Newsletter May 2022
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Principal Message
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Deputy Dialogue
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Student Group (SG) Program
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Alumni - Where are they now?
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English and Literature
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Humanities
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PPE & Global Perspectives R Unit Update
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Outdoor Recreation C Course Outdoor Environmental Education
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Visual Arts
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Ceramics
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Science
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Exploration of Self-identity in the Psychology classroom
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Sport
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Year 12 LSU students' Artwork
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Student Community Group
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Academic Excellence Program
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Pride@Lake G
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Sophie off to Future Leader Academy Conference
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Global Classroom 2022 Conference: ‘Ways of Learning’
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2022 Canberra CareersXpo
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Careers & Helping Your Teenager Workshops
Dear all,
A bumper newsletter for the start of 2022!
It has been a busy few weeks with Arts incursions in preparation for the school musical 'We Will Rock You' to be staged early term 3 27-30 July 2022. Inter college sport has resumed and is in full swing with many teams representing the College with great success. Psychology and Sociology classes work shopping big ideas with University of Canberra academics.
Congratulations all participants and staff and students who ran Lake Idol! Lake Idol is a music based two hour Community event with approximately 12 acts from our school and one from each of our feeder high schools and Colleges. Thank you also to our community partners McDonalds, Subway, Wok it Up and The Lighthouse for providing vouchers.
- Seini Kaufusi (Yr 11) and her brother Moses Kaufusi took out 1st prize and won a gig at The Lighthouse (we'll let you know when that is)
- Siye Whitbread (Yr 11) was runner up.
Congratulations also to students participating in the Australian Ethics Olympiad – the competition between ACT/NSW region involved discussing ethical dilemmas over four heats in which students considered a range of contemporary issues and devised convincing cases to argue. UCSSC Lake Ginninderra received an Honourable Mention from the judges.
Welcome to new staff Leonie Krieger (English), Stephen Tennant (Legal + Business + Economics), Rachel Pengilly (English), Daniel Newman (English + Global Studies) and Dean Smith (Disability Education)
We farewell David Mole one of our Outdoor Education and Technology teachers who is taking up a different career path in private enterprise (you may see him in Thredbo on the slopes!) Thank you for the experiences for our students and great teaching you provided. Happy further adventures!
Meg Signor will be joining the Hearing and Vision Support Team in the Directorate for 6 months and we wish her well.
Information Night Tuesday 17 May 6:00-8:00pm.
This is a great opportunity for prospective students to explore study options, courses, activities and discover our campus.
University, tertiary and industry providers will hold an EXPO throughout the event in the library to assist students to consider pathways, careers and H courses (these are courses by application that students commence at the Australian National University, University of Canberra or the Australian Catholic University in 2023).
I shall be doing my Principal’s address at both 6:30pm and 7:30pm.
‘’Partners in Learning – helping your child with study and assignments.” workshop for Parents/Carers
Our annual ‘Partners in Learning’ workshop for parents and carers will be held on Wednesday 1 June. This is a great opportunity provided by our school to discover more about learning at college and what helps. Please see information in the newsletter.
Staff Planning Days (pupil free) Term 2 UCSSC Lake Ginninderra - 18 May and 7 June.
The ACT Government is supporting all ACT public schools to hold two staff planning days during term 2. These days will provide public school teachers with some extra space to complete student reporting, moderation and lesson planning.
Our school will hold staff planning days on:
- Wednesday 18 May 2022, and
- Tuesday 7 June 2022.
Students do not attend school on these days.
Students who need to attend school will be supervised while undertaking general learning activities.
Please confirm via phone on 02 6142022 or email lakeg@ed.act.edu.au if your child will be attending school on these days.
These days also enable students to work on assessment and consolidate the term's learning with study at home.
If you have any further questions about our staff planning days, please contact the College.
Thankyou all once again for your understanding and support as we respond to changes in ACT Health guidelines and all the best for the remainder of the semester.
Virtual Coffee with the Principal
Melissa Planten
Principal
Student Artwork
Connections
Relaxation in restrictions for schools have allowed the college to resume face to face assemblies, school sport, excursions, events, and productions – all activities which enable closer connections between teachers, students, and parents.
