Student News
"Be The Best That You Can Be"
SPORTS NEWS
2021 Athletics Carnival
The 2021 WHSC House Athletics Carnival was held at Knox Athletics Track on the Monday 15th March and was a huge success. Participation from all students was high, which made it an enjoyable day, with great competition. The day was full of cheering, running, jumping, throwing as well as lots of colour. Everyone went to a lot of effort with wearing their house colour which elevated the general atmosphere of the day.
We congratulate all students for their participation and success, especially those who will move on to the Monash Division Athletics in Term 3.
Final Results:
1st place Derrimut 1615 points
2nd place Jells 1519 points
3rd place Napier 1506 points
4th place Scott 1452 points
Age Group Champions:
13 Yr Harmonie Robins Napier
13 Yr Jeriah Papatua Napier
14 Yr Samantha Mangan Napier
14 Yr= Liam Barnes Scott
14 Yr= Kalani Cust Scott
15 Yr Jasmine Hamilton Scott
15 Yr= Zach Massalas Scott
15 Yr= James Woodcock Napier
16 Yr Matilda Davies Derrimut
16 Yr Max Charles Napier
17 Yr Catherine Gualtieri Derrimut
17 Yr Jake Edwards Scott
20 Yr Ashleigh Mangan Napier
20 Yr Ben Pepper Derrimut
Records Broken:
20 Yr Javelin Ben Pepper Derrimut 41.60m
13 Yr 800m Jeriah Papatua Napier 2:39.77
13 Yr High Jump Cooper Bertram Jells 1.53m
13 Yr Javelin Max Bucci Napier 26.20m
20 Yr Medley Relay Napier 1:57.32
2021 Swimming & Diving Trials
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the College was unable to run the ‘Whole School Swimming & Diving Carnival’. However, as sport participation is a College priority, we wanted to ensure that an opportunity was provided for all students to represent the school in the ‘College Swimming & Diving’ team. As a consequence, both swimming and diving trials were conducted with a limited number of students.
We congratulate every student that participated in the Swimming & Diving Trials. House points were tallied throughout both events and we congratulate Jells House as 2021 Swimming & Diving Champions.
1st place Jells 447 points
2nd place Scott 367 points
3rd place Napier 233 points
4th place Derrimut 207 points
The following College records were broken at the Swimming Trials. We congratulate both Makayla and Brady on their outstanding swimming.
Records Broken
15 Yr Female 100m Freestyle Makayla Larkin 1.09.28 Jells
15 Yr Female 200m Indiv Medley Makayla Larkin 2.50.07 Jells
14 Yr Female 50m Backstroke Makayla Larkin 35.72 Jells
14 Yr Female 50m Freestyle Makayla Larkin 32.16 Jells
16 Yr Male 50m Backstroke Brady Thomassen 32.37 Scott
16 Yr Male 50m Breaststroke Brady Thomassen 38.66 Scott
16 Yr Male 50m Butterfly Brady Thomassen 30.64 Scott
16 Yr Male 50m Freestyle Brady Thomassen 29.38 Scott
Kerrie Lay & Sally Pryde
Sport Coordinators
SCIENCE NEWS
Forensic Science at KIOSC
On Tuesday 30th March, the Year 9 Forensic science group went out to KIOSC, a program that provides exciting and challenging opportunities for students to engage in innovative STEM education programs in order to help students make informed decisions about career pathways.
At KIOSC, our students learnt about field operations and information services and lab operations which involved biometrics and analytical services. They examined physical evidence from the crime scene, such as fingerprints and crime scene virtual reality (VR) photos. They interviewed suspects and identify their whereabouts on the day in question.
Students were able to look at lab operations involving biometric measurements that can be taken at a crime scene and used as evidence. This entailed electrophoresis, blood typing, polygraph and fingerprinting.
Kayla: "It was great, it was fun and we learnt a lot."
Brendan: "It was a great experience. We saw lots of cool equipment that we probably can't see at school."
