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Mooroolbark College Newsletter – August 2020

31st August 2020

Our latest Mooroolbark College Newsletter is here!
The Mooroolbark College newsletters are an important form of communication for our school community.
Each newsletter contains a great deal of information about what is happening in the College including upcoming events and celebration of student success.
There will be no September issue with the next newsletter publication the October issue. 
Enjoy the read.

In this Issue:

Upcoming Events

Next Principal’s Report

Principal’s Report

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2020 is a year like no other. The challenges of COVID-19 continue but I am confident that we have the experience, support, skills, optimism and team work to help each other get through these difficult times.  We continue to see excellence in all aspects of our College community and that is why we have dedicated this newsletter to ‘Excellence in Remote and Flexible Learning’.

Despite the build continuing, the school grounds are very quiet without the presence of students and staff during the week and I look forward to hearing the excited voices of students and teachers teaching in their classes.  I remain inspired by the degree of team spirit throughout our College Community with both students and staff working together to ensure ongoing teaching and learning, and in turn, I have been impressed by our students rising to the challenge of remote learning. 

There has clearly been public debate regarding the current situation and a fair degree of discussion of the impact on student education in 2020. Whilst agreeing that this current scenario is not one that we would readily choose or not without negative elements, I would question the notion I’ve seen in the media about this being a lost year of learning for our students.

Whilst clearly not our preferred option, we are able to continue to teach content, concepts and skills to our students. Again, the pace of this learning may definitely be just a little slower and the modes of learning not always suitable for all, but our young people are still learning and still capable of learning and we feel we are as well placed as we can be to meet the needs of our staff and our students.

2020 has provided the opportunity for students to develop the skills of self-discipline, self-regulation and resilience factors that will leave our students with a broader skill-set than at the start of the year.

We are also focussing very heavily on how we keep working with all of our students, and in particular our VCE students, to make the year the best it can be.  Students are being briefed with the most up-to-date information through level assemblies and extensive pathway advice and counselling is well underway.

While our physical presence onsite has been restricted, our endeavour remains strong and our number one priority remains the wellbeing of students, families, staff and the broader community.  Our wellbeing team has worked diligently to provide information about mental health, and wellbeing support has been provided through Compass and weekly newsletters. We have also used our social medium platforms to promote events to support families.

I encourage all students to increase and/or maintain their connections with their teachers through the online TEAMs environment and are heartened by the solid connections students have with their teachers, particularly in VCE, and the purposeful interactions they are making with the content and each other in the remote and flexible environment.

Each week students complete a survey that provides confidential feedback to our coordination team.  The surveys provide students the opportunity to express their voice about their needs and has given us the opportunity to review and refine our student support. We also encourage parents to contact their House Leader/Cluster Coordinator if they have concerns regarding the welfare or the engagement levels of their son or daughter.

Home group continues to be the cornerstone of our student connectedness with morning meetings not only being a consistent part of everyone’s daily routine, but also serving to engage students, and ensure they have meaningful connections with teachers and other students.  Regular House Assemblies continue to celebrate student success and the commitment to the college values.  I would like to congratulate all students who received awards in House Assemblies last week.  Physical copies of academic awards will be mail home this week. 

Thank-you very much for the levels of support we have received thus far – it is much appreciated.  Particular thanks goes to the Mooroolbark College Parents Association who funded a canteen voucher for our Year 7 students on their return and to our College Captains, Shae Libbis and Matthew Bethell for the letter of engagement they sent to the Year 7s last week..

Please keep safe over the coming weeks.

Ann Stratford
PRINCIPAL

PreviousCover PageNext Senior School

Senior School

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VCAL 

Completing your senior years of high schooling can be challenging at the best of times. As we all know the class of 2020 has had to adapt in ways that we never even really considered possible. The VCAL students have been valiantly demonstrating the College values throughout their Remote Learning journey and taking everything in their stride.  

One of their most recent projects has included creating WorkSafe advertisements to help promote safety in the workplace. Students have had to get creative during Remote Learning with their editing skills to create one cohesive advertisement as a group. Make sure to keep an eye out for them on the College’s social media pages. They are a great representation of just how resourceful and resilient our students are.  

VCE

We have now reached the middle of Term 3 in a year like no other. 

