last day of term 4 something special has begun.€¦ · through the development of our pickles...

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Something special has begun. On February 11th, 2011 we produced our first Albert Park College newsletter. It opened with the words “something special has begun.” The newsletter was aspirational in tone and set us on the path of building a high challenge, high demand learning environment. Seven years later we can proudly say that we have met this challenge and that we remain committed to the ideal of creating an exemplary learning environment. The most symbolic representation of this lies in our 2017 VCE results. I would be the first to point out that success takes many forms in a school including our commitment to develop our students as global citizens but there is still something deeply satisfying in achieving quality educational outcomes, particularly when it represents a further lift in standards. This year our median study score placed us firmly amongst the top 100 schools in the state. 12.5 percent of our students’ study scores were 40 or over. Remarkably, the proportion of study scores 40 or over has risen by 36 percent on last year’s result. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10 IMPORTANT DATES Friday 22nd December 2017 Last day of Term 4 24th & 25th January 2018 Uniform Sale 9am - 1pm APC - Danks St 30th January 2018 Years 7 & 12 first day of school 31st January 2018 Years 8, 9 ,10 & 11 first day of school Thursday 8th February APC Families Year 7 Picnic 5pm Gasworks Park Wednesday 14th February School Photographs Tuesday 20th February Year 12 information Evening Friday 23rd February Swimming Carnival Tuesday 27th February Year 7 Immunisations

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Page 1: Last day of Term 4 Something special has begun.€¦ · through the development of our Pickles Street Campus. This project will deliver a specialised study and mindfulness centre

Something special has begun.

On February 11th, 2011 we produced our first Albert Park College newsletter. It opened with the words “something special has begun.” The newsletter was aspirational in tone and set us on the path of building a high challenge, high demand learning environment.

Seven years later we can proudly say that we have met this challenge and that we remain committed to the ideal of creating an exemplary learning environment.

The most symbolic representation of this lies in our 2017 VCE results.

I would be the first to point out that success takes many forms in a school including our commitment to develop our students as global citizens but there is still something deeply satisfying in achieving quality educational outcomes, particularly when it represents a further lift in standards.

This year our median study score placed us firmly amongst the top 100 schools in the state.

12.5 percent of our students’ study scores were 40 or over. Remarkably, the proportion of study scores 40 or over has risen by 36 percent on last year’s result.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday 22nd December 2017Last day of Term 4

24th & 25th January 2018Uniform Sale9am - 1pmAPC - Danks St

30th January 2018Years 7 & 12 first day of school

31st January 2018Years 8, 9 ,10 & 11 first day of school

Thursday 8th FebruaryAPC Families Year 7 Picnic5pm Gasworks Park

Wednesday 14th FebruarySchool Photographs

Tuesday 20th FebruaryYear 12 information Evening

Friday 23rd FebruarySwimming Carnival

Tuesday 27th FebruaryYear 7 Immunisations

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21.4 percent of students achieved an ATAR of 90 or over. This means that the proportion of students with an ATAR of 90 or over has increased by 7.5 percent.

Special congratulations to our Dux Lydia McKeon-West who achieved a study score of 99.2 and Camryn Edwards who achieved a perfect score of 50 in Legal Studies.

These results simply reflect a commitment to learning, from our students, teachers and the families of APC. It is this partnership of learning that I feel is making a significant difference at APC.

This is something we intend to build on in 2018 through the development of our Pickles Street Campus. This project will deliver a specialised study and mindfulness centre for our senior students.

We will establish a tutoring program at the site so that our senior students can receive additional one to one support throughout the year.

Year 12 classes have also been capped at 22 so that teachers have more time to deliver quality instruction and feedback to their students.

In short, we are committed to finding creative and innovative ways to enhance our support for student learning at APC.

Accompanying this newsletter will be our version of the traditional yearbook titled “The Year In Review.” It is a digital publication that captures a year of highlights at APC in bold images and text. It is a vivid reminder of the richness of secondary school life and of all the opportunities our students have to excel at their schooling - whatever their passions! I hope you enjoy it.

Finally, on behalf of all of us at APC, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Have a wonderful break and we look forward to seeing you in 2018.

Steve CookFoundation Principal

We’re improving our communication!

Parents and carers may have noticed some changes to our recent communication, following the introduction of a new email notification system for families. Our new system will provide clearer, more personalized information for families, and easier access to links, tickets and event information. We appreciate your patience while we transition to our new, more efficient system.Further information about our whole school communication and social media platforms will be provided at the beginning of 2018.

2NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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‘On One Condition’

2017 School Production

At the beginning of the year, the Year 10 Drama Studies class set out to devise APC’s second original full-length play, again staged at 40 Bay Street. The development of the play required students to delve deep into their own family histories, to discover stories and bring them to class to be brought back to life. Once all of the students’ stories had been shared, it took six months of creative collaboration to arrange those stories into one fictional family narrative. The play explored a range of themes that are relevant and familiar to the audience. Can we trust our memories? How do we reconcile the conflict that arises when the past is remembered differently by those who we share a memory with. Do our recollections warp and change over time and can we re-remember events?

3NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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A naturalistic set depicted a family living room within a run-down beach house in Port Arlington, a time capsule of days gone by. The non-naturalistic convention of flashback was used as the siblings discover some well-hidden secrets from their childhood, enhanced through the use of a warm yellow light.

The cast was made up of a majority of Year 8, 9 and 10 students who are to be commended for their ability to explore and give justice to some challenging and emotive themes. The APC Drama program is excited to support and develop such talented middle and early senior years students.

4NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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Presentation Evening 2017

On November 21 we held our Year 12 Presentation Evening at the St Kilda Town Hall, celebrating our graduating class of 2017. Presentation evening is an important way of formally acknowledging the achievements of our graduating class and the contributions they have made to APC.

Our guest speaker, Olympian Tracey Gaudry, spoke of the importance of being ‘ready, willing and able’, a message of resilience, fortitude and commitment, and our College Captains’ memories of the past six years resulted in both laughter and tears.

We wish our graduating students all the best as they embark on the next stage of their lives and we look forward to welcoming them back as APC Alumni.

5NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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Art Day 2017

On the 25th of October, a handful of Year 7 and Year 8 art students toured Melbourne CBD’s best art exhibitions. First on the list was ACCA - the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Here we saw the Kader Attia Exhibition, a confronting collection of Attia’s work exploring culture and history. We were left speechless. It was definitely worth a visit. As the weather took a turn for the worse in typical Melbourne fashion, we sheltered at the MPavillion Installation. MPavillion is a contemporary, community structure situated in Queen Victoria Gardens. There were hot chocolates aplenty and beautiful architecture to admire. Next up was the NGV’s “The Pool” exhibition. This joyful exhibition explores Australian culture through the humble swimming pool. Among multimedia and audio content is a functioning pool open to all visitors - a rather unusual sight inside a gallery. Last but certainly not least was RMIT’s “Experimenta Make Sense” exhibition. This exhibition explores the 5 senses and investigates the so-called “extreme present”, being “a time where it feels impossible to maintain pace with the present, let alone the future”. Although Experimenta Make Sense is exploring our understanding of the present, it felt a touch like science fiction. It was a great day celebrating the diversity of Visual Arts in Melbourne, and definitely, one to remember.

by Johanna Tam, Year 7

6NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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STUDENTS’ VOICE

On Friday November 17, the Senior SRC ran its second annual Pigtail Day for the White Cloud Foundation (WCF). Founded in 2011, the WCF is a mental health not-for-profit organisation that provides early intervention services for Australians with or at risk of developing depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or perinatal depression (PND). The WCF run a number of practical support programs for these women, assisting them with nutrition, exercise and social isolation. Their research highlights the important role that nutrition and exercise play for women recovering from perinatal depression. In Australia, around 1 in every 10 expectant mothers will experience antenatal (during pregnancy) depression and 1 in 7 new mothers may be affected by postnatal (first 12 months after birth) depression. APC students helped raise awareness for this cause by wearing pigtails and donating any spare change they had to raise over $200. Thank you to everyone who helped raise awareness and money for this important cause.

by William Hurley, Year 10 Ambassador

Pigtail Day

7NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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National Champions!!

Congratulations to the APC under 15 boys’ Basketball Team for winning the Gold Medal at the Australian National Championships (Freshman division). After having won the State Title several months ago, the boys took on the national and have achieved the ultimate school boys’ title of NATIONAL CHAMPIONS.

The under 15 boys’ team boasted ten terrific Albert Park College students, who not only played great basketball but represented the school with dignity, great sportsmanship and pride. The team was brilliantly prepared by the basketball academy Head Coach David Peters and the tournament coaches Nick Abdicevic and Nigel Purchase, who steered the capable group through to gold. APC support staffer Darcy Daniels assisted both the coaches and players and ensured that everyone was organised, motivated and accounted for. Our most sincere thanks to the staff at Albert Park College for enabling the boys to compete in the tournament; to the parents who transported and supported the APC athletes throughout the week and to the academy coaches and staff, for playing their role in this wonderful achievement. It was a week where the Albert Park College basketball team represented the school motto of…..Lead, Create and Inspire in every game and at every opportunity.

8NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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Great Victorian Bike Ride (GVBR 2017)

Tidal River (Wilson’s Prom) to Trafalgar. The ride this year took place in Gippsland at the end of November and into early December.It proved to be very exciting on so many fronts and yet again the cycling community at APC made the week so very special. 55 people took part from Years 7 through to 12, made up of 32 students and 23 adults. The first part of the ride to Bairnsdale stopped at Foster, Yarram and Seaspray, beautiful country towns putting on their very best for 3,500 riders. The warm welcome we get from all of the towns we pass through is very much appreciated and makes the journey that more civilised.

The longest day in the history of the Great Vic just happened to be the ride into Bairnsdale at 111km. That was not a typo! All riders did exceptionally well as the temperature started to rise once again, making the afternoon in the saddle more challenging. It is a well-known fact that it’s easier to cycle within groups to get protection from the wind. These groups are sometimes called trains. One school named their trains according to their speed such as the Bullet and Metro Trains and then there’s Puffing Billy!!

It was great once again to have some schoolies with us, finishing their APC careers with a bike ride. We even had a year 12 from last year join in the fun from Seaspray. Little did we know that the wet weather forecast for the last 3 days would eventually cancel the event. Some schools departed early but with accommodation booked under a roof at Maffra Secondary College, we decided to stick it out until told otherwise. Fortunately, the rain arrived once we were all dry and indoors on Friday afternoon, quite

To be or not to be, that was the question.

Group shot of the 3 and 9 day riders.

9NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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content to watch movies in the theatre that the Maffra staff had assigned to us. Two other schools shared Maffra’s hospitality and parents/staff rallied to ensure we had some food in the evening without getting wet down at the camp. At the 7pm briefing, Bicycle Network decided to cancel the event for the first time ever so a plan of evacuation for Saturday was hatched.

The riders on the 5-day ride had already departed from Bairnsdale, so were pretty happy with the way things had turned out. Those on the 9-day ride managed several days of riding, including the most scenic and challenging day, coming out of Bairnsdale. This day was a very hilly 86km. Those hills just kept rolling. For the 3 day riders this was to be the first and last day of their trip.

Celebrating 200km ... happy bunnies.

Inside, keeping dry at the Maffra Secondary College.

Congratulations to all those who took part and rode sensibly, safely and with such positive attitudes. Nothing really phased the group. Given the opportunity, we would have finished the ride in Trafalgar, journey’s end, but instead we made it to Maffra, 2 days short. The authorities deemed it necessary to cancel the ride and we respected their difficult decision. We shall live to fight another day. Roll on next year.

Next year’s event will be held in the High Country, beginning in Bright and stopping initially for two nights in Beechworth. Should be a true Great Victorian Bike Ride classic.

All the best. Happy riding.by A Robinson

10NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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11NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

Year 11 Study Camp at Fed Square

On Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th of November, Year 11 students attended a two-day event designed to prepare them for the rigours of Year 12 next year. The Study Camp was held at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) on Federation Square and began with an address by Foundation Principal, Mr Cook. Assistant Principal Ms Stout outlined the major events set for 2018, reminding students of the enjoyable aspects of Year 12 ahead of them.

Keynote speaker on Thursday morning was the Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Arron Wood, who addressed the cohort about the benefit of grasping opportunities, opting-in, building a personal brand, and techniques to channel personal ambition and motivation. Mr Wood is also the 2007 Young Environmentalist of the Year, and he explained how leadership is required to ensure that positive changes are made to global energy generation. His positive message reminded students that great things are possible and are, indeed, occurring every day. Across the two days, Elevate Education held three sessions designed to maximise study efficiency, personal excellence and the practicalities of essay writing. Students who completed Year 12 this year also spoke to the group about their experiences, sharing their personal tips for stress management and success. Staff members at Albert Park College who teach Year 12 presented their pointers and advice about wellbeing, personal growth and efficiency in revision. The event ended on Friday afternoon with the Amazing Race. In teams, students headed out into the city, solving clues and following a trail to see which team could complete the race in the shortest time. They had to work together, employ logic and problem-solving, and think on their feet as they overcame challenges. The Study Camp presented students with new insights, world-class facilities and the motivation to make their best possible effort a reality in 2018.

