Secondary

Mr Chris Graham

Assistant Principal (Secondary)

Learned to be limited?

There is an old story that speaks of an elephant being tied/chained to a tree that speaks volumes to our own internal limitations.

I’ve heard this story a number of times: I actually can’t validate it, so I’m not sure if it’s true, however the narrative is still powerful, so I’ll share it. If a young elephant has a rope or chain around its leg, with the other end tied to something that is very large and heavy (i.e. a tree), the baby elephant will pull and pull, but won't be able to break free from the rope. If the rope is continually worn throughout its life, the elephant will then associate the rope as the barrier rather than the tree. This means that later in life, an adult elephant can have a rope around its leg with the other end tied to a small stake in the ground and the elephant will still stay. The elephant ‘learned’ that the rope is what keeps it still, despite being able to easily pull the stake out of the ground. Despite being a year out of COVID, we’ve noticed that many students are still living like were in COVID.

As we’ve physically moved out of this season that was extremely painful for many, many are still mentally living as they were in COVID and have not emerged from their COVID confines. One way to intentionally move forward from this season of pain is to look at the opportunities that are in front of you (rather than the limitations) and safely venture outside of your comfort zone. Aitken has a remarkable amount of extra curricular activities that students can try. I’m strongly encouraging students to get involved in the life of the College by trying things they have never tried before. They may find things that become new hobbies or interests or (like the picture below) may allow you to break free from the nagging limitations of our recent past seasons. 

Ms Melissa D'Amico

Deputy Head Secondary (Middle School Culture)

Welcome back to the beginning of Term 2!  We hope you had a refreshing break and are ready to dive back into your studies. As we begin this term, we wanted to remind you of our College's focus on excellence.

At our College, we strive for excellence in everything we do, whether it's in the classroom or on the sports field. We encourage you to challenge yourself and set high expectations for your academic and personal growth.

As we reflect on Term 1, we ask that you take a moment to think about what you did well and what you could improve upon. What were your successes, and what challenges did you face? What strategies did you use to overcome those challenges? By reflecting on these questions, you can set goals for yourself and work towards achieving them this term.

In a couple of weeks, the Year 9 students will depart on their camp to Central Australia. This trip will provide students with a unique opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and environment of one of Australia's most iconic regions.

To all our Year 7, 8 and 9 students, remember: excellence is not achieved overnight. It takes dedication, hard work and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. We encourage you to embrace the challenges that this term will bring, ask for help when you need it and continue to strive towards your goals.

We wish you all the best for the coming term and look forward to seeing you achieve great things.

Mr Victor Salloum 

Deputy Head of Secondary (Senior School Pathways)

Brookhill Athletics Carnival

The Brookhill Athletics Carnival, held on Tuesday 2 May, was a resounding success with students and teachers. The event saw a high level of participation from students across all year levels, with many showcasing their athletic prowess and competitive spirit. The carnival provided a platform for students to demonstrate their physical abilities, as well as their teamwork and sportsmanship, and the enthusiasm and energy on display throughout the day were truly inspiring.

The carnival was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the school's PE department, who worked tirelessly to organise the event and ensure that everything ran smoothly. The facilities were excellent, and the atmosphere was electric, with students cheering on their classmates and encouraging them to do their best. Overall, the Brookhill Athletics Carnival was a fantastic celebration of sport and community, and a wonderful opportunity for students to come together and showcase their skills and talents.

General Achievement Test

All Year 12 students and Year 11 students completing an accelerated subject are required to complete a General Achievement Test (GAT) as part of their final assessment. The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a key component of the assessment process for many Year 12 students. This year, students across Victoria will be completing the GAT on 15 June. The test provides a comprehensive assessment of a student's knowledge and abilities across a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, and reasoning. It is designed to help students demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a fair and equitable way, providing a valuable resource for universities and employers seeking to understand a student's academic abilities.

Year 11 Presentation Ball

Rehearsals will shortly commenced for the highly anticipated 2023 Presentation Ball. The event is a highlight of the school year and is eagerly anticipated by students, staff and parents alike. Students will work hard to perfect their formal attire as well as practising their dance moves. The rehearsals provide an excellent opportunity for students to work together as a team and develop their skills in a supportive environment, while also preparing for a significant event that celebrates their achievements.

The Presentation Ball is an important occasion at Aitken College, and the preparations are taken seriously by all involved. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and commit to the required practices to ensure they are fully prepared for the event. The atmosphere is one of excitement and anticipation, and students are encouraged to support each other throughout the rehearsal process. With the dedication and hard work of students and staff alike, the 2023 Aitken College Presentation Ball is sure to be a memorable event and a fitting celebration of the school community.

Mrs Jenny Lilley

Head of Faculty - Vocational Major

Special Effects Makeup Support

Recently, the students studying Beauty Services taught and supported the Media class students, who had an assessment task on creating a Group Horror Film, with a lesson on the use of ‘Special Effects Makeup.’ The students in both Year 11 and 12 showed them all the products available to purchase for the purpose of creating a dramatic and realistic make up effect for the film task; explained technical details of the process; showed them the correct techniques to use in applying specialised makeup; displayed the options and directions on the best way to achieve their desired looks; helped the Media students discern what they wanted to do for their particular looks; demonstrated the techniques to receive the best effect; and showed examples of their personal specialised work.