August 2021 Newsletter
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Principal Message
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Student Artwork
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Remote Learning
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Student Artwork
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Monthly Awards
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Student Artwork
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School Improvement – the academic emphasis
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Student Artwork
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Looking for Careers Advice at home?
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Academic Excellence Excursion to National Gallery of Australia
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Spotlight on Biology
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Step into the Limelight
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Celebrating success of our Visual Arts Students
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Health, Medical and Applied Sciences R Unit - University of Canberra Tour
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Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Course - In the Making
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Alumni stories -Cynthia’s kicking goals on a national level
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The ACT Writers’ Camp
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The Creative Writers' Club
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United Nations Visit
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Sports Update
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Olympians visit Contemporary English
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Smoothie
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ACT Instrumental Music Program
Thank you to our school community for your support and understanding during both the necessary instructions around the College as an exposure site on Monday 9 August, and, at the same time, managing lockdown and moving to remote learning.
The staff have been amazing in juggling these demands and we are all so proud of everyone’s efforts and the great student engagement last Friday.
Further information:
More information, advice, and resources are available on the ACT COVID-19 website.
You can also access frequently asked questions for schools.
If you have any further questions that have not been addressed after reading the ACT Health information, please contact the ACT Education Directorate Parents and Carers Hotline on (02) 6205 5429.
ACT Health will continue to work closely with the Education Directorate to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff is maintained.
Remote learning
Information in newsletter and online at https://www.lakeonline.act.edu.au/
Please direct questions to classroom teachers or Support Group (SG) teacher or Student Services in the first instance.
Please note the ACT Scaling Test (AST) has been re-scheduled for Tuesday 12 October and Wednesday 13 October at this stage.
Check out the ACT teacher-led remote learning video, can you spot our staff?
Thanks to our staff and student - Timothy, who helped out.
Please find below Smoothie video, if you don't like bananas try berries or mango instead!
School information
Our gardens at school are looking beautiful and Michael our Business Services Officer is on site to assist with the smooth running of the college.
The newsletter is a bumper edition. We hope you can participate in some different activities as well and there have been lots of exciting things to do online, not just at school. Check out our school’s activity for Science Week in Week 7.
Science Week - Part 2
This week we are continuing science week by having a science/photography challenge. This can be done from the comfort of your home quarantine, or on a walk if you are lucky enough to be allowed out for exercise!
Each day there will be a new topic for photographs - see the document attached for details. Looking forward to seeing your creative and sciencey photos!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e2J1NJranoZ0GG1gTG5ESFDv-THdDguyUJ-boCOVnjU/edit?usp=sharing
My contribution is a see-saw with a Mummy and Batman. My old lego set.
Paralympics – go Alissa, Jaydon, and Jayden!
Look out for two of our current students and one of our alumni – we are all back here supporting you and wishing you well!!!
Alissa Jordaan | Athletics | Year 12 | T 47 400m | heats Friday 27 August - TBC |
Jaydon Page | Athletics | Year 11 | T47 100m | heats Thursday 26 August- TBC |
Jayden Sawyer (Alumni) | Athletics | Class of 2011 | Javelin F38 | Friday 27 August- TBC |
Congratulations
Congratulations to all our students who received early entry to Australian National University – please read below for Claudia (PPE), Ellen (Criminology) and Anjana (Engineering) from the Academic Excellence Program.
Wear it Purple Day
Friday 27 August is Wear it Purple Day – perhaps you can wear or add a splash of colour at home to support our school community.
Wear it Purple Day is an annual LGBTIQA+ awareness day especially for young people, based in Australia. Supporters wear purple to celebrate diversity and young people from the LGBTIQA+ community. The Day is organised by Wear it Purple, a student run, not-for-profit organisation, providing presentations and workshops.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist during remote learning.
Hoping you stay well, and safe, and welcome soon to Spring.
Thank you,
Melissa Planten
Principal
Students will attend their classes for this timetable via Google Classroom Meets. The timetable will also be distributed to students via Google Classroom.