Zoe: "It was fun and not boring. The people there were very fun and engaging and interesting."
Vincent Lam
Year 9 Forensic Science Teacher
GTAC Excursion Article
On Wednesday 28th April the two Unit 3 and 4 Biology classes at WHSC had the opportunity to engage in the Responding to Pathogens and Generating Immunity program at the Gene Technology Access Centre at University High School. Students in the program had the opportunity to engage with modern biotechnology equipment to engage with the current immunity area of study in VCE Biology.
Students modelled the way in which we can vaccinate cattle to provide them immunity to tetanus and then performed an ELISA test to see if this immunisation was successful. The second part of the program involved students identifying a specific bacteria which causes mastitis in cattle followed by the discovery of what antibiotic concentration would work best to fight this outbreak back at school.
The whole program was supported by a range of postgraduate students from The University of Melbourne who were able to not only provide their expertise but also an insight into high level scientific research. Certainly, a worthwhile and enjoyable program to broaden our students understanding of VCE Biology.
Pedro Mello
DL Stem and Technology
Year 7 In2Science University Mentor
From the end of term 1 the Year 7 ACE Science class has been supported by own STEM University mentor. Grace, our mentor, is a Chemistry/Education student at Swinburn University who attends our normal science lessons weekly to further enhance the learning of students in the ACE program.
Overall, the goal of the In2Science Mentor program is to:
- Increase student engagement in science and mathematics.
- Enhance understanding of content and dispel common misconceptions.
- Break down stereotypes and provide a human face for science and math's; and
- Build students’ own aspirations for STEM studies and careers.
Grace has been amazing during her time here at WHSC, providing our students with an understanding of her own personal pathway into further study, as well as giving them in-depth knowledge through Chemistry demonstrations. We look forward to Grace’s future visits this term.
Pedro Mello
DL Stem and Technology
Luna Park Physics Day.
On the Wednesday 10th March, our Year 12 Physics class embarked on the annual journey to Luna Park to explore the physics of amusement park rides. This would help them to gain a direct experience of the concepts covered in class as part of motion and formed the basis of one of their SACs.
The students were spun and bumped, turned and dropped, but eventually they got off the bus at St Kilda where the real rides began.
Here the students had the opportunity to experience acceleration, g-forces, circular motion and apparent weightlessness as they spun, climbed, dived and looped on the various rides at Luna Park. ‘The Twin Dragons’ produced changes in kinetic and gravitational energy as the ride oscillated backwards and forwards. It also gave the students a quick rinse and spin with the help of a passing shower. The ‘Enterprise’ allowed students to measure the forces in horizontal and vertical circular motion as they spun round at high speed. The ‘Top Drop’ generated apparent weightlessness and high g-forces as students were dropped from a great height and slammed to a stop. ‘Pharaoh’s Curse’ spun them upside down and shook all the change out of their pockets. And of course, there was the challenge of the ‘Speedy Beetles’.
When the students were asked “What was the best thing about the Luna Park Excursion?” they responded;
“Putting practice into what we learnt.”
“Getting to experience the rides.”
“Being able to go off and do what we wanted to do,”
Gavin 's song – (not sure about that one!)
“The ease of access to each ride.”
“Not lose anything.”
“Everything, everything was fun.”
When the students were asked “Was going on the rides a good way to learn about motion and forces?” they responded;
“Yes, it got us excited about the topic.”
“It was a good way to learn as we experienced the forces for ourselves.”
“It helps to understand how forces affect someone.”
“Yes, as it puts the concepts into a practical way.”
“Yes, as it created a memory that we could refer to, to allow us to really visualise the process.”
When the students were asked “What Physics did you learn that you weren't expecting?” the best comment was, “I didn't expect to survive the Enterprise, but physics said that I would”, and they did!
Overall, the students strongly recommended the experience for anyone studying Physics and a fun, educational and slightly nauseating day was had by all.
