Senior School News
VCE Conference
The 2019 VCE Conference was a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, step out of our comfort zones and experience new things. It was great to visit universities and speak to students from a broad range of backgrounds, study interests and walks of life.
The formal dinner was, for me, the highlight of the two day trip. I enjoyed sitting amongst my fellow Year 12 colleagues and sharing a meal whilst discussing the day we had just experienced and our refreshed thoughts on the university process and what we might like to study eventually.
The address by Dr Field was awe inspiring whilst incredibly illuminating and thought provoking. It was inspiring to hear such a highly rated academic speak with incredible philosophical attention and understanding of human nature, whilst relating her experiences and thoughts on life to our journey through school. Dr Field gave us some fantastic insight into the further study options at universities and how we can someday get to that level as well.
The whole VCE Conference was a thought provoking and incredibly informative experience. Seeing where we could potentially be studying in 12 months time was very reassuring and a great way to get to know Melbourne a bit better. I certainly used the experience to question more seriously what I want to do after Year 12, and what sort of tertiary study I would like to pursue. The VCE Conference was a great way to be introduced into the world of universities and tertiary studies, and I really enjoyed the learning experience that came along with the trip.
Alexi Ginis (12 Riley)
The VCE Conference held earlier this year, was an enlightening experience for us to gain a broader perspective on our futures. It provided us with the opportunity to capture a glimpse at what life at university will be like, while also giving us the chance to develop as a group before the beginning of our final year.
Having the chance to explore the campuses of Melbourne University, RMIT, Monash and Deakin at Waurn Ponds, allowed us to explore some potential institutions for which to continue our studies after high school if we wish to. It was beneficial to gain insight into the different atmosphere of each campus, thus helping us to obtain a sense of what each university is like. We were also lucky enough to be able to listen to a presentation at each university for a particular faculty, giving us a further understanding of what areas we might like to study in a tertiary education.
The formal dinner was one of the highlights for many of us, myself included, as we were able to dress up and spend an evening with friends, reminiscing on our past years together, while also considering what the future holds in store for us.
The presentation by Dr Field was an enriching real life demonstration of the positive affect that hard work and persistence can have. Dr Field inspired many of us with a well thought out list of ways in which we can achieve our best and have a successful final year at school.
The two days provoked many of us to give some serious thought into what we want to do after school. For myself, I already had some idea of what I want to do after I graduate, so I used the VCE Conference as an opportunity to question my current plans. Personally, I felt that I did benefit from the experience as I was not as eager about pursuing the courses I inspected during the conference compared to the one I was considering beforehand, thus making me more confident in my current plans. This reassurance is
something of a luxury when entering year 12. As a whole, I really enjoyed our trip to Melbourne as it was informative and entertaining, while also refreshing to think about what our lives may be like after we depart high school.
Hannah Downey (12 Aherne)
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First Day of School
Welcome to 2019!
It was a wonderful start to the school year with lots of smiles and new faces.
The major theme of the all-school assembly was courage, and students were introduced to the newest element of the RULER approach and presented with their "PRIME" badge.
We warmly welcome all new and returning students and staff to our wonderful school and wish everyone a fantastic 2019.
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2019 Young Women in Public Affairs Awards Programme
ENTRIES NOW OPEN
Applications are now open for the 2019 Young Women in Public Affairs (YMPA) Award Program. Applications close on 15th February 2019, and female students aged 16-19 on 1st April are encouraged to apply.
The successful winner is treated to an awards night where they are presented with their award and cash prize, whilst sitting in on a evening of inspirational speeches and presentations from leaders in Community Service.
To apply please head to https://www.zontabendigo.org/awards--scholarships.html to download your application form.
Last year’s winner was Ella Fisher (12 Riley ) who was presented with the Young Women in Public Affairs Award from Zonta International in March last year.
The award recognises young women, ages 16-19, who demonstrate leadership and commitment to public service and civic causes.
The goal of the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award Program is to encourage young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a young woman’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the empowerment of women.
Ella has been involved in a vast array of community service activities. She has taken part in most of the community service opportunities the school offers, including Red Shield Appeal, the “Eat Up” Campaign, and the making of birthing kits to send to women without access to basic birthing equipment.
Ella continues her passion for community service outside the school as a mentor for the Net Fit Netball Dream Catchers program. This leadership role sees Ella work with younger students to inspire young girls to live healthy lifestyles, work on goal setting, and become their own stronger and happier self. Further, Ella took part in a New Zealand exchange program as a holiday camp leader, an opportunity that allowed Ella to mentor young kids and help them develop their social skills. Ella is a School Vice Captain this year.
When asked why she undertakes community service, Ella said “it’s important to help others less fortunate”, and that if she were ever in need she knows someone would be there to help her, so in turn, it is her responsibility to help others.
Any student wishing to apply for the scholarship should feel free to contact Ella with any questions.
Australia Day
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