Student News
Student Barista Training
On Friday 9 Nov. 2018, twelve of our students were invited to attend a Barista training course (facilitated by trainer Mr Elton La Porte from iTFE) in order to learn basic coffee-making skills. Students learned to create six different coffees that are most commonly served in cafés around Australia. They also covered the history of coffee beans, grinding techniques, milk texturing, coffee presentation, preparation and cleaning of coffee machine and equipment.
This course is based upon the nationally accredited unit of competency whereby each participant receives a certificate upon completion. Students displayed some impressive coffee-making and latte art skills for first-timers while also enjoying themselves. The wonderful aroma lured most staff to the food technology kitchen where they were able to sample some of the coffee, with one student being responsible for providing Mr Axup with his caffeine fix with a macchiato. The following week, the same students were able to put their skills to the test by manning the coffee stall for the very first SCHS ‘Twilight Festival’ on Friday 16 Nov. 2018. We will be putting on more barista courses for students next year with further opportunities for them to put their skills to the test in the coffee stalls in future school events.
Ms. Lina Paye & Mr. Brendan Taig (Careers Team)
Alpine School 2018
This term, three of our students, Emily S of 9B2, TJ S of 9K1 and Vishmi W of 9K1 have been participating in the Alpine School program at the Dinner Plain campus. They have been building up their skills and resilience with skiing, hiking, camping, tending vegetable gardens and other activities. The key component of the program has been putting together a Community Learning Plan which involves engaging with their local community, fundraising and raising awareness of and helping out with a local issue.
On Friday, December 7th, each school group presented their project at the Alpine School and delivered their planning document to the liaison teachers who were visiting from their schools. There were some amazing plans put together by the different schools from all over Victoria, involving fun runs, art shows and other ideas. Despite only having three members in their group, the Suzanne Cory High School students created a wonderful project, Unnecessarily Necessary, which involves raising funds for and awareness of disadvantaged and homeless families and individuals in the Wyndham area.
Vishim, TJ and Emily delivered their plan to the audience with clarity and confidence, demonstrating the skills they had been acquiring and what they had learned about themselves and their capabilities. Emily also assisted in MCing the event. It was a truly inspiring day and a privilege to be able to visit and see the unveiling of the CLPs. Our students and their new friends did themselves extremely proud with their projects, all of which had clearly taken considerable effort. We are hoping future students will take advantage of this great program.
Ms Raquel Fenby
Unit 3&4 History: Revolutions - Colonial Celebration
Our incoming Units 3 & 4 History: Revolutions class has been busy learning about the period leading up to the outbreak of the American War of Independence. Following on from Unit 2 History: Global Empires, where the students explored the colonisation of America, they are discovering the ultimate causes of American colonies’ break away from their British masters.
On Tuesday, December 4th, the class marked the 245th anniversary (give or take twelve days…) of the Boston Tea Party, when the local Sons of Liberty boarded British East India Company ships and tipped 342 crates of Bohea tea into Boston Harbour, worth over a million dollars in today’s money. This grand statement of resistance to British control led to harsh retaliation from the British Parliament, the arming of American militias and the ultimate Shot Heard Round the World ringing out on Lexington Green, Massachusetts, on April 19th, 1775, signalling the start of war.
The students, many wearing elements of colonial clothing, enjoyed cups of freshly brewed tea accompanied by scones with jam and cream, fresh berries and other snacks, as we watched a fun re-enactment of the event. Thanks to long time Revolutions teacher Mr Axup and also Ms Bradwell for dropping by our celebration.
Ms Raquel Fenby (VCE History Teacher )
High Notes! News from the Music Department
Dear Folks,
It is that time of the year again for all of us in Music to reflect upon the time that we have had. There have been many wonderful Concerts, Soirees, Open mic’s and major events within the School and outside in our local community and I wish to thank the staff, students and admin for their never ending support to help us produce the culture that drives the School.
I wish all of our families the very best over the holiday season and look forward very much to seeing you all again in the new year for more great projects in music-making. If you are leaving us and our community at the end of this year, I wish to thank you all sincerely for your efforts and your place in securing the legacy for future generations of musicians here at the school and I do hope you all keep playing in some way.
Term four has seen the introduction of our newest curriculum unit in Year 9 Music-Instrument Design and Making. There were many fantastic and wonderful creations that were designed and built during this short four-week unit. It was a real credit to the students and their teams to design, build and then learn to play their instruments. Some of them actually worked! The dedication and team work displayed was great and the instruments were truly representative of their creativity and hard work.
On Saturday afternoon, December 1, Quaternarium, the School’s chamber choir had the great pleasure and privilege of performing for the Christmas at the Lakes concert event held in Point Cook. This is our first time that we have been invited to perform at this prestigious event and our student performed magnificently on the stage on what was a hot and blustery day. Thank you to the students and their parents that were able to attend. I hope there are many more of these events where our families can share these experiences.
Mr Tony Paye (Director of Music)
Art, Design & Technology Showcase | Highlights