Paul McGlynn,
Senior Physics Teacher
Arts News
School of Rock 2021 Casting
Our production has been cast and now we are already rehearsing for our 2021 production of 'School of Rock!' An incredible number of students have signed up to be a part of our whole-school production, with a cast size of 98 and backstage crew size of over 50 students. Rock on, WHSC!
Wakakirri 2021
Wakakirri is a national dance competition; the largest performing arts event for schools throughout Australia! WHSC is going to be competing this year, led by Hayley Tidd in Year 12 and supported by Ms. Novak to create a 7-minute group dance story that reflects ideas and opinions as teenagers today. Rehearsals are underway and will continue throughout term 2. A big thank you to all students who are involved and to Hayley and Ms. Novak for their excellent leadership.
David Gill
Performing Arts, Leading Teacher
Year 9 Visual Art: Guest Artist
The Year 9 Visual Art class was privileged enough to play host to artist Greg Footit. Greg’s work has been exhibited in many galleries over the course of his career and the class was lucky enough to learn from his valuable experience. He assisted the students to further their painting techniques and approaches to art, as they create a portrait in the style of Fauvism.
Abbey Novak & Khairi Razaai
Visual Art Co-Domain Lead
Leadership Camp
Leadership camp is one aspect of being a leader that students thoroughly enjoy. Some students shared their experience of leadership camp.
My Leadership Camp
On the 9th- 10th of March, I was lucky to be given the chance to attend the Leadership Camp with my fellow Middle School Captain and Middle School leaders, as well as many other Student Leaders of 2021.
We attended workshops where we covered the importance of being a good leader, as well as what a good leader looks like and acts like. We also played games that taught us how to communicate, work together and help organize groups so we could be successful.
The camp gave us the chance to participate in lots of fun activities, like raft building, low ropes course and crate climbing, with each activity teaching us to work as a team, to trust each other and be trustworthy ourselves.
We all had a great time, with lots of laughter, talking and fun, and we have all learnt new skills which we can bring to our leadership roles to help make us the best leaders we can be. With these new skills I feel like I can do anything in my leadership role. I can’t wait to see what this year will bring!
Hannah Wright, Yr. 9 student Middle School Captain
Leadership Camp
Leadership camp… where to start, I think it was a wonderful experience, we had fun activities, information sessions and games. There was also a trivia night which was really exciting, even the teachers joined in! we also took part in the low ropes course and raft building, this helped build our connection and relationships with our fellow leaders, from all year levels of the school community. Then there were times when we would sit in a group, and discuss our ideas and plans we had to help, either improve the learning or to help raise awareness, of a cause or the environment, we then joined all of our ideas up to create an even better outcome. The ideas that we came up with can help improve; our learning space at school, get more children involved with the class, or just have some really fun relationship building, and awareness building activities during the school day. The camp went for total of two days and one night, the camping ground was forest edge as it was on the edge of a forest. Overall it was a really fun experience that I would definitely do again.
Lillian Kleinman, Yr.9 student Middle School Captain
Year 9 News
The last weeks of Term 1 saw Year 9 students enjoyed Brainstorm Productions; The Flipside as a live performance in our theatrette. It highlighted the importance of personal responsibility, empathy, respect and resilience in the online world.
Students were most appreciative of the actors’ perspectives of what is humorous, safe, toxic, humiliating, informative and safe online. This opportunity was another source of respectful relationships for our Year 9 students.
The photos below are from the event Tuesday 23rd March.
The Morrisby Project
As the final step of the Morrisby Project Year 9 students participated in one-on-one interviews/consultations and received their own booklets for career and potential elective and study focus.
Students were so pleased with such an experience and the visiting consultants were complimentary of our students participation and attention.
Special thanks to Careers Coordinator Mrs Jakubicki for her work with this important initiative and Mrs Patterson for her support each day of the interviews.
We look forward to more opportunities for the Year 9 students in Term 2.