With the introduction of new restriction to face the pandemic, the VCE students have now returned to Remote Learning. Again, Mooroolbark College has adapted its processes to ensure all students continue to receive the best learning opportunities. Students are able to access lesson plans and resources online through Compass and classes are run online through individual class TEAMs. Online assessments have become established and staff have undertaken extensive authentication training. 

At this stage the GAT and end of year exams will be run onsite and students will be notified of the Health and Safety practices that will be put in place through Year 12 Assemblies. 

In a year which has already seen many changes, the students have faced unpredictability with resourcefulness, resilience and, more than ever, they have remained supportive of each other.  We have been very impressed with their responsiveness to change, and how they have learnt to adapt to this new situation and we are confident that they are well equipped and organised to continue their learning. 

2021 Subject Selection 

Our Senor School cohort has participated in the annual pathways program which was adapted this year via virtual platforms. It gave students the opportunity to explore career options and aspirations for the future.  The pathways team have run counselling sessions in individual TEAM meetings. Staff and students are conducting research related to tertiary pathways and institutions and confirming course requirements and pre-requisites. Students were also able to source information on specific careers as well as employability skills, interviews and resume writing.  

VTAC Applications 

The VTAC applications are now open and all Year 12 students should complete these before 30 September. Students have had access to 4 information sessions that were held during the common private study periods on Wednesday and Friday over the past two weeks.The process includes the creation of a VTAC account and applications for tertiary courses, SEAS and scholarships. In completing their application, students may enter up to eight tertiary courses in order of preference and remain able to change their preference order after the application has been submitted. Once VCE results and ATARs are released on 30 December, students will still be able to change their preferences before tertiary course offers are communicated to them via their VTAC account and emails. All required information on this process can be found on the VTAC website. 

Jenny Roach
VCE Leader

PreviousPrincipal’s ReportNext Student Leadership

Student Leadership

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SRC
This month the SRC had a red-hot-go at meetings during isolation. Planning and coming up with wild and wide-eyed plans for ways to connect the caring community of Mooroolbark College in this raised eyebrow experience, we call Remote Learning. Word on the street is that very soon, there will be an International food celebration shared on all the socials and Pet photo Comp that could send participating students straight to stardom. For all of the other plans, you will have to stay tuned, as we like surprises.  

Student Voice 
The student leadership group met via Teams to discuss how students are handling remote learning for a second time. The leaders shared great insight into the mindset of their peers, and discussed strategies moving forward to assist in motivation and engagement, especially for our senior students. The students gave high praise for our wonderful staff for all the efforts they are putting in. There has been a greater focus on delivering more hands on live lessons this term and the students are finding that this is assisting in improving their learning and becoming more engaged in live lessons.  

Mia Sund
Aaron Halstead
Student Engagement Leaders

 

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Junior School

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Year 6 to 7 Transition

While Year 6 students have been undertaking Remote Learning with their Primary School, here at Mooroolbark College we have been finalising our intake for Year 7, 2021. In accordance with the latest DET transition guidelines, placement offers have been forwarded to Primary Schools to advise current Year 6 students.  An information pack from Mooroolbark College will be mailed directly to all accepted students at the end of August. Make sure to keep an eye out for the post at this time.  For many parents and carers, the transition of their child from Year 6 to Year 7 can be overwhelming. We ask that you carefully read the information pack, ensuring to complete and return all required permissions and paperwork by the due date. We will assist you by providing a stamped, school addressed, envelope. 

Should you have any questions about this process, do not hesitate to email transition@mooroolbarkcollege.vic.edu.au. 
Further information and guidance to support parents/carers can be found on the Department of Education and Training website: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/going-to-school/Pages/tips-starting-school.aspx 

UPCOMING 6-7 TRANSITION DATES 

Confirmation of student placement at Mooroolbark College – posted to incoming students at the end of August 

Virtual Parent Information session – Monday 5th October 

Alterations to enrolment form and signed permission slips due – Monday 12th October 

State wide Year 7 2021 Orientation Day – Tuesday 8th December 

Mrs Trisha Silver 
6-7 Transition Coordinator 

PreviousStudent LeadershipNext Student Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing

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We know that mental health of adolescents is particularly vulnerable during these uncertain Covid 19 times and with recent cases of Covid19 in our own neighborhood, some of our young people may be feeling an even greater sense of uncertainly and anxiety. What was ‘way over there” now feels ‘much closer to home’. 

