海角大神

It is difficult to know where to start in reflecting on the year that has passed for this last edition of The Lighthouse in 2020. There has been ample written about the adverse impact of Covid-19 in my communications this year and, in an effort to finish the year on a positive note, I intend to try and avoid reversing over that same territory again. Victorians feel rightly proud of our collective response to the virus and the fact that we have finished the year almost 鈥渂ack to normal鈥� was unthinkable only a couple of months ago. 

One observation would be that since school resumed in face to face mode in October, most of our young people have found the return to school enjoyable and, generally speaking, they feel like they made good progress when learning remotely. To the large extent that families played a most crucial role in facilitating remote learning by supporting both the endeavours of their children and the outstanding efforts of our teachers, there is, deservedly, cause for congratulations and thanks. Of course, some students found remote learning difficult and we are compiling data to help identify students who will benefit from an intensive program of school tutoring in the new year in an effort to close gaps that have widened. 

To put a particular 海角大神 twist on my observations, I will take this opportunity to reflect upon this year from the perspective of our own College values:

Belonging: the isolation of our extended lockdown has reinforced to us the value of human connectedness. Last week, our breakfast TV was dominated by images of families reuniting amidst tears of joy as borders reopened and, I鈥檓 sure, most families will have their own story about the impact of being apart from loved ones. Similarly, our student feedback indicates that while there were many positives about being in lockdown in terms of building relationships with family, they missed the social aspects of schooling too. 

Stewardship: our environment has been one of the beneficiaries of the shutdown of transport networks and those famous photos of 鈥渂lue skies over Mumbai鈥� in September seem to have resonated with many. That they occurred in the week of the first 鈥淚nternational Day of Clean Air鈥� appears serendipitous, but clearly demonstrates what could be. Locally, many of us rejoiced when we received permission to leave our homes to return to the places of natural beauty that are so important to our feelings of wellbeing. SEB (Year 9) has provided an opportunity for students to get back into our College vegetable gardens this week and give them a long overdue tidy up and we look forward to resuming the kitchen gardens for both Caf茅 N9ne and for charity when school resumes next year.    

Perseverance: of all our core values, it could be argued that this one most distinctly captures the challenge faced by many students and staff forced to learn and teach in new modes this year. Remote learning has promoted a need for high levels of self-reliance and self-motivation and it is clear that the students with these traits already well established have continued to flourish. But there has also been much talk about resilience - how well we are able bounce back from disappointment. It's been pleasing to read the reflections from students who have found themselves to be more resilient than they thought. I鈥檇 like to make special mention of our Year 12s here. While every year is an important one, it is our Year 12 cohort who have the outcomes of their year most intensely scrutinised. Yet, throughout the exam period I saw diligent students with smiling faces and they should all feel rightly proud of themselves. 

Justice: Covid-19 appears quite indiscriminate in whom it infects, although it became apparent that it impacts on our elderly more severely and with outcomes that are often catastrophic. To this extent, it put some of our attitudes to our elderly, especially in relation to aged care, under a spotlight and highlighted systemic deficiencies. Over recent years we have witnessed the mutual benefit for both students and residents from partnerships we have established with aged care homes. We continued to write this year, but let's hope we can resume visits in the not too distant future.

Compassion: we will all have stories of someone who has done it tough this year. Hardship can take many forms, but one obvious consequence is that mental health has become of growing concern in all walks of life. Agencies, like Headspace, are reporting a notable increase in cases of poor adolescent mental health, which further highlights the protective role that schools play in this space and we value more than ever the allied services 海角大神 offers through our pastoral care system, Youth and Family Centre and Health Centre. While we are proud of our resources, it is important to add that they are no substitute to the professional medical services that you should seek through your GP.

Spirituality: our religious practices have been disconnected from our normal places of worship this year and many of the ceremonies that help create the rhythms of our life were instead beamed into our homes virtually. Fortunately, we managed to celebrate our Opening Mass in February and those new to our community were able to witness the joy of our whole community in worship. Some retreats have continued, albeit in modified form, and class liturgies have allowed for sharing of our Catholic beliefs in praising God and offering thanks. Prayer, while a positive part of our day, took on special meaning this year as we called upon God for strength.     

A second observation is that many experts are suggesting that we learn from this disruption and see it as an opportunity for looking at our practices with a fresh set of eyes. Articles like A Catalyst for Change provoke thought about the notion of a 鈥渘ew normal鈥� and, while much of this year鈥檚 response has been undesirable because it was motivated by an emergency, it has demonstrated that schools 鈥渃an change and educators can be change makers.鈥� We finish this year with our tanks on empty, but the new year will hopefully provide us the opportunity to look back and identify the changes that we were forced to adopt that have actually resulted in improvement and should not be lost in moving to a Covid normal.

