Lake News #2 2024
Sharing school events and student success
Students and staff have been busy this term, with not only school projects, study and extra-curricular activities but supporting charity events as well. Extra-curricular events such as archery in Physics, Engineering students have been creating a prototype to solve a current issue in our community. Students’ projects include Maglev trains, light rail bridges, launchers for unmanned fixed-wing aircraft and prosthetic limbs and visits to the Law Courts as part of Law Week saw students out and about with some ‘real world’ application.
Step into the Limelight
The 2024 "Step into the Limelight Art Exhibition" will run from Wednesday 24 July – Sunday 4 August at M16 Artspace in Griffith. The College has also nominated students to participate in the Gala Showcase. The Gala Showcase performances are on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 September, Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music. Congratulations in advance to students and staff on their commitment to excellence in the Arts.
Reconciliation Week
Thank you to all staff for supporting – great Support Group lessons, bake sale, and contributions by our First Nations students and School Leadership Group. Proceeds from bake sale to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation – nearly $500 raised!!!Terrific positive contribution to initiatives such as supplying books, engaging with reading and community publishing. Thanks to Zoe Rothfield and Sarah Belling and School Leadership Group in particular.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Hospitality students and teachers supported Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and raised money for the Cancer Council. Thanks to Anna, Raven, hospitality/food team, Shannon, Pema, helpers, and the students!
Global Classroom Education Program 2024
The Global Classroom excursion departed on Thursday 13 June with eight students and two staff. The conference was hosted by Anderson High School, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland. We can't wait to hear all about it now that our students and staff have returned home safely.
Sporting success
Congratulations to many of our sporting teams who have both participated and been very successful in recent competitions. The girls took out the ACT Futsal final and the ACT Football Carnival, a great job in the cold and the sleet! Please read our sports section for further news! Well done to students, staff and coaches.
School musical “Kiss Me Kate”
Looking forward to seeing "Kiss Me Kate" our school musical. Lachlan our drama teacher and students have been working hard on this classic musical comedy. More information will be available in term 3.
Our very own Lachlan Ruffy, Drama/Dance/English teacher delivered a captivating portrayal as Mitch in ACT Hub's production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" His exceptional performance on stage was truly remarkable. Congratulations to Lachlan on this outstanding achievement.
School up grades and learning space re-development.
Thank you all for your understanding as the College has undergone construction of the IT labs, Media suite and facilities and upgrades to carpets commence. The major construction/redesign projects are on track to be completed by the beginning of term 3.
Cyclorama
A walled background - one or more curved surfaces. In still photography or video production, this helps make your background almost ‘disappear,’ leaving a ton of possibilities for lighting.
Support Group Program
Support Group for Term 2 is well underway, with engaging and innovative curriculum studied by both Year 11 and 12. In Year 11, students are focusing on Self-Regulated Learning, developing the skills needed to shape their success at college. In Year 12, a new school initiative responding to student and societal need, classes are developing their Financial Literacy, with an introduction to adulthood (the joys of finance) appreciated by all.
Student Leadership Group
Great to see more student activity this year!
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander class and the Student Leadership Group together created a lesson around reconciliation day and ideas that everyone can do to help bring about reconciliation.
Harmony Day also a great success and more input at assemblies. A newly formed Sustainability Group is looking to create native beehives, money for projects and charities 10cent collections and recycling bottle tops, Lids4Kids.
Student Centred Improvement Framework (SCIF)
The purpose of the new framework is to evaluate the school’s current practices and identify what improvements are needed for sustained positive impact on students. Our school’s focus is on curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy. The report is currently being finalised with recommendations to assist us to focus our Action Plans over the next few years.
ACT Scaling Test (AST)
We have been busy with our AST Preparation and Training Program for our Year 12 Tertiary students. This term, Year 12 T students have been doing trial papers in preparation. Thankyou to students and staff for their commitment as practising helps to build knowledge, skills and an understanding of the task types, requirements, and process. All the best to our students doing the AST in September.
School Psychologist
We welcome Kim Squires, school psychologist for the remainder of the year. Kimberley (Kim) is a psychologist who comes to ACT Education after completing her training and early career in Queensland working with children and young people. Kim will be working Monday -Wednesday.
School Lawyer
We welcome Vivian Le the college lawyer is at Lake Ginninderra College every Thursday in 2024 at student services. They provide free and confidential legal help to students and their families. If you would like to make an appointment to see the college lawyer, please call 6243 3460 or email college@ledgalaidact.org.au
Coffee catchup
Next term’s principal’s coffee catchup will be on Thursday 8 August. Hoping to show you some of the new projects, enjoy morning tea from our café van, and to meet some of our heads of departments too.
Have a lovely holiday – time to rest and relax. Please don’t forget the first Monday of each term is pupil free, so school resumes for students on Tuesday 23 July.
Melissa Planten
Principal
Student Leadership Group - Reconciliation Week Bake Sale
In SLG the big event of the term was the Reconciliation week bake sale where the group’s great baking efforts raised money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a non-profit organisation that helps address the educational disadvantages facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders children and aids in finding books and other educational benefits. This event proved to be very popular with a huge turn out of students and staff, allowing us to raise almost $500 for the chosen charity.
