海角大神

Catholic Education Week

This week is Catholic Education Week and the theme for 2022 is based on Archbishop Comensoli鈥檚 pastoral letter . Representatives from our schools gathered together to celebrate Catholic education at St Patrick鈥檚 Cathedral on Thursday as an important sign of our unity. Many Catholic schools conduct their Open Days during this week and 海角大神 is no exception with our College on display this Sunday.

Open Day

A reminder that this Sunday, March 20, is Open Day from 12pm to 3pm.  Tours will be conducted of the College with the last tour departing at 2.20pm.  Bookings are not required. Parents with a child in Grade 5 are reminded that the enrolment period for the 2024 Year 7 class closes on Friday, August 19th, 2022. Please note that we do not presume that you are enrolling your child at the College and that an application is required. Current families are also welcome to attend, especially if you have not toured the facilities in some time. Please note that all adults are required to show that they are vaccinated on arrival to be permitted to enter school buildings in accordance with our CovidSafe plan. Should you have any questions please contact College Registrar, Ms Madeleine Kalla on 9259 3008.

COVID-19 Update

The advice to the College was amended slightly this week:

If a student or staff member tests positive through a rapid antigen test (RAT), but does not have symptoms or has not been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19, it is recommended that they get a PCR test within 48 hours and stay isolated until they receive their result. If the PCR test is negative, the student or staff member can return to school.

Leading Lights

Today we induct the newest group of 海角大神 alumni as Leading Lights. The 海角大神 College Leading Lights program seeks to recognise and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of former students in their specific vocation. Our 2022 candidates are Marty Alix (Arts and Entertainment), Angela Wood (Community Service), David Powell (Sport), Luke Brouwer (Service), Rebecca Glenn (Science) and Ruby Tribe (Service and Health). Unfortunately not all can make it to a celebratory cocktail party this evening, but all will be acknowledged and we will be sharing their stories so that you can appreciate their achievements.

Harmony Day - Friday, March 25

Next Friday is Harmony Day at 海角大神. Harmony Day is an opportunity to celebrate our cultural diversity with an emphasis on inclusiveness and mutual respect. It culminates a special week commencing on March 21 with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Thank you to those who are working on planning this day so that we can bring many different cultural experiences into our school. 

Middle Years鈥� Athletics Carnival

There was great spirit at the Middle Years鈥� Athletics Carnival last Friday in absolutely beautiful weather with some special efforts from our athletes and fine cheering support from their House teams on the day. Congratulations to Dominic House on their win. Thanks to Sports Coordinator, Mr Brummell, and his team on staging a day of great fun and challenge.

EISM Swimming Championships

Well done to our swimmers on their performances at the swimming championships on Tuesday night at MSAC and congratulations to those who have qualified to compete on the championship evening. Thanks to the staff members who are making our participation possible.

CIS - Year One Visit

I am pleased to report that Ms Pam Ryan and I participated in a very successful Year One (virtual) Visit with Ms Helena Soboulis from the Council of International Schools (CIS) on Friday. We discussed both our reflections on the report from the team visit in 2021 and the goals that we have identified for inclusion in our School Improvement Plan. We received strong affirmation in regards to our strategic direction, especially with our plan to build on our understanding of intercultural learning and digital citizenship over the next four years.

School Drop Off

Please be aware that there have been concerns raised by neighbours about congestion during drop off and pick up times, especially around the Thomas St gate. Some degree of congestion is inevitable when you have hundreds of students arriving at school at the same time; however, anything that you could do to help alleviate this congestion would be greatly appreciated. For example, a drop off a couple streets away from the College and a brief walk is probably beneficial to our young people as well as easier for you as a motorist. 

Advance Notice

The last day of Term 1 is Friday, April 8 and school resumes on Tuesday, April 26. We commence Term 2 with Parent Teacher Interviews on Tuesday and Thursday of this week. As a result of these interviews, school will finish at 1.05pm on Tuesday April 26 and there will be no classes on Thursday April 28. Parent Teacher Interviews will be conducted online. More information about Parent Teacher Interviews from Mr Box in this edition.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held in the first week of Term 2, on Tuesday April 26 (this is the first day of the new term after Anzac Day) and Thursday April 28. The interviews will be online and bookings will open on Tuesday April 5th at 10:00am. We will send out email reminders about the opening of bookings on Monday 4th April and an hour before bookings open on Tuesday April 5th.

We have chosen to hold the first PT interviews online as since online meeting have become available this has

been parents鈥� preference:

Prior to the PTIs opening 海角大神 will email out a brief report, called a digest, about every student that will summarise attendance, work submission, commendations and communication that has occurred during the term. Achievement information will be available on PAM in the usual way.