Communication
Classroom teachers will be in regular contact via the Google Classroom platform as well as using whole class emails when important information regarding assessments arise. Parents will be included in important whole class emails that highlight any changes to the assessment schedule brought on by any lockdown issues.
Unit Outlines and Assessment
To meet BSSS requirements, teachers will notify their students about amended Unit Outlines, Assessment Tasks and Due dates on Monday of Week 7. Students will have time to provide feedback on amendments before all outlines are finalised by mid-next week.
If students have concerns or questions, please contact classroom teachers.
Remote Teaching and Learning at UCSSC Lake Ginninderra
Teachers at Lake Ginninderra will use a mix of asynchronous and synchronous learning during remote learning.
Synchronous Learning
Synchronous learning is teaching content directly with students live via an online platform. UC SSC Lake Ginninderra will do this during Connect Time, which will occur twice a week per subject.
Asynchronous Learning
Asynchronous learning is when students complete learning and class material at their own pace at a time of their choosing. Asynchronous learning materials will be posted by teachers on the Google Classroom at the start of each week and may include worksheets, readings, and work-related videos.
Connect Time – classes and learning
Students will meet with their classroom teacher twice a week for synchronous learning. This time will be used for students to connect with their teacher and peers. In these classes students can ask questions, seek feedback, work with their peers, and discuss class content and assessment.
It is important that students attend their Connect times for each of their five classes. Attendance will be kept and absences will continue to be notified via SMS as happens when classes are at school.
Connect Time meets for each class will be organised on Friday 20 August during the mini-timetable day and communicated to students via Google classroom.
What will Connect time classes look like?
During Connect Time teachers will be using a range of teaching strategies to run class activities and provide opportunities for students to:
- discuss learning intentions/goals, relevant content, assessments, and the activities students are completing online during synchronous learning and their class time.
- check in and ask questions to make sure they understand the material being learnt
- seek feedback in relation to the concepts and ideas being studied or assessed
- receive feedback on work that was completed the previous week or since the previous Connect Time
- collaborate with others on class activities and forums
Connect time lessons will run up to one hour twice a week.
What platform will be used for Connect Time?
The preferred learning platform for classes will be Google Meets as it allows classes to meet in real time using audio / video and for classes to utilize chat room functions. Google Meets also allows screen-sharing so teachers can present documents, spreadsheets, and/or presentations.
Each Connect time, students should:
- Log on to the Google Meet ready to learn in an appropriate location, wearing appropriate attire. Google Meets are in the header of each Google Classroom page
- Have undertaken any asynchronous work set for completion prior to the lesson. This will be clearly communicated to students each Monday using the Google Suite.
- Come prepared to connect time with questions for their teacher
- Actively participate in learning activities set by the teacher.
How can students contact their teachers?
Students can contact teachers via email at <firstname.surname@ed.act.edu.au>, or they can use Google Classroom.
Is other support available?
Extra study help is also available through the library (11-1 each day) and through the Homework Program (Fridays after 1.30).
Registered units (R units)
Most R units are still running, including Academic Excellence, GiSTEM, Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Production Ensemble and School Community Group (SCG), please check with your teachers.
Australian School Based Apprenticeship (ASbA) guidance during COVID lockdown
Students signed into an ASbA who unsure how current lock-down requirements are will affect their employment or training should access specific advice provided on the year 11 and year 12 classrooms for further information. Contact Fiona Chester in Student Services. Please let teachers know if you’re still doing them and when to assist you to complete your courses.
ACT SCALING TEST (AST) 2021
As the ACT is in lockdown, the AST has been postponed until Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 October 2021.
The Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) acknowledges that this can be a stressful time for students and families.
The Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) is committed to the health and well-being of students and to processes that support the validity of academic results.
All plans and arrangements for the AST will be subject to the public health directions and advice at the time.
AST workshops continue for our students, so please check the AST Google Classroom (code: rdzavb5) each week.
Student Support Group (SG)
Support Group (SG) teachers will hold weekly Google Meet check-ins to check-in, update students on school news and offer opportunities for students to see and talk with others.
This routine is important; along with class check-ins, the SG group meeting will be held every Monday at the usual time of 11:40am.