Sustainability Group
This term the school has welcomed a blossoming new Sustainability group for students to get involved in. It has been so heartening to see this enthusiastic group of students coming together to discuss how they can ‘act local’ at our school. Next term we are planning to kick off with a rubbish audit at the end of Week 1. This will aim to evaluate how our waste is being disposed of at the school, and whether there is significant contamination of the recycling. Once we know what is happening with our waste streams, we will be in a better position to understand what areas we need to focus on, to educate the school community and improve our environmental footprint.
The students who have participated in the Health, Medical and Applied Sciences R unit have had a wide range of experiences in the last term, packing plenty into our weekly meetings. There have been two excursions over to University of Canberra, where we were welcomed to learn about careers in Radiography and Pharmacy. A wonderful local Veterinarian, Shayne Thomas, donated her time to come in and chat to the students about the options for studying vet science or vet nursing. It was fun playing ‘count the heads’ on the doggy x-ray to try to guess how many babies were in a pregnancy! More adventures will be coming next term, including a hands-on session with the RoboGals from ANU in week 1 where we will have fun with robots, and a trip to the pathology lab to see what happens to your blood sample after you leave it at the clinic. All students are welcome to participate in the R unit, you can come occasionally or every week. When you complete 11 hours you get a 0.2 R unit registered on your academic transcript to acknowledge your participation.
UN Youth Australia 2024 National Conference
Four students from the college attended the UN Youth Australia 2024 National Conference. This event brought together young leaders from across the country to discuss and develop solutions for pressing global issues. Well done to Leo McAuliffe, Amelia Condon-Cernovs, Zach Zhao, Price Magero on their participation.
Biology
In Year 11 Biology, students have focussed their efforts this term on learning how organisms ‘work’. We have looked at all manner of organs and organisms, including learning surgical skills by dissecting earthworms to look at their digestive tract. There was the usual heart and kidneys, but we finished the term with a pluck (heart, lungs and liver all connected) and used the compressor to inflate the lungs. Students were amazed by how large they grew when inflated, how slippery they were on the outside, and how intricate the passages lined with cartilage were. Finally, all the new dissecting skills were put to the ultimate test as we dissected rats, as a chance to see all the systems in place, in one organism. This was a hugely engaging activity and students were both horrified (mainly by the smell) and captivated by the details of the rat’s inner workings.
The Year 12 Biology students have been learning about their immune systems and how they work. This amazingly intricate system keeps us alive every day, and everyone had a new appreciation for their innate and adaptive immune systems by the end. Not to mention the luxury of living in a time and place of ready immunisations and antibiotics! As their assignment this term, each student selected their own native plant to test its antibacterial properties against two different types of bacteria. They presented their results as a poster, and we had a little presentation session in class. The students presented their posters to one another and discussed what they had learned. As you can see in the image there were some fabulous posters produced!
Digital Technology and Robotics News
Bebras Computing Challenge 2024 (Digital Technologies)
Bebras is a fun and engaging computational thinking challenge for students in Years 3 to 12. It is an international challenge that involves over 2.9 million students from 60 countries. In 2024 the challenge was organised for the first time by the Australian Maths Trust (AMT) in Canberra. Digital technology students participated in this competition representing the College in the senior secondary years (11-12) level.
We had close to 33 students who sat the test. We had 1 distinction, 3 merits and 6 credits. This is a great achievement, as all 10 students had high rankings within Australia given the diverse range of countries that the competition took place in. Emily Scott from Year 12 achieved a distinction in this challenge with a stand-out performance from our school.
Computing and Algorithmics Challenge – CAT 2024 (Digital Technologies)
The Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition gives students the opportunity to develop their problem-solving skills through algorithmic thinking. The competition incorporates unique ‘three-stage tasks’ that encourage students to develop informal algorithms and apply them to test data of increasing size or complexity.
Like all competitions, the CAT contains unique problems designed each year by leading educators, academics and industry experts to challenge and extend students’ problem-solving skills. Once again Digital technology students participated in this competition representing the College in the senior secondary years (11-12) level.
In a harder algorithmics test, we had 1 distinction and 6 credits. All of the students achieving these had high rankings within Australia given the diverse range of countries that the competition took place in. Benjamin Pye from Year 11 achieved a distinction with a stand-out performance.
Robotics Course- Student Spotlight!
In first semester of Robotics, students have been studying the unit Applications of Circuits in Robotics. Year 12 student, Daniel Weston has used Arduino code to simulate a typical traffic control system as part of his latest project in robotics. The system takes into account vehicles, pedestrians and the functioning of traffic lights across different types of lanes. The images below illustrate the different stages of transition involving circuit design, construction and programming of the traffic control system.
Year 11 students, Jet Jackson and Prajiet Easwaran have used a bit of circuit design and construction to establish a typical transmitter-receiver system. The image below shows the different stages of transition and testing in conducted in difficult weather outside their lab.