The first events following the relaxed restrictions included the very successful Lake Idol held live in the quad at the close of week live and resuming intercollege sports.
We look forward to welcoming the community back to the college for the musical “We Will Rock You” early in semester 2.
Satisfaction Survey
During Term 1 the college has received data from the 2021 School Satisfaction Survey. This survey is usually conducted annually in August by the Education Directorate, however, was conducted later in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic.
The college uses the survey results, especially the participant comments, as a prompt for inquiry into how we can best continue our cycle of ongoing improvement. Currently, in the third year of our most recent Improvement Plan (2020-2024), our inquiry is directed towards determining the most effective actions we can take to meet our strategic priorities around enhancing students critical and creative thinking and students’ connections and wellbeing.
Towards the close of term 1 we shared the survey data summaries with the teaching staff and with parent and student representatives on the school board. The college executive has also explored in some detail the data from students and staff and has drawn some themes for improvement which have been workshopped with the teaching staff.
Staff and community representatives on the college board will next consider themes drawn from the parent and carer responses which have a different but equally valuable focus.
In advance of this year’s survey in August we would like to encourage all families to take part and provide us with information areas for us to reinforce and to improve.
Partners in Learning
- Do you wonder how best to support your students with their college study?
This term we will be resuming our “Partners in Learning” sessions.
The sessions provide parents an opportunity to learn about college, ways children learn, and what may work to support their child with their studies.
For more information and registration please see the links below in the newsletter.
Gerard Barrett & Kirk Zwangobani (DP)
The SG program provides pastoral care support to students in an inclusive learning environment. The 2022 SG program is designed with a thematic approach to maximise student support:
- Term 1: Transition to college and Community Partnerships
- Term 2: Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Term 3: Interpersonal Development
- Term 4: Transtioning to tertiary education/ Workplace & Training
Each Student Group is assigned a dedicated teacher who is in-charge of facilitating weekly workshops and programs. SG teacher serves as the first point of contact for parents and carers as well. SGs meet every Monday from 11.40am to 12.20pm. All students are expected to attend these sessions and a Recognised (R unit) unit points are awarded that go towards the year 12 certificate.
We celebrated the end of term 1 with the whole school activity, ‘Picnic in the park’ in our week 10 SG lesson. It was great to see the students bonding with their SG teachers through informal games, discussions and walks. The weather was in our favour as well. What a great way to connect!
Student Artwork
My name is Claudia Martin and I graduated from Lake Ginninderra last year as dux of the college. After graduating, my friends and I spent the summer travelling around regional Victoria and surrounds, learning weird and wild things about Australia’s history. Now I am a full-time student studying at ANU completing a double degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) and International Relations. Although it is early days, I am thoroughly enjoying the scope and opportunities of my studies and getting to really expand on the building foundations laid during my time at Lake Ginninderra.
College 2021 Graduates – Where are they now?
- Emmy Clarke- 2021 graduate, played her first Basketball season with Southern Utah.
- Dyson Daniels– 2021 Graduate Dyson chose to not play in the NCAA system and instead play in the G league which has paid off as he looks likely to be Australia’s next NBA drafted player.
- Emily Heintzelman- 2021 graduate, played her first Volleyball season for Tulane University New Orleans.
- Jack Hirsthas been studying remotely while competing in various European Biathlon events gaining terrific results on his Winter Olympic pathway.
- Hayley MacDonald- 2021 graduate, played her first Basketball season with Williston State in North Dakota.
- Tyrese Proctor– 2021 Graduate, Tyrese committed to the famous Duke University this season, and is being touted as a future top 10 NBA draft pick.
- Silka Solomon- 2021 graduate, played her first Golf season for Campbell University in North Carolina.
- NBL fairy tale team the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers have made the NBL grand Final in their first season. They have four of our graduates hoping to make history.
Wil Magnay, Matt Kenyon, Jock Perry, Jack McVeigh
Sport Alumni updates
College alumni continue to make an impact in their chosen fields. Below are some of their more recent achievements.
