Alba Newsletter – September 2023

 

Dear Parents and Families

As Term 3 draws to a close we would like to thank all of our students, parents and staff for their wonderful support, and the positive contribution everyone has made in building our culture of high expectations.

Farewell……….

We would like to take this opportunity to farewell Ms Lynette French. Lynette has taught Mathematics at the College since 2004, as well as holding leadership positions such as Head of Junior Sub School and Timetabler. She commenced her teaching career at Williamstown High School in 1978. We would like to thank Lynette for her immense contribution to public education at St Albans SC in particularly, and to the system more broadly.

Lynette has always been an innovative Maths teacher, and has worked hard to support all of her students to achieve success. We wish Lynette all the best on her retirement, and hope that she enjoys whatever her next endeavours will be.

We would also like to thank Anita Dimitrijevic for her work teaching Psychology this term.

Welcome……….

We would like to welcome Mr Ethan Man to the College next term, as a Maths teacher. We wish him all the best in this new role.

We also welcome back from leave Ms Effie Goulas and Ms Judy Blum.

City Experience

Our Year 9 students had a change of environment last week and spent their time in the city. It was lovely to see them all first thing Monday morning at Federation Square looking smart in their school uniforms and representing the school in a positive manner. Students participated in a scavenger hunt and ice skating, visited well known Melbourne sites such as the Old Melbourne Gaol, ACMI, Melbourne Museum, and the Shrine of Remembrance. Over the week, they completed their own research project and on the last day caught a ferry to Williamstown where they enjoyed a beachside walk and many of them bought ice-creams. We are proud of the way the students conducted themselves over the week and thank their teachers for providing this opportunity. We would like to thank Katie O’Connell, who is our Humanities learning area leader, for her coordination of the whole project. It is a huge task to take a whole cohort to the city for a week and it was months of planning and organisation behind the scenes. Congratulations on the success of City Experience 2023.

Progress Reports

Next week, we will be publishing the Year 11 & 12 progress reports. We ask students and families to look closely at these reports and to ask teachers any questions they may have. It is important that students know what they should be focusing on as they are heading towards final exams. The September holidays is a good time to review learning and plan for Term 4 which is a very short one for Year 11 students and only a couple of weeks for Year 12. 

Parent Teacher Interviews

It was wonderful to see students, parents and their families at the Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews on Wednesday 13 September. The opportunity for staff to meet with parents and guardians is such a valuable one, with a chance to reflect upon and celebrate students’ learning successes over the course of the term. We thank all the families who were able to take the time to attend the interviews, and for the staff who facilitated the conversations and made arrangements for the evening. 

Key Dates for Term 4

• Friday 13 October – Year 12 last day of classes
• Wednesday 25 October – Year 12 VCAA exams begin
• Friday 3 November – Curriculum Planning and Resources Afternoon
  Students will be dismissed at 12.40pm on this day. The Library will remain open for any students who wish to make use of the facilities.
• Thursday 16 November – Staff Professional Practice Day
  Student free day. Year 11 Semester 2 exams may still run on this day. Students due to sit Year 11 exams should refer to Compass.
• Monday 4 December – Report Writing Day (Student free day)

And finally …..

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students a relaxing and safe holiday. A big thank you to all of our community for continued support. Together we are making a difference, and we look forward to achieving even more in Term 4.

 

 

 

General Office Hours 

8:15am to 4:15pm   

Compass Communication

Any important information will be sent to parents and families via the Compass News Feed.  Parents are asked to ensure that they have access to Compass.

 

 

 

 

General Office Payments

Preferred method of payment for School Events and Curriculum Contributions is via the Compass school management system.  Parents will log in to this system using their allocated unique User ID and a temporary password.  Payments can be made through the Action Centre from the home screen.  Please contact the General Office on 9366 2555 should you need further information. 

 

 

 

    

ID Cards

Students are reminded that they require their ID cards with them when they present to the front office.

Lost or Damaged Id Cards

• go the ‘Organisation’ menu (grid icon)
• select ‘Identity Cards’.
• in the ‘Orders’ section, click ‘Individual Orders’.
• complete the details to order the card

A payment will be required when placing your order.

When the card arrives, it will need to be activated.  Follow the steps below to activiate the card.

• go the ‘Organisation’ menu (grid icon)
• select ‘Identity Cards’
• click on ‘Individual Activation’
• complete the information on the screen to activate the card.

The office will no longer be taking payment for replacement cards.  Please contact the office on 9366 2555 if you have any queries.

Student Lunches at the General Office

Families are advised that the General Office is unable to accept lunches for student collection.  Please discuss and prepare for a different course of action with your child, should they forget to bring their lunch to school.

