Newsletter - The Kilmore International School

The Kilmore International School
Newsletter
2016 Newsletter Issue 9, 9th September
Our Primary students celebrated Fathers’ Day with a
special “brekkie” and performances for their Dads
A TKIS Community Publication
Message from the
Head of Learning - Science
Content
Message from the Head of Learning - Science Page 2
School messages
Page 3
Student Activities
Page 5
Notice Board
Page 12
The IB Diploma programme provides an enriching environment for students to develop
value-added skills and attributes so highly prized by tertiary institutions and employers. One
commonly hears that applicants are favoured if they exhibit the ability to speak in a second
language, to communicate clearly and to demonstrate ethical awareness and consideration. IB
students certainly have an advantage in all these areas and the IB Learner Profile includes these
attributes.
All IB students must study two languages. Some students choose to study three languages.
Diploma candidates must complete core requirements: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge
and CAS. Both the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge require students to communicate
clearly in a written essay. All IB Science students must participate in the group 4 project. Our
year 11 students did just this on the 24th August.
The group 4 project is intended to be collaborative and interdisciplinary, with students placed
into groups with representatives from each of the different sciences and with students of
different nationalities. Deliberately, students are not placed with their friends. This encourages
students to be internationally minded, communicating with each other in a meaningful way and
being open-minded and respectful of each other’s opinions and backgrounds.
Students ‘develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the study of science’ (aim 7,
Biology, Chemistry and Physics guides) by researching information on the internet, using data
loggers during the practical investigations and presenting findings to their peers using digital
images and graphing software. They ‘become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical
implications of using science and technology’ (aim 8, Biology, Chemistry and Physics guides).
This year’s group 4 project theme was Antarctica. This was chosen as Antarctica illustrates the
international nature of scientific endeavour, which was mirrored in each of the groups as they
worked together. International cooperation is becoming increasingly necessary to generate
solutions to global issues. Students collaborated with each other, taking it in turns to share their
subject knowledge with others, and demonstrating the ability to be risk-takers, caring and
inclusive.
Editor: Georgia Wittmer
[email protected]
At the conclusion of the group 4 project each student wrote a short reflection of their experiences. Just about everyone wrote that they had really enjoyed the day, and many exciting
investigations were mentioned: students created their own reusable heat packs, measured how
much force was required to break a block of ice, determined the latent heat of water, created
rainbows of salt water, purified salt water, determined which building shape could withstand
the greatest wind force and more. The investigations may sound simple and only loosely
related to the theme, but all activities required the students to plan together and develop
suitable methods. The emphasis was on the processes involved in the group work rather than
on any results obtained. Most students also reflected that it was a valuable experience getting to
know new people, strengthening the international connections at TKIS.
Contributors:
Amy Bainbridge
Claire Gallagher
Hannah Gibson
Ryan Haque
Jack Heanly
Hana Khodabocus
Madeleine Lezon
Alycia Meehan
Anastasia Minter
Eve Simner
Marian Smith
Eddie Spicer
Next edition: Friday, 14th of October 2016
The Kilmore International School
40 White St, Kilmore Victoria, 3764 Australia
Phone: +61 3 5782 2211
Fax:
+61 35782 2525
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.kilmore.vic.edu.au
Mrs Cheryl Moulder
Head of Learning - Science
[email protected]
Message from Head of Learning—The Arts
Semester 2 is the busiest time of the year for The Arts. Our students have all progressed steadily throughout 2016 and achieved
some very fine levels of skills in Music, Art and Drama
We now are proud to showcase their work in a number of Arts functions.
Trip to Dianella
Year 3/4 (Mrs MacNamara) and year 6 recently walked up the hill to Dianella Home and gave the residents a lovely concert of
solos, ensembles, massed orchestra and choir performances. Each and every student were fine ambassadors for TKIS, through
their excellent behaviour, respect for the residents and for their enthusiastic performances. The programme was varied in the
extreme, with rap singing, cello duo, piano solos, funny songs and Christmas Carols all delighting the audience. The residents
are always very keen to have us visit and this lovely community involvement by our students not only enhances our reputation
but is also a great experience and gesture in our children’s personal development.
Talent Show
The student led concert was, as usual, packed out and full of excitement. There were dances, instrumental acts, solos, duos and
the rock group performing alongside our own Mr Bland who continues to thrill the students with his very fine Sinatra/Robeson/
Pavarotti renditions. Congratulations to the SRC and Mr Bland for organising this night and running it tightly and professionally.
IB Recital
On Friday August 26th, a packed Green Room witnessed a lovely concert of very high standard, presented by all our IB Music
students, together with students from years 4 to 12. Madison Nuske performed her final recital and did this with aplomb, bridging six different styles of music with artistry, accuracy and total commitment.
We heard three new ensembles – the Nova, Guitar and Vocal Ensembles all performed excellently on their debuts. The guitar
ensemble music is now going to be used for our “on hold” music for our telephone.
Recordings of all the performances have been preserved on the school computer network. Bravi to all performers and to all our
wonderful music staff for creating such a memorable evening.
I have attached the programme details to this article, because it is well worth us all seeing exactly the scope of talent and breadth
of styles and repertoire that was presented. This was a concert worthy of an audience in the 100s. I sincerely hope that, by reading this programme, you are encouraged to come to future concerts and further urge your children to take up instrumental music.
Please contact me at any time to talk about how your child(ren) can benefit from our wonderful instrumental programme, taught
by my great team of teachers, each and every one of them a fine professional performer and a superb pedagogue.
