Sydenham News

Local Area Walk

On the 21st of October, the first of year 7 classes, 7H3 and 7H4, along with Miss Barry, Miss Chung and Miss Causer, went on a walk to visit the local area, which was a part of our Term 4 Humanities unit. The local area walk was a good experience for our classes, as we were able to apply the knowledge we got from class to the observations we made on this excursion. It was beneficial so that we had insight into our local area and we could understand how liveable our area was and what strategies we could use to improve the areas we visited. While the data collecting was great, the highlight of the day was Watergardens. We enjoyed the stop as we got to eat till we burst, bond and laugh with friends.

Some sites that stood out were The Retarding Basin, used as a strategy to direct flood water, we were able to learn the history of why it was created, thanks to the guidance of Ms Barry, Ms Chung and Ms Causer. But, the bonus was rolling down the hills of the Retarding Basin, nature's very own playground. Another site that stood out was the old Sydenham Primary School, where my friends and I were discussing ideas of what we could use the space for, in order to make the area more liveable. The final stop, the playground unleashed our inner child. Despite the tiring walk, it was an enjoyable experience and wish all other year 7 classes still yet to attend, a wonderful experience.

Lauren  7H3.

SRC Report- Sydenham Campus

This year SRC students from Copperfield College Sydenham Campus participated in the Brimbank Young Researchers Program. The Brimbank Young Researchers Program is a program that has been developed by Brimbank Youth Services and Swinburne University of Technology, which aims to teach Secondary school students how to become “Young Researchers”. Students are supported and guided by an academic from Swinburne University to carry out a student-led qualitative project in their own school, which follows the standards and protocols of ethical qualitative research.

By participating in this program, the students learnt about generating evidences to answer a research question, communication skill, self-efficacy and improved community and school belonging. The SRC Students chose “Prejudice in our College community” as their topic of research.

The SRC students have attended four half-day workshops at Brimbank City Council Youth Services where they learnt the fundamental of ethical qualitative research. The Students carried out a qualitative project on Prejudice at Copperfield College and did an excellent presentation on their findings to the Brimbank City Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors, Principals, teachers and students of various Secondary schools on 22nd October in the Brimbank City Council Chambers.

Brimbank Young Researchers Program is one of the programs taken by SRC this year to enhance a sense of school and community belonging, confidence to make a positive difference in their community, leadership skills and a general satisfaction with the initiatives taken by the SRC team.                     

The SRC Team

Mr Shan Mugam

SRC Teacher

Victorian Preimiers' Reading Challenge (VPRC)

Pizza Party Celebration

On Thursday the 17 October around 40 students and staff attended the Challenge Pizza Party in the Sydenham Library. Students enjoyed pizza and drinks and were able to choose two books each as prizes.

Reading Champion badges were awarded to a teacher and student from each year level. Ms Pamela Barbara  was the winner of the Teacher Award, not only did she read the 15 required books herself, she also encouraged 9 students in her class, 7H3 to finish the Challenge. Student Challenge Champions were recognised for their continued reading and effort to complete the Challenge. This year’s student Challenge Champions were Alanna 7H3. Aleksandar 8H2, Sachleen 9B1 and Ameer XK1.  Major prizes of Watergardens vouchers were also drawn at the party and Aisha 8E5, Selin XK2 and Alanna 7H3 were the lucky winners!

The Challenge will begin again in early 2020, so all students will be invited to join in then.

Ms Sally Jeffrey and Ms Donna James

Librarians

B and K Team News

We are approaching the end of the year and what a busy time it is. Shortly our Year 10 students will be making the very important transition to our Delahey Campus. Also, our current Year 9 students have just completed their elective choices for 2020.

We are approaching the time of year when teachers are beginning to write their end-of-year reports and will be expecting any overdue Common Assessment Tasks (CATS) and other work. Please ensure that all work is submitted in time for reports to be written and remember that reports will be finalised before Week 10.

Currently our students should be preparing for exams. Students have participated in “Elevate and Educate” sessions with the focus on how to exam preparation and study techniques. We realise that students may feel stresses around this time. Here is a link with information and strategies to help you support your child:  https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/exam-stress.

Please note the VCE and year 10 exams will be held at Delahey.

The year 10 students will soon be leaving the Sydenham campus. To celebrate their time with us, we will be having a year 10 formal. It will be held on Thursday the 28th of November. Tickets are on sale now.

The year 9 students will be taking part in the Step – Up program. This program gives the students a chance to experience classes that they will be taking at Copperfield College next year. Immediately after Step – Up, students will be taking part in the End of Year Activities.

I would like to thank all students, parents and caregivers who have supported the college in the Uniform and Lateness policies. It is very important that students are wearing the correct uniform and are attending school on time.

Brimbank Youth Leadership Program

It was an honour that 6 Copperfield College students participated in the Brimbank Youth Leadership program. This involves our students working with other young leaders, the Brimbank council and the Youth Justice department. The goal was to make our community safer. After the program students were rewarded with a day trip to Sydney and a visit to the Opera House. Congratulations to Erin, Chanade, Mohammad, Pallavi , Abuk and Christina.

Ms Karen Martin

Year 9 and 10 Campus Leader