If your child has forgotten their lunch at home, parents can leave money in an envelope for their student to collect at the office.  The canteen has an array of choices for your child to purchase their lunch.

College Expectations 

Attendance, Uniform, Punctuality  

We greatly appreciate the support we receive from parents to make sure that your child attends school regularly and punctually, is in full uniform, and is well prepared for all classes with books and equipment.

 Attendance  

Students must have a minimum of 90% attendance in all classes at each year level.

Uniform  

Full uniform must be worn to and from school, at school and on all school excursions, including interschool sports.

Punctuality  

Students are expected to be punctual at the start of each day and for all classes. Any student who is late more than 4 times will have a Friday detention from 3:20pm to 5:20pm. 

Sustainable School Shop

The Sustainable School Shop website is available to purchase and/or sell second-hand uniforms and used textbooks.

 Parents can log in or register at any time at  www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au

When selling items, click the Sell Uniforms button and follow the prompts. Assistance is given to construct your “For Sale” ads including a pricing guide.

To see the ads for items currently on sale or to obtain the seller details, you will need to log-in to the Sustainable School Shop website, click the blue Stocktake button and then click the item you need. Buyers contact the seller directly.

 Sellers are asked to delist For Sale Ads as items sell.

Student Absence 

Parents and guardians are now able to leave student absence messages directly with the relevant Sub School.

Follow the telephone prompts to be connected to the Sub School needed.

• Wait for the beep before leaving a message
• State who you are, eg:  I am the parent of ……..  and clearly state your child’s name and home group
• Clearly state the reason for your child’s absence and how long they will be absent for

Please ensure that your message is audible (not on speaker phone) and there is no background noise.  

Camps, Sports, Events Fund (CSEF)

Parents with a valid Health Care Card may be eligible to apply for the CSEF.  The CSEF is a yearly payment for each child in the family attending our College.  This payment is to assist with the cost of Camps, Sports and Excursions for your child to attend.  Applications for 2023 are now closed.

State School Relief (SSR)

Should you have a valid Health Care Card and require assistance to purchase school uniform and/or school shoes; you may be eligible for SSR. Health Care Card holders with students enrolled in the VCAL program may also be eligible for assistance with the purchase of personal protective gear. Please enquire at the General Office.

 

 

Friday, 15 September 2023

All Day Term 3 Last Day (Students Dismissed at 2:30pm)

08:55AM – 03:10AM Yr 12 VTAC SEAS & Scholarship Interviews

12:40PM – 01:30PM VCE VM Lunchtime Activities R U OK?

01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 VCE VM – CHASE Project Workshop 3

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School Holiday Yr 12 Practice Exam Program

Friday, 22 September 2023

08:55AM – 12:10PM Yr12 English Exam

08:55AM – 12:10PM Yr12 English as a Second Language Exam

01:15PM – 03:00PM Yr12 General Maths Exam 1

Monday, 25 September 2023

08:55AM – 11:10AM Yr12 Data Analytics Exam

08:55AM – 11:40AM Yr12 Biology Exam

12:15PM – 01:30PM Yr12 Maths Methods Exam 1

03:00PM – 05:15PM Yr12 Vietnamese (1st Language) Exam

03:00PM – 05:15PM Yr12 History (Revolutions) Exam

Tuesday, 26 September 2023

08:55AM – 11:10AM Yr12 Legal Studies Exam

08:55AM – 11:40AM Yr12 Chemistry Exam

12:15PM – 02:00PM Yr12 Art Making & Exhibiting Exam

12:15AM – 02:00PM Yr12 Food Studies Exam

03:00PM – 05:15PM Yr12 Physical Education Exam

03:00PM – 05:15PM Yr12 Maths Methods Exam 2

Wednesday, 27 September 2023

08:55AM – 11:10AM Yr12 Economics Exam

08:55AM – 11:40AM Yr12 Physics Exam

12:15PM – 01:30PM Yr12 Specialist Maths Exam 1

12:15PM – 02:00PM Yr12 General Maths Exam 2

03:00PM – 05:15PM Yr12 Business Management Exam

Thursday, 28 September 2023

08:55AM – 11:40AM Yr12 Psychology Exam

12:15PM – 02:30PM Yr12 Health & Human Development Exam

12:15PM – 02:30PM Yr12 Specialist Maths Exam 2

03:00PM – 04:45PM Yr12 Visual Communication Design Exam

03:00PM – 05:15PM Yr12 Accounting Exam

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Monday, 2 October 2023

All Day Term 4 Commences

01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 Assembly – PPU Presentation

Wednesday, 4 October 2023

All Day Yr 7 – 11 Assemblies (Times TBA)

08:30AM – 03:00PM WMR Athletics Carnival

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8I & 8L Indigenous Science Workshop