ANU Maths Day
On 29 May, five of our Year 12 Specialist Mathematics students participated in the annual ANU Maths day. During the day, each team is pitted head-to-head with a team from another school to complete four challenges.
The first challenge is a group contest. Mathematical stories, riddles and puzzles challenge the students to think critically and creatively. Next up is the “Swiss”. In this challenge, the students have to find the rule from a couple of examples and continue the pattern. It is fascinating to watch the students calculate mentally, sometimes with very large numbers. The “Cross number puzzle is the third challenge. Each team is divided in two, and give half the clues to a cross number, similar to a crossword. Solving the puzzle involves each team finding digits in the puzzle. Meanwhile, the supervisors (teachers) pass any correct answers to the other half of the team. Again, strategic and critical thinking are as important as mathematical knowledge to enable the teams to complete the whole puzzle. After lunch, energy can flag, but the Relay takes care of that. Again, the teams are divided in two, and take it in turns to solve puzzles. To allow them the next question, the other half must have completed theirs and “run” their answer to the adjudicators at the top of the room. Patience and a willingness to “give up” up on a question to allow the other half a chance, is the key in this “race”.
While technically a competition, the day is really more about meeting other lovers of Mathematics from schools in Canberra, Wollongong, South Coast, Southern Highlands and Sydney. There is a lot of intense concentration, laughter and celebration.
While we did not place on the podium of winners, our team consisting of Jamie Lanc, Laasya Gunnam, Ellie Magee, Lilliana Tin Tun and Alex Nguyen, did themselves proud on the day.
Our Arts, Design, and Technology faculty has been buzzing with activity this semester. Students have been engaged in a variety of creative, practical, and hands-on projects, showcasing their talents and hard work. From innovative design concepts to stunning artworks, the semester has been filled with inspiration and creativity. Keep an eye out for upcoming displays of their impressive work! Next term we start preparing for our annual Arts, Design and Technology Showcase event in Term 4 where we display and celebrate all the work and achievements of our students.
Design and Graphics
In the Design and Graphics course, our students amazed us with their creativity and skills by designing unique, positive text-based skateboards. They used advanced tools in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create visually stunning designs, complete with professional mockups. Congratulations on all your hard work!
Drama and Dance
Act Up! Festival
On Friday 31 May, our Drama and Dance students performed as part of The Canberra Theatre Centre’s annual student performing arts festival, Act Up! Presenting original works between 5-10 minutes in length, our students demonstrated great creative and critical thinking in their interpretations of the year’s theme: Culture and Identity.
Our Drama students presented two original plays. The Haunted Forest explored the different ways in which people respond to grief and loss, as a group of young people search for their missing friend after a practical joke goes awry. Stranded told the story of nine children shipwrecked on a desert island, asking audiences to think about how our identities are shaped by the people around us and the experiences we go through.
Our dancers created an exquisite piece entitled The Red String, about how relationships are made, broken, and healed. They blended Contemporary, Ballet and Hip-Hop styles to craft a visually stunning piece, which was widely regarded as a highlight of the performance evening.
QL2 Dance Perfomance
Four of our dance students have been regular members of QL2 for a number of years, and were excited to take part in Subject to Change, the retirement season of Quantum Leap founder Ruth Osborne.
Our dance class (accompanied by teacher Dana Packham) was thrilled to be able to go along to the Canberra Theatre to support their peers, in what was a riveting and excellently produced show. Our four QL2 students – Jemma Farrall, Maya Wille-Bellchambers, Akira Byrne, and Arshiya Abhishree – demonstrated technical and expressive excellence on the Playhouse stage, doing the College proud.
College Musical – Kiss Me, Kate!
Preparation for this year’s college musical is in full swing! The cast have been working hard learning songs, blocking scenes, and mastering choreography for this hilarious, irreverent and ridiculous musical theatre classic!
Kiss Me, Kate is a story about ex-lovers, new lovers, Shakespeare lovers, and a couple of gangsters holding the show at ransom. With iconic numbers like 'Too Darn Hot', 'So In Love', and 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare', Kiss Me, Kate is a high-energy, high-comedy celebration of theatre, love, and surprisingly frequent dirty jokes.
Kiss Me, Kate will run from the 15 to the 17 August, here in the UC SSC Lake Ginninderra theatre. Ticket information will be available closer to the season.
ACT HUB A Streetcar Named Desire
We're thrilled to announce that our very own teacher, Lachlan Ruffy, delivered a compelling performance as Mitch in ACT Hub's rendition of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tenesee Williams. His excellence on stage was truly remarkable. We congratulate Lachlan on this outstanding achievement and feel incredibly fortunate to have such a talented individual working in our faculty. His dedication and skill are invaluable assets to our school community.
Media
Student Films
The Media students have had a very busy term completing their first major media production for the year. The submissions were excellent; ranging in genre from micro-documentaries about the negative impacts of vaping and social media, to narratives about littering, procrastination and living with ADHD, as well as a reality-tv style film about surviving in the bush. Students enjoyed a private screening with popcorn and apples in the lecture theatre to celebrate their achievements.