Dr Michael Carr Greg, one of Australia’s best known adolescent psychologists, says that young people need certainty and need the adults around them to help them feel that life is safe and predictable.  

Some of the key suggestions from adolescent psychologists are: 

  • Young people crave routine and structure.  
    It gives them a sense of things being normal. 
    This can mean getting up for school each morning at the same time, having a good place to study and attend online classes, taking recess and lunch breaks at the same time each day.   
    Keep other things at home as normal as possible like having meals together, celebrating birthdays, doing things together in the evenings and on weekends.   
  • Digital quarantine.  
    Make sure students remove their phones while they study and never let young people keep their phones by their bed at night. Many young people are addicted to their phones and good sleep is one of the most important factors for good mental health and reduced anxiety.  
  • Regular exercise. 
    Exercise is also considered a key ingredient for good mental health. Especially during periods of isolation, young people should spend some time each day outside of the house and getting some physical activity.  Oxygenation of  the brain is really important for mental health and for improved concentration and clear thinking.  
  • Practice gratitude and kindness. 
    Remind our families of the things we should be grateful for and also encourage them to reach out to others with a sense of kindness to check how others are going. Encourage a good deed each day.  
  • Be organised. 
    Being organised gives the brain a sense of being in control. Encourage your child to plan what they want to achieve each school day, to use their planner, regularly check Compass but then make lists and tick items off. There is great power in ticking items off a list.   
  • Encourage them to focus on what they can control.  
    Focus on the things they can control and remind them that mental energy worrying about things they have no control over only serves to create more anxiety and has zero impact upon that thing.   
    Focus energy on what they can control. 


If you are worried about your child, if they are struggling with the school work or you are concerned about their mental health, then please contact your child’s coordinator or myself and chaplain Gill Van Der Ende, so we can support both you and them. We are  available to chat with students via phone or text.    

Please look after yourselves, social distance, wash your hands, wear your mask and don’t go out or to work if you have any signs of illness. Take care. 

 

 

 

 

MINDFULNESS MATTERS

How often do you take time out to focus on you and your well-being?

Join us for a relaxed mindfulness session, every Friday, in the comfort of your own home!
Email us to join!

mindfulness@mooroolbarkcollege.vic.edu.au

Jamila Lopez
QuickSmart Literacy Instructor

Jana Lant
QuickSmart Literacy Coordinator

 

 

WELLBEING AND WELFARE SUPPORT SERVICES

The Mooroolbark College  Wellbeing Team is happy to discuss with you the best service for your need or you can contact directly   

24 Hour Emergency 
Kids Helpline Counselling service for people aged between 5 and 25 24 hours/7 days 1800 551 800 

www.kidshelp.com.au 

www.kidshelpline.com.au/young-adults 

(email, web chat) 

Lifeline Crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services 24 hours/7 days 13 11 14 
Beyond Blue Information and support for all ages to promote optimal mental health. 24 hours/7 days 1300 224 636 

www.beyondblue.org.au 

(Chat online or email) 

E headspace Provide mental health support for young people aged 12–25 Phone:  

10pm – 1am  

Online counselling: 1pm – 1am 

1800 650 890 

https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/ 

 

 

Yarra Ranges Youth Team Provide support and advice to young people 

 

 9294 6716 or email youth@yarraranges.vic.gov.au 

 

Inspiro Free youth, teen, young adult and family   counselling 9738 8801

or visit https://www.inspiro.org.au/   
for more information 

Parent line Support for Parents and carers with children from birth to 18 years 8am–midnight/7 days 13 22 89 
EDVOS Family violence service in Melbourne’s eastern metropolitan region Mon-Fri 9am-8pm 

Sat 9am-5pm (phone or email) 

03 9259 4200 

edvos@edvos.org.au 

https://www.edvos.org.au/  

No To Violence Supports for men who use family violence Mon – Fri 8am-9pm 

Wkd/PH 10am-3pm 

(Live Chat/Phone) 

1300 766 491 

https://www.ntv.org.au/ 

John Nichol 
Well-Being Leader 
John.Nichol@education.vic.gov.au.      

 

PreviousJunior SchoolNext House Update

House Update

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I am pleased to say we are past the half way point of this term and while Remote Learning has presented some challenges, it has not stopped Mooroolbark College students achieving excellence in a variety of different areas. Over the last few weeks, students have been involved in Remote House Assemblies which have allowed students to acknowledge and celebrate the many ways in which students have shown excellence this year.  