For new parents, you will notice a button on the top right of PAM

After 10:00am on April 5th access to booking the meetings for your child will be visible for the 26th and 28th April.

We understand that Parent Teacher meetings are a good way to get a snapshot of your child鈥檚 performance from the teacher, but details about their schooling are being posted regularly on PAM and should you have  a concern, contacting the teacher directly at the time is often a very good option.

Deputy Principal Learning

Well-being and social development 

Last week was International Women鈥檚 Day. Despite the great advancements we have made as a society, it is clear that there is more we must do to bring about equity, not only in relation to gender but rather in the celebration of difference. We are indeed blessed to be able to celebrate diversity but we are equally all responsible in ensuring that each person, irrespective of difference, is celebrated. I hope that the day provided the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of all women in your lives; your mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and peers. Today, we celebrate the National Day Against Bullying and Violence. In recent editions of this newsletter, I have shared some perspectives on what constitutes well-being (wellbeing) and how the term is experienced, thus defined, in our current times. Today, I wish to share with you some thoughts on how society impacts our social development and the role that we all play in supporting the growth of each member of our communities accordingly. I will focus on a big issue that has impacted schools ever since they were invented, one that also impacts workplaces, community groups and even within families. The issue is the impact of poor social behaviours in the unfortunate experience of bullying and other forms of harassment. 

What has motivated me to write about this?

Over the last 7 weeks, since returning to school, it has become increasingly obvious that the lockdowns of 2020 and 21 have impacted the social skill development of some of our students. Despite this, the return to school has been inspirational, filled with life, excitement and hope, and this is manifested in the way that students share time together in the yard and the classroom. Nonetheless, social interactions have been challenging for some of the students and this has also led to experiences of uncertainty, discomfort and even bullying by some. This is not to say that there is a problem at 海角大神, in fact, the College is a great setting for students to enjoy the gift of education. However, to continue to enhance this, we all need to be aware of factors that may impact (and which could also threaten) this ideal. Furthermore, we must accept that as young people develop, they will face challenges which may lead to aggressive behaviour or victimisation. 

I met a wonderful student, who has contributed a written piece for Lighthouse under Our Student Voice article, on a Thursday afternoon in the College quadrangle. The student was frustrated, unable to reason why some other students had made fun of her friend, in a way that had humiliated and embarrassed. I learnt a lot from this experience, I learnt to appreciate that compassion is strong and that our students were able to identify wrong from right in what may be a complex context for young people. In our conversation, I learnt to appreciate Jesus鈥� Gospel of love and forgiveness, by a 13 year old who simply wanted to change the world for the better. It was clear that this student knew that retribution was not the answer, that there needed to be more than that done in order to address the issue her friends were experiencing. The conversation was indeed a grounding moment for me; I was the adult who had approached the teary student to offer comfort but the exchange was so much more enriching for me as I heard a perspective about relationships and the role that the College plays in this. It was made clear to me that it is important to recognise that we all have a responsibility to educate our youth of the value of respect, especially in appreciation of difference because it is in this expectation that we help shape the future for the better. I concluded as I walked away that our support of students when addressing these challenges, needed to target a self-realisation by which they found the ability to stand up with courage, confident that there is a strong community of people who stand against bullying behaviours. We must assist our kids to build a world in which there is no room for racism, sexism, ageism or any form of prejudice. Listening to a 13 year old passionately express this was uplifting.

It is widely accepted that discrimination, often illustrated by bullying behaviours, take place within the context of interactions between people, in societal norms and can be an outcome of an imbalance in relational processes, predominantly established whenever people engage through group interaction. This happens when people assume roles and attempt to fit in within the context that they may construct in social networks and in the subsequent interactions that emerge. In accepting this view, we accommodate the notion that bullying behaviours occur within schools because young people may lack the skills and maturity to function in accepting and embracing each other when interrelating in social contexts. In fact, all students, at some stage in their educational journeys, are likely to be subjected to the experience, as both victims and/or perpetrators of bullying behaviours. If we consider that our gift as humans is to live in communities as social beings, and in particular, celebrate the gifts of our diversity, it is possible that the essence of what we eventually learn to embrace as functioning members of our communities, is the source of the conflict that we may experience while attending schools. 

Schools work very hard to address personal development for social functioning, from the point of progressive education, by enhancing personal and collective development and through the appreciation of respect in direct connection to self and others. In a study into respectful relationships within the school context, researchers Beaudoin and Taylor (2009) stated that aggression is often the outcome of one鈥檚 inability to cope with demands and that schools, by nature, set this context in the way that students are required to function. With this in mind, it is important that students are taught to value their stance and contributions as members of their communities, in ways that they value their contributions and recognise their uniqueness as a valued gift rather than a point of difference. Resilience building is a key to enhancing personal development, and this message must be given at home. The happier we are with who we are, the more valued we are likely to feel, and the greater our engagement and contributions will be. Bullying behaviours are not natural, they are an outcome of the complex challenges that our kids face as they grow up. Unfortunately, they can provide an answer to one鈥檚 internal conflicts when there is confusion and frustration. .

