Urban Research Design Committee) Business as Unusual Competition. The national competition had secondary students imagine a sustainable, future Australian city and write a postcard to themselves 80 years in the future. Zara H and Izabelle L were two of 15 winners across Australia and will receive $100 and a certificate for their accomplishments. More information about the competition and winners can be found here: https://www.audrc.org/bau-competition-results

Longlook 2022

On Thursday 8 December, four Year 10 NCS students graduated from the NAPS (Naval Aviation Prospects Scheme) Longlook program. Bailey F, Erik J, Hamish M, and Noah T applied for the program after taking part in the Quicklook and Nextstep programs earlier in the year. The Longlook program has run over eight Thursday mornings throughout Term 4. During this time, students have been learning about concepts of science and engineering that underpin the technologies used by the Fleet Air Arm and have seen first-hand the applications of these concepts at different squadrons across HMAS Albatross and the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Our students worked with seven other students from local schools to make a presentation to leadership from the Fleet Air Arm as well as parents, grandparents, siblings and teachers before being presented with their certificates. As a result of this program, these students have developed a greater understanding of future Defence careers as well as valuable soft skills such as perseverance, team work and public speaking. Congratulations Bailey, Erik, Hamish and Noah.

La Bûche de Noël

Once again, Year 8 students enjoyed our annual 'Bûche de Noël' creation. Here is some research that Year 8 did before the event:

'The tradition of locating a big tree log and burning it on the shortest day of the year to commemorate the Winter Solstice is said to be the origin of the Bûche de Noël.' (Jeremy)

'In the 1830’s, a pastry chef from Paris was inspired by the Christmas tradition of throwing a log onto the fire on Christmas Eve and made the Bûche de Noël.' (Ava)

'They chose the log kind of cake to symbolise the yule log that families burn at Christmas, which represents the New Year to come and brings luck to the family.' (Evy)

The students really enjoyed making and eating their creations, but no-one was left out:

'Thanks for providing an alternative activity - I was sad coming into class because I knew we were going to make something yummy that I couldn't eat. I really enjoyed sculpting the watermelon! It was delicious!' (Kent)

Charlotte excels at National Cheer Championships

Congratulations to Charlotte S whose cheer team recently competed at the National Cheer and Dance Championship's held on the Gold Coast.

The AASCF Nationals are held annually, and have clubs from all around Australia competing. Charlotte's team from Shoalhaven Cheer Academy called Galaxy, competed in Senior Level 1. They received the result of 3rd place and 5/5 for their running tumble difficulty.

Well done Charlotte and team!

Year 7 Spaghetti Bridges

Year 7 Tech group C have been building bridges with spaghetti and hot glue. Last Friday, we weight tested each bridge by attaching a bucket and slowly adding water to see how much weight could be held by each bridge until it broke. We were surprised by some of the results. Congratulations to Lila and Layla R who built the bridge with the highest strength to weight ratio (most weight held for the least amount of materials used). Special mention to Tilly and Harry who built the bridge that held the most weight.

Steeplechase success!

On Saturday 26 November, Emily M and Hamish M competed in the Steeplechase at the Treloar Shield (Round 6) held at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre (SOPAC). Emily ran a qualifying time of 7:36 which is a 6 sec PB and 14 secs under the qualifying time. Both have now earned their place on the NSW Athletics team for the Steeplechase at the Australian Championships in Brisbane next year. Congratulations Emily and Hamish! We wish you all the best for the Australian Championships!

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