- Taran Armstrong- WAC (western athletics conference) freshman of the year, all American freshman team and finalist for all-American freshman of the year.
- Agnes Emma-Nnopu– 2019 Graduate, playing for Stanford University in the NCAA made the final 4
- Josh Giddey– 2020 Graduate, Josh had an amazing rookie year in the NBA breaking countless records on his way to becoming a future superstar in Australian Basketball.
- Emma Ilijoski & Sally James– 2019 Graduates, Emma & Sally were part of our National Futsal title winning College team in 2019. They are now both in the same Canberra United W-league team.
- Joel King- fresh off his debut for the socceroos, Joel has gained a new contract in Denmark.
- Jade Melbourne– 2020 Graduate, has been drafted to WNBA team the Seattle Storm
- Patty Mills– after winning Australian of the year honours, Patty won the prestigious NBA sportsman Trophy this season after moving franchises to the Brooklyn Nets.
- Emily Pease– 2020 Graduate, Em made her AFLW debut this season for the Giants. She consolidated her debut by playing every game for the remainder of the season.
https://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/1047411/round-two-debut-yes-pease
- Jazz Shelley– 2019 Graduate, team MVP and defensive MVP for University of Nebraska Huskies
- Bentley Walker Broose- A part of the U23 Australian cross country skiing team. Bentley has been competing over in Europe with world class competition.
Student Artwork
Contemporary English
Contemporary English have been looking at a range of creative texts lately, including multimodal texts and poetry. We would like to share some poems by one of our Year 12 students, Jae Brookman, who was writing practicing using similes to convey ideas to the reader.
FearFear is a rock Hard and paralysing Pulls us down Keeps us down Liftable and throwable Stand tall or cower beneath |
LoyaltyLoyalty is a basket Empty or full Useful nonetheless Nil to infinite |
Literature
Year 12 Literature have taken two excursions recently: one to the National Arboretum and one to the University of Canberra. We capped off term one’s intensive study of Huxley’s Brave New World with an examination of ways that country has been represented in some Indigenous Australian literature, including on-country learning and reading a piece from a peer-reviewed journal where "country" is given as the lead author.
National Arboretum
Students in the D line Literature class visited the Arboretum to see the sculpture “Wide Brown Land” and read the poem that the sculpture’s words are drawn from: Dorothea McKellar’s My Country. Written by McKellar when she was close to the students’ age, the poem describes her homesick longing and love for Australia. We reflected on the poem and its significance, and then had time on country for students to explore the surrounding area and experience a different representation of country – that of the place itself. Many visited the Himalayan Cedars, where it was cooler and quieter. Upon return to the school, we reflected on what we learned from country – that although the Himalayan Cedars are not native plants, they tell a story about humans and our relationship to the land. When the trees survived the fires but were not part of the arboretum, they were not a place many Canberrans knew about or visited. Now that they are cared for as part of the arboretum, they are a place where we and many others found shade and calm on a warm and busy day. Caring for country allows these kinds of reciprocal relationships to grow.
University of Canberra
On a grey and somewhat damp day a small but enthusiastic group of Literature students walked up the hill to UC, where we explored what the university has to offer to students with the help of Gail Heinrich from Student Services, and her assistant Hamish. The class explored the University’s Ngunnawal garden, toured to a range of unexpected and useful study nooks and crannies, and then explored the Library building, including the ways in which the local environment and Ngunnawal heritage have been built into the Library renovation and design. We finished with a guide to the University’s online resources, the extensive Children’s Literature collection, and (perhaps most excitingly) the e-sports arcade. Thank you to UC and especially to Gail for welcoming us and showing us the kinds of support and activities available for students!
Humanities and Social Science offers a range of opportunities to explore the ways our human experiences have shaped the world that we live in. Students are empowered to be well-rounded thinkers who are equipped for the demands of the 21st century globalised world.
PPE & Global Perspectives R UNIT
“Targeted Enrichment and extension opportunities for all interested students in Humanities & Social Sciences Subjects.