ACADEMIC AWARDS ASSEMBLY 
During this assembly, students who displayed academic excellence during Semester 1 were celebrated in front of their peers. Each student who received an award, had their name read out by their House Leader and their photo shown on a PowerPoint. Certificates will be received once we return to on-site learning. If you missed it, be sure to celebrate in their success by viewing their achievements on the school Facebook page.  

CROSS COUNTRY  
During Term 2, a Cross Country event was held on school grounds to allow students to participate in the event for 2020. Well done to all students who participated in the event and earnt House points for your House. A big congratulations to all students who finished in the top 10 for their age group earning extra House points. These students’ achievements have been celebrated at a House Assembly and also on the school Facebook page.  

A special mention to the two Red House students who came in 1st place for their age groups! 

           

Jonathan Mang Tung Dim            Sean Farrelly 

SCHOOL VALUES AND MERITS 
The number of merits being presented to students during Remote Learning continues to climb. Merits are being presented to students demonstrating excellence in one of our school values. Our school values are as important as ever and students have been participating in a home group activity once a week which focuses on one of the 4 school values and how we can be demonstrating our values while at home. With the increase in merits we have seen a large number of students earn Value Awards. Students who received a Value Award during the last 6 months have been acknowledge during a House Assembly.  

HOME GROUP 
A variety of activities are continuing in home group week to week. One of my favourite activities this term has been really getting to know the students through the ‘Student of the Week’ sessions. These sessions run once a week and see a few nominated students have a few minutes to present a ‘show and tell’ to their home group. I have learnt so many things about the students as they share some of their life with us through pictures or by having their camera turned on. I have seen a number of sports trophies, creative art pieces, pets, PlayStation games, baked treats and family photos.  

Also, our weekly Pulse Survey is continuing to happen once a week in home group to allow students to indicate how they are travelling through Remote Learning to their coordinator.  

MEET OUT SENIOR HOUSE CAPTAINS 

Name: Alex Linnie  

Favourite movie: The Goonies 
Favourite colour: Red (of course)  
What you like to do in your spare time? Reading and practising my netball shots.  
What you want to be remembered for as House Captain?
Someone that others can rely on and trust as well as know that i will be there to help whenever it is needed.   
Biggest challenge you have faced this year as a Captain? 
Come up with ways to keep people motivated and involved in house activities during this difficult situation.     
How are you staying connected to Mooroolbark College while working remotely?
Keeping touch with friends, attending and participating in home group and working with the other student leaders and staff to make our current situation easy and more enjoyable for our school community.   
Message to other students who may be thinking about applying to be a 2021 captain?
Believe in themselves and know that this opportunity is not something you would want to miss, as a captain you are able to work with a range of amazing people both staff and students and are able to learn more about both those around you and yourself. 

Name: Kaeli Farrelly  

Favourite movie: The Lorax 
Favourite colour: Green 
What you like to do in your spare time? Going to the beach and going hiking 
What you want to be remembered for as House Captain? For being outgoing and having a bright personality.  
Biggest challenge you have faced this year as a Captain? Corona virus and staying motivated during the remote learning period.  
How are you staying connected to Mooroolbark College while working remotely? Keeping in touch with friends and participating in home group activities. 
Message to other students who may be thinking about applying to be a 2021 captain? Give it a go! It is an amazing experience and you learn so much and have a huge group of amazing people there to support you. 

Sarah Rosendale  
Red House Leader.  

PreviousStudent WellbeingNext Library

Library

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In moments of challenge, we must learn to adapt. It’s definitely a test for a library during the Remote Learning period, however, we’ve risen to the challenge which we have been presented with and have looked at new and exciting ways to engage with our community while we are mostly online.  

 

We have been working away at our online catalogue – securing new e-books and audiobooks for you to read. There is an awesome new collection of digital books in our wellness collection that include practical guides for wellbeing and mental health, as well as several stories that will inspire you. We particularly recommend the audiobook “Note to self: inspiring words from inspiring people” which is narrated by Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Joe Biden and others, as they give advice to their younger selves! Just remember to click on the star in the Compass menu and follow the links to Wheelers! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Our Virtual Bookclub is up and running again this term. If you’re interested in joining the lively discussions of books we love, then please email the library for an invitation. Everyone is welcome to join us on Fridays at lunchtime and talk about everything books and reading. It’s a fairly general discussion, so you don’t need to have read anything prior to attending, and if you just want to build a book wall and show it off instead, then we’d love to see it!  