12:40PM – 01:30PM Yr 11 Captain Speeches

Thursday, 5 October 2023

07:50AM – 09:45AM Melbourne University GTAC Biomedical Sciences Day

09:00AM – 03:15PM Yr 8B & 8C Indigenous Science Workshop

Friday, 6 October 2023

08:35AM – 03:10PM Yr 10 Politics – Government House Excursion

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8A & 8D Indigenous Science Workshop

01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 1 VCE VM CHASE Project Workshop 4

03:10PM – 04:30PM Drama Club

Monday, 9 October 2023

All Day Yr 12 VCE VM Portfolio Interviews

08:15AM – 03:00PM Yr 10 Geography Port Melbourne & CBD Fieldtrip

08:35AM – 03:10PM Yr 8I Integrated Studies Strathbogie Camp

Tuesday, 10 October 2023

All Day Yr 12 VCE VM Portfolio Interviews

08:00AM – 04:00PM Yr 10 Jewish Holocaust Centre Excursion

08:35AM – 03:10PM Yr 8I Integrated Studies Strathbogie Camp

Wednesday, 11 October 2023

All Day Yr 12 VCE VM Portfolio Interviews

08:35AM – 03:10PM Yr 8I Integrated Studies Strathbogie Camp

09:00AM – 03:10PM Yr 9 Advance Melbourne Zoo Excursion

12:40PM – 01:30PM Alpine School Fundraiser BBQ

Thursday, 12 October 2023

08:30AM – 03:10PM Junior Boys Baseball

08:30AM – 03:10PM Junior Girls Softball

Friday, 13 October 2023

All Day Yr 12 Last Day of Classes

08:30AM – 11:30PM Australian Fashion Awards

03:30PM – 04:30PM Drama Club

07:00PM – 09:00PM Yr 12 Graduation & Awards Evening – Moonee Valley Racecourse

Wednesday, 18 October 2023

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8E & 8G Indigenous Science Workshop

11:00AM – 11:50AM Diversity Champions

Thursday, 19 October 2023

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8H & 8K Indigenous Science Workshop

Friday, 20 October 2023

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8J & 8M Indigenous Science Workshop

01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 VCE VM CHASE Project Workshop 5

03:30PM – 04:30PM Drama Club

                                             

DorothySchillinger

Dear St Albans Secondary College community, my name is Dorothy. I am a social worker who has previously worked in a high school as a counsellor, family violence counselling and the Paediatric hospital space supporting children, adolescents and their families. I am highly passionate about the promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing and fostering connections that support healthy development and diversity.  I enjoy reading, dancing, gardening, cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I am also very lucky to be a mum to an amazing 11 year old. I am incredibly excited to be joining St Albans Secondary College as a mental health practitioner and I am really looking forward to working together with the whole school community. I cannot wait to meet and greet you all next term.

 

 

 

 

Wendy Ly

Hi my name is Wendy, I am new to the education system, and I am so excited to be here. I have come from a background of retail and now I am ready to take on a new challenge. Moreover, it is such a pleasure to be here, the dynamic working environment, working alongside with amazing individuals and making a positive impact on students’ lives.

During my time off, I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. Sometimes, i like to enjoy a good swimming session, spending lots of time at the beach and soak in that salty air during summer season.

I am looking forward to meeting and working with you all.

 

 

 

 

 

Students in the Junior School have had a busy Term 3  and are no doubt eagerly waiting for the holidays. 

Term 3 has seen Year 8 classes commencing to go to the school camp.  The first few camp have been at Riddell’s Creek, while later camps will be at the usual venue of Strathbogie.  There have been significant capital works undertaken at Strathbogie, causing the delay in getting started with Year 8 camps.  Students get to enjoy a variety of activities such as bushwalking, swimming and archery.  The Year 8 camps will continue through to the very end of the year.  These trips have been particularly valuable as most of the students have missed out on camps and other excursions over the past two years.  Please ensure that you pay prompt attention to permission slips and medical forms when they are issued, as some camps will be very full.

Year level assemblies were conducted in week 7 of Term 3, where a number of topics were touched upon.  A number of students were presented with certificates for participation and achievement in Science competition.  Congratulations to all of those students.  In addition the school’s expectations for behaviour were reinforced.  For all of our students this was simply confirming what has been stated at assemblies and in class over their time at St Albans.  We encourage the whole school community to be aware of the Values Matrix, which is included in the school diary. 

Junior School students would have received their Progress Reports early in Term 3.  We encourage all families to review the Progress Reports together with the students in order to celebrate the many successes and set strategies for further improvement.  Please let your student’s coordinator know if you are having difficulty accessing the reports on Compass.

We wish all our students an enjoyable term break and look forward to seeing everybody back at school for Term 4.