All students should attend, and this session continues to contribute to an R unit point.
Wellbeing Check
A wellbeing check-in Google form will be utilised during Support Group. Students can submit the form at any time to request a check in. Students and parents may also request a check-in using lakegstudentservices@ed.act.edu.au
Both the forms and emails are checked daily.
Student Services
During lockdown our Student Services team are contactable and able to support students’ academic and well-being needs.
This may include referral advice, academic advice, access to internet, subject changes, university/CIT/work pathways advice, work experience and mental health support. LakeGStudentServices@ed.act.edu.au
Executive Teachers | Graeme Budd and Gary Rolfe |
Year 11 Coordinators | Lane Moore and Ross Macdonald |
Year 12 Coordinators | Graeme Budd and Kate Beattie |
School Psychologist | Suzanne Wright (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) |
Youth Worker | Oliver Da Roza |
Careers/Work Experience Officer | Fiona Chester/Lisa Parker |
Enrolments Officer | Nicole McDonald |
Study support
Academic support for students will be offered online by the library staff each day between 11:00am and 1:00pm.
To access support from the library, join via the library Google Classroom posted on Google Classrooms and Google Classroom Year pages.
Homework Program (Fridays after 1.30).
ICT Support
For students to be able to participate successfully during this period it is important they have access to appropriate IT hardware and internet access, they also need to be comfortable with the online software their teachers will be using.
All students should have access to a device; if this is not the case, please let us know via the survey below and devices can be provided. Students also need access to a good internet connection; if this is not the case let us know via the survey.
Please ensure students have completed the IT survey at https://forms.gle/BJp93fxAHrxrF69t6 if they have not already done so.
If a student is unsure about software or online applications their first contact for support should be their class teacher. If the issue cannot be resolved at this level please contact Roger Amey, Executive Teacher Science/IT roger.amey@ed.act.edu.au to help.
Monthly Awards, Community Impact Awards and Academic Honours Awards
The monthly awards are chosen from teacher nominations of students who are standing out for effort or excellence in their classwork. Community impact awards are for students also nominated by teachers for their positive community impact.
Monthly Awards for May and June
Student | Year level | Subject |
Ricky Hawker | 12 | Outdoor Recreation Reef Trip |
Grace Tate | 12 | Visual Arts |
Sam Mackonis | 12 | Drama |
Yiorgos Sbirakos | 12 | Biology |
Community Impact Award for May and June
Abby Schoon Year 12 and Katie Jakab-Van Dooren Year 11
Honours Awards
The following students have achieved academic honours in semester 1.
Academic Honours are awarded to students who achieve A grades in all of their subjects.
Student |
Year level |
Olivia Clark |
11 |
Miah Crombie |
11 |
Csenge Keszei |
11 |
Julia Kilgour |
11 |
Tara Kilgour |
11 |
Polly Langdon |
11 |
Ava Macarounas |
11 |
Lily Doyle |
12 |
Alice Fraser |
12 |
Claudia Martin |
12 |
Abha Modak |
12 |
Dieu Nguyen |
12 |
Claire Roberts |
12 |
UC SSC Lake Ginninderra is in year 2 of a 5 year improvement plan developed after school review in 2019.
Priority 1 |
Increase students problem solving skills by: |
Enhancing students' critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems |
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Extending students' ability to transfer problem solving skills to non-routine and unfamiliar problems |
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Priority 2 | Increase student confidence to engage with a life and career beyond college. |
Enhancing students' experience, connection and wellbeing |
The problem solving emphasis is a focus of every classroom with teachers working in teams (professional learning teams) to research and implement strategies to improve problem solving in each of the subject areas. Students have also been experiencing a whole school approach via the “challenges", initiated by Melissa, such as “Why does an owl fly so silently?” presented at assemblies. Pastoral care meetings too have recently focussed on problem solving as an important capability in their personal development.
Ask your children about the monkey challenge which was introduced at assembly this term and followed up in pastoral care!
