November Newsletter

As we celebrated World Teachers Day a few weeks ago the stories and articles in this newsletter highlight the amazing support, opportunities and inspiration teachers provide.

The “Be that teacher campaign’ is a national recruitment campaign to promote the teaching profession. Eight films created as part of the campaign were directed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Christopher Nelius and show teachers from around Australia as they share the stories behind their most cherished mementos.

We are thrilled and very proud that Sam Davies our Head of English/EALD/Languages is one of the eight stories. 

After telling their stories, the teachers visit an exhibition space to place their mementos amongst others from teachers around Australia. Each film ends with a simple but inspiring call to action, asking viewers to ‘Be That Teacher’. 

Thank you, Sam, for sharing your memento, story and helping with that call to action.  Thanks to Keira too!

Thank you also to three of our year 11 students who took part in the ACT Media launch of the campaign with the ACT Minister for Education Yvette Berry MLA, at the school on Thursday 2 November. Ewen McMahon, Lucy Milner and Arshiya Abhishree were wonderful representatives and Ewen who is studying Economics, Global Studies and Economics in addition to English and Mathematics wants to be a teacher himself one day. 

https://www.bethatteacher.gov.au/

https://fb.watch/o3Rc3CvvW3/?mibextid=v7YzmG

This campaign is cause for reflection for our teachers, and all educators, on those lives we have transformed, the mementos we received from students over the years acknowledging that appreciation, and the difference we all can make. 

ACT Public Education Awards

We also celebrate staff included in the ACT Public Education Awards and offer congratulations also to past student Caitlin Figueiredo who has been named 2024 ACT Young Australian of the Year.

Congratulations to Sarah Belling and Icey Zhou who were nominated for the ACT Public Education Awards. 

Icey was a finalist in the New Educator category, and we attended the awards at Llewellyn Hall ANU last Friday evening.

The Future of Education Ideas Summit

Gabriel, Lucy and Elhana and I headed to the University of Canberra to participate in ‘The Future of Education Ideas Summit’ on Friday 20 October. The Future of Education Ideas Summit brought together over 180 students, school leaders, and community members from across the Public, Catholic and Independent education systems to reflect on the halfway point of the ACT’s 10-year Future of Education Strategy.

Student voices were a key part of the day, with over 50 current primary, high school and college students who spoke boldly about what’s most important to them, and their big and small ideas for the future.

Student news

The Geographers headed to Antarctica (well, virtually) at the National Museum of Australia. The virtual reality adventure had 360-degree camera control and 4K, high-resolution vision. Students saw firsthand the work that goes into understanding climate change, managing ecosystems, researching sustainability, and conserving wildlife. 

Outdoor Education recently hiked in Kosciusko National Park for three days in the remote wilderness and continue their expeditions with canyoning as the end of classes approaches.

Year 12 student Maia Cameron has been signed by her local A League Women’s club Canberra United for the 2023/2024 season. Maia is in line to make her senior debut before completing school. We would like to wish her the best for her football future

We congratulate all our individuals and teams who took part in sporting activities throughout the year and we wish  all the best to teams heading to the Gold Coast for the national school championships in Volleyball and Basketball.  Congratulations also to students and staff for running BBQ’s various over the last few weeks as effective fundraisers for these trips to nationals.

LakeFEST

The inaugural LakeFEST the festival for students to explore ideas, connect with others and take part in activities including Yoga, Legobuilds, Arts and Crafts, Socratic circles, health and wellbeing EXPO, student performances, short films, Lake Idol and more was a great success, and we look forward to the event in 2024.

Arts, Technology and Design

The Arts, Technology and Design Faculty has a series of events this term. Our DanceFEST piece was an intriguing, choreographed dance with 15 of our students, the Come Alive Festival, drama piece will be held on Friday 3 November, 3.30pm, 6pm, at the Mill Theatre, Dairy Road, Fyshwick, and the school drama production 12 Angry Jurors begins on Tuesday 5 December.

The Arts, Technology and Design Showcase is next Tuesday 7 November.  Students are looking forward to the evening to show their design, performances, craft, and construction work and all are welcome to attend!

We look forward to wishing our year 12s well at the final assembly next week before final assessments occur, then celebrations for the formal and graduation.  We will live stream the graduation again and hope this helps family and friends share the experience.

All the best to all our students for next week, study tips below in Education Matters, and don’t forget to ask your teachers for help or if you have any questions. 