 

Mr Craig Moore – Junior Sub School Coordinator

 

Another term gone by and it seems this year will be over before we know it. The second half of the term has had a real focus on students in the classroom and maximising their academic learning. With Parent Teacher Interviews at the end of this term and Year 9 Semester Tests and Year 10 Exams running in the middle of next term working through the curriculum has become the main target. Teachers have been full steam ahead in preparing students before the end of term and in visiting classes it is nice to see students still remaining prepared for learning even as the term winds down.

Despite the goal of maximising learning in the classroom, there have still been some significant extracurricular events for our students. The Year 10 Law classes have visited the Magistrates Court in the Melbourne CBD to see some real life cases and to deepen their knowledge of the legal system. A group of year 9 students have been participating in the ABCN goals program. This has introduced them to a successful adult in the workforce who they work with as a learning mentor and have weekly check ins. We have also had several representatives at the African Australian Student Conference. The event brought together African heritage students from schools across the state, fostering an environment of empowerment, inspiration, and career exploration.

One of the largest events of the year in the middle school is the annual Year 9 City Experience, which was held in Week 8 this term. The students completed a huge variety of activities in the city over the five days. These included a guided tour of the Shrine of Remembrance, a trip to the Melbourne Museum, Ice Skating and a cruise down the Yarra River to Williamstown plus many more. The students were fantastic over the week and represented the college to the high standard that we have come to expect. Many students developed new friendships over the week and have gained important experience in things like catching public transport and spending their money wisely. After a week of increased independence and time to explore the city, it has also been great to see the year 9’s refocus and now shift their attention back to the classroom.

 

With the Term 3 holidays nearly upon us, we wish all our students and families a safe and enjoyable break. Term 4 is a very important one as it encourages students to finish things off well. Those that embrace the challenge of Semester Tests and Exams at the end of the academic year prepare themselves well for the future and give themselves every chance of success later in life. As always we thank our extended school community for their support and we look forward to a productive and enjoyable Term 4.

 

Mr Owen McIntyre – Middle Sub School Leader

Information for Year 12 Students – Term 4, 2023Dear Students,Please see below for information regarding upcoming Year 12 events: Event Date Details   Last Day of Year 12 Classes Friday 13th October ·       Classes will run as per normal from periods 1 – 3. ·       Your period 3 teacher will take the class to the front of the school for “uniform signing” at 11.40am. ·       You will be dismissed from the front gardens at 12:00pm. ·       You are expected to go straight home to prepare for the Awards Evening. ·       Lockers must be cleaned out by this date. Any items remaining in lockers after this date will be thrown out or         donated.       Year 12 Awards Evening       Friday 13th October Venue: Celebrity Room, Moonee Valley Race Course, McPherson St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039. Parking information to be provided. Please ensure you leave early, as there are roadworks and building construction in the area. ·        Formal attire. ·        You are required to be at the venue by no later than 4:00pm for gown fitting and rehearsal. Doors will open for guests at 6:40pm for seating.  Ceremony starts at 7:00pm SHARP. Guests who arrive after 7:00pm may need to wait in the foyer until instructed by the ushers for seating during a suitable time. Whole School Assembly Monday 16th October ·       Whole school assembly will run during periods 1 and 2. ·       You can dress up in school-appropriate fancy dress attire. ·       You cannot not wear items that obscure the face, are offensive or carry fake weapons. ·       Year 12 students assemble in the gymnasium from 8:00am onwards. Photobooth provided. ·       During the ceremony, you are to remain seated, listen respectfully and adhere to the usual protocols during the         assembly. VCAA Exams (VCE students)         Tuesday 24th October to Wednesday 15th November       ·       Arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the start of each exam. ·       Check seating plan on compass for details of seating/rows BEFORE each exam. ·       Water bottles must have no labels and are clear. ·       Pencil case must be totally clear.  ·       No white-out allowed in exams. Check Exam Navigator for details of what is allowed into each exam. Exam Navigator can be found on the VCAA website or by clicking this link: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/Navigator/VCEExamsNavigator2023.pdf Mobile phones, smart watches or any electronic device where information can be transmitted MUST NOT be taken into the exam room. They are to be left at home or in your bag during examinations. ·       No hats, hoodies, scarves, jackets with pockets are to be worn in the exam room. Performance and Languages oral examinations start on Monday 2nd October to Sunday 29th October  – students have been given individual times. Year 12 Portfolio Interviews (VCE VM students) Monday 9th October to Wednesday 11th October ·       Will be held in the Conference room or Meeting room. ·       You will be allocated a 15 minute time slot to present in front of a panel. ·       You are to bring your completed portfolio to the interviews. ·       Talking notes can be taken in to the interview. ·       Neat business attire.   Year 12 Formal   Friday 17th November ·       Venue: Luxor Function Centre, 503 Sydenham Road Taylors lakes, 3038. ·       Formal dress attire. ·       Alcohol-free event. ·       Please arrive at 6.30pm, for a 7:00pm start.  ·       Finishing time at 11:30 pm

 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to see us in the Senior Sub School.