Ella Petschel
From the Top
The Banjo
Hayley Smyth
Maybe
Louis Knynenburg
March of the Goblins
Beginner’s Blues
Cello Duo
Fiona Dimovski
Hayley Smyth
Chase in the Dark
Reverie
Madison Nuske
Piano
Mark Gibson
Jennifer Trynes
Voice
Charles Strouse and Martin Charmin
Piano
Irving Berlin
Stuart Storer
Kathy and David Blackwell
Adam Carse
IB Voice
This was Madie’s final recital and formed a major part of her assessment for Music
Madie says:“I began music studies at the age of 7, learning guitar. I then tried a variety of instruments before focussing on singing four years
ago. I have been learning from Adam Przewlocki since 2014. Tonight I am singing a range of styles, even though I see myself as
a jazz singer. Although I will be studying Sciences at (hopefully, Melbourne) university, I will be continuing my singing through
university groups, Adam’s choirs and solo work.”
Caro Mio Ben
An Chloe
In The Spring
Mister Sandman
‘Round Midnight
With One Look
Giuseppe Giordani
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Pat Ballard
Williams and Monk
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Page 3
Nova Ensemble
Justine King -clarinet
Natalie Hook - piano
Chatanooga Choo Choo
James Bond Theme
Harry Warren and Mack Gordon arr Mike Story
Monty Norman arr Mike Story
Jonathan Lau
IB Guitar
Sungha Jung
Howl's Moving Castle
Madeleine Lezon
IB Voice
Felix Mendelssohn
John Duke
Dido Armstrong and Paul Herman
Auf Flügeln des Gesange
Loveliest of Trees
Thank you
Jeremy Howard
IB Guitar
Johann Sebastian Bach
Heitor Villa-Lobos
Joseph Zielinski
IB Piano
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Maurice Ravel
Prelude no. 1
Prelude no. 3
3rd Movement, Sonata H. 59, Allegro Di Molto
Valses Nobles et Sentimentales, no. 4, Assez Anime
Guitar Ensemble
Oam Doungyai
Hugh Drofenik
Jack Hook-Robinson
Jeremy Howard
Jonathan Lau
Madison Nuske
Declan Pearson
Kenneth Teo
Dans Les Nuages
La Llorona
Richard Lenz
Traditional
Vocal Ensemble
Natalie Hook
Justine King
Madeleine Lezon
Alicia Meehan
Deandra Widjaja
Joseph Zielinski
Bonnie Breen
Jeremy Howard
Walk With Me
traditional, arranged by Akasha
The Annual Art Show
Week One of Term 4 sees our Annual Art Show showcase works from students throughout the school. On Tuesday 4 th October at 7.30 pm in Room 46. Prominent local artist, Jeanette Jain, will officially open the exhibition. All IB artists will be
present and will be available to present and talk about their art works in person.
The centre of the show, as always, is the IB gallery in room 46, however, once again, we will have displays of art works
from every child that takes Art here at TKIS, across the entire range of classes – 3 to 10 inclusive.
Artist/teachers Robert Wallace, Lynda Allen, Adele Booth and Pisen Hong have guided their students outstandingly. The
level of Art being presented at our school continues to amaze me, with its sophistication, attention to the craft, originalit y
and understanding of balance, nuance, expression and media.
I warmly invite you all to come to the opening – a truly memorable evening and the highlight of the year for Visual Arts at
TKIS.
Page 4
Page 5
Orchestra Victoria –
"On themOVe!" Workshop
From our Flute/choir/piano teacher, Deborah Ross-Sea
From August 23-25, Natalie Hook and Tim
Spain attended a select entry workshop run
by Orchestra Victoria at the Capital Theatre in Bendigo. This involved many intense hours of rehearsals and tutorials, culminating in a performance on the third
night that was simply outstanding. The
students were paired with an Orchestra Victoria professional musician,
Michael Smith, and he inspired them with his incredible knowledge
and support in their role within the orchestra. The conductor was the ever energetic and enthusiastic Dominic Harvey, who
found the right mix of handling amateur musicians along the path to a truly professional standard of performance.
For the students, this was the first time they got to see some of the orchestral instruments up close, particularly those that
are not so commonly found within a regular school instrumental music program. “I loved seeing the harp up close and to
hear the oboe and double basses being
played – their sound is so rich. (Natalie)
The repertoire forgave nothing as the students had full orchestral arrangements
placed in front of them and they held their
parts admirably, learning the pieces quickly. “It was very satisfying playing in the
orchestra – especially when we weren’t
playing the wrong notes!” (Tim) The program was a mix of orchestral favourites,
exoticism and the Star Wars theme, comImages above: While at the three day workshop with Orchestra Victoria in
plete with violin bows that lit up as light
Bendigo, students and mentor Michael Smith busked in the main street.
sabres, offered a fun aspect to the evening.
By far, the most rewarding part for me as an educator, came after the workshop in our next instrumental lessons when I
heard the words, “It changed my life”. All staff would agree the opportunities we try to expose our students to really do
make a difference, and this one was profound.
Two Weeks with the Queen
Please mark October 19th and 20th in your diaries for our two night season of this funny yet poignant story by Australian
great Morris Gleitzman. Both performances commence at 7.30 in Room 46. Tickets will be on sale from the beginning of
next term. Complete details for this production, which is in full rehearsal mode as this newsletter goes to air, will be in the
next newsletter.
The Drama Showcase
PLUS!!