The school wishes year 12 students every success, thank you for your contributions over the last two years, and we look forward to what the future will bring.

Melissa Planten

Exams

Final assessment for 2023 is rapidly approaching with the exam timetable being recently published to students. You can find a copy below.

INTENSIVE_ASSESSMENT_PERIOD_TIMETABLE_2023S2_Final_25_October.pdf

INTENSIVE_ASSESSMENT_PERIOD_TIMETABLE_2023S2_Final_25_October _pdf 82.16 KB

How students can help themselves to perform well.

Clinical psychologist Judith Locke is providing advice to students in Queensland via the Queensland assessment authority website. A series of videos on the website featuring clinical psychologist, Dr Judith Locke gives practical tips to take control of study, while also looking after the student’s wellbeing.

Dr Locke offers practical advice and strategies for students and parents navigating academic environments drawn from 20 years of experience in teaching, training and psychology.

She has authored two books, The Bonsai Child and The Bonsai Student and her writing work has also featured in newspapers, magazines and media outlets throughout Australia.

Judith is a registered clinical psychologist and a member of The Australian Psychological Society and the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.

The videos are available here.

Health and wellbeing with Dr Judith Locke | myQCE (qcaa.qld.edu.au)

Seeking a Review of Assessment

Students are able to seek a review or appeal on school-based assessment including assessment item marks, grades or penalties, the unit grade, the unit score.

There is a hierarchy of actions to follow:

• Student seeks review from the classroom or relevant teacher
• Student seeks review from the relevant head of department
• Student appeals the reviews’ decision to the school principal
• Student, who has been through the school appeal process, may appeal to the BSSS.

In general, students should seek a teacher review within five school days of the results being published.

For the final assessment period of year 12, students should seek a teacher review within one school day of the results being published.

ATARs

Students will soon complete assessment for 2023. For year 12 T students, an ATAR will be produced along with their Senior Secondary Certificate and any Vocational Certificate for which they are eligible.

The certificates are presented at graduation on 13 December. ATARs are known earlier being released by BSSS through Profiles Online at 9am on 12 December. Any student who has not looked at profiles online to check results should visit the BSSS website to log in.

See: https://www.bsss.act.edu.au/information_for_students/profiles_online

For year 11 T students, an ATAR estimate will be emailed to parents and students early in the new year. This should form a basis for discussion about package alterations if needed in year 12 2024.

Alternate pathways than ATAR to the University of Canberra are discussed in the Careers section later in the newsletter.

Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) and you!

The BSSS supervises and certifies the delivery of senior secondary education in the ACT. The office is producing materials during the year to assist parents and students with understanding the ACT system.

Two examples are linked below. They are a special interest paper about the use of Generative AI software such as ChatGPT in senior secondary subjects and the spring newsletter for students. Both links are informative to parents and students.

Special_Interest_Paper_October_2023_AI_Students_Parents_and_Carers.pdf

Special_Interest_Paper_October_2023_AI_Students_Parents_and_Carers _pdf 1.26 MB

BSSS_Student_Newsletter_Semester_2_2023.pdf

BSSS_Student_Newsletter_Semester_2_2023 _pdf 2.42 MB

Vaping

Vaping is the new smoking in our society. You may have seen news reports of NSW HSC students who applied nicotine patches in order to get through 3 hour exam papers without vaping.

The practice along with drug consumption of any kind is prohibited at school and may result in suspension if detected.

There is a large amount of evidence based material produced in Australia. Some of this material is available at the following links.

Positive Choices resources:

• Factsheet: Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping
  (https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/electronic-cigarettes-and-vaping-factsheet)
• Factsheet: E-cigarettes, Vaping and the Law
  (https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/ecigarettes-vaping-and-the-law)
• Blog: The environmental impacts of e-cigarettes/vaping explained
  (https://positivechoices.org.au/blog/the-environmental-impacts-of-ecigarettes-vaping)
• Webinar: E-cigarettes and Young People – where to from here?  (https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/webinar-vaping-where-to-from-here)
• Webinar: E-cigarettes and Vaping – what you need to know (https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/webinar-vaping)
• Recommended Quick Activity: Recognising tobacco industry manipulation (https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/ecigarettes-vaping-recognising-manipulation)
• Recommended Video: Respect Your Brain and the effect of drugs on the developing brain
  (https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/respect-your-brain)
• Recommended Game: SmokeSCREEN
  (https://positivechoices.org.au/teachers/smokescreen)
• Recommended Program / Trial Opportunity: OurFutures Vaping Module
  (https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqnwi6zKas0ZhNc)