ABC Workshop
At the beginning of the term ABC News sent journalist, Troy, and cameraman, Michael, as well as thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment, to hold a two hour workshop for media students. Students learnt a great deal about what it takes to be a cameraman and a journalist, as well how drastically the news landscape in Australia has changed over the past 40 years, particularly with the development of technology. Michael also demonstrated how to use a dolly and create professional lighting for filming an interview. We look forward to another workshop later in the year.
Step into the Limelight
Several of our students will be participating in Step into the Limelight (SITL) the annual arts showcase event for public schools, held in Term 3. This showcase holds two events, an Art Exhibition held in July/August and a Gala Showcase in September. Both events will feature various artistic disciplines including dance, drama, media, music, photography, ceramics and visual art.
The College has submitted student work in photography, media, ceramics and visual art for the Art Exhibition held at M16 Artspace in Griffith. This exhibition will run from Wednesday 24 – Sunday 4 August.
Artwork 1: Ehlana Kent Stepping into the Future Watercolour
Artwork 2: Harry Singh Finish Line Digital Photograph
Artwork 3: Rylee Holmes Eyes Acrylic Paint
Artwork 4: Shelby Akesson Through the Looking Glass Digital Photograph
Later in Term 3, several students will be performing dance and music performances in the Gala Showcase at Llewellyn Hall, as well as students assisting in the backstage technical crew. More information about the Gala Showcase is to come. From left to right, Phuong Ahn Nguyen, Kendra Robertson, Selima Macadam. Jasper Granger, Arden Pekkarinen pose as they rehearse their dance number for the Gala showcase!
Congratulations in advance to students and staff on their commitment to excellence in the Arts!
In Fashion and Textiles, the students have just completed the Design for Futures unit. Their brief was to consider designing for the future and sustainability, using recycled, eco-materials (pre-loved, recycled denim clothing) with an anti-fast fashion attitude. As young contemporary designers, they have been encouraged to look at ways to move beyond fashion that is "better for the environment" to create a design revolution guided by intention, purpose and longevity.
Below is a selection of the wide range of prototypes created by the students, featuring designs from (models left to right) Shelby Akesson, Georgie Bianchini and May Howard, Zoe Kirpson-Colley, Sarah Efford and Hannah Boulton, Issy Jones and Mars Sheppard. We love seeing this fabulous student work!
Hospitality
Year 12 Hospitality students spent a few weeks preparing for the annual Cancer Council fundraiser – Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. This is the 8th year that the Hospitality classes have participated in this event, each year with more input and enthusiasm. With both hot and cold food and drinks on offer the donations came flooding in. In just one 40-minute lunchbreak they managed to raise a total of $551.00! Congratulations to all those involved and a huge thankyou to everyone who generously donated to this important cause.
Information Night!
Another term full of sporting opportunities has come to an end. It’s been extremely busy, full of laugher and memories made by all involved. If you missed out in Semester 1, be proactive in Semester 2 to ensure you get the chance to partake in the wide world of sports on offer. Express your interest via this Google Form. Thank you to the 158 students who have already done so to allow the HOPE faculty to begin planning! In Semester 1 we had 223 students represent the College in one or more sporting events.
Intercollege Sport
Intercollege Futsal Boys and Girls
The girls were undefeated throughout the term becoming champions against Erindale College in the grand finale.
Both Lake G Blue and Green won their respective pool games and faced off in a very competitive semi-final which resulted in Green taking the win.
The boys were up next, played against Erindale, they were runners-up after a very competitive match.
Although there was a small turnout from ACT colleges for ultimate frisbee this year, the grand final resulted in a Lake G black vs Lake G white this was a very competitive match resulting in Lake G black taking the win.
One Day Carnivals
Alan Tongue Cup 9's
Thanks to NRL Canberra for hosting the Alan Tongue Cup again this year, with a competitive group of men, we set our sights on getting as many wins as possible. Playing off against Erindale for 3rd and 4th, we walked away with the win resulting in a 3rd place finish overall.
We have now qualified to compete in the NRL Country Cup as part of the regional finals in Cootamundra, which will be on Thursday 1 August. Further information will be sent out via email.
ACT 13Y&0 Golf
Congratulations to Sports Development students Nathan White and Christian Leggett who competed at the 13&0 SSACT Golf Day. Nathan shot an even par round which resulted in a second place finish for the open boys. Nathan was then selected as part of the SSACT team to play at the National School Championships in August – congratulations and good luck to Nathan.
FNSW - South Coast Region
With an early start, leaving Canberra at 5:00am, 3 boys teams and 1 girls team travelled to Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre to compete in the Futsal Schools Championships South Coast Region event.
ACT Swimming
Congratulations to our 6 wonderful swimmers at the 13&0 ACT Swimming Championships in June. Special mention to Rachel Allen who was named 17 years girls age champion.