On Thursday October 27th, we will hold our annual Drama Showcase, where ALL drama students will present plays,
scenes and tableaux. This varied and entertaining concert has also become part of our school’s tradition, thanks in no small
part to the hard work of Robert Wallace. It is a wonderful opportunity to see your children expressing themselves through
Drama and reminds us of how talented and versatile our students are.
The Twilight Concert
Please mark Friday 25th November in your diaries for our great pre-Summer End of Year Concert, where we invite you to
bring friends and family with a picnic, rug and small chair or two and enjoy our al fresco concert on the lawn, featuring
virtually the entire student body!!
We look forward to seeing you at The Art Show, Two Weeks with the Queen, the Drama Showcase and the Twilight Concert!
William Howard
Page 6
Message from the Mathematics Department
Term 3 is always a very busy time. In the Mathematics Department we began the term with the annual Australian Mathematics Competition. A total of 311 TKIS students took part in the competition. At the time of writing we do not yet have any
assessment details. However, we should be in a position to provide a summary of student results in the next newsletter.
We recently welcomed to TKIS and to the Mathematics Department Ms Jennifer Hefner. Ms Hefner is with us as an Intern
from Cedarville University in Ohio, USA. She will be working with teachers and students in Mathematics classes until the
end of the year.
Year 12 students have been very busy throughout Term 3 revising the syllabus and participating in practice examination sessions, before the Mock examinations starting next week. With 80% of their Mathematics assessment still ahead of them, students need to be focussed and working very hard in preparation for the all-important end of year examinations.
All other classes from Years 7 to 11 have completed a number of topic tests and skills-based assignments during this short
Term, and these assessment pieces will form the basis of the Term 3 Mathematics grade received at the end of next week.
Last newsletter’s Challenge question:
Level of difficulty: Gentle.
A ten-sided dice (numbers 0 - 9) and a six-sided dice (numbers 1 – 6) are thrown at the same time. What is the chance
of displaying a total of 6?
Answer: The possible outcomes for the total on the two dice can be represented in a table:
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
3
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
4
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
6
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
The ordered pairs that give a total of six are (0, 6), (1, 5), (2,4), (3, 3), (4, 2) and (5, 1), which gives six outcomes out of a
total of sixty possible outcomes.
.
Therefore a 1 in 6 chance.
And now for this newsletter’s Challenge question:
Level of difficulty: Medium
Katrina rides her bike at a constant speed of 25 km/h and arrives at school at 8:00 am. If she was to leave home at the same
time and ride at a constant speed of 15 km/h, she would not get to school until 8:30 am. What time does she leave home?
Mrs Karen Burns
Acting Head of Learning Mathematics
Email: [email protected]
Page 7
News from the Humanities Department
Australian History Competition results:
The results for the Australian History Competition have been released. Last term all of the Year 8 students took part in this
National Competition. Overall an outstanding result for TKIS with a school average of 74% compared to a national average
of 67%.
Notable mentions:
High Distinction (top 5% nationally)
Mia Heanly at 94%
Yanick McGregor at 90%
Distinction (top 10% nationally)
Prabhsimar Aujla at 88%
Ewan Cocking at 88%
Remi Lezon at 86%
Kyle Laffan at 86%
Max Davies at 86%
Indika Egan at 84%
Jiezhen He at 84%
Another nine students were awarded credits (top 15% nationally) and 6 students received merit awards (top 20% nationally).
Commerce:
Year 10 Commerce students are finishing their studies of “Market Failure” and have completed a commentary on a newspaper article of their choice. They will be tested on this most interesting and complex topic in the first week of Term 4. They
have also commenced playing the 2nd ASX Sharemarket game. The game runs until October 26th and
during the September break students are able to continue their buying and selling of shares. The activity is an excellent introduction to the world of shares, dividends and business finance. The students
are also looking forward to their excursion to the Nestle factory in Broadford; this will provide a
wonderful insight into modern Operations Management.
Ms. Megan Santarossa and Mr. Ian Bennett
Humanties
A Day Made Better
Recently, some TKIS students nominated Mr Ross Wright in the Officemax “A day made better” awards.
Here is the link to the wonderful things they said about him: http://www.adaymadebetter.com.au/teacher/ross-wright
Although Mr Wright didn’t win, he received a nomination certificate. We are lucky to have you as a member of our
academic staff Mr Wright :)
Page 8
English as an additional language
Many students come to TKIS as English additional language pupils, that is, English is not their first language or mother
tongue. Most of these students cope with the school’s curriculum quite well, while for others an English medium instructional environment presents special challenges. To help them meet those challenges, an ESL programme has been designed
by TKIS’s EAL (English Additional Language) Department.
Mr Richard Smith and Dr Ranjit Kaur now teach special English language courses to Year 9s and Year 10s who need more
help, either before they enter English B in Year 9, or as an accompaniment to English B in Year 10. Currently, eighteen students are part of the ESL provision in Year 9 and twenty nine
in Year 10. The ESL provision is topic-based and engages students in an integrated programme of grammar, vocabulary,
everyday English, reading, speaking, listening and writing. The
provision teaches language through meaning and uses authentic
situations.
Following a diagnostic test on entry, those students judged to
require the ESL programme are placed in classes corresponding to either of the first two phases of the IB language acquisition continuum. As proficiency improves, students are promoted through these emergent learner phases and then become mainstream pupils. Emergent language learners spend some
time strengthening their English so that they cope better, not only with English B, but also with the special linguistic demands placed on them by the use of the English medium in their other subjects.