August is Family History Month, as well as hosting National Science Week, and we’ve been busy finding a selection of online resources to help support you investigate these things further! There are some excellent websites and online catalogues through Museums and Libraries all over Australia that you can visit without even having to leave the comfort of your own home!  

 

 

 

 

We’ve been pretty busy putting together our new Instagram page as well! We love to show off all the amazing things that you do, so if you follow us @mooroolbarkc_library you’ll see a range of Book Bento boxes that we’ve been busy curating, as well as some pretty incredible pieces of writing – shout out to Amy Pearce, whose poem received an Honourable Mention in the ISV/Arts Learning Festival competition and is now featured on our page! (Head to @mooroolbarkc_library on Instagram to read the rest of Amy’s incredible piece!) Keep an eye out for details about Book Week, with lots of fun activities, coming soon!  

As always, we would love to recommend something to you, so please send us an email if you have any queries! You can contact the library through library.services@mooroolbarkcollege.vic.edu.au 

Prue Bon, Evgenia Giles and Melanie Pauer 
Library staff

PreviousHouse UpdateNext Curriculum

Curriculum

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Excellence in remote learning

Remote learning has been a challenge for everyone, with our school being no exception. However, our teachers are constantly pivoting to try to improve how students learn from home by adjusting their teaching style accordingly.  Sometimes ongoing changes have been frustrating, but I understand the reason for the school leadership’s focus on the continuous improvement of the way it supports it’s students.   

Thanks to Microsoft Teams, leadership meetings have taken place regularly over the past few month where all our school captains and some SRC members are able to share their own personal experience of remote learning and give feedback from other students. The online meetings have really opened up opportunities to discuss the student’s voice, about their education and how they think learning at home could be improved. It also allows captains to have more of a say in how they think the area they overlook can still go on even with restrictions. 

Recently, captains have been allowed to have their own house and specialist meetings to discuss in more detail how the group they lead can be helped. Feedback or advice from students regarding remote learning will be raised in these meetings and discussed and implemented by captains and teachers. 

Amy Oliver 
Middle School Captain

 

PreviousLibraryNext English

English

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Remote learning has been a true challenge to many but nothing the English faculty and students could not handle, nay flourish in! We are amazed by the resilience and efforts students in English have shown and hope that this continues. We hear from some of our finest, as they recount some of the online accomplishments taking place during remote and flexible learning. 

In Year 7 English, we have broken lockdown and gone to Siberia… by reading ‘Snowfire’ by Richard Galbraith. After listening to the dulcet tones of both teachers and classmates, students explored the themes of the novel. We have been utilising discussion groups, where students can collaborate and share ideas with their peers. This has led to richer conversations as a class, such as, ‘is a character ever truly good or evil’ and ‘who would win in a fight, Voldemort or Thanos’. I have been amazed by the life experience that these young minds have shown me. They have tweeted, drawn, written, spoke and generally oozed with curiosity and insight. As they applied the themes of, ‘Snowfire’ to their lives, I understood the exceptional calibre of our students at Mooroolbark College.  

Sarah Coghlan 
7C English

Students in English are putting their adapting skills to the test! Though there might be challenges and struggles, there are also triumphs of students persevering and doing their best to learn. In year 10, students utilised the online platform Padlet, which meant they were able to create a virtual wall of post-it notes to share ideas! Looking at some of the major themes in the texts ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘By the River’. Students are now building their knowledge to write a comparative essay of the two texts. There are still plenty of ways to collaborate, even if we cannot be in groups in person! 