As we enter our Advent Season we wait expectantly for the birth of our saviour and the joy this brings.  I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday.

Celebrate! Excellence at 海角大神

As announced in the last edition of The Lighthouse, our excellence evening that normally occurs around this time has been postponed until Term 1 2021 in a hope that we will be able to host parents/guardians at the event. At this time, we have put a placeholder in our calendar on the evening of Monday, 15 February and will confirm this date with award recipients as it gets closer.

atEast Awards

Congratulations to the recipients of atEast Awards this year. It has been very difficult to coordinate placements in workplaces during Covid-19 and our appreciation goes out to the employers who have facilitated these opportunities. Thanks also to the team at 海角大神 who support the students in finding suitable pathways. 

Premier鈥檚 VCE Awards

We received notification this week that the 2020 Premier's VCE Awards Ceremony has formally been cancelled and that recipients will receive their certificates by mail instead. I鈥檇 like to congratulate Lucas Clarke for his award in Computing:Informatics and also acknowledge his Teacher, Mrs Judy Zuccon.

School Photos 2021

Photos occur very early again in 2021 (February 1 for Years 9-12 and February 2 for Years 7-8) and this note serves as a reminder that for this event we want boys in full winter uniform (including blazer) and girls in full summer uniform plus blazer.  As the weather is often hot at this time of year there is no expectation that the blazer will be worn outside of the official photograph time.

VCE Results 2020

Results for this year will be later than normal due to the timing of exams and not published until December 30. As is our usual practice, the College will send an email to all families on this date outlining the achievements of our students. VCE and VCAL Certificates will be mailed to students when school resumes in 2021.

Commencement Dates for 2021
Friday, Jan 22 - Middle Years and Senior Years Office opens
Wednesday, Jan 27 - Year 7 Parent Information Night
Friday, Jan 29 - Year 7 & 12 commence
Monday, Feb 1 - Years 8 - 11 commence

Term Dates 2021 - Students
Term 1: Monday, 1 February (29 Jan Year 12 & 7) to Thursday, 1 April
Term 2: Tuesday, 20 April to Friday, 25 June
Term 3: Tuesday, 13 July to Friday, 17 September
Term 4: Tuesday, 5 October to Friday, 3 December

Darren Atkinson
Principal

The end of the year is often a time for reflection, but for most of us in 2020, it might be a good time to simply draw breath and relax. All our students are now in at least their first week of holidays, parents can feel like even if they are in their rooms or still asleep that is ok, they are not missing anything. There are plenty of studies that try to measure what happens to learning over an extended break, but for 2020 the key element for all of us is to refresh ourselves for the new year.

Much has been said about the students' efforts but it should be noted that parents have done an amazing job over this year. Parenting is said to come without a manual, and in a year of disruption this is even more so. The support that has been shown for your children has been remarkable. In a few years time, when we think back on 2020, we will remember it as a year where everything was thrown at us, but also when our whole community, parents, teachers and students accepted it and got on with the learning. It is no surprise that students dealt with COVID19 well, school culture is a reflection of parents鈥� beliefs and actions.

Many teachers have surprised themselves. The uncertainty over classes, how to run them and what students would do, caused significant anxiety amongst teachers and support staff. Yet, our goals for our teachers in 2020, pre pandemic, were to provide consistency, collaboration and challenge. By maintaining these simple words as our goals the teacher learning grew exponentially (there鈥檚 a pandemic term if ever there was one) over the year.

So now it is time to have a rest. Sure there will be VCE results close to New Year's Eve and we wish all those students in Year 12 the very best, but now it is also important to celebrate and spend time with those who are most important to us.

Michael Box
Deputy Principal Learning

"The things that we love tell us what we are"
St Thomas 海角大神

The end of the year always marks a happy point in my calendar as the celebration of Christmas is a highlight for the Rodezno family. I am certain that many of you equally positively experience the many gifts that come with the celebration of the Christmas period. As a child, I recall the excitement I felt each day as the 25th of December drew closer, anticipating that I would receive a gift or two from Santa, and that I would see my parents cherish the moment to relax and enjoy the company of their children. As a husband and father of young adults now, the time continues to bring great significance for me as I embrace the opportunity to celebrate together with my loved ones, sharing gifts and enjoying each other鈥檚 company. Yet, I also know that there is more to Christmas than the traditional celebration I am accustomed to living. 