It is hoped that students will grow stronger in English, learn more about their adopted country and use their knowledge of
English to achieve academic success. The EAL Department wishes them the best.
Mr Richard Smith
EAL teacher
Email: [email protected]
Page 9
Sports News
Primary Athletics—Tuesday, 30th of August
On Tuesday the 30th of August, the years 3-6 students competed in the District Track and Field at Meadowglen Athletics
Track. The students represented themselves and the school fantastically, displaying good sportsmanship, encouraged each other and tried their best. Their results are as follows: (results who placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd have qualified to compete at the Whittlesea Division Track and Field in September).
U/
10
U/
11
U/
12/1
3
100m
Sprint
200m
Sprin
t
80m
Hurdles
800m
1500m
Shotput
Discus
Long Jump
M
Kellan
Ireland
- 4th
Aiden
Ling
-2nd
Ibrahim
Obeid –
12th
Michael
Dimovski
– 6th
Kellan
Ireland
Tobias Jensen
– 5th
Abi
Pearson –
6th
John
Knight
– 4th
Georgia
Gawley
4th
Victoria
Sullivan
3rd
Benjamin
Littooij4th
Victori
a Sullivan – 3rd
Arjun
Sharma
F
Aiden
Ling
– 2nd
Lucy
Beaton
1st
Jame
s
Hurley
6th
Abby
Walters
3rd
Georgia
Caddies –
1st
Georgia
Gawley- 1st
Lucy Beaton
– 1st
Stuart
Partridge
4th
James
Hurley
10th
Mikka
Leslie – 5th
Hugh Drofenik – 1st
John Knight
Orla
McCarthy
3rd
Maddison
Ling 4th &
Taylah
Woolley
- 1st
Reave
Paleg 11th &
Harry
Miller –
10th
Montana
Daniells
- 4th &
Fiona
Dimovski- 7th
India
Stebbins
Taylah
Woolley
1st
Abby Walters
Jayla Laffan
Zoch
3rd
Reave
Paleg
Ethan
Canning
Ethan
Canning
Jye Gibb –
4th
Lucas Edmonds
2nd
Sanjiev Meetinay
2nd
Ebony
Merlo –
3rd
Ebony
Merlo –
2nd
Fiona
Dimovski 3rd
Grace Heywood – 2nd
Alana Rushworth – 5th
Anastasia
Minter
1st
M
F
Orla
McCar
thy- 3rd
M
Lucas
Edmonds
-5th
Sanjiev
Meetinay
– 8th
Jye
Gibb
6th
F
Grace
Heywood
5th
Casey
Jensen
-6th
Anastasia
Minter
1st
Stuart
Partridge
3rd
Relays
U/ 10 Male
Kellan Ireland, Aiden Ling, Benjamin Littooij, Ibrahim Obeid- 6th
U/10 Female
Georgia Gawley, Abi Pearson, Lucy Beaton, Georgia Caddies – 3rd
U/11 Male
Stuart Partridge, James Hurley, John Knight, Hugh Drofenik – 4th
U/11 Female
Taylah Woolley, Abby Walters, Orla McCarthy, Maddison Ling – 3rd
U/12/13 Male
Reave Paleg, Lucas Edmonds, Harry Miller, Jye Gibb – 4th
U12/13 Female
Ebony Merlo, Fiona Dimovski, Anastasia Minter, Grace Heywood- 4th
A big thank you to Ms Garner and Mrs Mac for their help
in making the day a success.
Page 10
Triple
Jump
High Jump
State Soccer Finals
Soccer State Finals:
On Wednesday the 7th of September, our year 9 and 10 Boys Soccer team competed in the School Sport Victoria State Soccer Finals today held at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex in Cheltenham.
The team consisted of:
Jamil Obeid, Jeffrey Heal, Carter Ryan, Matt Spain, Wilson Tautkus, Jacob Knight (c), Taner Alinc, Tim Spain, Jai Bryant,
Kieran Minter, Alex Chantarungsi, Manraj Sidhu, Terry Ma, Jonathan Krietemeyer, Abdul Sakr (vc), Kiril Dimovski.
Coaches: Jaskirat Deol. Linesman: Jack Heanly
The results are as follows:
Game 1: Loss to John Fawkner Secondary College 0:2
Game 2: Win against Horsham College 3:1. Goals to
Manraj, Jacob and Tanner.
Game 3: Draw with Chaffey Secondary College 1:1.
Goal to Jacob.
The team finished 3rd which was a fantastic effort! They
clearly challenged their opposition and played very well
at state level.
A big thank you to Mr Wittmer who selected the team,
held training sessions and mentored the team in the competition today (and in the lead up events).
National Cross Country Championships—Taryn Furletti
In August, Taryn travelled to Canberra and competed in the National Cross Country
Championships. She came 4th overall which was amazing at that level! She was also
the 1st Victorian across the finish. She narrowly missed the bronze medal, and the Victorian team also just missed out on a team medal. She did herself, the school, and the
state very proud. Well done Taryn!
National Taekwondo Championships—Samuel Walker
On the weekend of 27th August, the National Taekwondo Championships were held in Bendigo. This is the biggest competition held in Australia, with over 1100 students competing.
After qualifying for the event recently, this was only the 2nd competition that Sam had been to.
He entered into the Traditional side called "Poomse"
He did very well and came away with a Silver medal making him the 2nd best in Australia. For
only his 2nd competition he did a fantastic job representing not just his club but also Victoria.
Well done Sam—a fantastic result!