Miss Jacinta Wilson
Year 9 Coordinator
Year 8 News
Brainstorm Production – The Flipside Cyber Safety Program
The Flipside Production on Tuesday 23rd March was both entertaining and informative. The Flipside Cyber Safety program was presented as a live performance, which aims to teach students the importance of online safety, digital citizenship and cyberbullying.
The performance encouraged students to think and reflect on their online behaviours, including both positive and negative aspects. The performance highlights the importance of students developing personal responsibility in navigating the online world in a responsible manner, by building empathy and respect towards others.
Year 8 Surf Day
On Friday 12th March, a group of our Year 8 students undertook a surf trip to Smith’s Beach in Phillip Island. Qualified Surf Coaches guided students through their first surf lesson; teaching them the basics of paddling and standing while on the beach, before heading into the waves. It was a great day of learning and fun, with many students mastering the basics of riding the waves. Thanks to Ms. Robinson, Mr. Molan, Ms. Toon and Mr. Gramatakos for attending this event.
“It was an awesome day, we stayed in the water for ages! We were fit into wet suits, and carried surf boards down to the shore. We were split into groups and learnt the basic skills of surfing. When we finished, we ran down to the water and started surfing, people were riding massive waves. Huge waves crashed down and kept on coming, everybody was having a blast. Then, we walked our boards up to the café and had some lunch. We then went back to Wheelers. It was such a good day!”
Ethan Woods, Yr. 8 student
“A few weeks back, the year eights went on a surf trip, it was reasonably cold but that didn’t stop us, we jumped into water and got started on learning how to surf, it was an awesome day, everyone had smiles on their faces, learning how to surf was very new and interesting. Going out into the water and putting our new skills to use was definitely a highlight for everyone, we spent around an hour in the water, which went so fast. Overall the day was super fun and a massive success, I’m already super excited to go next year.”
Jordy Pignolet, Yr. 8 student
“A few weeks ago, the year 8’s went on a surf trip we went to Smith’s Beach and we had a blast. We learnt the basics like how to paddle and how to stand up on the surf board once we mastered on dry land then we went in the water. I was very good at surfing because I’ve done it before, we were in the water for about 1 hour. I know I can’t wait and I’m pretty sure most people can’t wait to go next year because it was very fun.”
Lachlan Naylor, Yr. 8 student
Ms. Megan Hodgkinson
Year 8 Coordinator
Year 7 News
Clean up Australia Day
The Year 7’s participated in a 'Clean Up Australia' event on Friday 19th March 2021. Students got reusable gloves to ensure that our cleaning was sustainable and split up to clean different areas around the school. The Year 7’s did a fantastic job of cleaning our school environment and were rewarded with some icy poles at the end of the day. Some students have shared their experience of the day below:
“On the Friday 19th March 2021 our school participated in ‘Clean Up Australia’ day. Our school community did its part by picking up pieces of rubbish and throwing them in the bin. After only 20 minutes of cleaning, the school grounds were spotless."
Rebecca Wright, Yr. 7 student
“During the ‘Clean Up Australia’ event, all of year 7 split up and cleaned their designated areas. One funny highlight is how small the gloves were, it was hilarious! After a quick chuckle, we all went to work picking up garbage. In the end, everyone could enjoy their icy poles; well, at least the remains of them..."
Samuel Yu, Yr. 7 student
Welcome to Wheelers Afternoon Tea
We held a Welcome to Wheelers Afternoon Tea for our year 7 parents on the Monday 17th March, which was a wonderful opportunity for staff, students and parents to meet. We had a display of student work and photos from year 7 camp, and we were delighted to see that most students could proudly show their parents a clean and organised locker! Thank you to all families who attended this event.
Some student shared their experience of the day:
“The ‘Welcome to Wheelers’ afternoon tea was a really enjoyable event for my parents and I. We were given a checklist for us to complete over the course of the afternoon. The checklist got us to introduce our parents to some of the teachers, other parents and got you to show them around the school. Overall, this event really helped for me and my parents to get familiar with the school and everyone around it.”
