So, we have come to the end of another wonderful learning and growing year for our students at Marian in the Science Department.

Year 7 have been growing crystals as they study saturated solutions. Its always great to see some beautiful blue crystals that grow over a few days. I had a smile as one student asked if we had finished growing gems.

Year 8 have been also studying chemistry to finish the year and will start their science study when they return. The prep area has been scattered with many practical's as students continue to explore right up to their last lesson.

Year 9 have been finalising their study of the body systems and how they are kept in a healthy state. We end the year on the reproductive system and the magic of foetal development as we come to Christmas, and the birth of Jesus. It is also a lead in to the topic of Genetics for Term 1 in 2023 when these students will be in their final junior year. It gives both the girls and the boys and appreciation for the responsibility of family and their need to be compassionate and respectful at all times.

Year 10 continue to explore the chemistry that their physical world which is made of particles. Some will go on to study Chemistry next year, so this is an opportunity to prepare. Mr Webb will be teaching the Preliminary Chemistry next year, Ms Jensen will be teaching the Preliminary Physics and Biology so I know that all students who have taken science will have a productive and exciting learning year.

Year 12 have just returned from their formation days and came back refreshed and ready to cope with their final year. I am sure they are working hard and will do their personal best next year. I will be teaching the Year 12 Biology and Chemistry classes for 2023 and Mr Marshall will continue with the HSC Physics class.

A word from our Laboratory Technician:

Another busy year finished, time to start packing up and closing the door on 2022.

I would like to wish Aaron and Lisa all the best in their new adventures. Thank you both for your friendship and advice along the way. I have known Lisa most of her life so she will be sadly missed.

Our ceilings are being fixed and painted over the holidays. The smell of fresh paint will welcome us into 2023. I hope the students have enjoyed the many practicals this year, with many more exciting experiments to come.

Happy Holidays and best wishes

Tori McIntosh

A word from Mr Webb:

Greetings and salutations to the Marian Catholic College community, my name is Mr Gregory Webb and I have recently been accepted as a member of the teaching staff moving forward into 2023. My main areas of expertise are all senior Sciences and Geography, however, I also have experience in teaching mathematics, history and agriculture. In Term 4, I have enjoyed my introduction to the community as a member of the Mathematics Faculty, and look forward to being part of the Science Faculty moving forward into 2023. I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and may your festival season be safe, joyous and rejuvenating.

Best Wishes,

Mr Webb.

A word from Mrs Dhanoa

Marian has always been a good place to work. I am enjoying my casual teaching here as well. Most of the time I am in my own faculty, which is Science, as most of you know. I would like to wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Looking forward to seeing you all again next year.

Best wishes

Balinder

A word from Ms Jensen

This year has flown by so fast, and I have enjoyed it immensely. It was wonderful to teach new students this year, as well as to continue to teach students from 2022 and watch them grow as scientists, and as young people. Have a relaxing Christmas holiday and I look forward to seeing you next year.

Best wishes,

Ms Jensen

A word from Mrs Dangol

This was my first year of teaching as I graduated last year with my teaching Degree. This has been an amazing experience and privilege being a part of the science faculty of Marian Catholic College. I enjoyed the journey of teaching and learning throughout the year. Everyone has been so supportive and helpful from the very first day. I would like to express my immense gratitude to everyone for making me feel like home and making my first year of teaching amazing.

I wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I look forward to working with you all next year.

Warm regards,

Binita Dangol.

A word from Ms Davis

I wish to say goodbye to the students and parents at Marian Catholic College. As many of you know, I am a Griffith local, and so have been at school, worked with, or have taught a large number of families in the community. I leave to take the next step in my career, having being offered a position as Head of Department at a large school in Canberra. I am passionate about Science Education, and this will give me an opportunity to experience new ways of assessment, planning and teaching, and to be able to guide a team of experienced educators to further enhance the learning of young people.

I have been at MCC for 14 years, and during this time, have taught a number of students in Chemistry, Senior Science, Biology, and Junior Science. Each cohort brings its own unique quirks and personalities, and I have been fortunate to have been a small part of so many lives. I would like to thank all members of the Science faculty for their camaraderie and friendship, with particular thanks to Mrs Tori McIntosh. A lab does not function without a good technician, and Tori’s experience, competence, expertise and organisation means that the Science Faculty runs smoothly. She also keeps the students and teachers’ safety at the forefront of planning, for which I, and the students, are grateful.

Take care in 2023.

Lisa Davis

A word from Mr Lawler

I wish to say a fond farewell to the parents and students both past and present for a wonderful 13 years.

My family will be relocating in 2023 and I would like to thank the community for many special memories.

I have taught many students Science and Biology over the past 13 years and I hope my passion for Science has inspired students to pursue Science in their lives.

Thanks to the Science team for your help and support.

Best wishes.

Mr Lawler and family.

And so, together with all of us in the Science Department, I wish you a very happy and holy Christmas. We say a farewell to Ms Davis and Mr Lawler and wish them every success in their new schools. I thank the staff for walking with me and the students together this year on our personal journey’s and I pray for your safe return after a relaxing and enjoyable time with your families.

God bless you all with happiness and laughter

Best wishes

Esther Dumbleton (Leader of Learning, Science)

Maths News

2022 Australian Maths Competition