Page 11
SRC Reports
This term the year 12 SRC members have handed over responsibility for organising events to the year 11 members. Consequently, the year 11s have
been busily trying to get a feel for what it’s like to be in charge of such events.
Up till now all has gone well in terms of the organisation of events, and we
have thoroughly enjoyed our roles as SRC leaders.
Early in the term we had the school talent show (which is usually held once a
semester). The talent show lived up to everyone’s expectations once again,
and there was a great variety of acts which demonstrated astonishing amounts
of talent within the school. A particular shout-out goes to the staff involved in
running the show, as they also did a marvellous job.
More recently, on Friday the 26th of August, the casual clothes day/bake sale/
sausage sizzle was held, and went very well. We sold a large number of sausages and all who did purchase one were very pleased indeed. The bake sale
was also very successful, and sold out in the second lunch. In total, the day
raised $990 for charity, so a big thankyou to everyone involved- both those
running the day, and also everyone who bought something, donated baked
goods, and wore casual clothes!
All in all, term 3 has been a busy time for all of SRC, however it has also been
very rewarding to see so many students enjoying the events, and we look forward to holding more events for students to enjoy in term 4.
By Marian Smith
Korean Education Director visits TKIS
On the 8th of September, TKIS has some VIP visitors. Pictured below with Mr Andrew Taylor and Mr Daniel KOO are
the Korean Education Director (Korean Consulate) Mr Kang Su Hwan (Mr Kang) and Korean Advisor of Victoria Education Ms Jang In sun (Ms Jang). The photograph includes our Year 12 Korean Students.
Page 12
British Parliamentary Debating
Keen debaters, Alycia Meehan and Marina Smith, were up early
on Sunday morning to participate in a day of British Parliamentary
debating at St. Kevin’s College in Toorak. We asked the girls
about their experience.
So, what’s the difference between British Parliamentary Debating and regular debating?
The main difference is that you are able to interrupt speakers during the debate by standing up and saying ‘point of information’. If
the speaker accepts you ask a question or point out the flaws in
their argument. Aside from that, there are only two speakers per
team instead of the usual three and each debate consists of four
teams instead of two.
Isn’t it distracting being asked questions?
It does take a bit of getting used to, but the first and last minute of
your speech are protected from challenges and you can refuse
points of information by saying ‘no thank you’ or even just waving the person away if you’re in the middle of a point!
Doesn’t it seem rude interrupting people?
It felt a bit strange at first but we soon found ourselves barraging the opposition with points of information. It’s all part the
strategy to win the debate.
How long did you have to speak?
7 minutes – although quite a few people didn’t make it up to that time.
Did prepare your speeches before going to this event?
We only received the topics about 30 minutes before each of the three debates so we had to put our arguments together pretty
quickly.
Were there many students attending the debating day?
Yes, there more than 100 students there from schools all around Melbourne. I think we travelled the furthest though!
What were the debate topics?

Australian police should never provide information to overseas authorities if it may lead to an Australian facing the death
penalty.

We should ban music which glorifies crime, sexism and violence.

There should be a set number of places for Indigenous people in government.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Well, we had a bit of difficulty thinking of points against the motion, ‘We should ban music which glorifies crime, sexism
and violence.’ We wondered, how can we defend sexism? And, do we even want to? Our main point was that such a ban
would be a violation of free speech and we had a list of many artworks which fall into these categories which would not want
to ban. Would we want to ban movies that glorify violence, for example? However, once we were in the debate and heard the
points raised by other speakers, we were able to develop new ideas on the spot. One of the valuable lessons we learnt from
that debate was to not focus so much on why certain types of music or good or bad but whether it is the role of government to
censor music.
Aside from that, Marina and I were pretty pleased to see that vegetarian subway sandwiches provided for lunch!
By Alycia Meehan
Page 13
United Nations Youth National Conference
United Nations Youth Australia is one of the leading social organisations run by people aged 25 and under. Their premier
event, UNYA National Conference, is held every year in a different capital city for 10 students from each Australian state/
territory and New Zealand. This year, I was lucky enough to be one of the 10 students from years 10-12 chosen to be a part of
the Victorian delegation to attend this conference at the University of Queensland in Brisbane.
The conference ran in the third week of the holidays from the 3 rd to the 9th of
July. The theme of the conference was People, Planet, Prosperity. These three
words are a summary of some of the five aims of the UN General Assembly
when they set up the Sustainable Development Goals, which the conference
revolved around. The conference was absolutely incredible. Every day was
filled with activities including formal UN General Assembly-style debates,
workshops, speaker panels with experts on issues ranging from LGBTQIA+
rights, feminism, modern media and creating successful social enterprise as well
as social activities that taught us about the incredible delegation we were working with at the conference. A highlight was meeting the Youth Representative
to the United Nations, who we worked with to brainstorm ideas that will be
presented to the United Nations General Assembly in November.
Other activities the conference included were similar to those from state conference (held every year in March and open to students in year 10-12) but on an
incredibly large scale.
Although the days were jam-packed (we had scheduled activities from 7 am to
9pm every day) and it was an educational conference right in the middle of the
holidays, there was not a single moment at all in the entire conference that was
not enjoyable. The people I met (the Victorian delegation in particular, whom I
spent all of my waking hours with for 7 days with) were so diverse in their interests and hobbies and backgrounds but we were all united by our passion for
creating a world that’s worth living in in 20/50/100/200 years time. There were
students from all over Australia and New Zealand, from the middle of Sydney
to Auckland to 400km outside of Perth in the middle of the outback. The conference was incredible inspiring and liberating
too, because it gave us all an outlet where we all felt that every single one of our ideas were received positively, and were expanded upon and forced us to realise the possibilities that we hold as young people in an increasingly interconnected and
changing world.