The following career education resources are designed to support educators, parents and students and their learning communities during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
PDF versions are also available: https://myfuture.edu.au/assist-others/career-exploration-at-home
Our AE participants took part in an excursion to the National gallery of Australia to view “Know My Name: Australian Women Artists from 1900 to Now” as part of the enrichment opportunities offered in the program.
“Know My Name” celebrates the work of all women artists with an aim to enhance understanding of their contribution to Australia’s cultural life. It is also an invitation to the Australian cultural sector and to communities more broadly, to recognise and highlight the work of women across diverse creative practices.
“Our excursion to the NGA’s “Know My Name” exhibition was a great opportunity for gaining insights into Australian women and culture. I thought that “The abandoned” by Erica McGilchrist was an important artwork, as it used creative expression to reveal the confronting reality of Australian mental hospitals during the 1950s. After seeing this painting, I have a renewed appreciation for the progress Australia has made in mental health awareness since that time.”
-Jemma Julian
Congratulations:
Congratulation to the following AE participants for receiving ANU early offers:
- Claudia M: Double degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and in International Relations
- Ellen J: Degree in Criminology
- Anjana M: Degree in Engineering
Academic Excellence Program:
The Academic Excellence Program at UC SSC, Lake Ginninderra is open to any student with motivation and a growth mindset.
If you would like to joining the program please visit lakeonline.act.edu.au and complete the Academic Excellence Application Form |
The Academic Excellence Program offers students targeted mentorship and opportunities to support their learning in Years 11 and 12. Upon successful entry into the program, opportunities for students are designed through consultation with the Academic Excellence Team. These opportunities support students not only in their academic pursuits but focus on developing core skills that will enrich students beyond the completion of their ACT Year 12 Certificate. Students within the program are expected to proactively engage in extracurricular activities across the school and attend targeted Academic Excellence enrichment activities.
AE Mentoring Partnerships:
Mentoring partnerships within the college and with outside organisations like ‘Global Shapers’ have been an integral part of the program. Mentors work with participants assigned to them with common areas of interests.
Invitation to Community: If you would like to work with our AE participants in mentoring capacity please send your EOI with your skills and expertise: |
Global Classroom 2022 Conference: ‘Ways of Learning’
UC SSC Lake Ginninderra is the proud host of the Global Classroom Conference in 2022. Our Partners are:
- University of Canberra Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra, Australian Capital Territory, AUSTRALIA
- Gymnázium Zlín - Lesní čtvrť, CZECH REPUBLIC
- Graf-Friedrich-Schule, Diepholz, GERMANY
- Cape Peninsula High School, Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA
- CF Somorrostro,Muskiz,Bizkaia, SPAIN
- Bobergsgymnasiet, Ange, SWEDEN
- Anderson High School, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, UK
- Ridgewood High School, Ridgewood, New Jersey, USA
This is an exciting leadership and networking opportunity for all interested students. We are currently seeking EOI from students who would like to be involved in the conference planning. If you could contribute with IT skills, communication skills and admin skills please contact the GC Coordinator on mali.wijesundara@ed.act.edu.au with a list of what you could contribute to the conference.
Year 11 Biology – Heredity and Continuity of Life
The Year 11 Biology class has been learning about genetics and how our genome helps make us who we are. We are using the useful lab tool Drosophila melanogaster (the common fruit fly) to breed and examine how the ‘white eye’ mutation is passed from one generation to the next. Students are enjoying watching the flies go through their quick life cycle (around two weeks) and looking at them with magnifying glasses and dissecting microscopes to determine their sex and eye colour. Luckily we did our F1 cross of the flies on the day before lockdown started, so hopefully we will be back at school and ready to count the F2 when they emerge!