Brings together some of the most important approaches to understanding the social and human world around us, developing skills useful for a whole range of future careers and activities”
If you are interested please join the Google Classroom using the Code: 66ou6zf
Enrichment & Extension Opportunities on Offer - Semester 1, 2022
Panel Discussion on Ukrainian Crisis
As part of the enrichment opportunities offered through the PPE & Global Perspectives R Unit, we organised a group of University Canberra Academics to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including its historical, cultural, and political dimensions, the effects on global energy and manufacturing, and broad implications for the contemporary world.
Panelists:
- Dr Ben Freyens (Economics)
- Dr Raymond Li (Economics)
- Michael Walsh (Sociology & Philosophy)
- Dr Bruce Arnold (Law)
- Dr Heba Batainah (Politics & IR)
Philosophy: Ethics Olympiad
Philosophy is the study of humanity’s most important and influential ideas. Through the study of philosophy we are pushed to question and interrogate how and why we make the decisions we do.
- What do we value?
- What do we consider to be true?
- What are our unconscious biases?
- How are we influenced by our parents, our teachers and society?
This course is built to develop and test students’ critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills, skills which are extremely valuable for success in the AST and highly sought after in 21st century workplaces. Students work to challenge assumptions, to develop and present logical, reasoned and coherent arguments and to prepare for a life of learning.
On Tuesday the 3rd of May, UCSSC Lake Ginninderra fielded a team in the Australian Ethics Olympiad. Our Philosophy students competed against a range of schools from across NSW and the ACT. The competition involved discussing ethical dilemmas over four heats in which they considered a range of contemporary issues and devised convincing cases to argue.
The aim of the Ethics Olympiad is to encourage critical thinking and collaboration and allows students to explore the nuances and complexities of real world issues. Teams respectfully listen to, and argue, points of view which they support with evidence and examples to formulate the winning argument. UCSSC Lake Ginninderra received an honourable mention from the judges.
Student Artwork
A group of our Visual Arts, Photography and Design students completed an extension activity at the ANU School of Art & Design. Students participated in a 3 day immersive program of workshops exploring future study opportunities. Our students attended art theory lectures and practical workshops in 3D printing ceramics, cold-glass work, photography, drawing and painting just to name a few. Students had a great time experiencing what Art School at Uni was like and meeting other art enthusiastic students from across the ACT.
This piece was inspired by the connection between ancient and modern Japanese culture. The ancient Japanese culture is reflected by the Jomon pottery style, which provides a base for the modern aspects of Japanese culture reflected through the Kitsune and goddess Kami Inari (both aspects of shinto religion), and the rice designs (rice farming being developed after the Jomon period). This illustrates the way Jomon culture provided a basis from more modern forms of Japanese culture to develop and flourish, and communicates the complexity of this culture through the variety of intricate patterns featured on the pot.
This pot uses the coil technique and makes use of line to form its intricate patterns. The focal point of this pot is the Kitsune, situated above the Kami Inari figure, whose swirling, coiled tails give the piece movement and tie into the swirling patterns often featured on Jomon pots. The rice designs, featured on the bottom portion of the pot and on its rim, provide balance by distributing delicate designs across the pot, which work cohesively with the thicker coils of the Kitsune tail to add a variety of texture. These coils are accentuated by the black underglaze stain. The tall form of the pot gives it a grand silhouette, its thin shape reminiscent of the thin rice stalk designs. Overall, this pot uses complex coil design to relay the complex culture of Japan, past and present.
By Katie Jakab-van Dooren
Year 11 Biology
The Year 11 Biology students have started the term looking at the processes that enable cells to function in the large, complex groups we call organisms. Students have learned how organisms create the energy they need to function through cellular respiration, and how plants are the ultimate source of food for all of us through their process of photosynthesis. As we continue through the term we will be looking at different body systems and how they work in humans and other organisms.
Year 12 Biology
The Year 12 Biology class has been researching the antibiotic properties of plant extracts. They are learning about the importance of antibiotics to our society, and how many bacteria are becoming resistant to their effects. Using their research they have chosen a plant to test to see if it has any antibiotic effects against some common bacteria. There has been a steep learning curve in how to use ‘sterile technique’ to plate out bacteria and extract potentially useful chemicals from plants!