St Thomas 海角大神, our patron saint, is renowned for his theology and the great contributions that he made to our practice as Christians. He was a theologian and philosopher concerned with the embracing of God during times of turmoil for this community. Dating back to the 12th Century, 海角大神 proposed that God鈥檚 simplicity is embedded in the love that we all share as humans. He proposed that each child born is capable of loving, and we all ought to live a life where love determines our actions. As the Christmas period sees us planning and attending gatherings and purchasing presents, food, drinks, and celebrating with loved ones, it is also important to reflect on the meaning of Christmas for the year 2020 following a time that would have been impossible to imagine just 10 months ago. 

If we attempt to interpret 海角大神鈥� statement 鈥渢he things that we love tell us what we are鈥�, it is impossible not to consider the impact that we can have on the local and global communities as individuals, and how powerful our message can be when we collectively work together to make the world better. Christmas gives us the opportunity to reflect on what is important to us, and to use our love as the means to engage with others. A question that enhances my thinking at this time is what do I actually love about Christmas? As I begin to think about my loved ones, the opportunity to give and share, and the time to pray for the many gifts that I have in my life, I cannot ignore that there is so much more that needs to be addressed for our society to be what it needs to be, and how this has to be done collectively by us all as Christians. How can we as a community tolerate poverty? How can we accept gender inequity, poor treatment of those seeking asylum? The poor treatment of the sick? The marginalised? The homeless? Answers to these questions are not easy to reach, as they may be intrusive to the comfort that most have been blessed with. Yet 2020 has taught us differently.

As the Christmas period brings us the many blessings that we deserve, it is important to cherish the time and let our love guide our actions. It is important that each person continues to be an agent of change, disciples of the Gospel as this gives Christmas real meaning for their actions. As we reflect on the great achievement of our state in dealing with the pandemic, it is great to think that it was the vulnerable that was mostly protected. The sick, the old and the health compromised were all protected by the efforts of all people in our community, and this is a testament to the 海角大神 statement for our times. Our love for the vulnerable in our families and the community empowered us to act in ways that showed love and compassion, and this is something that must be cherished. 2020 showed us that we are capable of caring for others. Health workers, protective workers, educators, and other community support staff all stood strong during the lockdowns and provided much needed aid to those in need. Hospitals dealt with the ferocity and threat of the crisis and the pandemic was eventually controlled. The real heroes of our times did what was necessary to protect those in need, and this is a great statement for our extended community.

As the academic year comes to an end, it is important for you to celebrate the 2020 school year with your family with optimism. Each person associated with the College community, whether as student, parent or staff member, was challenged in many ways throughout the year. Despite the imminent restrictions that addressing the global COVID19 pandemic had on our country, and the significant effects that this had on our local and extended community, the College continued to be a learning setting that provided opportunities for all to achieve positive progress and some were at their best throughout the time. We will never forget 2020 for the many different personal positive and negative reasons we will hold for some time, yet refreshingly, I will always remember how a community of professional educators and other school workers took on the challenges that were placed upon them in the effort to educate the 海角大神 College students. The 海角大神 College story witnessed educators commit to making the most of their available resources and teach their students to their best. Each staff member led in some way to embrace the common purpose. Students and parents responded positively to the opportunities, and despite the limitations that remote learning provided, some students excelled, while others continued to make progress. There were some that struggled, but who were attended to with support from their teachers. As much as 2020 will always be regarded as a challenging year, I will always remember the great effort of the community as the College continued to be a place of learning. I will always remember how our local community, city, state and country responded in a way that showed sacrifice and signified compassion. 

I hope that the holidays bring you all a well deserved break and that the lessons we learnt from the year are not forgotten but cherished. We have a long way to go if we are to make Christmas a significant part of our contribution to making the world a better place, but I am optimistic that the way we embraced what was important for everyone during the pandemic, illustrates how we must enact collective action in the attempt to look after the marginalised and bring about equity for all. Thanks to the heroes of our times, the health officers, police and emergency officers, teachers and leaders, their leadership has been significant. May 2021 bring joy and opportunities to us all. Special thanks to all my colleagues, the 海角大神 staff. What a superb group of people I am fortunate enough to call colleagues. 

Merry Christmas. 

Dr Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal

Advent Alphabet

Advent is a time of preparation, as we wait for the birth of Christ. Often, we get so wound up in the rush and busyness of work, shopping and catching up with friends and family. Sometimes it is helpful to have that daily reminder - no matter how brief, of the true meaning of advent.

Loyola Press, a Jesuit publication provides reflections during the significant seasons of the church year. This advent season, the reflection is designed around the alphabet; in many ways it is a wonderful take on the advent calendar. I have provided some snippets for those days provided so far.