Lucy Badrock 
10ENG04
 

Review: Fantastic Mr Fox (Novel & Film) 
Fantastic Mr Fox is?an?amazing book – I would rate it a 10/10.?What I did not like about the book was how rude the farmers were to Mr Fox. 
Holly Waite – Year 9 

Fantastic Mr Fox is a friendly fox, with a fear of humans. Specifically, Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Mr Fox is a professional thief and steals chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys for his family. I think it is good because it’s suitable for children and adults. It is also well made considering it’s a stop motion animation. 
Charli Dunbabin – Year 9 

This book has a variety of emotions and events happening and keeps your attention unlike some books that keep on dragging on, I enjoyed this book as it includes chapters with tension and has very descriptive words that are not complicated explaining  the farmers and the fox’s family. My favourite scene was when the farmers tried to dig up the fox hole but the foxes dug another hole as fast as they can to escape from the machines. I enjoyed this book, so I rate it 4.5/5 stars. 
Sean Farrelly – Year 9 

English Recommendations: 
Novel: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson 
A young girl growing up on a ruined planet makes a discovery that will change her whole world. Spaceships and excitement, what more could you want?  

 

 

Film: Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG) 
The huge sequel that shows off all the different Disney properties in a really fun way!  

 

 

 

 

 

Podcast: Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine 
Dr Sydnee McElroy knows something about medicine, her husband Justin knows nothing. Join them as they discuss all kinds of gross and insane ways that people have tried to treat illnesses throughout the ages. Basically, you should never drill a hole in your head. 

TV Show: Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (PG) – Netflix 
Great music and fun characters in this post-apocalyptic adventure. It’s wonderful!  

PreviousCurriculumNext Maths

Maths

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I

We have hit Week 7 of Remote Learning and truly settled into our new normal. Students are submitting their weekly Learning Tasks and finding their own routine as they nagivate their way through measurement and geometry from home. We are seeing a more consistent approach to the weekly Learning Tasks from students, including headings, examples and neatly set out work books. It has been great to see our students develop as increasingly independent learners. (Image 1). 

As we approach Week 7 of Term 3 most students have begun to focus on their assessment tasks in a variety of approaches and it has been fantastic to see students get creative with what they have around the house.

We have gained a lot of momentum in the Mathematics Club ¾, which now runs on a Thursday afternoon at 3pm. This has been especially helpful to students who need extra support to complete assignments and preparation for upcoming tests. If you would like to join us to get some extra Mathematics support, simply ask your, or any, Maths teacher and they will add you to the Thursday Microsoft Teams meetings. (Image 3 above) 

We have also continued to present students with the opportunity to develop their numeracy skills within the fortnightly Numeracy Task posted as an optional activity on Compass. It has been great to see our students taking the time to actively engage in these activities and the responses have been very entertaining. Students have really demonstrated their creativity and understanding in their responses to these tasks. (Image 4, 5 & 6) 

Keep up the fantastic work, students of Mooroolbark College! You truly have shown how excellent you all are! 

Jade Hubben
Mathematics KLA Head

PreviousEnglishNext Science

Science

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Remote Learning in Science has provided our students with the opportunity to explore their own environment at home. Not only have they visited local waterways to examine the organisms found in ecosystems, they have also looked closely within the own backyards at the species which may be found there. 


Some students have been exploring their creative sides. In Psychology, after being asked to write a short story, poem or song about one of the famous social psychology experiments they came up with this: 

Lara Cato and Molly Gerson (Song)               Caitlyn O’Rorke, Isaac Rousseaux and Jack Hill 

                                                                                                 (Diary Entry) 

Year 10 Biology students have been studying the cell and the organelles found within. As part of their assessment for the unit they were asked to create a cell. They could draw a diagram or create a model using household items or craft supplies. 

   Emilee Mitchell (Drawing)                                       Scott Cavanagh (Cell Model)  

As Year 11 Physics makes its way through Unit 2, they have been discovering the universe and space, what stars are and how they function. They have investigated how to tell the temperature of and distances to stars and galaxies, and how theories about the universe have been challenged over time. Most recently, they have been able to see what the night sky would look like without any light pollution. 

Year 12 Physics students are well into Unit 4 and are currently studying the wave-like nature of light. Term 3 Remote Learning and the adjustments to the 2020 Study Design have allowed us to spend more time exploring concepts and complete the practical components through online simulations, such as using PhET and Desmos. They even recreated a 3rd Harmonic standing wave during one of their online lessons.  