Year 11 Human Biology
In Year 11 Human Biology students have been honing their microscopy skills and are becoming adept at identifying different body tissues histologically. They are able to describe some of the key tissues of the human body, such as epithelial tissue, adipose tissue and muscle tissue, and distinguish between their functions and appearance. As they have learned about the different cell types they have also developed their skills in measurement under the microscope, learning to estimate the size of different cells.
Health Medical and Applied Sciences (HMAS) R unit
The HMAS R Unit is offered for any students interested in pursuing a career in the sciences, with a particular focus on health sciences. An ‘R’ unit is an extra credit class that students can opt to participate in – with no assessment to worry about. R units can help to contribute towards total points on the Year 12 certificate, and they are an extracurricular activity to add to CVs and university applications. The group attends weekly on an H line (the whole school ‘free line’) where they participate in learning activities and hear from experts on a range of science career options. This year we have heard from guest speakers with a diverse array of backgrounds, including physiotherapy, forensics, nursing and others. Students had the chance to visit the Australian Catholic University in term 1, getting a tour of the facilities where students are taught nursing and paramedicine. We had a talk from a fourth year student, and had the chance to meet one of the animatronic ‘patients’ which can be programmed to display a variety of conditions, such as different pulse rates. If participating in the R unit sounds like something of interest please come and see Sarah in Science for more details.
Year 12 Chemistry
Currently working on a Practical Task: Making Anodised Aluminium Jewellery
Outline of the Task
This task will engage not just your science brain, but also your creative side, its objective is for you to understand the chemistry involved in anodising and colouring aluminium, (it is a REDOX process). Aluminium can be given a permanent colour coating using a process called anodising. Your task is to design and create a piece of anodised aluminium jewellery. You will need to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the chemistry associated with this process and that you understand it well enough to create a high-quality piece of anodising. This will mean you will need to research carefully about dyes, required voltages and why this process works and also carry out the process a number of times to work out the best concentrations of solutions to use, the best voltages to use and timing.
This experiment shows an interesting application of electrolysis. The oxide layer on aluminium is made thicker by anodising which improves the metal's corrosion resistance. In the process, the thickened oxide surface coating is coloured by using dyes.
Semester one in Psychology at begins with an introduction to what is a new field of study for most year 11 students. The unit we have been exploring is self and identity and as part of this unit we have investigated the topic of personality. We learned about the way personality can be defined, different theories of how our personality develops AND we have learned a little bit about ourselves as we experienced different measurements of personality such as the Rorschach inkblot test pictured here.
Year 12 psychology experienced the opportunity of a visit from Dr. Thomas Nielsen of the University of Canberra. Thomas presented on positive psychology, happiness, flourishing and wellbeing as part of our unit Normality and Abnormality where we have been exploring factors that protect against the development of mental illness. As a lecturer and academic Dr. Nielsen brings a wealth of experience, research and knowledge that provided an enriching educational experience.
2022 inter-college sport was permitted to begin at the close of Term 1 delayed by ACT health Covid restrictions; however our dedicated sport staff constructed a number of intra-school competitions for students to participate in. The enthusiasm of the students playing in the Basketball, Futsal and Badminton competitions was matched by the students who attended to watch and support their friends. The support for the all girls basketball team competing, and winning against some of our boys teams generated a fantastic atmosphere and was a great highlight for the term.
Term 2
Beach Volleyball – the first inter-college competition of the year was held at the Lyneham Beach facility. We continued our tradition of success in this event by winning all 3 divisions. Our boys (Ben & Mitch) won the boys pairs title for the 14th year in a row, our girls pairs (Ella & Brielle) won the pairs event for the 8th year in a row. There were 46 teams competing in the Mixed 4s division, and we (Annie, Buffy, Finlay, Cian) again claimed the title.
Mixed Netball – All of our 3 teams won matches and played with skill and sportsmanship. Our team that had Australian Volleyball representatives made it all the way to the grand final and eventually lost by 1 goal in a tight contest. A particular thanks goes out to Amber Lawson who not only played all day but also umpired 6 other matches on her breaks.