A is for anticipation.  I wait with an anticipation that it will be something wonderful and maybe surprising. Will it be a gift in prayer? A moment holding a real baby? An encounter with family or friends where we know Christ is present among us? Only God knows.

B is for Benedictus. The Benedictus is a prayer of prophecy in the beginning of the Gospel of Luke about the coming of the Saviour.

C is for candles. 鈥淭here are five candles in my wreath—four to represent the weeks of Advent and the white one to represent the birth of our Lord.鈥�

D is for dreams. Advent is the season for imagining what is possible, for dreaming new dreams, for hoping beyond hope.

E is for Examen. We are encouraged to examine the day honestly.

F is for flexibility. We know for a fact that the Holy Family had no reservations, so Joseph had to do some quick thinking. Are we flexible to the unexpected?

G is for generosity. Gratitude and generosity coexist within us. We cannot nurture one without building up the other.

H is for hope. Hope is coming; love is coming. A shining realm of peace and wholeness is, truly, coming.

I is for Isaiah. A voice addresses the listening prophet: 鈥淐ry out! Tell the people that God is coming!鈥�

As I wait each day to see what the next letter will represent I remember that this time is more than just my journey - it is one that we take together with faith, hope and love. That is my wish for you all - may this season be filled with the love of Christ for you and your family. Have a safe summer and we look forward to working with you all in 2021.

Tania Grace
Assistant Principal - Mission

College Captains

Mikaela Tenney

My name is Mikaela Tenney and I am the youngest in my family, with my older sister graduating from 海角大神 in 2018. I am passionate about sports, including following my beloved Richmond Tigers, and I am particularly looking forward to competing in EISM for the final time next year in our ultimate frisbee team. In line with my love for science and my desire to help others, I aspire to study medicine and become a doctor in the future. 

Flynn Wilkinson

My name is Flynn Wilkinson and I am the oldest of three children with a younger sister Maeve, currently in Year 7 at 海角大神 and youngest sister Tully, in Year 4 at Our Lady's, Ringwood. I am an avid musician playing the piano, tuba, piano accordion and vibraphone and have dabbled in various sports such as basketball, tennis, lawn bowls and ultimate frisbee. I also compete in local, state and National competitions in Irish Dancing and have represented Australia at the 2017 World Irish Dancing Championships in Dublin and hope to return to compete in the future years. I am excited about the opportunities and experiences that Year 12 presents and look forward to captaining the College in the year to come. I strongly deny all rumours regarding the purchase of a black Northface jacket to be worn at official 海角大神 engagements.

College Vice Captains

Reuben Steen

My name is Reuben Steen and I am the eldest of 5 children, two of which are currently at 海角大神 College; Gaby who is going into Year 11 in 2021, and Joshua who is going into Year 8. My mother is an 海角大神 alumni and I am proud to share the same experiences of friendship and community she always speaks of having felt at the College. I have enjoyed all the opportunities 海角大神 has presented me with - musically, I have performed in choirs, musicals, and bands, and academically , I have been inspired to work hard and strive for excellence by dedicated teachers and fellow students. I am proud and honoured to represent 海角大神 College as Vice Captain in 2021.

Grace Scutt

My name is Grace Scutt and I am the eldest of 3 children and my siblings, Tom and Lucy, are in Middle Years at 海角大神. My parents are also both 海角大神 Alumni, and my Dad was actually Vice Captain back in his Year 12 year in the 90鈥檚! I have really enjoyed English throughout my schooling and hope to continue in the English field in the future. I love playing sports, especially netball, and at school I have loved being part of the 海角大神 EISM ultimate frisbee and cross country teams. I really look forward to working with such a great team of people and getting to know others a little better this coming year!

School Advisory Council Representative

Charlise Smith

My name is Charlise Smith. Being the youngest child in my family, I have followed in the footsteps of my older brother, who graduated from 海角大神 in 2017. I have a passion for academics, music and of course my three beautiful Labradors, and I am excited for an unequivocally eventful final year of high school.

College Ambassadors

Molly Daley

My name is Molly Daley and I am currently preparing to embark on what is going to be one of the biggest roller coasters of my life, Year 12. I live at home with my Mum and my younger brother, Nash. I am a huge animal lover and have a pet dog, Ruby and a pet rabbit named Nathan (I know, weird name for a bunny). At 海角大神, for the past 5 years I have been involved in many of our Choirs, Musicals and Bands. I am passionate about music, the arts and social justice. I was lucky enough to be able to go on both the Borneo and Arnhem Land Immersion school trips in 2019. These were incredible, once in a lifetime experiences. From year 7 to 11 I have held many different Leadership positions, such as member of the SRC, Class Captain, Middle Years Social Justice Captain and as a FIRE Carrier in year 10 and 11. I strive to lead in a way in which I am perceived as a role model, not just for younger students but for my own year level.