Skye Jennings
Science KLA Leader

 

PreviousMathsNext Humanities

Humanities

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Our classes have been busy with lots of great activities during remote learning.  Here are a few examples: 

  • Year 8 History students have created some great posters to show how Vikings used resources.   
  • Year 7 Geography classes have been busy investigating issues of water scarcity from countries including Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia and India. 
  • Year 8 Geography students have researched rainforests from around the world and will present their findings in PowerPoint. 
  • Year 11 History students have studied the Cuban Missile Crisis and will soon complete structured questions, held under test conditions. 
  • Year 11 Legal Studies students completed a Kahoot based on a Sentencing Advisory Council Quiz.  This was followed by a presentation called You Be the Judge.  Students examined a murder case and then had to determine the sanction they would apply.  It made for a very enjoyable and thought-provoking lesson.  

Remote Learning in Humanities has seen lots of collaboration, discussion, fun activities and a focus on individual Learning Tasks. 

 

Chris Hanneberry 
Humanities KLA Leader 

PreviousScienceNext The Arts

The Arts

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When looking at the theme of ‘Excellence in Remote learning’, The Arts is one area that has definitely excelled. When we first started, we were all a little cautious. How would the students go without full access to the materials, to the equipment or to the technology? However, as we knew they would, the students have risen to the challenge and produced some amazing works of art.  

Year 9 Art students have completed some amazing drawings inspired by Tim Burton as well as creating some fantastic PowerPoint Animations and action figure photography. Year 10 Photography students produced some wonderful ISO anthologies, while VCD students have produced some extremely high-quality drawings. In the senior school Year 11 Media students product some incredible film posters influenced by the representations of superheroes in the media while Studio Arts and Year 12 Media students have been busy working on their folios and their finished pieces.  

In the performing arts subjects of Music and Drama, students have been utilising different pieces of software and technology to still be able to practice and hone their crafts whilst at home. 

All of our students should all be very proud of what they’ve been able to create and achieve whilst learning from home. We, as their teachers, are very proud of their amazing talents and resilience shown during this time. 


            Year 10 Photography                                              Year 10 Photography                                            Year 10 Photography 


                Year 10 Photography                                           Year 11 Media                                                    Year 11 Media


                              VCD                                                                     VCD                                                              Year 9 Art                                                                                                                                                                                    


                        Year 9 Art                                                              Year 9 Art                                                              Year 9 Art                                                       

 
                          Year 9 Art                                                       Year 10 Art                                                     Year 10 Art

Matthew Neil-Holland 
The Arts KLA Head 

 

 

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EAL (English as an Additional Language)

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Remote learning has been challenging for everyone, however we would like to acknowledge the added layer of complexity many of our EAL families are facing during this time. We have continued to see outstanding work from students during remote learning. The following two pieces of work are just two examples of the wonderful work being completed by our students.  

Biak (year 10) – English as an Additional Language – Comparing texts task 

In ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘By The River’, we learn about death and loss affect both text and film by losing their son, friend and mother. In ‘Stand By Me’, Gordie’s family has loss Denny in car accident, after that their family are living together but can’t understand each other. In ‘By The River’, Hodby’s family loss their mother in truck accident, beside that Harry loss his friend in flood but they control themselves and try to go through in those pain. 

TC (year 10) – Photography – Composition task 

We would like to remind families that MIC is still offering homework help for both primary and secondary school students through the Homework Support Program, which is now happening via weekly Zoom meetings. If you would like to join, please contact MIC through one of the options below. 

Website: http://miceastmelb.com.au/ 
Ph: 03 9285 4888  
Email: mic@miceastmelb.com.au 

Charlie Chaturapornkul
Alisa Hammersley
EAL Co-ordinators

PreviousThe ArtsNext Technology

Technology

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Year 8 Textiles/Year 9 Food for Life Year /10 Barkers Bakery/Year 10 Food Studies

I would like to thank all the families for their support over the last month. It has been great to see the Year 8 Textiles students coming up with creative ways to design fabric. They have tie dyed with food colour, turmeric, beetroot, berries and coffee, block painted with potatoes, created designs with sharpies, shaving cream, rust and bleach. Their results have been fantastic and the skills they have developed will be used next term to design and create their own bags. 

The Foods students have also put in a great effort this term working hard on their CATS. The Year 10 Food Studies and Barkers Bakery and Year 9 FFL students have been given the additional challenge to create and produce their own food products using available resources. It is great to see students accept the challenge and produce and evaluate their own products. 


 

They have also worked on producing their own food packaging designs, conducting food comparisons, writing profiles on Australian pastry chefs, reviewing Meal Kit Companies and analysing articles. Barkers Bakery students also had fun working in small groups on Teams to design their own desserts. 