When exploring ways to assist young people to overcome bullying behaviours, it is important that there is a strong emphasis on the continued development and use of empathy and compassion as guiding traits in each person. It has been my experience that whenever a child is asked to reflect on their behaviour, particularly as this impacts on others, and may be manifested through bullying, that often, the young person is unaware of how their actions have contributed to the feelings of those victimised. It is important to recognise that some young people purposely bully as a way to deal with their own struggles. Self-reflection is a strategy that we all ought to develop, as it provides us with the opportunity to reassess and reestablish our path or journey throughout our time on earth. Asking young people to think outside of their own needs (and wants) can invite them to consider their actions in relation to the impact that such may have on others, whether intentionally or not. It is important to also consider that what some young people identify to be bullying (or not), is not always agreed upon by others. As adults, we must be conscious of the fact that what the young person considers or feels is their reality, and that refusing to acknowledge this can be detrimental to their development. It is our responsibility that young people understand this.

How can you assist your child to avoid bullying behaviours?

A key is for the child to appreciate their worth in a realistic way, and our primary job as parents and role models is to celebrate them for who they are. A lack of appreciation in oneself can lead to the absence of a positive self-concept and degrees of vulnerability when interrelating with other people. Either way, the child may seek validation and refuge in projecting the spotlight elsewhere but themselves when times of adversity arrive. 

What may start as a joke or messing around, often ends up in someone feeling hurt because of the way that others have treated them. Often, the matter escalates when someone takes advantage of the perceived power that is given to them by the other person鈥檚 reaction to the situation. The key message that you can give your child is that they must embrace empathy, be compassionate and celebrate each other, but also be aware of their own personal right to stand up by not accepting other people鈥檚 comments, views, insults and other forms of harassment. This however, has to start with the way that they truly see themselves in their world and how they appreciate all other people around them. 

C. Wright Mills (1959) suggested that 鈥淣either the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both鈥�. Society, formed by the communities and what our children now refer to as the global village, has a direct impact on the outcomes of the way that the person develops and in how young people learn to appreciate their world. The ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and larger society is therefore crucial for our young people; how we can see our individual experiences from a societal position is of high relevance to our ability to reflect and recalibrate along our journeys. According to Wright Mills, sociological imagination involves the ability to realise that personal troubles are rooted in problems in the larger social structure, therefore, it is important to assist young people in understanding their behaviours could be linked to personal frustrations, anxiousness, concern or fear, which have direct links to matters that are beyond them to resolve alone. For this reason, self-reflection must be supported by parents, other significant adults, the school, peers and at times, support services such as Headspace, health professionals, the church, etc.

From this perspective, it is important to appreciate that reflection is highly relevant to our ability to realise who we are and why we do and behave as we do. We must remember that our social world impacts the shaping of us as individuals and that in turn, we have the opportunity to shape the world for the better. Being compassionate, caring and empathetic are key attributes that enhance our contributions and deter us from any wrongful actions against our peers. 

If human interactions can be based on hierarchical status or accessibility to or neglect of, power, is it possible to identify that bullying may emerge from a struggle for such power. If a person is confident in oneself, understanding that they can make others happy, should they not be focused on leading in the sharing of love instead of discriminating those who may be different? In the last 3 centuries, our world has gained so much knowledge and understanding of science and technology. Yet, we continue to demonstrate our primate instincts of barbarism, often shown in the actions of violence, oppression and victimisation of those considered to be vulnerable. All we have to do is observe the reemergence of imperialism in certain parts of the world. In order to change the experiences of bullying, the whole community needs to act, and the basis of the change needs to come from home. Thinking about what we do and say in the presence of our child is a starting point. In the next edition, I will explore this perspective in greater detail. 

Our College is blessed to have initiatives that promote equity and inclusion, embarking on restorative practices, inclusive practices and respectful relationships. Our programs are promoted through our pastoral programs, within the curriculum and in the way that we expect our community members to interact with one another. Yet, despite all efforts to support your child to embrace this as a way to enhance their self-esteem, self-concept and sense of self-control, we rely on you to work in partnership with us so that the growth of the student is holistic. This video, which has been aired on TV, could be the starting point for you to have some of the challenging conversations that your child may need to have in order for them to find their place in our society as strong leaders seeking to make a difference. Our world needs this, and your child holds a key to implement rightful change. The short advertisement can be found . Please listen to and reflect on the messages we may be guilty of giving those who we love most. Although the video focuses on violence against women, and that our country faces a lot of challenges with this, we can also agree that violence agianst the vulnerable has the similar impact and that our words and examples may confuse young people. As Samantha Mugamu says, let鈥檚 start by teaching our kids to stand up against what is not right. Thanks Samantha for your wonderful wisdom and leadership as a student of this wonderful school. 