Please see all results below.
| Isabelle Gaul (16 girls) | Angus Whitby (16 boys) | Satya Yogeswaran (16boys) |
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| 7th - 50M freestyle | 5th - 50m freestyle | 15th - 50m freestyle |
| 5th - 100m freestyle | 3rd - 50m breaststroke | 10th - 100m freestyle |
| 10th - 200m freestyle | ||
| 8th - 50m butterfly | ||
| 6th - 50m backstroke | ||
| Dakota Thorne (17 girls) | Rachell Allen (17 girls) | Thomas Menzies-Stegbauer (18 boys) |
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4th - 50m freestyle
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6th - 50m freestyle | 6th - 100m freestyle |
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5th - 100m freestyle
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8th - 100m freestyle | 4th - 200m |
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4th - 50m breastsroke
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1st - 50m breaststroke | |
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9th - 50m backstroke
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1st - 100m breaststroke | |
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4th - 100m breaststroke
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9th - 50m backstroke | |
| 6th - 100m backstroke | ||
| 3rd - 50m butterfly | ||
| 3rd - 100m butterfly | ||
| 2nd - 200IM |
Netball Mixed
The annual Mixed Netball Gala Day is always a popular one. With some very competitive trials, 4 teams were created. Lake G Blue finished runners up against Erindale Red in the grand final. Huge shout out to Claire F (year 11) and Caitlin W (2023 alumni) who volunteered their time to umpire for the day.
Basketball ACT College 3v3
Students very confidently registered their interests and created their teams for the 3v3 Basketball again this year. Congratulations to the Boys Lake G White who finished runners up against Erindale in the grand final.
Brumbies HS & Colleges 7s Boys
The boys competed 1:1 in the pool stage of the competition showing impressive skills and teamwork, unfortunately they were eliminated in the semi-final against Radford.
Katrina Fanning Cup 9's (Girls)
What a wonderful opportunity this was to see girls having their very first experience playing a contact sport. With many buying a mouthguard for the first time and learning the rules from the more experienced players throughout the day it was an impressive performance from all.
The girls finished runners up to Gungahlin College in the end, well done to all who participated, we hope to see some in the NRL soon.
Girls Football
What an impressive day these girls had. With such a range of abilities within the team, they all supported one another and worked cohesively and taking the win against MacKillop in the grand final! Congratulations girls, a very impressive result.
Mixed Hockey - Combined HS & College
After a few years of low numbers, this year the mixed hockey day is back. So wonderful to see our more experienced players taking leadership opportunities - Sophie taking on the role of coach and Peter as captain to lead some fresh faces onto the field. A very successful day finishing Runners-Up against Gungahlin College in the end. Thank you to Sophie and Peter for sharing your expertise.
ACT Cross Country
On a very cold winter day, some brave runners headed out to Stromlo Park to compete in the SSACT 13&0 Cross Country Carnival.
| 16BOYS | Satya Yogeswaran 2nd |
| 18BOYS | Thomas Menzies-Stegbauer 2nd |
| 17GIRLS | Ella Hogg – 11th |
| Xanthe Pick – 4th | |
| Dakota Thorne – 13th | |
| 18GIRLS | Hannah Leitch – 11th |
SSACT Representative from Semester 1
The following students have been named in School Sport SACT teams during Semester 1 and we wish to either congratulate them on their selection or performance at their respective National Championships:
| Alisha Kumar | 2024 18&U Tennis |
| Jake Slater | 2024 18&U Softball Boys |
| Erin Boardman | 2024 18&U Softball Girls |
| Ben Godwin | 2024 16&U Basketball Boys |
| Alina Roberts | 2024 18&U Football Girls (Soccer) |
| Reilly Yuen | 2024 18&U Football Girls (Soccer) |
| Olivia Brankovic | 2024 16&U Basketball Girls |
| Jaya Bowman | 2024 18&U Football Girls (Soccer) |
| Nathan White | 2024 18&U Golf Girls & Boys |
| Ryan W Gooch | 2024 16&U Basketball Boys |
| Tia Burridge | 2024 18&U Football Girls (Soccer) |
| Angus Whitby | 2024 19&U Swimming |
| Dakota Thorne | 2024 19&U Swimming |
| Zachary Colson | 2024 16&U Boys Football (Soccer) |
| Sivamsh Deevi | 2024 16&U Boys Football (Soccer) |
| Charlie Rae | 2024 16&U Boys Football (Soccer) |
| Thomas Menzies-Stegbauer | 2024 19&U Cross Country |
| Satyendra Kam Yogeswaran | 2024 19&U Cross Country |
Individual Student Success
Dakota Thorne – Powerlifting
Dakota is a competitive swimmer who has added power lifting to her sporting repertoire! Dakota has qualified for nationals at her first ever competition. In the Teen 2 Sub-junior class U75kg division she completed a 90kg squat, 55kg bench press, and a 130kg deadlift to qualify. Dakota's bench press has now been formally identified as an Australian record, this is a huge achievement. Congratulations to Dakota and all the best for nationals.