Ashton H & Kynan M, Yr. 7 students
Senior School News
RSA and Food Handler’s Certificates
After school on Tuesday 27th April, 29 students from across Year 11 and 12 undertook the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) course. The presenter, Caroline Duke, introduced the students to standard drink sizes, how to serve drinks and when to refuse service of alcohol to patrons.
On Monday 3rd May, 23 students were involved with the Food Handler’s Course. This certificate educated the students about preparation and service of food to Occupational Health and Safety standards. At the end of the session, students were able to eat the burritos they had prepared. Both the RSA and Food Handler’s Certificates were offered to WHSC students to increase their prospects of gaining employment in the hospitality industry.
Michelle Galea (VCAL Leader) and Michelle Galli (Senior School Leader)
Year 10 Camp
For the first 3 days of Term 2, the Year 10’s embarked on an adventure camp at the ‘Summit’ in Trafalgar East. Some of the Year 10’s have shared their experience.
“This camp has to be one of the best experiences I have had throughout my whole schooling life. The ‘Summit Adventure Camp’ is life changing and I hope to go back some day. Everyone including the staff were so friendly and welcoming; they made us all feel comfortable straight away.
On the first day the students were a bit unsure how the next few days would turn out, but the camp leaders made sure we wouldn’t regret anything and would go home feeling like a new person, that has happily stepped outside their comfort zone. As one of the coaches said, “it incorporates fun and changing your life, so if you don’t believe us in the changing life part, come for the fun part because don’t worry we are going to do both” And they did just that.
Some of the activities included the ‘Flying Fox’, ‘Leap of Faith’, Abseiling, ‘Tash’s Ladder’, ‘Inflatable Obstacle Course’ (with inflatable human foosballs), the ‘Bush Challenge’ and the MAIN EVENT, the ‘Monster Mud’ challenge. This was one big challenge but with supportive teammates and leaders we got through it TWICE like a breeze. I am so proud of my team for placing first with the best improved time for this, I couldn’t wish for a better team and I’m glad I got to work with new people.
Overall, this was a great experience. I am so happy I got the chance to go. If you ever get a chance, go on this spectacular camp even if you don’t like camps much, I highly recommend it - you won’t be disappointed.
I would also like to thank our hard-working teachers for having an encouraging word and being patient until we all enjoyed ourselves.
P.S. The food is also great! I can see life from a different perspective, and it taught me I can do anything if I put my mind to it, so we did”.
Chloe Kourtis, Yr. 10 student
“Year 10 Camp – The Summit
During my time at ‘The Summit’, I learnt many things, the big thing I learnt was how incredible the camp itself was and how nice and caring the staff at the camp were. The activities were amazing, and they continued even through the rain, so we didn’t lose any of our short and precious time at ‘The Summit’.
There was a range of activities from a ‘flying fox’ to ‘rock climbing’ to a ‘mud challenge’ on the second day. The activities we were allowed to do on our third day at ‘The Summit’ included, a flying fox, the leap of faith, rock climbing, bush challenge, abseiling and the bush challenge.
Personally, my favourite activity was the mud challenge on the second day, because we had to do it twice in a row, we had to work our way through obstacles, mud and water and we all had to work together to try to beat our time the first time we did it. I was very hesitant to do some of the activities such as the ‘leap of faith’ as it was quite high up and I am not a fan of heights. In the end, I did do it and many other activities I was scared of, and I am so glad I did because I would have regretted not giving it a go when I looked back on my time at ‘The Summit’.
This camp helped me get over fears and it pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best, most fun way possible. I am so happy I had the opportunity to go to this incredible camp for three days, and I would most definitely go again and recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to go, staff and students”.
Patricia Didomenico, Yr. 10 student
“Year 10 camp was one of the biggest highlights of the year, for many reasons. It let me learn and spend time with friends. It also let me overcome many problems in my life, such as social anxiety, and fear. The camp also allowed me to know my personal boundaries and skills a lot easier, especially with the high number of physical activities we were taking part in.