Rory O'Brien

My name is Rory O鈥橞rien and I'm the eldest of three. My younger brother is still in primary school, my sister is now going into Year 9 at 海角大神 and was actually just selected as Dominic House Captain, which is (funnily enough) the same position I had back then. My favourite subject at school is English and an extracurricular I'm involved in is debating.

To finish off a year of ups and downs the 海角大神 Music Department would like to congratulate all the Junior and Senior Music Captain applicants.  The role of Music Captain is important as part of the College student leadership team in addition to a vital member of the music faculty.  Music Captains have a strong student voice in the management and planning of events, programs and performances held at the College and our local community.  As our current Junior Captains did not have the opportunity to participate in planning and managing events we have decided to roll these positions over for 2021 so we welcome back  Shaelee Donohue, Seth Thompson and Nicholas Gray as our Year 10 Music Captains.  For our 2021 Senior Music Captains, we wish to announce Grace Benger, Brad Steer and Jay Hills into the role and Isobel Mugamu, Eliza Fletcher and Cody Boland into the Junior Music Captain positions.

Looking forward to 2021, there has unfortunately been a postponement of our regular attendance to Generations in Jazz, however I鈥檓 excited to announce that along with some of Australia鈥檚 finest big band, vocal, and jazz educators, Ross Irwin (Cat Empire) will be presenting the first ever Victorian All-State Jazz Championships on the 1st and 2nd of May 2021. It will be two vibrant days of vocal groups and big bands held at St Leonard鈥檚 College, campus in Brighton East. 海角大神 has begun planning to attend this event with many of the groups who would normally attend GIJ.

As a special note, I would like to thank retiring long-serving staff Mr Rod Meaklim and Mrs Ines Medica for their service to the College and our music faculty.  The success of the current music program was built on the foundation instilled by Mr Meaklim.  His vibrant, energetic and supportive nature is a core value of our music program and we will forever be in his debt.  Ines leading the College Musicals and Choirs and individual students in voice has been a pillar of support and dedication to her craft.  An outstanding performer in her own right and sharing her experience and expertise with students with a caring and nurturing manner is something all music staff admire.  Also leaving the department at the end of this year is Ms Hannah Tivendale, who has been a member of the team for only 12 months but has cemented herself as the foundational strings teacher and string ensemble director with the beginning strings group at 海角大神.  She has been a vibrant and passionate teacher and her students cherish the short period of time they have had with her. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

A final congratulations to 海角大神 Music students for a successful year. As research supports, students who participate in music are more likely to have success in their academic studies but also have a high level of resilience.  I would like to encourage all students to continue playing and practicing over the holidays with their family and friends and to also take the social aspect of music making to their extended families.  On behalf of the Music faculty, we wish, everyone a happy and safe holiday and we look forward to returning to lessons and rehearsal into the new year.

Jared Campbell
Music Programs Coordinator

On Monday 7th December, our incoming Year 7 students for 2021 had the opportunity to get to know their new school, meet their Homeroom Teacher, make new friends, and try out some of the lessons they will be taking in 2021. As they said farewell to their parents at the registration desks at the beginning of the day there were many nervous glances and apprehensive looks. By lunchtime, new friends had been made across students from different schools and by the end of the day the oval was filled with laughter, Snapchat and Instagram profile names being swapped, and shouts of "see you next year".

Here is some feedback from our new students:

"When I first arrived, I was really nervous but after the class started I enjoyed the subjects and made a friend too. I liked the locations of the school too. I think I鈥檓 gonna love being at 海角大神."

"I really enjoyed orientation day. At the start of the day everyone was very quiet and uncomfortable but later in the day we were talkative and confident. The teachers were really nice and lunch was a lot better than I thought it would be."     
Abigail

"I was a little nervous this morning but I have made some friends and I am feeling comfortable now." 
Oscar

"I enjoyed meeting Mr Eggleston and new people from different schools. Even though my friends weren鈥檛 in my class I have had great fun making new friends."
Emma 

"I enjoyed PE it was really fun learning a new game. And French was fun learning new words." 
Cruz

"I really liked how we worked collaboratively in IT when making the tallest tower."
Kayden 

"Today at 9.15am when I arrived was so nerve racking because I knew no one. I figured I needed to talk to people and make some friends and when I did that I needed to persevere through and have fun." 
Owen 

"After today I feel a lot more relaxed and excited then I was this morning."
Tia 

"I didn鈥檛 think I would make a friend today on orientation day. Well I did, YAY! I didn鈥檛 expect to the food to be good either. Well it is!"
Ruby

"This morning I was nervous about coming in, now I鈥檓 feeling excited for 2021. I hope I enjoy the year."         
Robbie 

"I really enjoyed orientation day because I really got to see what high school was all about. I thought that science was interesting and lunch was delicious."   
Olivia 

atEast Awards

Congratulations to our VCAL students on achieving outstanding results in a very difficult year. The following students are recipients of atEast Awards this year.