Paige Galbraith – Gymnastics
Paige represented the ACT at the 2024 Australian Gymnastics Championships in May on the Gold Coast. As a level 8 gymnast, Paige has competed in the All-Around competition with her best performance on the floor and vault. With over 60 competitors this was a wonderful experience for her to build her confidence and grow as an elite athlete.
Mayah Amosa, Imojean Vea and Sienna Johnston – Rugby Union
These three students represented the ACT in the U18 Girls Brumbies at the NSW Championships in June. Going up against some tough competition in Sydney they finished 5th overall. Huge congratulations to all!
Imojean Vea has also been named in the ACT School Girls Rugby League team heading to Coffs Harbour during the July school holidays to compete the int ASSRL Championships. We wish Imojean all the best.
Ella van den Heuvel – Rugby League
Ella has been selected in the Canberra Raiders Under 17's Female Pathway Squad an opportunity to further develop her knowledge and skills in Rugby League as a star to watch in the future for the NRLW! In addition to this, she has also been selected in the ACT Cougars 17 girls State of Origin team! We can't wait to see what the future holds for Ella.
Jamie Austin and Aaron Kent - Rocky Trails Academy Canberra Schools Mountain Bike Competition
Year 11 student Jamie Austin and year 12 student Aaron Kent competed in the Rocky Trails Academy Canberra Schools mountain bike competition. Jamie and Aaron finished 4th and 5th respectively in a small but highly skilled and competitive field. Congratulations to these students on this excellent achievement!
Alumni Success
Tandia Briggs (2023) and Ella Schabort (2022) are off to the U20’s Asian Championship to represent Australia in Volleyball beginning in July. It’s wonderful to see both girls continuing to pursue their careers as volleyballers post-school, all the best for this international tournament. Keep an eye on the Ausvolley YouTube channel to livestream their games.
Ella also recently represented Australia in the senior Women’s Volleyroos team at the Asian Cup in May, resulting in a 4th place finish. This has been one of the best results in any Asian tournament in 40 years. Congratulations to Ella and the girls on their AVC Challenge Cup result.
Mitch Croft (2023) was a part of the Australian U20 Australian team who took on New Zealand in a three-match series in June. Coached by current HOPE staff member Andre Borgeaud and alumni Josh Connell (2012) they won and qualified for the Asian Championships in Indonesia later this year. Congratulations and good luck!
The Men’s Volleyroos also consists of a few familiar faces, they recently played in the AVC Challenge Cup in Bahrain. It’s wonderful to see these alumni athletes following their passion.
| 2 | Arash Dosanjh | Class of 2013 |
| 9 | Matthew Aubrey | Class of 2014 |
| 10 | Sam Flowerday | Class of 2019 |
| 13 | Thomas Heptinstall | Class of 2016 |
| 21 | Nick Butler | Class of 2014 |
| 27 | Max Senica | Class of 2016 |
| 29 | Ethan Garrett | Class of 2018 |
Emily van Egmond (2010) has been named as part of the Matilda’s squad heading to Paris for the Olympics starting on July 26th. Be sure to support all the Australians competing in the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Hopefully more alumni’s will be named in the coming weeks.
Sydney Olympic Sports Development Excursion
Each year, the Sports Development course travels interstate to tour various professional facilities and elite sport schools to provide unique sporting experiences and an insight into what it takes to be an elite athlete. Last year, we toured Melbourne clubs and schools and attended major sporting events.
Here are a selection of pictures from last years excursion!
In week 3, Term 3 (while the Paris Olympics is running) we are travelling to Sydney Olympic Park with 76 students. On Thursday August 8, we head to the Sydney Swans head quarters for a tour and training session, assisted by Lake Ginninderra graduate and AFLW Swans star Cynthia Hamilton. We return to Sydney Olympic Park for dinner, then attend the Rabbitohs v Storm NRL match in the same stadium Cathy Freeman won Olympic Gold in 2000.
The next day we visit an Olympic pathway school, Westfields Sports High to tour their facilities and also play them in friendly Basketball, Oz Tag, Soccer and Netball matches. We will return to Olympic Park touring the Greater Western Sydeny (GWS) stadium meeting with another Lake Ginninderra graduate in the squad. Finally, we head to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to attend the blockbuster Swans v Collingwood AFL match.
Our College is proud to have been a part of the education of many Olympic athletes, more than other schools in the country. This is particularly exciting as we approach the Olympic Games for 2024. We have numerous graduates participating at the Paris Olympics. The majority of the Boomers and Opals basketball squads are graduates, as is Matilda's athlete, Emily Van Egmond, world Javelin Champion, Kelsey-Lee Barbour and many more, who are still gaining qualification.
Outdoor Recreation
Term two was filled with exploration. Year 12 students crawled, slid, and scrambled their way through the wild cave systems in Bungonia National Park learning caving techniques and how to navigate caves. Bungonia boasts its variety of activities with the students also able to spend time abseiling and rock climbing.
Year 11’s spent time abseiling at Wee Jasper and had the opportunity to explore some of the nearby caves. Students developed their roping skills and learnt about how caves form and the formations and decorations on display and challenged themselves with extra optional squeezes and games of hide and seek.