When asked what they have enjoyed or learned from Heredity and Continuity of Life so far student responses included:
- I have learnt what RNA and DNA and mRNA are and what they do ~ Annabell
- Something I have found interesting so far this semester is how our DNA is made and how our bodies function. ~ Jess
- The experiments – Ella
- I've learnt about how genes develop and change through generations ~ Ava
- Learning about how variation in genetics happens and how this makes everyone different ~ Sam
- learning about DNA, genes and mutations within animals and the body ~ Amanda
- I have enjoyed being able to do a practical lesson almost every week ~ Max
- Science news every lesson! ~ Jaydan
- I found it interesting breeding the fruit flies and seeing them already start breeding within a few weeks. ~ Caitlyn
- how this topic relates to humans, showing us how things work so that we can learn more about how the human body works ~ EJ
Year 12 Biology – Biodiversity and Connectedness
In Year 12 Biology we have been studying the science of ecology, and discovering the interconnectedness of biotic (living) and abiotic (non living) things on our planet. Students are learning field study techniques in preparation for undertaking their own studies of environments close to their homes in the assessment task for this semester. So far we have looked at how scientists determine diversity of environments, how to undertake surveys using quadrats and transects, and the value and uniqueness of our amazing Australian environment. We have had the chance to escape into the great outdoors of the local neighbourhood to examine some of the diversity that surrounds us. During our bird survey last week some students (and their teacher!) were excited to see a tawny frogmouth, superb parrots and rainbow lorikeets. Most of the groups saw around 15-20 different bird species in the park – much to the surprise of the students!
Students were asked what they have learned or enjoyed about Biodiversity and Connectedness this semester:
- The many different techniques used in measuring and recording biodiversity across multiple areas. ~ Kyle
- The physical practicals, especially the ones outside. ~ David
- Learning about the influence the environment has on humans. ~ Eric
- Learning about ecosystems and ecology, especially about Australia ~ Annabel S
- Learning more about ecosystems and human impact, this semester of bio what we are learning is very relevant to our future. ~ Esther
- Learning about different things that happened in the environment, that goes unnoticed ~ Fiston
- I've liked the class discussions ~ Liv
- What I have enjoyed about bio so far this semester is the opportunity to learn information relative to the world today ~ Sam
Year 11 Human Biology – The Aging Human Body
This semester the human biology classes have been highly engaged in learning about the development of a human over their lifetime. We have started with investigating the intricacies of reproduction and how sperm and eggs develop and come together to form a zygote (a fertilised egg cell). Students were (mostly!) excited to have the opportunity to dissect both male and female rats to look at their reproductive organs. We also explored the digestive tract and students were able to examine the membranes that support the small intestine - once they clipped the membranes they were amazed by the length of the intestines!
As part of the assessment task this term we are looking at how sperm motility influences fertility. Students examined live porcine (pig) sperm samples microscopically and undertook counts of motility. In excellent timing we managed to complete this activity before lockdown occurred so students can continue to work on their write-up during the lockdown period.
Below are some photos and quotes from the students about the experiences.
What did you learn/ enjoy about the rat dissection?
- I enjoyed the group work, really got me communicating with my classmates ~ Maria
- I enjoyed being able to physically see and understand for myself all the different organs' structure and function. ~ Josh
- Seeing all the components that we learnt in class in real life. ~ Riley
- A better understanding of the female and male reproductive system. ~ Charli
- it was interesting to see the actual organs instead of just looking at a diagram ~ Nat
- How a female rat can hold more than one offspring ~ Annie
- Even though the rat's reproductive system is quite different from humans, there are many similarities, which is awesome to physically see through the dissection.. ~ Bethany
- I learnt that a female rat's uterine structure is different to a human female's structure because it is in the shape of a horn. ~ Nicole
What did you learn/enjoy about the semen practical?
- Seeing how many sperm were in such a little sample. ~ Riley
- That different temperatures affect the motility of sperm. ~ Charli
- 45 degrees is far too hot! ~ Bethany
- I learned how to identify the different types of sperm motility from looking at the sperm under the microscope. ~ Emily
- That the higher the temp increases the lower the sperm motility will be and the best temp for sperm motility would be room temp. ~ Shirley
- Being able to see how temperature varies the sperm motility ~ Jaidyn
- The amount of sperm cells in the little sample we took was a lot more then I would've thought. ~ Lily S
Enter Limelight Art Exhibition is a showcase event were the best of student art from across all Canberra government schools are displayed. It was great we were able to have a physical exhibition this year. We had a high representation of work in this exhibition, which is a validation of the quality of our students' work. We were given tickets to a very limited opening event which allowed a few of our students to attend. It was a great moment for students to see their work on display and celebrate their success. A few pieces were also selected for another exhibition at the ACT Government Office building at 220 London Circuit in the Canberra city. On display on the top level until November.