If you require any support, please feel free to contact your child鈥檚 pastoral leaders or the Youth and Family Centre: yfc@aquinas.vic.edu.au. Additionally, please find support from the Bullying. No Way! website . 

As always, your comments, thoughts, questions or concerns are welcome.

Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal

For reference:

Beaudoin, Taylor, M., & Beaudoin, M.-N. (2009). Responding to the culture of bullying & disrespect: New perspectives on collaboration, compassion, and responsibility (2nd ed.). Corwin.

Wright Mills, C. (1959). The Sociological Imagination. New York: Oxford University Press.

I introduce to you more of the new staff who have commenced at 海角大神 this year.

Gina Goss
Assistant Principal - Staff

Sonya Petrovic

I am an Art and Technology Teacher with over 20 years of experience and my most recent teaching position as Art and Product Design Technology Teacher was at Beaconhills College. I completed a Bachelor of Visual Art at Melbourne University, with a major in metalsmithing. I am a practising artist in the field of metalsmithing with a focus on contemporary jewellery and sculpture. I support and collect many Contemporary Australian art and design works, in particular emerging artists. I am looking forward to once again travelling and enjoying a good camping destination or a holiday centred around art and architecture. I am excited with the opportunities presented by 海角大神 College and look forward to working with staff and students on a range of artistic ventures.

Karina Ellis

I am a new laboratory technician at 海角大神 College. I completed a PhD in biochemistry at Monash University where I studied apoptosis (also known as programmed cell death) and met my husband, who is also a scientist. I have an American mother and an Australian father, and have moved back and forth a good deal, so I feel equally at home in both countries. I have three children: a year 8 student, a year 12 student, and another studying Paramedicine at Monash University. I particularly enjoy spending time out walking in nature with my family, and luckily my kids like to explore. I have been enjoying getting to know the laboratory and science staff here at 海角大神 College, who have been very welcoming to me over the last two weeks.

Perri Kennedy

My role as the Arts GAP year student includes simple tasks such as printing resources or activities for classes, laminating mountains of paper, and organising, organising, organising. I鈥檝e also been given the tasks of creating posters for Art Exhibitions, capturing footage of Drama classes in action, and more organising.  I鈥檝e been very fortunate to have been to many places in Europe, such as Paris, London, Germany, Switzerland, and many parts of Italy. Of course, I鈥檓 hoping, after lots of saving, I鈥檒l be able to continue my adventures to Greece, Iceland and Peru.

For as long as I can remember all I wanted to do was anything related to art. Painting is something I could always do to relax and re-centre. There鈥檚 also nothing better than a good book, I could spend most of a day reading and not even realise until it鈥檚 dark outside and I can see the words.  At home, I live with Mum, Dad and my two sisters, and I can鈥檛 forget our two cats Benny and Louie!

Tobi Johnson

Last year I completed year 12 and Cert II in Hospitality in the 海角大神 VCAL and VET Programs. I am now the GAP Student for Hospitality. I help with the Cafe N9ne program, hospitality VET classes and Functions across the 海角大神 community. After just a few weeks I have learnt so much about the industry and behind the scenes work. I hope to next year move on to higher levels of the hospitality industry and one day own my own business, which is looking very promising thanks to everyone at the WTTC.

Emily Box 

My name is Emily Box and I am the new PE/ Sports trainee for 2022. I graduated from 海角大神 College last year, but knew my time here wasn't up so I applied for this job. I have loved my time here so far and can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings. 

Adrian Montagnese

I am the new VET Music Industry teacher at 海角大神. Having studied Classical Piano, I have continued on through my musical journey through styles such as: Jazz, Pop, Funk, Soul, RnB and Rock. I  perform regularly around Melbourne & Sydney at venues such as The Forum Theatre, The, Max Watt鈥檚, Melbourne Recital Centre, Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Paris Cat Jazz Club, RnBabe (Guy Sebastian Band), Golden Monkey Bar, The Night cat, as well as various corporate functions (Australian Grand Prix, Australian Open Tennis, TED Talks, TV Broadcasts) and weddings across Australia, to name a few. I am really enjoying my time at 海角大神 and teaching the students in my classes.

In this week of Lent we pray for those who live with a disability, especially those who may be stigmatised for this in any way. May we do all we can to support their flourishing as truly equal participants in our community and in life.