The camp staff seemed really passionate about their role at the camp and showed it by pushing us to do things that we would not usually do, such as swim through a lake, or a mud pit, or a mud pit covered by barbed wire! (don’t worry it was perfectly safe).
My best memory from camp would have to be when I lost my glasses in the same mud pit, I had to swim through it twice to find them, which I did, came as a huge surprise to everyone. Long story short, we had fun”.
Lachlan Azzopardi, Yr.10 Student
“The camp was enjoyable. During camp, I was able to expand my comfort zone, which allowed me to do all the activities at the camp. It was thrilling spending the time with my friends, having deep conversations at night, and seeing my friends challenge themselves to get out of their comfort zone.
Unfortunately, the weather was not very good, in the morning, it was 3-4 degrees, but it was fun being that cold with my friends. In the mornings, there was condensation on the tent walls because it was so cold.
During the mud run, it was also very cold; it was even raining for a while. In our teams of twelve, we had to complete certain obstacles. When moving from one obstacle to the next we had to link up and carry a tire with us. Obstacles included crawling underneath wire while in mud, swimming in a net over a small body of water, and filling up buckets of water, which had holes in them. By the end of it, everyone was freezing and wanted to have a warm shower. It was good fun though!
On the first night of camp, I had a friend who did not want to get muddy since she did not want to wash her hair, unfortunately, my other friend kicked a ball straight into a rather large puddle. My friend being the athletic person, attempted to kick the ball while it was in the puddle. To her surprise, it was so slippery she fell and landed in the puddle getting her clothes dirty. This was the highlight of my camp experience since it was so iconic and funny.
In conclusion, I was glad I went to the camp so I could see my friend fall, as well as being able to do all the activities”.
Amelia Biggs, Yr. 10 student
RYDA, ‘Safe Driving Program’
On the Tuesday 27th April 2021, all of Year 11 had the opportunity to attend the ‘RYDA, Safe Driving Program’. Throughout the program, 6 activities were undertaken, all based on safe driving and the consequences that come along with taking the wrong decisions on the road. There were real life events and anecdotes littered throughout the day’s events to emphasise the importance of the information being relayed.
In my personal experience with the program, awareness of the danger
s of the road, some in which I did not even know of, has increased. My personal favourite part of the day was the last activity I sat through which showcased a guest speaker who had survived a car crash many years ago and came to relay her experience to us. It was insightful, as well as moving, as she was honest and very real in her answers.
Overall, the ‘RYDA Safe Driving Program’ was insightful and educational, but most importantly, it was relevant to all who attended, because it relayed the events happening in most, if not all of our lives currently.
Laura Saldutto, Yr 11 student
Year 12 Easter Egg Hunt
On Thursday 1st April, the Year 12 students had an ‘Out of Uniform Day’ and chose a dress up theme of 'Pyjamas'. It was a lovely way to end Term 1, with students wearing their pyjamas to classes for the day (and some staff too!). After a homegroup assembly, students then ventured outside for an Easter egg hunt in the grassy area around the Senior School. The Easter eggs were thoroughly enjoyed throughout the day!
Michelle Galli
Senior School Leader
Breakfast Club
Wheelers Hill Secondary College would like to thank our local sponsor Bakers Delight Wheelers Hill for enabling us to run a Breakfast Club for students once a week on a Thursday morning before the start of school. They have been very generous in providing several loaves of bread, rolls and sweet/savoury scrolls on a weekly basis.
They have also expressed interest in sponsoring fund-raisers at the College. The store at Shop 5, Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre has been under new management since July 2018 and they are now also specialising in Artisan Bread amongst their other seasonal products.
All donations are sincerely appreciated and by providing this opportunity it ensures our students consume a healthy breakfast before starting off a school day which is directly linked to improved concentration and energy levels.
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