In Week 12 we enjoyed LakeFest - a three day festival of events and activities that challenged, supported and extended our students. Tuesday was LakeIdeas, a day focussed on new, profound, or challenging ideas. This featured a talk by ANU academic and ABC Radio presenter Dr. Kim Huynh on unsettling ideas, challenging round-table discussions hosted by The Ethics Centre, a very entertaining Spelling Bee and more and two ‘guestimation’ competitions run by our maths and science department. In pre-Halloween news it took 68 rubber bands to split a carving pumpkin. Wednesday was LakeChill, a day focussed on supporting student wellbeing. The day started with a free Yoga session for staff, and another was held for students at lunchtime, but the main event was the large  wellbeing expo, featuring many local wellbeing support services. The big finale was on Thursday - the enormous, annual LakeIdol event. Hundreds of students filled the central quad and enjoyed talented performances by more than a dozen acts. 2023 was the first LakeFest and we look forward to building on this year’s success in 2024 and beyond.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term working with the students and staff and I am happy to announce that I will be returning in 2024.

As a Youth Worker, I have a broad understanding of the education and community supports available to young people.

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club is back on Monday mornings in the newly renovated Commons area. We are planning to open for more days in 2024.

Thank you to Woolworths Metro for kindly donating fresh fruit and muesli bars to support students during the AST exams in September.

RUOK? Day BBQ

The school came together to enjoy a BBQ on RUOK? Day to encourage social interaction, collegiality and to bring attention to this very good cause. Information was available to support members of the college to start a conversation.

Wellbeing Expo

As part of the Lake Fest program in Week 12, I organised a Wellbeing Expo featuring community service providers available for young people in the local area. Thank you to Multicultural Hub, SafeHaven, Anglicare/Cyclops, Junction, Capital Region Community Services and Canteen. The student response was very encouraging, and I was pleased to see young people forge connections with services that can enrich their lives.

Teen Trade Program

The Teen Trade program, run by Bunnings, is a fantastic opportunity for students at the end of term 4. Bunnings’ team members will teach the students some basic building skills whilst keeping it fun, engaging, and hands-on. Students will be working together to build dog houses which will then be donated to the RSPCA. The students will also personally deliver their dog houses to the RSPCA to see how their contribution has helped a Not-For-Profit community group. Students need to commit to three 1-hour sessions outside class time. There are limited spaces available. See Jo-Ann if you are interested.

In a great display of collaboration and innovation, a dynamic team of three business students and one economics student from the college achieved global recognition in the ANU Business Case Study competition. Competing against teams from around the world, they showcased their talent by developing groundbreaking strategies for establishing the weekly on-campus Kambri Markets.

The team was a blend of diverse academic backgrounds and perspectives. Business students Angus, Chisomaga, and Kasha, with Eva, an economics major, combined their expertise to approach the case study with a blend of market analysis, financial analysis, business planning and business strategies. This interdisciplinary approach proved to be a key differentiator in the competition.

The team tackled this competition head-on. They conducted thorough market research, analysed consumer behaviour, and developed a financial model to ensure the Kambri Market’s sustainability. Their proposal included innovative marketing strategies, a practical business plan, operations management, a financial plan and a focus on creating a community-centric experience.

Their presentation was the culmination of weeks of hard work, showcasing not only their proposed solution but also their ability to work cohesively as a team. Their strategy was well-received for its creativity, feasibility, and thorough understanding of the market dynamics

.

Reaching the finals in such a competitive international arena was a significant accomplishment for the Lake Ginninderra team. It highlighted their ability to think globally, work collaboratively across disciplines, and develop solutions that are both innovative and practical.

The success of the team in this ANU competition is a shining example of how diversity in education and thought can lead to exceptional outcomes.

Mulligans Flat

The Year 12 Biology class went exploring the biodiversity of Mulligans Flat at the beginning of term 4. Thanks to the warmish start to spring there was a bit of activity out at the reserve, and we were able to observe several echidnas, a Jacky dragon lizard and lots of flowers and insects. The area is protected from invasive species, allowing natives to flourish and is a wonderful site for ecology research. There are ecological experiments being undertaken by ANU researchers in addition to the reintroductions of native species like quolls, bettongs and curlews. The class noted the disturbed ground from scratching/digging by many organisms, including echidnas and bettongs. These ‘ecosystem engineers’ undertake important work for keeping the ecosystem healthy, allowing ground water penetration, and moving around the spores of symbiotic fungi that the eucalypts rely on for nitrogen fixation.

