Senior Years

Stage 2 Outdoor Education

On Thursday 25 February, the Stage 2 Outdoor Education class engaged in their first offsite practical activity at West Lakes in preparation for their kayaking camps later in the year. The day involved the students learning and practicing a variety of paddling skills which resulted in all students successfully being awarded Basic Skills Kayaking certification.

The day finished up with students practicing capsizing and rescuing each other which was terrifying at first, but ended up being lots of fun! Besides competent kayaking skills, all students demonstrated exceptional teamwork, support for one another and respect for the environment and equipment. I anticipate that this Stage 2 class will have a multitude of successes together as a group throughout the year!

Rachael Facchin

Outdoor Education Teacher

Governor's Civics Award Ceremony

On Wednesday 17 February, Year 12 student, Joel Davidson attended a special ceremony at Government House to accept his Governor’s Civics Award, which he won in late 2020.

Joel shares his reflections of the day:

“The day was tremendously rewarding as I met the other five awardees and had a sit-down chat with His Excellency the Governor, Hieu Van Le. This discussion with the Governor provided a great opportunity to consider different avenues to promote civics and citizenship education, and for all of us to convey our shared interest of getting others interested in taking up our civic duties. His Excellency explained his passion for young people to get involved and become more knowledgeable about our country’s government and how it works. A big takeaway from the session for me was the realisation that we are so lucky to live in a free and democratic society, when so many other people in the world do not have this privilege. We cannot take our democracy for granted and it is our duty as citizens to diligently uphold it. 

The day concluded with the awardees attending a ceremony to receive our certificates and engraved medallions. We socialised with one another and enjoyed a tour of Government House. 

I strongly commend the Governor’s Civics Award program to future students. It is an experience that you will never forget. It is vital that we, as young citizens, learn about and engage with Australia’s democratic institutions.”

Congratulations to Joel on receiving this prestigious award. We wish him well as he works towards raising people’s awareness of civics and citizenship and its importance to our everyday lives.

David Thiele

History Learning Leader

Year 12 Business Excursion to Wotton’s Cherries and Family Wines

Last week, the two Year 12 Business Innovation classes were fortunate to travel to Uraidla in the Adelaide Hills to tour a 6th generation family business. The business is renowned for its high-quality cherries and vineyard, producing grapes for both local wine makers and their own brand of wine. It is rare for students to have the opportunity to see such a diverse horticultural business, so it was a unique and enlightening experience for the 34 Year 12s. 

Grant Wotton generously gave 90 minutes of his time to take the students on a tour of the business and talk to them at length about their operations and innovative practices The field trip provided the basis of the first SACE task and the experience has helped students apply their knowledge. Few business owners are willing to give up their time and to share their wisdom and experience, so we are extremely grateful.

Many thanks to Grant Wotton and family.

Kelli de Lacy

Business Innovation Learning Leader

Largs Bay RSL Community Art Project

Three of our students: Jack Kretschmer, Tenneille Barrett and Emma Harrison volunteered to use their remarkable gifts and talents to produce works of art for the Largs Bay RSL. The purpose of the project was to commemorate the Australian servicemen and women through the creative work of school students. The artwork would then be permanently installed and displayed at the RSL. This community project involved different schools in the area, including Endeavour College. 

On large boards supplied by the RSL, our three students answered the call and embraced this unique learning opportunity. Jack’s portrait of his Papa was unique and captured a moment in time from an original photograph. Emma’s artwork captured and featured the role of the light horse and Tenneille’s painting reflected campaigns such as the Vietnam War. All three pieces honoured the sacrifice and courage of our service men and women. 

The artwork was so well-received by members and patrons of the RSL that the decision was made to install the pieces in prominent positions inside the venue, so that the community could enjoy them. We were invited to the RSL last Friday afternoon so that the President and Vice-President could present the students with a trophy and give thanks for their dedicated efforts.

Contemporary Veterans Art Competition

In addition to the project, the RSL also held a Contemporary Veterans Art Competition which was open to the public of all ages. We are delighted to announce that Jack Kretschmer’s portrait was awarded both the Judges Prize and People’s Choice Award. 

We are deeply proud of the efforts of all three students for their involvement, commitment and desire to serve the wider community. 

Kelli de Lacy

History Teacher and Business Innovation Learning Leader