Tania Grace
Assistant Principal - Mission

Senior Years Report

The College celebrates Harmony Day on Friday 25th March. Harmony Day at 海角大神 enables students to celebrate the diversity of the College, immerse themselves in the cultural arts and engage in a variety of perspectives which challenge how we think and act towards others. Between now and then students will take part in pastoral activities contextualising the importance of the day and the broader meaning of cultural diversity.  

The day will begin with an induction ceremony for our Fire Carriers followed by individual year level presentations. Ron Murray, highly respected Victorian Indigenous educator, storyteller and musician will be presenting to all Year 11 students. Ron will speak about Indigenous perspectives on the environment, history and justice. He will bring to life Indigenous heroes and role models, honouring their story by ensuring they are known as part of our Australian story. 

Bic Walker, architect, author and illustrator will be presenting to Year 12 students. Bic draws on her childhood experiences as a Vietnamese refugee in Australia and shares her insights into multiculturalism and identity. Particularly around growing up Asian in Australia, being an outsider and trying to fit in, mixed with her experiences as an entrepreneur. 

The Year 10鈥檚 will attend a presentation by Abdi Aden, youth worker and recipient of the 2007 Victorian Refugee Recognition Award. Adbi arrived in Melbourne from Mogadishu, Somalia when he was 16 years old. After surviving wars in Somalia and beginning his new life in Australia without his family, word of English or any money, Abdi has remained positive and thankful for what he has. Abdi will share his experiences as well as his keen interest in supporting social change and the promotion of human rights. 

Students will also have access to food trucks during lunchtime, followed by social justice activities and a carnival. Students wear their PE uniform but are invited to wear clothes linked to their cultural identity. We hope to see a strong and diverse display of culture that people proudly identify within themselves and their families. The concept of cultural appropriation will also be discussed during lead up pastoral activities so look forward to people dressed in clothing that is meaningful to them and supportive of others.

Rachel Crawley
Head Senior Years

Middle Years Report

Opportunities seized, opportunities missed! 

It鈥檚 hard to believe there are only 15 school days left until the end of Term 1. 

Last week鈥檚 wonderful Athletics carnival organised by Mr. Bernie Brummell was a great example of so many students making the most of an opportunity presented to them. It was wonderful to see the genuine joy of the Dominic student leaders on their team鈥檚 victory and see all house student leaders and teachers rallying their teams throughout the day to make the most of their opportunities by getting involved and participating wholeheartedly.

A school setting often gives students opportunities the outside world might not and this has been evident already this year with students choosing to involve themselves in a variety of activities such as Year 9 Challenge Walks, Music Fridays, Whole School Assembly, EIS Sport, Cafe N9ne, 海角大神 Swim Squad, Year 7 Camps, Cabaret Night auditions and the variety of extra-curricular clubs on offer. Each of those activities, (along with Harmony Day next Friday) give students the option to seize an opportunity (or potentially miss an opportunity) to grow, challenge themselves, help someone out, work at developing expertise, widen their social network, build someone else up, make good choices, try or learn something new and bring life to 海角大神.

But it鈥檚 not just the school鈥檚 big 鈥榚vents鈥� that give students a chance to seize opportunities. These same opportunities are on offer every day in every single lesson and every single recess and lunch break. Opportunities to grow, challenge themselves, help someone out, work at developing expertise, widen their social network, build someone else up, make good choices, try or learn something new and bring life to 海角大神.

At the end of a lesson (when I remember) I try to ask my students the same rhetorical question (lucky them) I ask them the simple question about their last 50 or 100 minutes: 鈥淥pportunity seized or opportunity missed?鈥� Seizing them (or not seizing them) consistently becomes a habit and like all habits (good and bad), they are not easy to break.

Phil Box
Head Middle Years

鈥淭he ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.鈥� — Dr Martin Luther King Jr

We've all sat through talks in school on the topic of bullying. We look at videos, slides and sites from great organisations, explaining what it is, its effects, and what to do in a bullying situation. With today being the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, we should rethink how 海角大神 takes action. What do we, as students and teachers, do in response when a bullying incident comes up? Sometimes the advice given on how to deal with bullying is hard to apply in our school, perhaps because where it鈥檚 coming from in the world doesn鈥檛 relate to us, or the examples feel too extreme or too simple a situation that we can鈥檛 take much away from it. So how can we look at the issue differently and know when to do something about it? 