Outdoor and Environmental Education
Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Education students have spent the term deepening their knowledge and connection with nature. Learning about topics such as fire effects on the Australians Alps, geology, alpine animals, Indigenous connection with place and solitude. These students will make their way back to the Australian Alps next semester to continue to strengthen their connection with the area and see firsthand what they have been learning about.
Year 11’s had the opportunity to be more creative with one of their assignments being to write a nature diary with entries on landscapes, flora, fauna, and clouds. Their initial entry was followed up with deeper research to cement their knowledge. Students are now learning about risk management in outdoor activities and environments.
Coming Up!
Outdoor Recreation students are getting geared up for the snow trips next term with boots and ski fittings underway.
Offline trips are full steam ahead with Reef Trip preparations underway, and Backcountry Snow Camping and the Downhill Ski Trip within sight.
The Student Services team extends congratulations to our students for a fantastic semester! Your dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm have truly shone through in your achievements. We look forward to continuing to assist you in your academic and personal growth. Here's to even greater successes in the coming terms!
Semester 1 Reports
Congratulations to our students for a wonderful Semester! The reports will be emailed to parents/carers during the second week of the school holidays. Please share and discuss your young person’s progress with them upon receiving the reports.
Timetables
All students will be emailed their Semester 2 timetable in the second week of the school holidays. Please ensure that you check for room/line changes, prior to first day back.
School Psychologist
We warmly welcome Kim Squires in Semester 2 as our new School Psychologist at the College. She will be on site Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and will be taking referrals from our Year Coordinators. If you wish to get a referral, please book an appointment with your Year Coordinator via the http://bit.ly/studentservicesbooking website.
UC Connect
We have had a lot of interest in UC Connect this semester and we look forward to seeing our successful applicants thrive in the program next semester. If you are studying an accredited package and wish to learn more about UC Connect, please see our friendly Career Advisors for more information.
Self-Care
We wish all students and their families a wonderful holiday period to feel refreshed for Semester 2. If any students require support during this period, please consider contacting the appropriate service/s below:
| Service | Contact Details |
| The Junction Youth Health Service (Medical and Counselling/ Youth Work Services) | (02) 6232 2323 |
| Mind Map - ACT Youth Portal is a dedicated portal for children and young people (up to 25 years of age) to help navigate Canberra's mental health system and to find the right service and support. |
https://www.mindmap.act.gov.au |
|
Menslink mentoring and counselling (males 10‐25yo) |
6287 2226 Teachers/parents can refer students directly via online form. |
|
Meridian – Provides health/mental health/social support to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) communities. |
6257 0372 or via email at wellbeingservices@meridianact.org.au |
|
Headspace ACT eHeadspace |
(02) 6113 5700 |
|
Life Line |
13 11 14 |
Student Voice Forum
On Wednesday 3 July, three students attended the Student Voice Forum facilitated by the Inclusive Education team at Shirley Smith High School. Students from twelve schools across the ACT came together to share their experience, insight and hopes for the future of inclusion in our school settings.
Price Magero, Oliver Cameron and Kassi Thomos contributed to the three sessions across the day through discussion with peers, completion of topic questions and participating in interviews and filming of their ideas and opinions. These students showed strong leadership across the day, taking the initiate to interact and support younger students and lead discussion groups with students and staff.
We look forward to their positive contributions at the next two Student Voice forums later in the year.
ACT Scaling Test (AST)
We have been busy with the AST Preparation and Training Program for our Year 12 Tertiary students. This term, Year 12 T students:
- Attended two intensive training sessions, one on decoding AST questions and another on crafting good answers. We had over 120 students attend at least one session this term, with many attending both!
- Participated in AST Week in Week 5 in their classes with classroom teachers
A general reminder: Please do not organise family holidays and other avoidable travel during the AST dates. The 2024 AST will be held on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4September (Week 7, Term 3). Scheduled trips that are avoidable (i.e. they could be arranged for any other time) are not eligible reasons for AST Special Provisions or second sitting applications.
Upcoming dates:
- Term 3 AST Preparation and Training commences on Wednesday H Line from Week 1, Term 3
Careers Information
University of Canberra - Explore Day
Explore UC" welcomed 20 Year 11, and 12 students from the College to experience a day on campus. Each student participated in four workshops of their choice, exploring diverse fields aligned with their interests and aspirations. The interactive sessions, campus tours, and engagement with faculty and current students left a lasting impression. Students loved the opportunity to delve into university life and gain insights into future academic and career possibilities.
Work Experience
During Semester 1, the Work Experience program proved to be an immensely valuable for our students. This program saw a significant number of participants eagerly exploring various career pathways through placements at institutions such as Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Australians Signals Directorate, Yowani Golf Club, Toyota Canberra, as well as several childcares and schools. The diversity of placements offered, enriched the educational experience by providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. The Work Experience program exemplifies our commitment to preparing students for their future by offering meaningful experiences that contribute to their personal and professional growth.