AFL – we were the only college to enter both a boys and girls AFL team in the Northside competition. Many students were new to the game but adapted brilliantly. We eventually won both divisions to qualify for the ACT finals next month.
Thursday afternoon competitions – currently our multiple Futsal and Netball teams have started the season undefeated. Our college has a strong history in both sports and it is a great sign for Futsal in particular, who will be attempting to defend the National schools title later in the year.
Elite Sports Program
A record number of students have joined the Lakers Academy in 2022. Our College physiotherapist, Toby Conroy, continues to run whole group recovery sessions. In semester two, year 12 academy students will start to run these sessions while Toby will focus on injury screening and diagnosis of individual athletes.
Individual Achievements
Cynthia Hamilton
2022 ACT State Reps As school sport slowly returns to normal across the country, many of our sporting students have earned selection in State teams. Congratulations to the following: |
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AFL - Cynthia Hamilton All Abilities Academy (Soccer) - Luc Launder Basketball – Alison Francis Basketball – Monique Emelifeonwu Basketball – Maddie Farah Basketball – Mailey Cunningham Basketball – Mason Bruce Basketball - Alex Culver Basketball – Spencer Musgrove Basketball – William Goodwin Basketball – Toby Davis Lyon Basketball – Lachlan Smith Basketball – Cameron Pender Basketball - Alex Toohey Basketball - Bowyn Beatty Brumbies Youth W - Lola Fletcher FFA Champs Futsal - EJ Norris FFA Champs Futsal - Taylor Hampson FFA Champs Futsal - Riley McQueenie FFA Champs Futsal - Maya Osmond Golf - Amber Tilley Gymnastics Vault - Milo Whittington
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Hockey - Shelby Mitchell Hockey - Alyssa Fisher Hockey - Jessica Speechley Hockey - Tshiamo Litheko Hockey - Verity Wilson (NT) Kyokushin Karate - Eg Moore Rugby League (Raiders) - Kyle McDermott Rugby League (Raiders) - Tui Georgevski Softball - Ben Slater Tag Rugby - Bayley Reid Tag Rugby - Mitchell Reid Tag Rugby - Jaxon Reid Tag Rugby - Xanda Georgievski Tag Rugby - Johnas Martin Track & Field - Misha Van Scheppingen Track & Field - Csenge Keszei Track & Field - Jaydon Page Volleyball – Jenna Sampson Volleyball – Caitlin Weaver Volleyball – Charlie Beard Volleyball – Jay Tregeagle
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The students were influenced by Matisse’s use of bold colour. Felicity’s drawing depicts Black Mountain Tower from the foreground, while Jason composed his drawing to scale emphasising the details in its construction. Rachelle opted for simple lines so colour could dominate her composition. Finally, Frank used digital media to create a surreal portrait combining some family members with Brazilian fictional ones.
The UCSSC Lake Ginninderra Student Community Group (SCG) has coalesced into a powerhouse of community organisation in the school environment, making great strides in helping make sure all students - not only in our college, but around the ACT - have access to mental and emotional health support in their college environment.
Students have learned how to facilitate consensus-based meetings and developed their skills in oracy, civic and community leadership, and empowering their own student voice in the school setting. With their newfound skills and knowledge, these students have been launching into a number of new projects.
SCG members Kireet, Eli, and Asahi briefing Andrew on how the SCG is being run during Lake Idol.
Firstly, TEDx.
TEDx Canberra Youth is a part of the famous TED Talks international conferences, designed to operate as an independent and youth-focused conference featuring young people from around the ACT. A number of SCG students have gotten involved and are beginning to plot and plan their talks, ready to be delivered at the conference in August this year.
A number of students in the SCG have noticed in their peers around Canberra the impact that the last two years of COVID safety measures have had on the mental health of students, and are looking to make sure that all young people in the school and ACT have access to mental health support. To that end, two teams have been developing approaches to make sure students have access to mental health support above and beyond the in-school psychologist care. Eli and Asahi have researched and brought to the community a number of initiatives that the school can implement, and integrate into the existing student care facilities, while Katie has led the charge with bringing to the Youth Advisory Council of the ACT a proposal to increase the support for all students in the ACT. The community group has therefore launched an initiative to produce - for all students - a space to share their stories and make sure they are raised with a community voice to our Legislative Assembly. These are students making real changes to the life of all students in the ACT, which has been empowered by the group overall.