By defining bullying as 鈥渢he constant harassment of an individual to bring them down鈥�, we may also think it is only about that one person being picked on over and over again. True, however a bully could be picking a new target each day. All these incidents have to start from somewhere. If you witness what you believe to be a 鈥榮mall鈥� and 鈥榟armless鈥� incident, try visualising that situation happening again, and again, and again. Is it still harmless now?  Whatever the offender's intentions at that moment (鈥渏ust a light joke鈥�), it should always be called out by observers the very first time it is encountered, because even if it鈥檚 your first time seeing it, it likely isn鈥檛 the first time for the victim on the receiving end. 

But really, it doesn鈥檛 matter how often it happens, how much hurt is said or done - via face to face, online messages, physical abuse, through gossip, social exclusion -  as soon as the targeted person feels they鈥檝e been hit, and are alone, weak, judged… this is the time for you to intervene in a good way. Cue the role of an upstander: just as a bully can bring a crowd to support them, so can a person who courageously stands up for the victim. Showing this kind of courage will not only inspire others to also do the right thing, to be kind, to be 鈥渁 voice for the voiceless鈥�, but it will also have a lasting positive impact on a victim as they remember that moment in the future and take on the same confidence. Similarly, stepping in afterwards with that person to be comforting is a meaningful way to stand up too, it gives just as much effect.

Take away this: If you ignore a person and just watch as they鈥檙e being picked on, how much better are you than the bully them self? 

Samantha Mugamu
Year 8 

Music plays a big role in the life of the 海角大神 College community, and it is great to be able to enjoy regular Music Fridays in the Forum again. These lunch time performances are coordinated by our Music Captains and are a great way for budding musicians to showcase their incredible talent. Here is a showcase of our recent Music Friday performances.

Jared Campbell
Music Programs Coordinator

Future Fish forever 鈥� choose the blue or the green label

The 21st 鈥� 27th March 2022 is Sustainable Seafood Week.  It is conducted by the Marine Stewardship Council and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Their mission is to protect seafood and fish for future generations by sustainable practices and responsible care for the planet.

The blue label supports fish that have been sustainable fishery, harvested from the wild. The green label promotes fish and seafood from a responsible farm environment. There are lots of great clips and information here: .

News from the chooks and veggie garden

The students have been planting lots of new autumn veggies in the last week including purple cabbage, potatoes, radish and peas.

Happy birthday to the 海角大神 Chooks! They arrived last March and have made 海角大神 their home. Students enjoy interacting with them as the free range around the gardens, lawns and veggie patch. They have grown, dug mulch holes, dust bathed, produced tasty eggs, provided learning experiences and made many staff and students smile with their antics.

Karyn Myers
Environment & Sustainability Coordinator

Re-establishing our vision and focus in HPE

Our experiences over the last two years presented many different challenges and constraints towards being able to enact and fulfil our vision for students Physical Education. 

Previously I have written about our goal to provide opportunities for students to develop the physical literacy skills, have the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities across their lifespan. A curriculum with an integrated approach where the feeling of movement, the knowledge about movement, and the development of personal and social skills through movement are all equally important. 

Fortunately with students back in the classroom, this year has enabled us to consolidate these goals allowing for a greater breadth and depth of experiences throughout the curriculum in Years 7-10.  

Years 7 and 8 - Thematic units (Invasion, Striking and Fielding, Net/Wall, Target) linking skills, games sense and personal and social capabilities across multiple sport experiences.

Year 9 and 10 - 鈥楲earning in, about and through movement鈥� via exposure to different sport and lifestyle physical activities within the school and community environment.

Many of the above themes and units of work are taught through a variety of instructional approaches which include direct instruction, cooperative learning, sport education or SEPEP, peer teaching, inquiry learning, game sense and teaching for personal and social responsibility (TPSR). 

Our goal as a department as we continue to develop and refine the curriculum is to identify when and where different high impact teaching strategies (HITs) are best suited to meet the needs of the students and the outcomes of our program.

鈥淗ITS are ten evidence-based instructional practices which add to the repertoire of effective teaching strategies to improve learning outcomes鈥� (DET, 2019).  

Below is an example of some ways in which each HIT is evident in practice through Physical Education.

ACHPER 2022, An Introduction to Effective Teaching Skills and Practices in Practical Physical Education

Unfortunately given the dynamic nature of Physical Education photos don鈥檛 always do justice to the experience but below are some snapshots from recent activities:

Stephen McGrath
Health and PE Learning Area Leader

Last week our VCAL students returned from an incredible adventure at Wilsons Prom. The three day camp was planned entirely by the students and featured hiking, outdoor yoga, an outdoor movie night and lots of beach games, fishing and campsite activities. It was a great opportunity to get to know fellow students and support each other across the various activities.

Last week Year 12 Physics students were lucky enough to visit Luna Park in St Kilda as part of the annual Vic Physics Luna Park event. During this time, only VCE Physics students are allowed in the park, with the aim that students get to experience real life applications of Unit 3, Area of Study 3 - "How fast can things go?".

