Learning.

I wonder … do you know what it means to learn?

According to the master artist Leonardo da Vinci, “Learning never exhausts the mind.”

The Ancient Greek Philosopher Aristotle said, “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”

And the famous wife and closest advisor of John Adams, Abigail Adams is noted to have said, “Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardour and attended to with diligence.”

Learning appears to be energising and it sustains us. It requires us to be active and not passive in the process and something we need to seek intentionally, with real purpose. So, the question I ask you as parents, as teachers and students is this - are your willing to learn and be the kind of learner that is adaptable, committed, and enthusiastic? At The Hamilton and Alexandra College it is vital that our partnership with students, parents and teachers reflects a common approach to learning. We would love to see students sharing their learning goals and achievements at home and for parents to be supporting and celebrating these milestones.

This week our Academic reports will be released. I would urge parents to read the report with their son or daughter, paying particular attention to the learning behaviours and mentor comments. Consider making a summary of the key ideas in the report feedback and prepare some questions to bring along to our Student/Parent/Teacher Interview on Wednesday 21 July 2021 from 4-8pm. (Please see attached the instructions for making a booking for the interview.)

The learning at College prepares students across all curriculum areas and learning stages with skills and capabilities to thrive in a rapidly changing and interconnected world. It connects students and engages their sense of curiosity. We want to inspire students to be leaders of their own learning. Students who can collaborate and use critical and creative thinking to solve complex problems and become mindful global citizens.

Learning is for life, not just for an hour in a classroom or a period during childhood. Learning is for life. Are you a lifelong learner? Are you curious about the world and the people that you interact with? Join the movement to be a lifelong learner and help us help the students here at the College to be the best that they can be.

Susan Bradbeer

Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning

National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) – 2022

The 2022 NYSF will deliver a 12-day program from 10 to 25 January via a combination of in-person and digital STEM experiences. Participants will experience everything the NYSF is famous for: keynote speakers, lectures, hands-on workshops, debates, expos, and enriching social activities. In-person STEM visit days and events will be held over a week of the program at major city hubs across the country. Following the changes to the program in 2021 due to COVID-19, this ensures participants can meet and network with each other, and visit world-class STEM facilities. A continuous program of digital events will run alongside the in-person events, so the program is accessible to as many people as possible. This change means the NYSF experience is still accessible and stimulating should there be a COVID-19 hotspot emerge or lockdown called at a hub location.

At the program, students will have opportunities to participate in tours of science and technology facilities, learn about cutting edge research, engage with industry partners and research providers, learn about university and STEM career pathways, mix with other like-minded students from all over Australia, network with former NYSF participants to further increase understanding of STEM-related study and career experiences.

Year 11 students studying at least one science or technology subject are eligible to apply via the link below. The Hamilton Rotary Club is keen to sponsor a student, so please make contact if you would like further information about having the costs of the trip covered.

National Youth Science Forum - Inspiring Australia's Young Scientists (nysf.edu.au)

Mrs Rebekah Bonnett

Head of VCE Studies and Head of Science

School Information