Any students interested in organising a placement for Semester 2, please see Ryan in Careers.
The Canberra CareersXpo - whole school excursion
The Canberra CareersXpo is an annual event held in August each year. The event is open to secondary students throughout the ACT and surrounding NSW schools network seeking information on career and study pathways. There will be over 150 local and national exhibitors, including universities, colleges, VET and career placement organisations, providing a wide range of information sources.
When: Wednesday 7 August 11am – 1.15pm
Permission notes: available at the Front Office and outside Careers office (E103)
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Cnr Flemington Rd & Northbourne Ave/Federal Hwy Mitchell
Transport: ACTION buses have been chartered and will depart from the front of the College
Excursion permission forms: Due at the Front Office by Wednesday 31 July 2023
Cost: No cost to students
General Information: Students and staff attend this annual event, together.
All students will attend their timetabled classes on F Line from 8.40 - 10.40am and upon their return to school, their D Line class from 1.40-2.40pm. Students will return to the college by 1.15pm.
This is a normal school day, and all students should attend as usual – any absences must be explained.
Vocational Education and Training courses (VET)
Advice for students undertaking Vocational Education and Training courses
Students currently enrolled in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course may be invited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority to provide feedback over the coming weeks on their experiences with the program. This is part of our re-registration process as a Registered Training Organisation.
Registration is essential and ensures we continue to deliver and assess nationally recognised and accredited VET training and qualifications.
Participation in any survey or feedback process is completely voluntary. Students are encouraged to provide open, honest, and constructive feedback to help ensure we continue to provide you with the best training experience possible.
For more information you can contact: Natasha.Leonard@ed.act.edu.au
Sexual Health, Lifestyle and Relationships Program (SHLiRP)The Sexual Health, Lifestyle, and Relationships Program (SHLiRP) visited the college earlier in Term 2. This important initiative provides valuable information, education and testing for STIs and blood-borne viruses to our Year 11 and 12 students.
The program included information sessions held during school assembleis. These were presented by qualified nurses and experts from the Canberra Sexual Health Centre and Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT.
Participation in SHLiRP ensures students receive reliable and professional information and care.
Parent/Carer reminder – Protecting ourselves from illness over winter
The cooler weather is well and truly here. We have already seen an increase in COVID-19 and other seasonal illness at school, and across the community. It is important we keep everyone healthy by making sure we take simple steps to protect one another.
As parents and carers, one of the simplest ways to do this is to keep your child at home when they are unwell.
If your child has COVID-19 you must let us know by contacting the Front Office.
Your child should only return to school once they are well, and their symptoms have cleared.
Get Vaccinated
You are reminded that vaccination is one of the best ways to keep everyone safe. I encourage everyone who can, to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. To find out more visit the ACT Health website.
COVID Smart ACT Public Schools
ACT public schools have a range of strategies in place to keep everyone safe over winter. This includes cleaning of high touch points in schools, as well as strategies to ensure we balance ventilation and thermal comfort in classrooms to help prevent the spread of illness.
You can read more on the ACT Education Directorate website.
Knowing your emojis to keep kids safe
Do you know that a chilli emoji ? can have multiple meanings? Or what the acronym PIR or the number 9 stands for?
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is urging the community to understand the double meaning of emojis and acronyms, to keep kids safe. They offer some top tips for parents, and recent examples of emoji use and acronyms popping up with youth online. For more information, read the online article Knowing your emojis to keep your kids safe or visit www.afp.gov.au and search ‘emojis’.
Parent Portal
Remember the Parent Portal is now live, which is a secure online platform used to share student information between you and your child’s teachers.
Using the Parent Portal on your mobile phone, tablet or computer, you will be able to:
- notify us if your child is sick or explain an absence
- receive academic reports
- receive our school newsletter
- receive messages from your child’s teachers
- make payments
- access the school calendar and your child’s student timetable.
You can start the sign up and identity verification process now so you’re ready to go. Head to the Education Directorate website Parent Portal page for all the details.
NAIDOC Week
This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.’ The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At the College, reconciliation involves striving to understand, respect, and learn about Australia's First Peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We will celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) during our Support Group class in Week 2, Term 3.
Pupil Free Day Reminder
Reminder – Monday 22 July 2024 is a Pupil Free Day
A friendly reminder to all parents and carers that there are 2 remaining student-free days for ACT public schools in 2024. These are the first day of each school term:
Term 3 – Monday 22 July 2024
Term 4 – Monday 14 October 2024
Student-free days are for staff development, enabling teachers and schools to plan in a student-free environment. The increase in student-free planning days from 2024 is part of our Teaching Staff Enterprise Agreement, which prioritises better teacher workloads for educational leadership, teaching and learning.
Emergency Management Practice
Learning about how to manage in an emergency has its place in the College's student program. Towards the middle of term there will be a routine evacuation/lockdown practice for staff and students. If there is something additional to information already shared with us that we should know about how your child reacts to evacuation/lockdown routines please contact LGNC.studentservices@ed.act.edu.au to let us know.