Jack Spicer - Outstanding Achievements Award Overall Winner
John Dib - Certificate of Recognition
Chris Kassimiotis - Achievement Award - Electrical
Oliver Willgoose - Achievement Award - Electrical
Michael Sloan - Achievement Award - Warehousing Industry
Alice Farinacci - Achievement Award - Disability Industry

VET Excellence & Merit Award Winners

Congratulations to the following 海角大神 students who have been recognised for achievements in their chosen VET course.

EXCELLENCE WINNERS
Jake Walter - VET Plumbing
Kye Smits - VET Horticulture/Landscaping
Merrick Bishop - VET Electrotechnology
Mitch Blaser - VET Music Industry
Tom Naughtin - VET Building & Construction

MERIT WINNERS
Anthony Coccaro - VET Building
Ethan Nugent - VET Engineering
Grace Mitchell - VET Animal Studies
Heather Sutton - VET Hospitality
Levi Mugamu - VET Music Industry
Molly Thorsen - VET Animal Studies
Tobi Johnson - VET Hospitality

What a year 2020 has been! There have been many lessons from the past 10 months and one in particular has struck me and many English teachers. Never before has it been so vital for young people to be able to read and comprehend the endless media that intrudes and is welcomed into our homes. But also the need for an escape from reality through text has reasserted itself firmly in our culture.

Reading for meaning and being critical of the media we consume is essential to living in the 21st century. But reading has also become so necessary in a time where we have been home with little to do. Entering the imaginative world of text through reading and viewing has been particularly important during this time and a return to traditional pastimes has provided solace from the never-ending stream of bad news. At times it鈥檚 much better to slip into an alternate world like The Crown or Better Call Saul rather than face the reality of our world. However, many have commented throughout history that reading about another person's experience or fantasy and adventure, can often lead to one鈥檚 ability to be creative and imagine a world where reality can be improved. Readers are inspired by the bravery of their favourite protagonists or shocked by the cruelty of the villain who they swear never to be likened to. In this way we all learn how to 鈥榖e鈥� in this world.

But the reading doesn鈥檛 stop there. The best part is when you get to talk with your friends about the film, novel, short story, mini series, song or play you have discovered. In a year where we have all felt at a loss for something to talk about, it has been the texts that we consume that have helped us to connect with those we love. 

The benefits of reading outside of school are well documented and consistently reading and critiquing texts has significant educational outcomes across all learning areas, not just in English. With all this in mind let鈥檚 ensure that we are helping young people to explore the world of texts, to be critical and ask questions about what they consume and that they are reading for pleasure and about what interests them. 

The English Team has continued to attempt to pick texts that we believe all students will benefit from and I have outlined below an insight to what we will study. Getting a head start over the summer holidays is excellent practice and a great habit to get into early. And while we encourage students to read ahead I鈥檇 also advise that students read something just for fun!

Alyce Cudmore
English Learning Area Leader

At the end of Term 3, during  Lockdown 2.0, the Year 7 Drama classes were required to plan and submit a silent film. They had to devise, film and edit themselves participating in an everyday activity that goes wrong with no dialogue...in the grand tradition of Charlie Chaplin and Mr Bean. Students really engaged in this task, and there were many strong pieces of work. 

Teachers selected the two highest scoring films from each class, students and staff then voted for the best film. 

These students' films  were the official selections and they are to be celebrated for their creative submissions: Grace Rider, Lucy Jordan, Hannah Prete, Joshua Steen, Addison Barclay, Alyssa Martin, Caleb Ernstzen, Felicity Cunningham, and Beth Wilman.

Our top three actor/filmmakers are (3rd place), (2nd place) and (Best film). Click on their name to view their winning submissions.

Paola Unger
Teacher

After having weeks of working mostly on paper at home, the year 9 ArtX class were enthusiastic to get into working with clay on the pottery wheel.  Creating pots on a wheel isn鈥檛 as easy as it looks, but the impressive Year 9 art students certainly achieved amazing results in record time!

Have a look at their remarkable work!