Students are gearing up for their attendance at the TheyLeads conference, to connect with and learn from LGBTQIA+ leaders and other LGBTQIA+ students across the territory, and engage with that community and represent their strengths in the school and region.
Lastly, students are working hard on the logistics of Democracy Sausage fundraising for our upcoming federal election. We all recognise the key tradition in our democratic society of the snag on the barbie after casting your vote, and our student community group are organising their collective abilities to make sure that - on the day - they’re participating in our democracy in that most vital of traditions.
Student Artwork
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 Senior Secondary 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: |
Student Artwork
We’ve been very happy and excited to welcome a great number of new students to our little Pride Group at UCSSC Lake Ginninderra, where students have been developing friendships and the community space among each other. Pride@Lake G is very much open to new members and attendees, and is a welcoming community space for LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. Across the first term and for the rest of this one, the big community plans include an LGBTQIA+ leadership conference, TheyLeads, and the planned design and painting of a Pride themed mural is well underway with a student driven plan to inspire an exceptional and welcoming space - and spruce up the paintwork too!
Student Artwork
Hi! My name is Sophie and I’m really passionate about poetry, music and advocacy for mental health and special needs. I do this through my education support ASBA, where I work at a special needs school two days a week as a Learning support assistant (LSA).
I have been lucky enough to be selected as 1 of 50 students from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to participate in a leadership program run through ‘Future Leader Academy’. The trip I have been invited to will be held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands in October of this year.
The Future Leaders Academy strives to strengthen peoples connections, cultural understanding, and leadership ability by bringing together students from different countries and cultures in the south-west pacific area and through experiential development, adventure and leading by example.
I have previously been a cadet and really enjoyed the leadership opportunities that it provided, I am also undertaking the empower u development program and intend on becoming an assist team member. This leadership program will provide me with an excellent opportunity to further develop my leadership skills. I also really want to learn more about other cultures from surrounding islands. The program also gives me the chance to grow my leadership skills which would help me in so many areas of my life.
To be able to participate in this program, I need to raise $ 4000. To achieve this I have a go-fund-me page set up and will be selling custom tote bags and pencil cases with vintage photo designs. People will also have the opportunity to send me their own images or artworks that I can put on the tote bags and pencil cases. I’ll be displaying samples at the college, local markets and through online advertisements and will be sharing the order form online through Google Classroom.
Student Artwork
UC SSC Lake Ginninderra College hosted the 25th annual Global Classroom International Conference from 24 March to 27 March 2022. This year’s theme was ‘Ways of Learning.’
The conference kick-started at the crack of dawn with welcoming all international participants to the country and a smoking ceremony by Uncle Wally Bell. Smoking ceremony is an ancient aboriginal custom in Australia that involves burning various native plants to produce smoke, which has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits from the people and the land and make pathways for a brighter future.
- Day 1: Opening ceremony
Each participating country presented their ‘ways of learning’ in their own context.
- Day 2: The theme of the day was cultural intelligence.
Dr David Spillman and Dr Benny Wilson from University of Canberra delivered guest speech on cultural ways of learning in Australia. Each country delivered presentations on cultural intelligence in their countries as part of the day's activities.
- Day 3: Innovative Learning Designs
In international groups, our participants designed innovative learning approaches and presented them to a panel of Ms Maha Yasin, the deputy principal of Gungahlin College and Dr Kirk Zwangobani, the Deputy Principal of UC SSC Lake Ginninderra.
- Day 4: Closing ceremony
GC Conference Photo Montage: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11gRDVu3K7mX2nYuKD2CCCAQaHgesMI11/view?usp=sharing
2022 Canberra CareersXpo – Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 August 2022
The CareersXpo endeavours to be an inclusive event offering a variety of education, training and employment pathways. Students with disability are encouraged to attend the CareersXpo to speak to over 100 exhibitors including tertiary and vocational education institutions, federal and local government departments, employer organisations and individual businesses.