I can’t put into words just how important the people from this conference are to me. It is incredible how close I’ve come to
these people after only having known them for a week. We became our own little family. The conference was, without a
doubt, the best week of my life, and I plan on staying involved with UNYA for as long as I can. The things the organisation
does has opened my eyes so much to the world and given me a passion for diplomacy that I never would have known I had
before I attended state conference last year. I have become so much more
confident and open minded, and I have met people who I know undoubtedly
to be the future of Australian politics, international diplomacy and have given me an incredible sense of optimism about the future of the world. UNYA
brings out the best in people in a way that I didn’t know was possible.
By Madeleine Lezon
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Year 11 Formal
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Melbourne Writers’ Festival
The IB Language and Literature course involves the way gender stereotypes are presented in the media. As the Melbourne
Writers’ Festival was offering two sessions on issues related to gender, it was decided to take advantage of this annual cultural event and find out the perspective of local writers and social commentators on gender roles. The sessions not only gave
us some food for thought but also offered real life examples of how speakers can capture the interest of their audience, or
not!
“The first talk, ‘Man Up!’ from Emily Maguire and Chris Miles brought up discussion on masculinity and some of the common stereotypes that come with being a man. The talk itself was little dry but the ideas were interesting enough to generate
questions from the audience.” Jonathan Pharoah.
“It was a very informative day and I enjoyed listening to the different perspectives on gender.” Peter Lejins.
“I enjoyed the seminar entitled ‘The Other F Word’. The speakers, David Burton and Yassmin Abdu-Magred, were very
engaging and entertaining. I found their opinions and anecdotes intriguing and their definition of feminism to be interesting.
They viewed feminism as not just about equal rights but about being who you want to be. I thought this was a good way of
defining feminism as it avoids a lot of the stereotypes or arguments which anti-feminist push onto feminists.” Jeremy Howard.
“It was interesting to see different authors being interviewed right in front of us! I really enjoyed the discussion between
Emily Maguire and Chris Miles because it involved discussion of many issues that relate to teenagers.” Ng Yi
“I was impressed by Yassmin Abdul-Magred who experienced both racist and sexist attitudes while at school and in the
workplace. But she never gave up trying hard to change other people’s perspective.” Sussanne Lim
“As an international student, the visit to the Immigration Museum was interesting as it provided information about the lives
of people who have migrated here and the problems they have had.” Qian Koek
“In the second session of the day Yasmin Abbudl-Magred and David Burton engaged the audience with their light and humorous tone. They were very down-to-earth and were able to evoke laughter from the audience when discussing feminism,
what it truly stands for, and the stigma surrounding it.”
By Alycia Meehan
6
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Fathers day brekkie
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Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition
Great news! Year 8 student, Eve Simner and Year 11 student, Eddie Spicer have been commended
by the judges of the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition for their wonderful poems. This competition attracts thousands of entries from schools across Australia. This year there were 11,766 poems submitted from over 800 schools, of which only a few receive commendations.
My Country
Eve Simner
The judges commented on how well Eve communicated a love of Australia in her poem. Eve was
inspired by Dorothea Mackellar’s poem ‘My Country’ in which she expresses her love for ‘a sunburnt country’.
Luscious, green leaves and
A waterfall
Clear.
Thousands of droplets cover the earthy rocks,
One by one.
I stop to listen.
This rainforest;
It is a sanctuary.
Fine, rich, golden sand
Stretches
For miles along the coastal towns.
I walk through the sand.
It is quiet.
This lonely beach;
It is an oasis.
Stretches of grassy hills,
Cows grazing in the pasture.
Miles of sunflowers and daisies
Stretch across the horizon.
I pick them,
With a basket hung by my side.
This countryside;
It is a farmland.
With beaten old shells,
Washing up on shore
As the tide comes in.
I watch
Sunrises come and go,
As the fish dart around in the deep.
This gentle sea;
It is an ocean.
With snow-capped mountains,
Their peaks barely
Visible through the fog.
I stare into the haze as
Crystal snowflakes fall.
The frost bites me.
This icy village;
It is a wonderland.
The glistening buildings
And golden lights at night.
Or the detailed architecture,
Brightened by the day.
I walk the crowded streets.
The city never closes its eye.
This bustling city;
It is a meeting place.
Sanctuary
Oasis
Ocean.
Meeting place
Farmland
Wonderland.
This country;
It is my Australia.
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Mrs. God
Eddie Spicer
Eddie’s poem was inspired by his study of Carol Ann Duffy’s collection of poems ‘The
World’s Wife’ in his IB Literature class. The judges commented on the dark yet very
humorous tone of the piece.
My husband. Such a fool.
He’s taken up a new hobby. He’s making people.
I don’t know how he got the idea, but he’s completely inept.
I had to stand over his shoulder to help him make their universe.
Somehow he still made mistakes. I told him
Not to put the tree in Eden as they would surely eat its fruit, but he did anyway.
He couldn’t control them - they were wild and wicked, like tiny demons.
So I wrote up ten rules they must follow; he passed them on
But still they were wicked and in a tantrum, the fool
Flooded the place, killing almost everything. What an imbecile.
I kept running his little world from over his shoulder.
His second, more sensible little conscience.
Telling him what to do, what to create, it was irritating but
It paid the bills.