 

 

 

Ms Marlene Cassar – Senior Sub School Leader

 

VCE Visual Communication Design – 3D Printing

Year 11 VCE Visual Communication Design students have been busy 3D printing. Students each designed an architectural model in Sketchup Pro and then printed a scaled down version of it.

 

 

 

 

 

Year 11 VCD CD Covers

Year 11 Visual Communication Design students have been working hard this term designing typography CD covers. Students responded to a brief and manipulated type in adobe illustrator to create their designs.

 

Ms Della Butler – Visual Art / Visual Communication Design Teacher

 

Model United Nations Excursion

On Tuesday 28 August, two teams of students, accompanied by Ms Amy Lee and Ms Katie O’Connell, travelled to the Centre for Higher Education Studies in South Yarra to take part in a Model United Nations event. Model UN, as it is known, is an enrichment activity where students learn about how the United Nations works by participating in a simulation of a UN event. They are given the chance to practice and model the processes of amending and passing resolutions that will impact the UN’s member states.

There were two SASC teams taking part – a Year 12 team with Jennifer To, Wendy Lieu, and Kayslin Lui Lam (who were supported by Karli Keskin), representing Mexico, and a Year 10 team with Kristijan Stanojoski, Ethan Shaw, Minhthu Huynh, and Haybel Verma, representing Cuba. In the lead up to the event, both teams met several times to research and build their country profiles to ensure that they understood the decisions that each country would be likely to make.

On the day itself, each team passionately presented their initial positions in front of the ‘General Assembly’, made up of the 30 different teams who were in attendance. After every country had presented their statements, the teams had the opportunity to present amendments to the proposed resolutions. Much like in real life, members of different teams visited the representatives from other countries to discuss their proposals, negotiate deals, and drum up support to have their resolutions and amendments passed.

Finally, all of the amended resolutions were presented and voted on by the assembled countries. Each of our teams saw a resolution that they had proposed or amended be successfully passed with support from other countries.

Our two teams found the Model UN experience enjoyable and rewarding. Many thanks to Mr Conboy, who liaised with CHES to organise this excursion.

 

 

Amy Lee – English and Humanities Teacher / Learning Specialist Formative Assessment & Feedback

 

Across Term 3, Narasaki Sensei’s year ten Japanese class have been starting off their Friday period 6 lesson with Rajio Taiso.

Rajio Taiso is a Japanese stretching program that is performed regularly by Japanese people of all ages to promote health, unity and energy. I hope that the students feel ready to take on their Friday Period 6 Japanese lesson after performing a Rajio Taiso.

“Rajio Taiso is so stress relieving and I feel ready to learn after it!” – Thompson Nguyen

“たのしいです！“ – Andy Nhan

 

Have a go at Rajio Taiso if you would like a fun stretch.

 

 

よくできました！

Emi Narasaki – LOTE Learning Area Leader / Japanese Teacher

 

Year 7 Statewide Mathematics Association of Victoria – Maths’ Games Day

On Monday 28 August 2023, eight of our Year 7 students accompanied by Ms. Gloria Yi and Ms. Lynne Borle travelled to Overnewton Anglican Community College (Yirramboi Campus, Keilor) to compete in the Mathematics Association of Victoria Annual Maths’ Games Day. Teams from forty other schools had travelled from across Victoria to compete. 

The students that represented St Albans Secondary College were:

• Team 1: Karina Dhingra; Dylan Duong, Kevin Lam, Erica Shaw.
• Team 2: Kaden Leong, Srish Naidu, Nathan Tran, Phuoc Le.

 

The day consisted of:

9:00am – 9:30am	Registration and Welcome
9:35am – 10:45am	Problem Solving
10:45am – 11:00am	Morning Tea
11:00am – 12:00pm	Relay Questions
12:00pm – 12:45pm	Lunch
12:45pm – 1:30pm	Origami
1:30pm – 2:00pm	Games of Strategy
2:00pm – 2:15pm	Adjudication
2:15pm – 2:30pm	Presentation of Awards

After Adjudication, 1^st place was awarded to PEGS Team 1; 2^nd place Bacchus Marsh Grammar Woodley Team 1 and; 3^rd place to Lowther Hall Team 2. Our SASC teams performed extremely well: they used their problem-solving and collaboration skills to complete all tasks. Our students were all awarded Certificates and are to be congratulated on the way they worked together, networked with students from other schools, and represented SASC values in such a positive manner.

