Senior Years

Vietnam Veterans Visit Year 10 English Classes​

The Year 10 English students are currently studying a Protest Unit in English, where poetry is being explored as an important conduit for conveying societal concerns. In the 1960s the Vietnam War was at the top of the list of Australian controversies and, upon their return home, many conscripted soldiers were met with less than a positive reception. Fortunately, the tide has turned and Australia is now recognising the pivotal input of those service men and women who travelled to Vietnam to ensure we did not succumb to the threat of Communism. It is imperative that this pivotal part of history is not forgotten and their legacy transcends future generations.

Last week our students had the privilege of hearing first-hand from the men who fought valiantly, and sacrificed months and years of being wrenched from their loved ones – one of whom was conscripted only six days into his honeymoon! Six gentlemen from the Northern Suburbs sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association spent the day with us sharing their personal stories, enhancing the students’ understanding of the personal impact of such a controversial war. Club president, Pieter Dawson, and five other members, regaled us with stories of heroism and mateship, as well as providing an insight into the often torturous conditions that they were subjected to.

During this unit, Year 10 student Logan Mulady, discovered many aspects of his famous grandfather, Victorian Cross recipient Peter Badcoe, after whom the Veterans club-rooms are named. It was a touching reunion to see grandson meet the men who hold his relative in such high esteem. Logan discovered that not only are club-rooms named in his honour, but so too are streets and whole recreational complexes back in Vietnam! Logan also delivered a heartfelt speech to the classes and Veterans on how his grandfather has passed on an important legacy in his family. Logan has now been invited to share his story at a dinner at the club-rooms to be held in his honour. This is a wonderful example of the meaningful and moving learning taking place in our English classes.

Cat Davies

English Learning Leader

Senior Drama Excursion

On Thursday 2 August, the Year 10, 11 and 12 Drama classes attended an after-school excursion to view a professional theatre production by the State Theatre Company, titled 'Creditors'. Despite the original script’s first performance having taken place in 1890, the adaptation presented at the Space Theatre maintained much of the original social commentary and core themes of the play, with attention to dialogue-driven storytelling. Following a functional couple in a happy relationship, the play depicts the rapid downfall of trust and loyalty sparked by the harmful advice of a stranger. 'Creditors' is a cautionary tale of how easily our opinions of others can be so quickly eroded and controlled, a harsh reality that still rings true in the modern day. The set design places the play within a beachside resort, with bamboo walls, tree branches overhanging the backdrop, and a small pool of water. With a cast only consisting of three actors in a small, panoramic theatre, the production proved to be a very intimate, engaging, and thought-provoking experience for the students. With extra commitment to supervising the excursion outside of school hours, the teachers that accompanied us went out of their way to provide another opportunity to view professional theatre productions.

Daniel Talbot and Liana Galic

Drama Leaders