Students were provided with a set of calculations to complete as they went on the rides, and these were written to be similar to questions on their in class assessments so were great practice for upcoming SACs. Hopefully all students in the class now have a better understanding of the application of force and how it can be used to create and control all kinds of motion.

Dave Mulholland
Teacher

On 11th March, the annual Middle Years Athletics carnival was held at school. It was a beautiful day for the event. The students were really excited about the opportunity to perform and have lots of fun with their friends. The three House groups were keen to win with Dominic expressing the confidence that they are building a dynasty like Mackillop had for awhile.

The students were able to compete in many track events - 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and 45m hurdles. Also there were five field events they could participate in - Discus, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put and Triple Jump. Students would earn points for their house by participation and also finishing in the top 4 places

Many students (and staff) took the opportunity to dress up in colours supporting their house. 

Mr Eggleston kept the students engaged also with his music choices. The carnival started with Ella Grigg (Sports Captain) reading out the Athletes Oath and the Year 9 House Leaders (Dominic: Jordan Armstrong and Raphael McLean; Mackillop: Jarrah Hammersley and Lucy Crouch; Rice: Maeve Wilkinson and Josh Crachi) and Seb Barnes (Sport Captain) carrying the House Flags and placing them in front of the House groups as the 海角大神 school song played.

Early on Rice performed well and were leading at the first break. It was very exciting to see so many students participating in the events and trying their best. By the lunch break, Dominic had taken the lead from Rice and Mackillop. In the final session were the relays and with lots of points on offer, the House groups were trying their best to win them. 

In the end Dominic ended up winning from Mackillop and Rice was third. Well done to the Dominic team on their work and congratulations to Mr Harrison and Mr Wilson on their leadership throughout the day. The best competitors in each event will be selected in the 海角大神 Athletics squad for 2022. They will start training shortly for the EISM carnival which is in early May.

Congratulations to the following students who were the top 3 in each of the age groups:

Under 13 Girls

• 1st - Mikayla Robertson
• 2nd - Zoe Fabre
• 3rd - Kia Singh

Under 13 Boys

• 1st - Fraser Brown
• 2nd - Noah Woods
• 3rd - James Warr

Under 14 Girls

• 1st - Alisha Harmer
• 2nd - Alex Oldaker
• 3rd - Emer Heffernan

Under 14 Boys

• 1st - Callum Settle
• 2nd - Edward Barclay
• 3rd - Kayden Yeung

Under 15 Girls

• 1st - Maddie Payne
• 2nd - Alovi Gomez
• 3rd - Emma Fabre

Under 15 Boys

• 1st - Aiden Campbell
• 2nd - Tristan Pawlick
• 3rd - Owen Prior

A huge thank you to all the staff and the Year 10 Sports Science class of Mr Jess, who helped make the carnival a success.

Bernie Brummell
Sports Coordinator

On Tuesday night the 海角大神 College EISM swim team competed in the Division 1 competition at MSAC at Albert Park. The team had been training twice a week before school in preparation for the carnival. Over the past few years we have come third and we again were aiming to continue with that or even better. In a very tight battle with Emmaus for third spot, we ended up fourth by a very small margin of 20 points. Huntingtower came first and Luther second. 

It was pleasing to see everyone trying their best on the night. Congratulations to the following students who finished in the top 3 in their events:

• UNDER 13 GIRLS: ZOE FABRE 3RD 50m FREESTYLE A
• FREESTYLE RELAY TEAM 3RD: ISABELLE BOWDEN, GABBY HOOPER, ZOE FABRE, SOPHIE CLINTON
• UNDER 13 BOYS: RYAN MARTIN 3RD 50m FREESTYLE A, 2ND BREASTSTROKE; DYLAN JONES 2ND 50m FREESTYLE B 
• UNDER 14 BOYS: THARWIN PRAROM  3RD 100m FREESTYLE, 3RD 50m FREESTYLE, 1ST BACKSTROKE, 3RD BUTTERFLY; TRISTAN HEW 2ND 50m FREESTYLE, 3RD BREASTSTROKE
• FREESTYLE & MEDLEY RELAY TEAM 2ND - THARWIN PRAROM, TRISTAN HEW, GRIFFIN BOX, JORDAN BRUTON
• UNDER 15 GIRLS: GRACE RIDER 3RD 50m FREESTYLE B, 2ND BREASTSTROKE
• FREESTYLE & MEDLEY RELAY TEAM 2ND: LUCY CROUCH, GRACE RIDER, GABBY LINTON, ALYSSA MARTIN
• UNDER 15 BOYS: SAM GUERIN 3RD FREESTYLE 50m FREESTYLE B; OSCAR DUBOIS  1ST BREASTSTROKE
• MEDLEY RELAY TEAM 3RD: LACHIE BUYCK, ETHAN FREDERICKS, OSCAR DUBOIS, SAM GUERIN
• UNDER 16 BOYS: WILL CLEMOW 3RD 50m FREESTYLE B
• OPEN GIRLS: LEXIE QUINN 2ND 50m FREESTYLE B; JULIET POSTILL 2ND BACKSTROKE
• MEDLEY RELAY TEAM 1ST: CAITLYN SULTANA, GRACE HIGGINS, LEXIE QUINN, JULIET POSTILL
• OPEN BOYS: JOSHUA NESTER 3RD BREASTSTROKE