The following students have work in the exhibition:
Tshiamo L | Grace T | Mia N |
Karla B | Jedda B | Jules W |
Xinze H | Sophia T | Ella M |
Claire H | Mizuki T |
Celebrating success of our Visual Arts students who have had their art chosen for display in the new ACT Government Office building at 220 London Circuit in the Canberra city. On display on the top level until November. Photo of series attached. Names and title below
Students work:
The Little Girl |
Etching |
Jules Webster |
Eye Contact |
Etching |
Ella Milne |
Social Distancing |
Etching |
Grace Tate |
Sea Change |
Etching |
Jedda Brim |
Eye Spy |
Etching |
Sophia Thymis |
I See You |
Etching |
Amira Dib |
The After Party |
Etching |
Mizuki Takaoka |
Life is a Simulation |
Etching |
Mia Nguyen |
The Little Girl |
Etching |
Jules Webster |
Seeking growth |
Etching |
Tivien Andrews-Homerang |
Students in the Health, Medical and Applied Sciences R unit recently toured facilities and spoke to staff about possible pathways at the University of Canberra.
Students in the Hospitality Industry Course and other interested students recently completed a microcredential - a Certificate in Responsible Service of Alcohol. Achieving this certificate will create employment possibilities for students while they undertake further study.
Please check out this article regarding an ex-student Cynthia Hamilton: HERE
Students from UCSSC Lake Ginninderra and Gungahlin College attended workshops and seminars on writing at picturesque Birrigai over three days last week. Workshops were run by experienced authors on creating engaging characters, university lecturers talked about screenwriting and editors explored the benefits to working creatively with others.
Our students actively engaged with the creative writing activates run by the visiting authors and edited their work with the guidance former students. On the final day, everyone shared a little of that they wrote while on camp – look out for that in upcoming newsletters as our students decide what they want to share and make the final touches to their work.
This semester, the Modern History and the Global Studies students have been examining the role of the United Nations (UN) in different conflicts, with an emphasis on how the organisation works. Modern History has been exploring the complexity of the Israel-Palestine conflict, while Global Studies has been looking at Syria in order to understand the processes of the UN, including sanctions and veto power.
On a Thursday afternoon, the students from all the classes gathered in the Lecture Theatre to listen to a seminar on the UN Sustainable Goals, delivered by a representative from the UN based in Canberra. The presenter from the UN facilitated discussion with the students, who asked excellent questions on a range of topics, such as ‘How does the UN gets invited to set up missions?’ and ‘How can we incorporate the sustainable goals in our everyday lives?’
UCSSC Lake Ginninderra’s Josh Giddey selected with Pick No. 6 in the 2021 NBA Draft
Josh Giddey becomes the sixth UCSSC Lake Ginninderra student to be drafted as a top 10 selection into the NBA/WNBA. Following on from Lauren Jackson (2001 Pick No.1), Andrew Bogut (2005 Pick No.1), Liz Cambage (2011 Pick No.2), Dante Exum (2014 Pick No.5) and Shyla Heal (2021 Pick No.8), Josh joins the Oklahoma City Thunder who have selected him at pick No.6.
Josh came from Melbourne to the College at the beginning of year 11 having accepted a scholarship with the NBA Global Academy, Josh balanced his studies with full-time training at the Australian Institute of Sport.
NBA Global Academy coach, Marty Clarke, was initially impressed with Giddey’s confidence in his own game, leadership on the court and ability to influence a winning score, a flair that you couldn’t scientifically test.
“He came in with some natural talents, passing stood out the most and he was able to refine other areas of the game. Working on his shooting, individual defence and the ability to play on the best players in the country really accelerated his development.” Clarke said.
Josh participated in several international events including Basketball without Borders, the NBA Junior League Showcase and the Under 18 Tournament in Barcelona (where he was awarded MVP), but also played locally in the ACT Premier League and Summer Slam competitions with and against a number of his peers.