Somehow he managed to impregnate an unmarried woman with his child.
I take my eyes off him for five minutes and look what happens.
I simply can’t understand how he thought that was a good idea.
If the job had been given to me I would have done it right.
I felt sorry for them.
He has decided he doesn’t need my help any more.
He is working on his own and
It is worse than ever. Disease is running free like flowing water,
His people are killing each other by the hundreds and so many go hungry.
It’s not that he is neglectful, he just doesn’t know what he’s doing.
And to make matters words, he takes credit for all the good in the world and
Blames all his stuff ups on Satan from accounting.
When there’s good luck, a breakthrough or times of peace, they all thank God.
If only they knew how much he is to blame.
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Hanging Rock Excursion
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Hanging Rock Excursion
On Friday the 26th of August, Year 8 went on a geography excursion to Hanging Rock to collect data on the impact of humans
on the environment.
We all got on the bus and set off to Hanging Rock.
When we arrived at Hanging Rock we put our bags down and took in the environment. 8A and 8B were split into two working
groups. 8A’s working group first analysed the surroundings and sketched what we saw. Once completed, we then swapped
locations with the other group and found some history on Hanging Rock and how it was formed over time.
After scrutinising the rock earlier both groups joined together and had an early lunch. Whilst we ate, we were entertained by a
small group of beautifully coloured birds.
After lunch, everyone was enthusiastic about the coming adventure….Climbing the rock!
Lunch done we all set off to climb and explore the rock.
When we got closer to the top, we were allowed to go exploring! It was so great to have free reign to discover things that this
rock had to offer. There were beautiful views from way up high, plenty of photographic opportunities for everyone. Some of
us felt quite daring and climbed on the huge rocks! The top of the Rock was quite amazing. Being at such a high altitude it
gave us the feeling of tranquility and serenity.
After climbing the rock, we all got back into the bus. Ms Treanor planned a mysterious surprise for us. We all buzzed with
excitement and wondered where we were going. It turns out we were going to the famous Gravity Hill!
What an amazing place. Mr Archer and Ms Treanor put the buses in neutral where we “rolled uphill”. It was so awesome!
Was it an optical illusion or just the ‘mystery of the rock’?
After that, we continued on our way back to school.
A huge thank you to all Ms Treanor and Mr Edmunds, for organizing such an amazing and interesting experience; and to all
the other teachers who came along with us!
It was so fun, and I would go there again!
By Amy Baimbridge 8A
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Grade 5 Sovereign Hill Excursion
On the 5th of September, Grade 5 went to Sovereign hill. From the outside it looked like a zoo, but from the inside it looked
like a miniature old town. After we got there, we went to go see the gold pouring. The demonstrator explained how they
make gold bars. India Stebbins got to hold the gold bar at the end of the demonstration. After that, we went gold panning to
find gold from the stream. Many of us found some gold flakes. The flakes were minute! Some of us who didn’t find gold
were disappointed so the people who did find some shared a couple flakes. When we finished our gold panning, we were
divided into 2 different groups to see the candy store, the bowling place and the candle dipping place where you could buy
and make colourful candles. One group was with Mr. Archer and the other group with Mrs. Danielss and a student teacher.
Then we met up and had lunch. After lunch, we participated in a Gold Fever activity. We were divided into 6 groups: Bankers, Police, Chinese, Irish, Americans and Colonials. The goal was to end up with the most shillings. The Colonial
group won
We all had lots of fun at Sovereign Hill! And to add to that, we also learned why people were lured to gold and were prepared to go through many hardships to get to the Goldfields.
From Ryan Haque, Year 5
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Ski trip to Mt Hotham
After going on last year's Ski Trip, I was looking forward to this year's trip. I am glad to say that I was not disappointed.
With a great crew of people and a friendly atmosphere, I had a brilliant time. From year 9 until year 11 students of all ability and experience came and had a great time. Between the helpful lessons each day and the free skiing in the afternoons, it
was truly a great experience. There were both skiers and snowboarders on the trip, navigating the runs together. We stayed
at Snowbird Inn, where the food was nice and rooms comfortable. Thanks to the teachers who came along, Mr. Wright and
Ms. Treanor, who ensured everyone had a good time, we were able to coordinate groups, lunchtimes, and activities. I
would strongly recommend the trip to anyone looking for a new hobby to pick up, as a returning skier, or even just as a
chance to spend time with friends, and I am surely looking forward to next year as well.
By Jack Heanly
Pictures by: Callum Partridge and Jack Heanly
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Library Celebrates Children’s Book Week
There was a lot of excitement in the Library on Thursday 25 th August, particularly among the primary students who had come
dressed as exciting book characters. Apart from the winners (see photos), characters included Dorothy from The wizard of Oz,
Jawa from Star wars, Percy Jackson, Winnie the witch, Thelma the unicorn, Harry Potter and Hermione. It was very hard to
judge the winners from so many great costumes!
Primary students also took part in a competition to design a book cover for one of the short-listed titles from the Children’s
Book of the Year – Younger Readers category. Great work from our winning designers - Melek Alinc, Anastasia Minter and
Grace Heywood and our second prize winners - Maclaren Egan, Michael Dimovski and Bridgette Davies.
The “When we were young” competition proved very popular with secondary students as they tried to work out which teachers were pictured as young children with their favourite books. Mia Heanly won the competition and Maneet Hora, Jasreet
Deol, Ashleigh Bourne and Kristen Lenne were runners-up. In our final competition, Nahla Massoud, Aliyah Laffan, Harry
Miller, Ethan Canning and Alana Rushworth correctly guessed the winner of the Children’s Book of the Year – Older Readers
Category.
