College Events

Leadership Conference

MEC LEADERS ATTEND LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

By Tom W-A

On April 28th, 13 members from the 2021 S.A.L.T (Student Agency Leadership Team) visited Melbourne’s CBD to attend the Youth Leadership Academy Australia's (YLAA) Youth Leadership Conference. 

We arrived at the train station by 7am (a time really too early for everyone involved), boarded the train and enjoyed a relaxing ride into the city while watching a beautiful day unfold outside our windows. We arrived in the city by around half past 8 and made our way to the Melbourne City Conference Centre. Once we were settled in the conference centre, we were introduced to the speakers for the event, who included: Heather Miller, CEO of The Kindness Hub, Jen Buchanon, a UN peacekeeper and international teacher with Future Schools Alliance, and Wil Massara, the CEO of YLAA at the age of 18.

Each speaker talked about different aspects of leadership, whether it be how to perfect your presentation and public speaking skills to how to prioritise schedules and time commitments.

"{The speakers} were very informative, inspirational. They taught me a lot about creating self-confidence."  Joshua D, Y9

"Speeches were good, they presented points with humour and gave tips about how to engage more people."  Ashton L, Y8

There was also a separate group of panel speakers near the end, known as the Changemakers Panel. They talked more about leadership in secondary schools, such as being effective role models, encouraging other students to get involved in leadership decisions, as well as balancing school, work and personal life.

“It felt like a very inclusive space, compared to some of the other things we've done {like this}. It was really helpful hearing from people who have been in a similar position, as a school leader and as a VCE student."  Skye M, Y12

"It was good having the panel speakers, they were easy to relate to. {I think that} being able to interact with different people with different experiences allowed us to gain new mindsets and find new viewpoints on leadership."   Ruby B, Y11

Overall, by the time we got on the train back home at around 3:00pm, we had compiled many notes, tips and information about not just leadership, but how to get through our last years of schooling. A lot of us were very exhausted when the train got back to Frankston at 4:30pm, however we were extremely grateful to have had such a wonderful and inspiring experience.

"I learnt how I could encourage and inspire other students at school to be good role models."  Georgia B, Y11

"Honestly, hearing a story about broken ankles and Domino tournaments in Arizona lead into a talk about open mindsets, was worth waking up so early." Tom W-A, Y10

IDAHOBIT Day

IDAHOBIT Day stands for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia. Mount Erin College promotes and supports a safe and inclusive environment for all students.  This year our school celebrated IDAHOBIT by raising a rainbow flag at recess and then having a stall at lunchtime in the courtyard where we gave away free rainbow accessories. It was a very positive atmosphere in the courtyard as students and teachers came to show their support. The rainbow accessories were made by Mount Erin students who put in their own time and materials. 

Thank you Mount Erin for making it such a positive day!

Wakakirri (Y9 Arts Academy)

Great Stories can open hearts and minds and inspire change. 

Wakakirri is a Story-Dance festival where schools aim to do just that! 

In 2021 the Year 9 Arts Academy team has chosen to enter Wakakirri Video, a 3-7 minute performance by a group of students that theatrically tells a story using a combination of dancing, creative movement and acting to pre-recorded music. 

Our story is called 'Static Rhythm'. Static Rhythm follows the story of young artists, dancers and musicians in Melbourne when the first lockdown was called. It follows the physical and mental strain that this had on young artists and the journey to get back on the stage.

Lauren Miosku

Arts Domain / Wakakirri Leader