Having studied hard, Josh completed his Senior Secondary Certificate early in 2020 which opened up the opportunity to join a team for the 2020/21 National Basketball League season, an opportunity taken by the Adelaide 36ers.
At 18 years old, Josh found himself making an immediate impact in the NBL and his season was recognised by the 36ers who named him a dual MVP when after only 27 games he averaged 11 points, 7 rebounds and close to 8 assists.
After his NBL season successes, Josh found himself named on the Australian Boomers extended Olympic squad, playing, and learning from the likes of Patty Mills and Joe Ingles.
Josh has now relocated to Oklahoma to join his new teammates. He made his Summer league debut for the organisation on Monday against the Detroit Pistons. After a highlight dunk to start the game Josh unfortunately hurt his ankle, taking him out for the remainder of the game. Fingers crossed he recovers quickly.
Good luck Josh!
Boys and Girls OzTag teams
Congratulations to the Boys and Girls OzTag teams who competed in the ACT Colleges Championship on Friday Week 3. Braving the fog and frost at Dickson Playing fields the girls had a slow start, losing to SFX and Erindale. They then found their rhythm to win against Merici College and also Mackillop in what was a closer tussle. Despite missing out on the finals an excellent day was had with much improvement. Mieke Schmidt, Allie Booker, Susan Sanft, Gisela Vea, Amelia Vea, Ruby O’Meara, Jedda Brim, Chloe Lawton and EJ Norris
The boys team had a successful start, winning their first three games and looking positive early in the day. Coming up against the eventual winners Erindale College, they were within one try for most of the game before Erindale cored a late try to win by two. The boys then faced Daramalan who scored a couple of early tries and went on to win by three on their way to the final. Congratulations to all the boys involved. Tui Georgievski, Jamo Norris, Jordan Valter, Kaya Irfan, Toby Balshaw, Kyle McDermott, Lochi Brown, Kayan Waterson, Matot Matot and Lachlan Shea.
Girls basketball- Kate Tominac Cup
The Lakers girls have won Kate Tominac Cup for the 6th successive year, going through the tournament undefeated and winning the final against St Clares 65-27. The win qualifies the girls for the premier division at the Australian Schools Championships which are scheduled on the Gold Coast in December.
Congratulations to all the girls who played so well and supported each other. Hayley Macdonald, who played her last game for the school before commencing a sporting scholarship in USA, accepted the trophy on behalf of the team. Supported by sharpshooter Keeley Dunbar, amazing rebounder Kirby Smee, playmakers Emmy Clarke and Ali Francis, Maddy Lyons and our 2 invited CoE girls Jayda Clarke and Jess Petrie.
Boys Basketball – John Stelzer Cup
The College entered two boys teams in the John Stelzer Cup, looking to win and qualify for the Australian Schools Championship. Lake G White narrowly lost their quarter final. Lake G Blue started well and carried the intensity through the day with a win over Erindale College 85-45 in the final. Wishing them well in the National Championships. Well done to the team. Cam Pender, Lachie Smith (Yr11), Mason Bruce, Aleu Mapiou, Adam Zanardo, Charlie Potter, Will Rice, Alex Toohey, Tyrese Proctor, Akoy Mayen, Chut Duot, Frank Afor, Lachie Smith (Yr12), Garin Beech, Jeremy Hazlewood, Che Peters, Will Foley, Chris Mecham and Bowyn Beatty.
Contemporary English is currently studying the literature of sport, and as the Olympics hit their height, two of our staff members who have competed in and coached in the Olympics came to do a Q&A with students in the class. John Fox, who competed and coached in Water Polo, told us a whole range of stories about the food hall, how different countries train, and how long it took to get women’s Water Polo into the games! Gerard Barrett, who competed in the marathon, shared his training schedule (which included a 36km run to start his Sundays!) and experiences of the sport in the 1970s and 1980s. The students really appreciated hearing first-hand from people who had been to the Games, and getting to know a bit more about some of the staff members in the school.