Congratulations to all our prize winners and participants!
The highlight of the day was the incursion with Australian author, Kirsty Murray. Kirsty entertained our primary and middle
school students with her funny stories, her enthusiastic and inspiring love of literature and her encouragement to budding
young authors.
Shelley Frawley
Pictured L to R (above): Amber Meuwissen as Miss Root from “Demon Dentist” by David Walliams, Alannah Smith as
“Billie B Brown” by Sally Rippon, Hayley Smyth as White Rabbit in “Alice’s adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll,
Maya Sakr as Max from “Where the wild things are” by Maurice Sendak, Anastasia Minter as Oompa Loompa from “Charlie
and the chocolate factory” by Roald Dahl.
Bottom left: Maneet and Jasreet (runners-up) pictured with the winner of the “When we were young” competition, Mia.
Bottom right: Aliyah Laffan and Alana Rushworth receive their prizes for the guessing competition.
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Winner of the design a book cover competition (L to R):
Grace Heywood, Anastasia Minter, Melek Alinc
On the 25th of August 2016 the primary and the secondary school were lucky enough to have Kirsty Murray
drop by to speak to us about writing. Kirsty told us about a book that she wrote, Bridies Fire, that was set in
the time of The Irish Potato Famine. Kirsty also told us about Earl Grey, the man who made lots of workhouses for children stuck in the middle of the potato famine. Another book she wrote was called The Four
Seasons of Lucy Makenzie. At the time of writing it she had her goddaughter and her friend staying with her.
Kirsty wrote a scene in her book about her goddaughter, Sabrina, and her friend while they were swimming.
Another of Kirsty’s series of books is The Children of the wind. These books are about a boy called Colm
McCabe and his best friend Dibs McGinty. Colm hates living in an orphanage and plots an escape. Along the
way he meets an old man, Billy Dare and together they roam the country side, but a fight with a wild boar
leaves Bill fearing for his life. Colm has to find a way to help save Bill.
Kirsty Murray was an amazing inspiration for all the young
writers out there. Some of the prizes for book week were
Kirsty’s books. I was lucky enough to receive two of them
and they are absolutely amazing.
Thank you Kirsty for stopping by and talking to us about
writing.
By Anastasia Minter, Year 6
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Book day author—Kirsty Murray
Last Thursday after lunch a special author, Kirsty Murray, came to our school for Book Week.
She spoke to us about how every book has an important connection to somebody or a group of people. She also
said that all of her books have a connection not just to her but to lots of other people too.
Then she talked to us about how one time she was up in an extremely old beach house behind a beautiful lake
writing a book. She told us a funny story about when she asked her niece and her friend Lucy to come over.
The story is actually in one of her books.
If we ordered books we could go up and get them signed by Kirsty Murray and ask her questions.
I really liked being able to speak to Kirsty Murray. I had a supremely awesome time!
Claire Gallagher 3/4B
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Book Week rotations
On the 25th of August the primary students celebrated book week and you could dress up as your favourite book character.
There were some amazing costumes, like Where’s Wally, Demon Dentist and lots of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and
Alice from Alice in Wonderland.
In period 3 and 4 we had book rotations with the four primary classes. Firstly, in Mrs Ling’s class room the book we read was
My Dead Bunny. The activity was drawing my dead bunny. Secondly it was Mrs Daniells room. She had two books, one of
them was Pig The Pug which told us about the characters and the second one was Pig The Fibber. The activity was making a
pug and colouring it in. Thirdly it was Miss Garner’s room, her book was Mr Huff. The activity was getting shredded newspaper and plastic bags and sticking them in a ball shape. On one side we would write things that got us out of a huff, on the
other side we put things that got us into a huff. Finally it was Ms Mac’s room, her book was Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas. The
activity was a piranha to colour in. It was a fold up Piranha that turned into a fish when you looked at it.
Over all the book activities were really good, thank you
teachers!
Taylah Wooley, Year 5.
On Thursday the 25th of August the primary school area had
book day rotations for Book Week.
Group4 – my group started with Miss Garner. She read a book
called Mr Huff. We made our own Mr Huff out of shredded
newspaper, grey string and grey parts of plastic bags.
After Miss Garner we went to Ms McNamara. She read a book called Piranhas don’t eat bananas. We made our own piranhas
using textas, crayons and pencils.
Then, we went to Mrs Ling. She was dressed up as a witch and read a book called My Dead Bunny. We watched a video on
how to draw zombie bunny Brad from the book. We had to colour him green and draw a little worm on top of his head. It was
cute and scary at the same time.
Last but not least, we went to Mrs Daniells. She read TWO books, not one, TWO. One was called Pig the Pug and the other
one was called Pig the Fibber. The activity we did was making our own pugs. My pug looked like it was walking.
The scariest place was Mrs Ling and the Dead Bunny.
The funniest place was Miss Mac and Piranhas don’t eat bananas.
Book day rotations were… FUN!
By Hana Khodabocus, Grade 4
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2017 INDIA
TRIP!
To all parents and students,
Get excited for an adventure to India planned for April 2017! TKIS is organising a 9 day tour to the of south
India, often called ‘God’s own country.’ Take the chance to view traditional and cultural dances, journey
through the stunning temples and tea gardens and taste the delicious authentic food. For full details please contact the teachers in charge and organising the trip Mr. Baldev Khalon and Ms. Bhupinder Khlaon:
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
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