Water bugs

This week we looked at the water bug diversity in the wetlands near the school. Many thanks to WaterWatch ACT for the assistance in providing a water bug expert to help us identify the things we found! Students were excited to find a damselfly larvae and followed the dichotomous key identification chart to work out what they had found.

日本語(にほんご)　Japanese

Three Year 12 students visited the Japan Foundation Sydney at the end of Term 3. They received a cultural lesson on how-to put-on yukata (casual summer outfit) and how-to bon odori (traditional summer dancing).

 The first year Beginning Japanese students have been learning about locations and directions this term. They drew and described their (actual or dream) room.

In Week 12, the week of LakeFest, the Japanese students tried out learning calligraphy in class. It was a good mindfulness activity and they truly focused on it (maybe more than they do on regular class work!)

This is a follow up from our previous newsletter about the Cyber Schools Challenge conducted by Services Australia, Cyber Security division. Students from UCSSC, Lake Ginninderra actively participated in team discussions and collaborations to resolve simulated cyber threats as they arose during the challenge.

For more media involving the college, please see the photos and links below.

We would also like to acknowldge an international student who has now completed his time at the college. Muhammad Yunus (Year 12) came to UCSSC, Lake Ginninderra last year. His contributions to the areas of IT such as Robotics & Mechatronics & Digital technologies over the last two years have been quite brilliant.

His design and thinking skills besides skills in programming and subsequent innovations are a hallmark of his growth and development in the areas of IT.

His communication skills in leading teams and speaking to all were evident in the recently concluded cyber-challenge from Services Australia. We wish him the very best leading to any of his future endeavours.

Geography students attended the National Museum of Australia on excursion recently to attend the Antarctica Experience. The experience explored the day in the life of Antarctic scientists in an immersive virtual reality adventure.

In the experience the students toured Antarctica in a helicopter cockpit, landed on glaciers, discovered a penguin colony and learnt about daily life in these harsh conditions. Students saw firsthand the work that goes into understanding climate change, managing ecosystems, reaching sustainability, and conserving wildlife.

UC SSC Lake Ginninderra has had a long history of close involvement with the University of Canberra culminating in formal recognition in a formal partnership since 2011. Professor Thomas Nielsen, an academic at the university, has had the longest association with the college as a visiting speaker in his expert areas of positive psychology and a currciulum of giving as sources of true happiness.

The research interests of Dr Nielsen align very well with the non-academic purposes of the outdoor education program at the college. Dr Nielsen participated in two of the annual excursions by the college to Great Barrier Reef island Lady Musgrave Island wearing both a participant hat and a research hat.

He expressed the results of his researches in three published papers, the most recent of which was published in 2023.

In the first paper Dr Nielsen finds that qualitative data showed that the wellbeing activities facilitated students’ connection and gratitude towards nature, promoted self-reflection, and a shift in values and worldviews toward social concern. Together with the quantitative data which showed a statistically significant increase in Floursihing Scores from pre-trip to post-trip, the results of this in-depth case study support the growing body of literature showing that forms of altruism performed regularly are beneficial to wellbeing and meaningful happiness.

This was followed in the second paper by a story of the (re)discovery of the social and natural ecologies that bind us together, and of how explicit teaching and learning about these ecologies can make a difference to young people’s abilities to consciously be part of, contribute to, and sustain these ecologies.

A grounded theory of five dimensions of giving (to self, others, communities, environment, and the whole) is offered as a beginning framework from which to imbue teaching and learning with meaning and social concern.

Finally in 2023 further analysis found that six repeated themes were identified: (1) exploration, (2) modelling, (3) explicit instruction, (4) incidental learning, (5) crisis management, and (6) intent. Discussed as instrumental for promoting eudaimonic happiness (‘meaningful living’), these categories may assist educators by providing a broader spectrum of teaching pedagogies with which to not only improve engagement and wellbeing in young people, but also improve their own sense of professional satisfaction and wellbeing.

It has been wonderful to assist with this research, and as a school to integrate happiness and wellbeing in curriculum design.

A pictorial summary of recent hikes.

Canyoning is to come to finish the year's excursions.

AFLX 

Week 2 began with our AFL boys and girls heading to Erindale College to compete in the AFLX competition. A modified version with 8 players a side, played on a soccer pitch with full contact brought soccer players to the sport for the first time. 