As well as these students, the following students swam on the night: Hayden Dalton, Henry Wassenberg, Jacinta Piper, Tayah McKay,  Zoe Guerin, Claudia Murdoch, Maddie Bowden, Mikayla Robinson, Emma Breaden, Chloe Chambers, Tom Vardy, Connor Haughie, Sebastian Varela-Torres, Harlan Holland-Hughes, Matt Azzopardi, Reid McGreevy, Liam Treeby, Teagen Barden, Sally Spicer, Alana Watson, Vanessa Linton, Madeleine Dunne, Nicholas Tanurahardja.

If a student or the teams finished in the top 5 in their event, they have qualified for the EISM champions carnival which is being held on Monday 28th March at MSAC again. This event is for the students to compete against the best swimmers from all 3 divisions. It is not a school team event. 

A huge thank you to Ms Lemisezek who was the team manager/coach this year. She worked extremely hard organising the team and making all the last moment changes. Also thank you to the other staff who attended the carnival - Mr Scott Buchanan, Ms Lucy Schnieder, Mr Brad Gatherer, Mr Jai Melchiorre, Mr Harry Box, Ms Olivia Spadea & Ms Emily Box.

As well as these staff who attended the carnival, there were also other staff who helped with training and or breakfast for the squad - Mr Tom Wilson, Ms Jess Lane, Ms Kel Breazeale, Mr Peter Jones, Mr Darcy Taylor, Ms Karyn Myers, Ms Renee Johns, Ms Jess Weltner, Ms Ruby Parsons. 

Bernie Brummell
Sports Co-ordinator

Some of the staff who are running our clubs have put together a video to encourage students to get involved...

Friday 18 March 2022 is the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA). It is an opportunity for students across Australia to say 鈥淏ullying. No Way!鈥� 

The theme for the 2022 NDA is 鈥楰indness Culture鈥�. A Kindness Culture helps everyone feel included, respected and part of our school community. We believe we have a Kindness Culture at 海角大神 but having a special day with activities and reminders always helps to highlight the importance.

We can build a kindness culture by saying hello when we see our classmates and teachers, supporting our friends when they need us, being considerate to others, apologising if we know we have done something wrong, celebrating diversity, calling out injustice and nastiness when we witness it, deleting or reporting negative social media post  and asking 鈥渁re you ok?鈥�

We challenge students to think about what you can do to show kindness to someone each day and  to promote kindness on the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. 

From Friday the 18th March through to Harmony Day, students are encouraged to add a message to our Kindness Wall.  

The prompt: Kindness is…….

Sharon Daley
Director Student Services

Well done Isaac Boundy on your selection into the U15 Boys Victorian Hockey Team. Isaac will be competing in the Australian Championships in April. 

We wish you and your team the best of luck!

A huge congratulations to Year 11 student Isaac Macklin who claimed man-of-the-match honours at helped his side to an upset win in the Dowling Shield final. Macklin finished the carnival with 166 runs and nine wickets 鈥� including a half-century in the semi-final against Richmond.

The Parents and Friends Network provides an opportunity for all parents to become involved in the community, social and fundraising activities of the College and to support the various programs and events organised by the College.

At the recent Annual General Meeting, new appointments were made in its leadership. We thank the contributions of those stepping down from their roles and those exiting the committee. In 2022, the P&F Network will be led by:

• Brodi Stone - President
• Denise Raven - Vice President
• Sherie Robertson - Secretary
• Christine Sellings - Vice Secretary
• Suzie Payne - Treasurer
• Edit Molnar - Gala Ball Liaison
• Ajne Graham - Uniform Shop Representative

We wish to thank Denise Raven for her leadership as President, Christine Sellings for her leadership as Secretary and Maryanne Brown for her leadership as Treasurer.

The group meets on the first Monday of each month with the next scheduled meeting on Monday 4th of April, 2022 in the College Boardroom. If you would like to attend or would like further information, please email pandf@aquinas.vic.edu.au

Learn more: ...