In the classrooms
Year 8 Gunditjmara Excursion
Over two days, year 8 classes traveled to three sites to see and learn about the aquaculture system constructed by Gunditjmara peoples following the eruption of Budj Bim (Mt Eccles). The lava flows, now 30000 years old, created a series of wetlands that provided a reliable source of food. It has since been recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site, one of only 20 sites in Australia.
Supported by the generosity of GHCMA, our students were met by Rangers and Gunditjmara staff, Tyson, Leigh and Shaun and shown around the sites.
Tyrendarra IPA
After meeting Shaun, Leigh and Tyson, we started our walk around Darlots Creek, called Kalara by the Gunditjmara people meaning ‘always flowing’. We got to see what the huts looked like back when Aboriginal people used to live in them and learnt how they kept warm and dry. We learnt about how they trapped eels and used the reeds as snorkels to help catch swans. We got the chance to see all the weapons and tools they used and were told (and for some, shown) how they were used. We saw what plants they used as medicines or for eating. Although the weather was cold and wet, the stories and information we gained from Shaun, Leigh and Tyson stuck with us. Leigh told us about how each person got their totems by walking in the bush and seeing the first animal they saw, (that animal was now their totem). They needed to protect their totem animal by not killing them and leaving them in peace. Towards the end our walk, there was a circle of old dead trees with markings of the six states and territories. We all had a great time and took away lots of new information, thank you for this experience. (Noah, Ethan, Olivia)
Condah Mission
Following our trip to the Tyrendarra IPA, we continued to the Condah Mission. The first thing we did was eat smoked eel and kangaroo for lunch. Tyson took us outside and demonstrated how to throw boomerangs and we all got a chance to test our new skills. Afterwards we participated in a smoking ceremony to get rid of any bad spirits. We went for a walk and saw the old Condah Mission houses. The children were separated from their parents and forced to live in a dormitory. They were not allowed to learn about their culture, history or language. It was confronting to learn. Overall, it was a valuable experience for us to learn about Gunditjmara Culture. (Cadell, Bradley, Joey)
Lake Condah
Lake Condah is 32.9 kilometers southwest of Macarthur. The lake is important because it provided food for the Gunditjmara people. Swan eggs, eels, fish and swans were all part of their diet. Lake Condah has a large variety of birds and other species of animals. Tribes lived around the lake and made channels, like those at Muldoons, to move the eels so that they could be easily caught. (Cameron, Shaun)
Year 12 Business Management Excursion
Baimbridge College’s year 12 entrepreneurs embarked on an adventure by participating in a Business Management excursion to Melbourne in June. 15 students visited the head office of a highly reputed online market retailer MYDEAL and attended a full-day business workshop. Students gained a unique opportunity to interact with the CEO of the company, who was nominated ‘The Business Leader of the Year 2016’, as he revealed to them the unique, yet challenging business journey of Mydeal throughout the last decade. Mydeal CEO inspired the young entrepreneurs and motivated them by sharing his vision and encouraging them to achieve their future business dreams.
“You have got to find your career in something you are truly passionate about. At some point in our lives we all need to cross the river. Mydeal has decided to cross the river by becoming a public listed company this year, there by completing its full business lifecycle” said the CEO, encouraging the young individuals to achieve their future goals.
Students were further enlightened by detailed presentations of various heads of departments including Marketing, HR, Sales, Customer Care and Accounting. They had a first-hand opportunity to interact and learn from the professionals and share their valuable experiences, challenges and joys of their career voyages. The time spent in the company allowed them to observe fast-paced real-world business operations and challenges that are intricately fabricated in any dynamic and competitive business environment. They gained more realistic insights into the recruitment procedures of top-rated companies on CV/resume writing, short listing and interview preparations. Fulfilling the VCE Business Management curriculum expectations, students concluded the excursion on a positive note.
‘I really enjoyed the business management trip. Personally, I found it to be a great insight into what it’s like to be in a real business setting and I was able to receive a greater understanding of what attributes employers are looking for. Overall it was a great opportunity and fantastic experience in the real business world.’
Ksenija Gilchrist
School Captain