Thank you to Mr. Joseph Vincent, our Head of Mathematics, for organising the day.

 

 

Ms Lynne Borle – Tutor Program

 

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Year 8 Maths Games Day

In September, two teams of our Year 8 students travelled to the Maths Games Day at Penleigh Essendon Grammar School. The competition provides students with an opportunity to develop their mathematical talents and thinking skills in a fun setting with like-minded students from a diverse range of schools.

We had in Team 1: Katherine Dao, Sandula Edirisinghe, Vansh Sharma and Jade Tran. In Team 2: Kevin Lam, Dylan Nguyen, Api Nicol and Eze Ong representing St Albans Secondary College. They worked extremely well together in two different teams. They completed maths puzzles and competed against schools in 3 different math games. They concluded the day with a problem solving task.

The feedback from our students was that the day was an enjoyable experience which challenged them and encouraged them to think laterally to solve questions and work as a team and as usual, our terrific students represented St Albans Seconday College with style and poise and displayed great sportsmanship (mathspeopleship) and enthusiasm throughout the day.

Once the scores were tallied up, the schools were ranked from 1 – 78 (That”s 312 students). How amazing is this, we finished the day with Team 1 in ​16th place and Team 2 in ​7th place which was a new St Albans record under my watch. What an experience for all the students that were involved, let’s do it again next year!

 

 

Mr Vo and Mr Nguyen – Math Coaches

 

2023 Science Week Trivia Competition

On the final Friday of Science week, 12 teams from Year 7-12 battled it out to find who knew the most trivial information about science. The first round had three teams tied on 6/10 then a Year 11 team won the ‘Science Head’ competition causing them to take the lead going into round three. Probability was on the side of the Year 7 team allowing them to win the heads or tails round and coming out as the winners! Well done to all who participated and I hope to see you all back next year!

 

Mission to Mars

The Year 8 SEAL class attended the Victorian Space Science Education Centre to go on a Mission to Mars. Here are some of the student reflections:

“I enjoyed adopting the role of a geologist on a mission to Mars, in which I had the opportunity to investigate in depth the possibility of life on a planet where no human has ever set foot on. I was fascinated to learn about the experience of what it’s like to be an astronaut (except for the fact that we had to be equipped with hefty backpacks and suffocating space suits) and learn about Mars in general, such as how it differs from Earth. I wonder if Mars will be habitable by humans in the future”. – Vienna

“I definitely enjoyed mission control as it was mostly chaotic and the Mars expedition was really tiring with tears of sweat”. – Anonymous

“On the mission to Mars excursion, I liked being in the airlock before entering mars. I also enjoyed being mission director during mission control, and it was really fun communicating with the people on mars”. – Anvi

“I liked how they tried to make the experience more real and that we were able to actually do experiments that we were familiar with. I learnt more things about Mars and that some parts of the moon are older than other zones of Mars. I wonder if there are  other lifeforms on planets other than Mars”. – Audrey

“The mission to Mars was an informative excursion. It was enjoyable, being able to be on mission control and to help the astronauts on Mars. I learnt a lot about the rock formations that could be found on Mars as well as the general information about the planet”. – Katherine

“I liked how this type of excursion was a new thing and we actually got to be involved with the excursion. I also liked the mission control because it was intense. I learned how Mars is and also more about the geographical features of Mars”. – Sandula

“I liked how they tried to make it seem like an actual space mission. I really liked having our own suits and being in mission control. I had a lot of fun in general. I learnt a lot about how we could possibly identify life on different planets. I also learnt how missions in space could be carried out”. – Vy

“The Mission to Mars was an exciting and informative experience. I enjoyed being able to complete the missions on Mars and tell my classmates what to do in mission control. I learnt about the past, present and future of Mars, and why it is important that we should learn about outer space”. – Amelia

 

 

 

Ms Angela Hanley – Science Learning Area Leader

 

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Year 7 SEAL Science Excursion – ‘Dark Matters’

On the (very icy) morning of the 16 August, the Year 7 SEAL class caught the train and tram into the city to attend ‘Dark Matters’, a joint program run by GTAC (Gene Technology Access Centre) and the Science Gallery Melbourne.

The morning started with escape rooms at GTAC. Students worked in groups to problem solve their way through the human gut, discovering along the way features of the gut microbiome, in particular the role of archaea.

Next, students were straight into the lab, observing the effects of faecal transplants on rats. They practised their pipetting skills to prepare rat stool samples for analysis and microscopy. After degloving and handwashing, they had a brisk walk to the Science Gallery. Here, there was just enough time to grab some KFC and slushies before entering the exhibition.