Sandi van der Niet
Arts Learning Area Leader

On Wednesday 25th November, six Year 8 students competed in an online Ethics Olympiad.  An Ethics Olympiad is a competitive yet collaborative event in which students analyse and discuss real-life, and timely, ethical issues. It differs from a debate in that students are not assigned opposing views rather, they defend whatever position they believe is right and win by showing that they have thought more carefully, deeply, and perceptively about the cases in question. 

This event encourages and promotes ethical awareness, critical thinking skills, civil discourse, international engagement, and an appreciation for diverse points of view.  The students were judged by a range of international scholars and philosophers across four heats. The students performed very well and were able to develop new insights into the world of ethical decision making and philosophy. Congratulations to Jack Jemmeson, Sophie Fegan, Darcy Young, Lucas Mandaliti, Lachie Bruni and Nathan Donnison for their participation.

Danielle Lorkin
Learning Enhancement Coordinator

"The Ethics Olympiad was a really fun experience. At the end of the day we were really tired after debating with the other schools. I really enjoyed thinking about all the cases and coming up with ideas to solve them. It was really fun and I can鈥檛 wait to do it again next year."
Sophie 

"The Ethics Olympiad was a great experience. It exposed me to a new topic, ethics, and I learnt many new things about it. The day was set out in a fun way and I enjoyed participating in a competition after being at home in isolation for so long."
Jack 

While it was the condensed, COVID appropriate version of Year 9 Special Education Block in 2020, the students had a great time participating in a range of activities and wellbeing presentations across the last week of Term 4.

In the last edition of The Lighthouse for 2020 I would like to acknowledge and commend our wonderful staff who have continued to go above and beyond. Mid year I mentioned that the  staff demonstrated continued dedication and flexibility to ensure students' needs are met. This by no way faltered during the second lockdown, and on your behalf I say thank you to one and all for your work throughout the year.

In this edition we will also farewell some of our staff, and we are truly grateful for the gifts and talents you have shared with the 海角大神 community. We hope that you keep in touch, knowing that you will always be a part of the 海角大神 family, and wish you well in your future endeavours. 

I would like to wish you all the very best for the Advent season and the New Year. I have felt very privileged to have spent my first year at 海角大神 in such a supportive and caring community.

Take care and be kind always.

Gina Goss
Assistant Principal - Staff

On the 30 November, St Mary's said farewell to our three graduating students. Jacob Keele who successfully attained an apprenticeship in building. Shelby Hauwert-Swistak who successfully completed her VCE and is looking to pursue further study in the media industry. Nathan Sta Maria who successful completed his VCE and is investigating further study in the area of IT.

All St Mary's students attended and we were fortunate enough to watch a beautiful virtual ceremony created by Daryl Burns, our captionist with some help from Nathan. The time and effort put into this presentation was much appreciated.
We wish the Year 12's every success in their future and will miss their smiling faces.

Mini Saundry
St Mary's Coordinator

RESPECT Shared Stories Anthology

The Shared Stories Anthology publication showcases the best written and visual work of students in Catholic schools, recognising the talents and efforts of students across Victoria.  With a theme of 鈥楻espect鈥� this year, Shared Stories captures a snapshot of the creative and literary talents of school students across all year levels.

海角大神 College has been part of the Shared Stories community for a few years, each year we are so very grateful for the opportunity to have our students work published and to join in the celebration of diversity, creativity and passion this provides.  It is a remarkable achievement to be selected as the standard is incredibly high. Congratulations to the following students whose work has been recognised and published in the Shared Stories Anthology for 2020.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Murphy, Year 12, who is the recipient of the award for her remarkable resin artwork 鈥楽erenity鈥�.

On Tuesday 8th of December, the 2021 College Captains and Ambassadors were lucky enough to be a part of the Nelson Mandela Youth Leadership Summit of 2020. Despite being via Zoom, this was an incredible experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity. We first were privileged to listen to an online Q&A between Greater Shepparton Secondary College and their Excellencies the Governor General and his wife Mrs Hurley. The webinar was inspiring and provided us with valuable advice to guide us into our last year of leadership at 海角大神 College and beyond. The Governor General spoke about how we should lead and how young people can help our country, urging us to 鈥渓ead for them, not for you鈥�. To accompany His Excellency鈥檚 words Mrs Hurley gave us an optimistic outlook on Australia and the future of young people in leadership. She urged the importance of all generations to become 鈥淲aste Warriors鈥� and how a hug can do so much more than words. 