 

All of the work they are involved in currently will help them next term when they will be designing their own Noodle Box recipe, including the packaging, (Year 9 Food for Life), creating their own show stopping Dessert (Barkers Bakery) and designing their own tasty and healthy Meal Kit (Year 10 Foods). 

Once again a big thank you to all our families for supporting their students and also to our KLA staff in achieving the wonderful results we are seeing. 

Betty Metaxas
Food Technology Teacher

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Heath & Physical Education

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In isolation it can be tough to get out and exercise, especially if it’s just for one hour a day. The PE team at Mooroolbark have been putting our creative minds together to try and come up with ways to encourage both staff and students to be active during lockdown. With the use of Microsoft Teams, staff members have been able to share and connect with others by posting their daily physical activities into our ‘Exercise Channel’. It has been fantastic to see staff getting active and supporting one another to go further or beat their own times.  

I must commend all the students and staff at our College for embracing the challenges set both in and out of the virtual classroom this term. As we all know, exercise can have many benefits physical and mental wellbeing benefits including improving concentration and lifting our mood, which is important when we are sitting for long periods at our desks and workstations.  

Students across Years 7-10 have been working hard to achieve their ‘Get to Camp First’ challenge that was set up by all our wonderful HPE staff at the beginning of the term. The aim is for students in each PE class to walk/ride/run/skate their way to their relevant camp destination ranging from Queensland to Tasmania and more. Students having been tracking their activity using an app called ‘Stride Kick’ which records steps or km taken during the day. This then goes towards students own personal and class goals of getting to their camp destination. I am pleased to report that it has motivated not only the students to be active but has also created some staff rivalry with each class wanting to get be the winner. Below are some images of our progress, with only a week to go in the challenge, I encourage everyone to go outside and move your body even if it’s for a small a period of time such as 10-15 minutes. 

Stephanie Todd
Health and PE KLA Head

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Sport

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We hope everyone is staying safe during this difficult time. It is very important that we are still getting out for an hour of physical activity each day, whether it’s a walk, run, bike ride or anything else possible and within the restrictions.   

Here are another 3 ways to stay active!  

  1. Play with your footy, basketball, netball etc.  
  2. Find a skipping rope and do some skipping. Adding music makes it more fun too!   
  3. Do a body weight workout. These can be searched online or you could make it yourself. Feel free to contact either one of us via teams if you would like some help making one! You can even add water to milk cartons as weights! 

 Georgia Booth & Jordyn Doevelaar 
 Sports Captains

PreviousHeath & Physical EducationNext Calendar Dates

Calendar Dates

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TERM 3

Friday 4th September – PTI (Parent Teacher Interviews) open on Compass 3pm
Monday 7th September – MCPA meeting 7pm 
Monday 14th September – PTI (Parent Teacher Interviews) close on Compass 12pm
Thursday 17th September – Parent Teacher Interviews 10am to 6pm
Friday 18th September – Term 3 ends. 2.30pm finish

TERM 4

October
Monday 5th October – Term 4 begins
                                     – Year 7 (2021) Parent Information Night
                                     –  BYOD Parent Information Night (Virtual)
                                     – MCPA Meeting 7pm
Friday 17th October – MCPA Bunnings BBQ (TBA) 
Tuesday 20th October – College Council Meeting 7pm
Monday 26th October – MCPA Meeting 7pm
Friday 30th October – Year 12 Final Assembly

November
Tuesday 3rd November – Melbourne Cup Day (College Closed)
Saturday 7th November – Mooroolbark College Film Festival (TBA)
Tuesday 24th November – College Council Meeting 7pm
Monday 30th November – MCPA Meeting 7pm 

December
Wednesday 2nd December – Last Day of Year 11 for 2020
Friday 4th December – Last Day of Year 10 for 2020
Monday 7th December – MCPA Meeting 7pm
Tuesday 8th December – Year 7 (2021) Orientation Day (TBA)
                                          – Valedictory Dinner (TBA)
Tuesday 15th December – MCPA and College Council Christmas Dinner 7pm
Wednesday 16th December – Awards Night (TBA) 
Friday 18th December – Last Day Term 4
                                        – BYOD Laptop pickup (Pre Christmas orders) 1pm to 4pm 

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Mooroolbark College Newsletter – August 2020