FROM THE DEAN OF CO-CURRICULUM

Next Thursday, a group of 20 enthusiastic students from Years 10-12 will embark on an incredible two-week journey to Italy. This tour, focusing on History and Geography, promises to be an enriching experience for all participants.

The itinerary includes visits to some of Italy's most iconic cities and regions: Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, and the stunning Amalfi Coast. Each location offers unique opportunities to explore Italy's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Students will immerse themselves in Italian culture, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of different world views and belief systems. They will gain valuable insights into the evolution and impact of Italian civilisation, from antiquity through the Renaissance to modern times. The diverse geographical areas of Italy will provide a backdrop for considering the management of the natural environment, including agriculture, natural hazards, and climate change. This experience aims to develop students into globally engaged citizens, equipped with the skills to operate effectively across cultures and will provide them with a new frame of reference for their continued studies in the Humanities.

We wish our students a safe and enlightening journey, and we look forward to hearing about their adventures upon their return! 

Gemma Cardillo
Head of Humanities

Kangourou sans Frontieres

This week, 82 students from Year 3 - 12 participated in the Kangourou sans Frontières Mathematics (KSF) competition. Inspired by the AMT’s Australian Mathematics Competition, Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) is now the largest maths competition in the world, with more than 6 million participants each year. Held in March, the KSF is a great opportunity for students to experience maths in a competition environment prior to the AMC in August.

The competition is a gruelling set of complex mathematical problems set at the age level of those students participating. Every participant should be very proud of how well they represented themselves and the school.

G.A.T.E.WAYS

The pioneers of science have always been those who dared to break new ground, challenging established theories, and exploring uncharted territories. Science has remained a dynamic field driven by curiosity, creativity, and perseverance. It required embracing uncertainty and the possibility of failure to unlock new discoveries. From technological advancements to a deeper understanding of our world, scientific breakthroughs have continued to shape our future. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, "Learning never exhausts the mind."

As part of the opportunities offered through our Primary SOAR program, students recently participated in the G.A.T.E.WAYS workshops, which are available to primary students each term. In Term 1, the workshops focused on science, providing engaging and thought-provoking experiences that captivated students and deepened their understanding.

Workshop 1: LEGO Minifig Genetics

Students constructed their own LEGO family trees in these hands-on genetics adventure. Using LEGO Minifigs as test subjects, they explored inherited traits, investigated the probability of Punnett squares, and even considered the impact of genetic mutations. They discovered whether their Minifig inherited dominant or recessive features and what happened when hereditary building blocks changed. This session was a fun and insightful dive into the fascinating world of genetics—where the science just clicked into place!

Workshop 2: What's the "Bloody" Big Deal About Blood?

Blood plays a crucial role in keeping us alive, yet for some, even thinking about it can be unsettling! In this immersive workshop, students embarked on a journey into hematology, conducting hands-on experiments to investigate blood composition, coagulation, and blood typing. They discovered the importance of platelets and the complex science behind this life-sustaining fluid. With an inquisitive mindset, they delved into the fascinating mysteries of blood!

Throughout these workshops, students showcased their curiosity and willingness to be challenged, embracing complex scientific ideas with enthusiasm. It was wonderful to see them so engaged and intrigued by the concepts of blood and genetics. The SOAR program continues to provide enriching opportunities that inspire a love for learning and exploration in our students.