Senior Years

Paul Dillon Presentation

On Tuesday 3 May the Year 10, 11 and 12 students were fortunate enough to attend presentations delivered by Paul Dillon.

Paul has been working in the area of drug education for almost 30 years. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) he has been contracted by many organisations to provide updates on current drug trends, as well as advice on alcohol and other drug issues. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education.  

Paul shared his energy and expertise with our students as he debunked many of the myths young people have about drugs and alcohol, especially around how to look after themselves and their friends. To help our students make healthier decisions, he provided current statistics and information on the latest prevalence rates of alcohol and drug use by students. Through this, he really focused on the positive reality that many young people choose not to drink alcohol or use drugs. 

Paul also addressed essential life skills, particularly around alcohol-related emergencies and knowing when to call an ambulance. He gave Year 12 students, who may be driving or will soon, valuable information about the law and processes around random breath testing and mobile drug testing. Throughout these presentations his focus was on keeping safe and the importance of seeking help immediately if something goes wrong.

Paul’s website contains excellent resources for parents and young people and the link can be found here  https://darta.net.au/

Student feedback:

“Mr Dillon’s talk was very informative, but also entertaining. It was great learning about alcohol and drug safety, presented using humour and anecdotes. I’m sure we’ll remember this presentation well into the future.” Tom, Year 10

“Paul Dillon’s light hearted approach to teaching students about the topic of drugs and alcohol made his speech extremely enjoyable and informative, this is one I don’t think any student is going to forget anytime soon. Thank you so much Paul!” Lucas, Year 10

“Paul Dillon’s presentation was both engaging and informative. An overall wonderful speaker.” Josh, Year 11

“Paul’s presentation had the students engaged; I think all of them will take on board the invaluable information he shared.” Daniel, Year 12

Gabi Warfe 

Senior Years Coordinator

Mentone Campus

Year 10s 

Semester 1 has seen our 2022 Year 10 student body take ownership of their role as the leaders of the Bentleigh East Campus. Whether it be those with official leadership positions or not, students from across the year level have put themselves forward to participate and assist in a wide range of activities and events.

Across Term 1, the overwhelming majority of students have set a high standard for their academic efforts and prioritised building respectful relationships with their peers, teachers, families and community. After a restrictive couple of years, Year 10 students have enjoyed taking part in a variety of curricular activities both within and outside the classroom. This has included camps and outings for students enrolled in Outdoor Education, and while for others, it has included helping to facilitate events such as the Year 8 and 9 Retreats, the Whole School Assembly, and the Easter Liturgy. The year level’s response to Mission Action Day and the Easter Egg Appeal was extremely positive and underlies their concern for the poor and social justice – a key Lasallian principle. 

Towards the close of Term 1, Year 10 students also took part in the Healthy Masculinity Program run by the Man Cave Organisation. This first of two workshops focussed on individual potential, personal identity and strengths, care of self, values and the harnessing of these to achieve one’s full potential. All students embraced the day, bringing to the program their courageous, authentic and impressive selves and leaving it feeling energised and validated.

Term 2 has similarly seen our Year 10 students respond to various calls, while also taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them. This has included several Year 10 students representing the campus at the local RSL ANZAC Day ceremony and acting as mentors for the ICAN program. Congratulations to our Year 10 class captains – Lucas Andreou (10.1B), Xavier Zanon (10.1B), Chol Gatkouth Chol (10.2B), Justin De Souza (10.2B), Ashleigh Bartleman (10.3B), James Dolgov (10.3B) and Angus Bowd (10.4B). Congratulations also to all students that tried out for a much-coveted positions in the ACC Football and Soccer team. Well done to those that were selected – the College is appreciative of the time and commitment invested into this activity. The ACC season commenced in Week 2 of the term and will run throughout Term 2 on Tuesday afternoons. So far, both teams have been performing extremely well. 

Another important aspect of Year 10 is careers and pathway planning, in particular VCE pathways and other training or development opportunities. Students have already started to participate in programs that will equip them with the knowledge and skills needed make informed decisions about such matters. This has included completing the Worksafe Program and undertaking the Morrisby Profile Program. The Morrisby Profile Program provides students with a profile outlining their strengths and suitable career options. The program also gives students access to trained consultants and teachers to discuss their profile. Furthermore, students are encouraged to discuss their profile with family to further gain a thorough understanding of the career information provided.

The remaining weeks of Term 2 promises to be a busy and valuable time. 

The Balnarring Indigenous Immersion experience (13 – 15 July) is an extracurricular residential program which Year 10 students will be invited to participate in. Applications for this program close on Friday 20 May. Once the selection process has concluded, those students participating in this experience will spend a significant amount of time undergoing extensive formation preparing for the immersion experience. This will include visiting the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Centre, Thornbury.

As part of the Personal and Social Education Program, Year 10 students will also be receiving road safety education on 17 May. This training draws on relevant research for school-based road safety education and behaviour change. 

Between 2 – 7 June, most students will complete semester examinations for core subjects. This is often an anxious time for students. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to regularly check-in on your son and see how he is feeling. Parents and caregivers can also be assured of the College’s endeavours to provide the best possible support for students as they work through this assessment process. 

Following the examinations, students in the final week of term will embark on a 4-day camp / retreat at Anglesea. Historically this event has proven to be a highlight for students as they use the time to relax, reflect on their year thus far, converse with their homeroom teachers and peers, and partake in activities that are often a first for them. 

Finally, during the first week of the Term 2 break, students will have the opportunity to complete Work Experience. Students looking to opt into this program ought to make their intentions known to the Careers Office and proceed to look for a work placement. 

Please contact me at the College if you have any questions relating to any upcoming events or experiences for Year 10 students. It has been a pleasure working with all Year 10 students so far this year and I look forward to seeing them continue setting high standards for themselves and engaging in all the activities and programs on offer.

Mark Micallef

Senior Year Coordinator

Bentleigh East