Whilst listening to the conference, the four of us were avidly writing notes on how we can lead with poise and confidence next year. To reinforce what we had learnt after the Governor General and Mrs Hurley left, we had an opportunity to speak to other leaders from all over the world and discuss the importance of optimism in the skill set of a leader.  This part of the event was particularly remarkable as we were the only students and gained a unique insight speaking to all of the admirable leaders in the zoom. 

We aspire to lead 海角大神 next year with compassion and leave a positive mark we hope endures long after we鈥檝e left.

Flynn, Mikaela, Rory and Molly

Thank you for all your support and generosity with the Wishing Tree this year. We have had a wonderful response with the donations and the Chapel is filled with food for Christmas hampers and with gifts. In addition to this, we have had over $1200 donated which we will use to buy more presents to be given to St Vincent De Paul. 

Rebecca Crozier
Justice & Outreach Leader

It has been a pleasure to work with the Year 12 Students this year while they actively pursued a variety of tertiary options that were available to them. These have included students applying and receiving places in university early entry schemes at the Australian Catholic University and La Trobe University, as well as places in a leadership courses with AFL clubs. As students head towards the Year 12 Results and Change of Preference Period, they may experience some concern regarding their future plans. However, VTAC, Universities, TAFE Colleges and 海角大神 College have put into place a number of events, strategies and contacts that will go some way to easing the pressure on students, as they pause to consider their options in the Results and Change of Preference Period this year.

The following strategies and avenues of support are available for Year 12 Students and include these key events.

Student Results will be released to students on the 30 December from 7am. Students will need to register on VTAC if they would like to receive their results online. Be aware that if students do not register they will be relying on postal services which may limit the time students have available to reorder their VTAC preferences.  To register for Online Results students need to go to  and click on this tile:

As VTAC will only allow the student to access their own results and do not permit schools to share these with anyone else, we would encourage your Year 12 student to share their results with their parents so that these meaningful discussions can take place. Parents know their young person well and can reassure them that you and the College are there to support them wherever possible.

Students also need to ensure they are reading, researching and following VTAC procedures to take full advantage of the opportunities the system provided through:

• Logging in to their VTAC account regularly, so they receive messages and updates on new and cancelled courses. 
• Ensuring they have their VTAC number and their four digit password. If they have misplaced the details, students will need to access the VTAC website listed above or the VTAC phone number 鈥� 9926 1020. 
• Checking they have paid for their VTAC application by 4pm on the 17 December or they will not be able to receive their results online, or be offered any Tertiary courses for 2021. Students can check whether they still need to pay by logging into their VTAC account. 
• Reading the information provided on the websites of Universities and TAFE Colleges regarding phone counselling, Change of Preference webinars and Information Sessions available to students during this period. The COP details for each university and TAFE College has been emailed to all Year 12 students. 

There are a number of important stages in the Results and Change of Preference process where parents can engage in discussions with their young person. These resourceful discussions with trusted members of their family assist students in their decision making. We recommend the following strategies:

• VTAC can assist if students experience technical difficulties with receiving their results or any other aspects of their course application. Please consult the website listed above or phone 9926 1020 鈥� they are very helpful. 
• The Good Universities website has tips to support parents and students and is holding a webinar - Change of Preference Expos will be online, enabling students to connect directly with university and TAFE staff. Students and parents can click onto this link to register: 
• On 30 December from 7am 鈥� Students should check their results, consult with Tertiary Educational Institutions and make any changes to their VTAC course Preferences. All Universities and TAFE Colleges will be able to be contacted during this time. 
• On Saturday 2 January and Sunday 3 January from 9am 鈥� 5pm each day, the Careers and Pathways Team are available to support our Year 12 students through the process. Students can contact us either by phone or email at the times and days listed above for careers and course advice.
• On Monday 4 at 12 noon the Change of Preference period closes
• On Thursday 14 January 2021 the January Offers for places are released

Our contact details are:
Email: jenningsfs@aquinas.vic.edu.au 
Phone: on 9259 3018

We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas.

The Careers & Pathways Team
Mrs Fran Jennings 鈥� Careers Practitioner 
Mrs Anne McLaughlin 鈥� Pathways Coordinator

Factsheets: Mental health & wellbeing support

The Department of Education and Training (DET) worked with headspace to develop the fact sheets focusing on mental health and wellbeing support available to:

• support positive mental health and wellbeing of students
• identify signs students may need mental health support
• access available support.

The fact sheets will soon be available, including in 19 different languages on the DET 

Parent Webinars

The parents/carers fact sheet includes two upcoming headspace webinars that may also be of interest to parents:

• supporting young people 鈥� Notice, Ask, Connect: Thursday 10 December 2020 
• supporting young people transitioning from primary to secondary school: Tuesday 15 December 2020.