The Dark Matters exhibition “…explored the fundamental essence of life, the universe, and how so much of it remains a mystery to us”. It was captivating to see science communicated in such different and creative ways. It opened our minds and provided far more questions than answers!

Some comments from students:

“It really gave me a new perspective on science.”

“Another thing that was surprising was the topic of the multiverse.”

“We got to learn in fun ways. They told us plenty of new information that really surprised me.”

“I was confused about what muons are.”

“What was surprising? The box that moved.. It scared me quite a bit.”

“I found the chroma really interesting and beautiful. The chroma represents a snake eating its tail.”

“I would like to learn more about muons.”

“The escape room was fun because I genuinely like solving puzzles.”

“The new possibilities this field brings inspires me to take a career in science.”

“I want to learn more about those muon things. They’re really interesting. The walking was painful and boring though.”

“I enjoyed listening to the sounds and looking at the items, especially Chroma.”

 

 

Clara Campbell – Science Teacher

 

 

 

Year 11 Geography field trip to the Great Ocean Road

On Tuesday 28 August, Ms Amy Lee, Mr Ben Cooper, and the Year 11 Geography class travelled to the Great Ocean Road in order to complete fieldwork on tourism in the region. To prepare for this, we investigated the history and current state of tourism on the Great Ocean Road, developed a hypothesis to guide our fieldwork, and also practised our fieldwork skills.

Firstly, we visited Airey’s Inlet, famous for the Split Point Lighthouse (otherwise known as the lighthouse in the TV series ‘Round the Twist’). Here, we visited a range of viewpoints to understand why people visit this town, and made notes and observations on the impacts of tourism.

Once we were done there, we were back on the road and on our way to the gorgeous Teddy’s Lookout! We were very lucky with the weather and it was a clear spring day with minimal rain. At this site, we conducted visitor and vehicle tallies, took plenty of photos, and made notes on tourism management strategies. 

 

We then headed into the coastal town of Lorne, where students surveyed locals and tourists, conducted land use and amenities assessments, and completed an environmental bipolar analysis. This is also where we stopped for lunch – and fittingly, most of us ended up supporting a local fish and chip shop! Finally, we finished in Anglesea for the last of our data collection activities. With our fieldwork booklets full, and feet weary after plenty of walking, we headed back to St Albans, tired, but happy.

It was a great day out. A very big ‘Thank you’ goes to Mr Cooper for driving the bus, and to the students for their fantastic behaviour and being excellent representatives of the College.

 

Ms Amy Lee – Learning Specialist – Formative Assessment and Feedback / English and Humanities Teacher

 

Week 8 of Term 3 saw almost 300 Year 9s and their teachers involved in the City Experience program, which once again has been a highlight of the school year. As well as being a wonderful opportunity for team building, collaboration and building independence, City Experience forms part of the Humanities program at St Albans Secondary College, with students undertaking fieldwork to complement their Geography studies on tourism.

Monday commenced with the whole year level engaged in a scavenger hunt, which aimed to familiarise the students with the city and took in such landmarks as the MCG, the State Library, the Fitzroy Gardens and Federation Square. Students’ enthusiasm was palpable, with some very creative selfies submitted for prizes, and a number of teams who managed to ‘crack the code’. The rest of the week saw students visit the Shrine of Remembrance, the Old Melbourne Gaol, the Melbourne Museum, ArtVo and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Iceskating in Docklands was definitely one of the highlights, with only a few minor injuries! Friday’s cruise to Williamstown capped off an eventful week.

Thank you to all students for their participation and enthusiasm throughout the week – it was a joy to see, and your behaviour was a credit to yourselves, your family and your school. Thank you also to staff who assisted with planning, administration and student management.

 

 

Katie O’Connell – Humanities Learning Area Leader

So far in 2023, St Albans Secondary College has supported the future of the teaching profession by hosting 17 pre-service teachers from the University of Melbourne (Melbourne Graduate School of Education – MGSE), Deakin University, Australian Catholic University, and La Trobe University for their placements. The total number of pre-service teachers will reach approximately 25 by the end of the school year.

The Staff Development Team would like to take this opportunity to thank our brilliant mentors for their contribution and dedication (alphabetical order):

• Ms Rebecca Annetts
• Ms Shona Cowell
• Ms Tessa Gould
• Ms Lauren Morrison
• Mr James Orchard
• Ms Di Phyland
• Ms Tania Segura
• Mr Dane Stammers
• Ms Melissa Tamraz
• Mr Athanasios Theoharopoulos
• Ms Caroline Tran
• Ms Melrose Tran
• Ms Ebony Vincent
• Mr Steven Vo
• Ms Gloria Yi

We greatly appreciate your demonstration of the Teaching Excellence at St Albans Secondary College. A big thank you to our wonderful admin and IT staff as well, for their assistance and support. We look forward to the upcoming placements for the rest of the year.