The girls grew in confidence throughout day, taking some heavy tackles and kicking some skilful goals. Using the wind to their advantage the girls WON the grand final taking out the ACT championship. 

The boys described the competition as “a tough day at the office’ but persevered in the conditions with a few announcing their retirement by the end of the day. Congratulations to everyone involved! 

Brumbies 10’s 

The boys started the day strongly but found it challenging to maintain their intensity throughout the day with limited substitutes. Brodie dominated with his try scoring keeping team spirits high throughout the day. Thank you to Chris for his coaching on the day. 

Badminton 

Students went to ANU to participate in the annual intercollege Badminton tournament. The girls had a more social day out enjoying some friendly competition. The boys showed their competitive spirit with our teams coming 3rd and 4th against the strong competition which saw Gungahlin taking out the trophy. The boys were able to further develop their skills during the day experimenting with strategies and tactics that they had picked up from their opponents earlier in the day. 

Individual Student Success

• Congratulations to Aurelia Guenther Evans (Year 11) on placing 9th in the ski cross and 10th in the alpine event at the Subaru ACT and Regional NSW Interschools Snowsports Championships. This has also meant that Aurelia has qualified for the NSW/ACT/QLD state Championships in late August and Australian Championships in September. Unfortunately, Nationals were cancelled due to the lack of snow which meant Snowsports were significantly cut short this season. 

• Congratulations to Maia Cameron (Year 12) who has signed a contract with Canberra United for the 2023/2024 season! Playing 35 first grade games in the Canberra Academy which she captained last season , is a huge achievement. We would like to congratulate Maia and wish her all the best with her future football endeavours. 

• Luc Launder (Year 12) is attending the Para Asian Cup between the 4th and 11th November (televised on SBS) in Melbourne at the home of the Matilda’s facility, This is the first home tournament since the 2000 Paralympics. As one of the 14 players on the team he is hoping to showcase his defending skills with in the tournament. Good luck Luc! 

• Oscar Goodman (Year 11) was named MVP in the all-star 5 at the FIBA U16 Asia 2023 in Doha. This is an outstanding achievement; we can’t wait to see what is next for you and your basketball journey. 

• Rocco Zikarsky (Year 11) debuted for the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL which is a huge achievement at 17 years old. Looking forward to watching you play throughout the season. 

• Maya Osmond (Year 12) has been selected in the Australian Ultimate Frisbee Women under 20 team. She is heading to Birmingham, England in 2024 and we wish her all the best on managing her future sporting commitments and studies. 

• Harley Sinclair and Mitch Croft have travelled to Roi Et, Thailand and will be representing Australia in the Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships from the 7th to the 12th November.  It is a great achievement to be representing their country in this tournament at their young age!

HIA Apprentices has a number of ASBA and full-time apprenticeship vacancies across various construction trades, including;

• Bricklaying
• Cabinetmaking
• Carpentry
• Painting
• Plastering
• Roof Plumbing

 Apply through the online recruitment portal below:

 Careers at HIA (hiaapprentices.com.au)

 Or follow the QR code on the flier.

Pathways to the University of Canberra

University of Canberra College offers a pathway for current Year 12 students and recent school leavers who wish to study an undergraduate degree at the UC, and whose current academic qualifications do not allow them direct admission to UC. Students study four subjects that focus on the development of skills needed to successfully study at university:

Humanities - prepares for the content, style and subject matter of academic teaching and thinking.              

Analytical Methods - develops analytical thinking skills and competence in solving mathematical problems.

Academic Techniques - teaches the practical skills you need to comply with university standards and expectations. 

Numeracy and Digital Literacy – learn via a range of appropriate technologies to assist with studies.

Intakes to the course are in February and July, with classes delivered face-to-face on Mondays and Fridays, over 18 weeks.  The July intake includes students who are in Year 12.  Enrolment is via the student’s college, as students must attend two college courses in Semester 2, whilst enrolled in UC Connect.

Who is eligible?

• Students who are enrolled in an Accredited Package (A-Package);
• Students who are enrolled in a Tertiary Package (T-Package) who are investigating alternate entry to an undergraduate course at UC.

More information is available via:

https://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/get-into-uc/pathways-programs/uc-connect

Student appointments will be available for Year 11 student from Monday 4 December to Friday 15 December.

To make an appointment, please email Fiona.chester@ed.act.edu.au