 

Gloria Yi – Assistant Staff Development Coordinator

 

Book Week Bingo

As part of the Book Week celebrations, the House team put a challenge out to all students called ‘Book Week Bingo’. The students had to sign up to receive a bingo card which contained a specific type of book that the students needed to find and read, then they could cross it off their bingo card. 

They had two weeks to read as many books as possible before the winners would be announced. In the end, it was Khola Fatima of 7A who read a total of 16 books in two weeks to take out the top prize! She won 200 house points for Freeman and a $30 book voucher.

 

In a close second place was Han Luong of 9J who read a total of 9 books in two weeks, she won 100 house points for Irwin and a box of favourites for her efforts!

Thank you again to all who participated in the Book Week Bingo and keep on reading!

 

Taylor Decker –  JSS Year Level Coordinator /  VCE &Legal Studies Teacher / Irwin House Leader

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Dodgeball

A massive thank you to everyone who participated in the staff vs students dodgeball competition on Monday at lunch time. The students finally won their first match against the teachers, winning by 2-1!

Agalua Aumau and Owen McIntyre battled it out in the last minute of the match, but Agalua reigned supreme!

The HOUSE team would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the facilities team for helping set up the COLA, Derek from the IT department for setting up the microphone and Bluetooth speaker, the PE department for allowing us to use their equipment, and to Mr Dang for helping me umpire the match.

These events would be possible without the help, support and participation of all. Thank you so much to everyone who continuously provide assistance!

Until next terms competition where we will shoot some hoops in basketball!

 

Emily Obeid – Junior School Coordinator / English & Humanities Teacher / Rosewall House Leader

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Chess Challenge

Over the last four weeks in term 3, we witnessed a thrilling chess tournament that showcased the remarkable talent of our students. The House Chess Challenge saw some excellent games filled with strategic battles and brilliant moves. From mastering openings to executing endgame strategies, it was evident that these young chess prodigies had dedicated hours of practice to reach this stage. Each participant earned valuable house points for their effort, fostering a sense of friendly competition among the Houses.

Finals week saw the best of our juniors and seniors competing head-to-head in a series of intense matches. In a brilliant display of chessmanship, Duc Phan from 11E emerged as the ultimate chess champion, clinching victory for Rosewall House. Duc’s victory not only earned him recognition but also a generous 100 points for Rosewall House, propelling them into the overall House lead with a whopping 10,891 points!

The level of talent exhibited during the finals was nothing short of extraordinary. With timed games and rapid, smart moves, it was a true test of skill and mental agility. Every move had consequences, and it was exciting to watch the matches unfolded. Regardless of the outcome, all participants earned house points for their dedication and sportsmanship, contributing to their respective house totals.

A huge congratulations to the following students for making it to the finals:

• Luke Downing 10D
• Nhan Nguyen 10D
• Duc Phan 11E
• Kevin Lam 8C
• Phuoc Le 7C

 

Students vs. Teachers Challenge

As a special treat, the students who made it to the finals took on a formidable challenge – a teachers vs. students showdown. The students, armed with confidence, went head-to-head with the seasoned staff members. The result? A resounding victory for the students, with an impressive score of 11-0 and one hard-fought draw.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the House Chess Challenge. It was your enthusiasm, commitment, and competitive spirit that made this a fun event. A special shout-out goes to our dedicated teachers who volunteered to play against such fierce student talent. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated.

 

Ms Julie Panayiotou – Design Technology LAL / House System Coordinator

Wednesday, August 28, Jess Panayi ’19 came back to speak to the VCE-VM students as part of the Smith Family Real Talk sessions.  As a former VCAL student, Jess has a full understanding of what it means to give your community project and your portfolio presentation everything you have.  Jess walked us through a photo presentation of her work at Sunshine Hospital back in 2019, which involved transforming a disused lean-to into an undercover relaxation and games area for patients. She spoke about the significance of teamwork, collaboration, and organisation on such projects, and stressed the importance of doing a good job as you are not only representing the school, but you are learning life skills and meeting with notable people in the community that you, personally, have an opportunity to make a mark on.

Jess’s determination to pivot her somewhat deviant passion for art into meaningful work is inspirational, and her resolve to turn her disruptive behaviour around to be more proactive and productive in her schooling was broadening and motivating for our students.

Jess, who started out in sign writing, now runs a successful car wrapping business, in which she uses many of the communication and organisation skills that she acquired during VCAL. She was such a positive force to have back to speak, and we look forward to seeing how her career progresses in the years to come.

 

 

 

Ms Nicole Gurd – Alumni Coordinator