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Da Vinci Exhibition

The Year 9 class of 2017 have been the first students to complete two intensive inquiry and design processes, and the stunning artwork displayed at the Da Vinci Exhibition on Thursday evening was testament to their growth as artistically talented and innovative global citizens. Teachers, parents and peers were inspired by the genuine ecological messages and impressed by the diversity of mediums. Highlights included superb videography steaming through a backdrop of ‘fossil fuel’ exhaust. Awards winners included: Outstanding Artistic ResponseDaniel BritzmanBen SavageRose O’DonnellOonag RemkesBrittany SchapelOliver KalicinHenry MlikotaRaay DefterosEloiisa Moses-McMahinGrace FauklnerZakk Hyland Outstanding Environmental InquiryArchie Baird-WatsonJames BasoglouEloisa Moses-McMahon

12NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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2017 Principal Book Awards

On Tuesday 19th December a number of students received from the Foundation Principal, Steve Cook, an APC Academic Excellence 2017 award in front of family and friends. Students were nominated by staff within a specific learning area. The awards are based on academic excellence, work ethic and an ability to strive continuously for the highest academic outcomes within a subject area.

Congratulations to those that received an award!

Mind and Body Day

On Thursday 7th December, the Year 7’s took part in the annual Mind and Body Day. We all had a wonderful time as we explored all the fantastic stalls at the Queen Victoria Market. With an early start, we arrived at school to catch trams into the city. When we got to the market everyone’s first priority was finding breakfast. Brioche, hot chips, hot chocolate and fresh fruit were popular choices. We had to complete a treasure hunt which took us to all different sections of the market searching for weird and wonderful delicacies. The meat section introduced us to butchery and some of the hanging meats were even bigger than us! As well as food there were clothes, accessories and souvenirs on offer too.

After exploring the market we travelled back to school on the trams for a tai chi lesson and a seminar on healthy eating. When we arrived back there were fresh fruit platters and pancakes with maple syrup waiting for us. The Chinese sport, tai chi taught us one way people can relieve stress and tested our balance. In the seminar, we learned about what our

bodies need to survive and what we can live without. They also told us about the five main food groups and how much of each food group we should consume.

Overall, the day was exciting and a great learning experience focusing on the wellbeing of both our minds and our bodies.

13NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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On Tuesday the 31st of October, 8 students from Year 8 and 9 SEAL, including myself, went to GTAC (Gene Technology Access Centre) to learn more about the research into and treatment of cancers. As well as our school, students from Brighton Secondary, University High and Brauer College were also there. First off we were extremely honoured and excited to participate in a Q&A session with Nobel Laureate Harold Varmus! We learnt about his career and gained a deeper understanding of cancer causes as well as treatments being used now. I was incredibly lucky to be able to directly ask him a question and receive a detailed response. It was inspiring!

GTAC Excursion

After a quick break, our group went to the new VCCC building; The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. We were able to see why it has recently been awarded an architecture award. The atrium was spectacular allowing lots of light into the building, hopefully making the experience for patients are more pleasant one. We met some PhD Students and learnt about what they are studying. Then we were able to have a tour of a Peter Mac lab. Everyone found it really interesting and an amazing experience. I would love to study there!

by Melisand Box

14NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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Sport News

Track and Field State Finals Congratulations to the following students for qualifying and competing in the State Track and Field Finals.

• Alexandra Playfoot - High Jump (Girls 15)• Mitchell Waring - 3000m (Boys Open)• Tess Burger - 800m and 1500m (Girls 17)• Ella Tobin - 400m and 800m (Girls 12-13) All athletes competed exceptionally well and represented Albert Park College strongly on the day. A special mention to Ella Tobin, who had the fantastic results of placing 2nd in the 400m event and 3rd in the 800m event.

Year 7 Girls Hockey State Finals Congratulations to the following students in the Year 7 Girls Hockey Team, who qualified for the State Hockey Finals in their first ever tournament playing with each other. They competed very strongly on the day and were unlucky not to make the final, missing out on qualifying by 1 goal! Well done to the team: Olivia Box, Lara Burns, Leila Davis, Sumayo Dirie, Lucy Michaca, Katie Ngan, Chloe Saw, Georgia Stacy, Maia Sublet, Gabrielle Taylor, Ella Tobin, Jessica Watts

Kala Bailey (Year 9) represented APC in the Victorian swimming team at the SSV Pacific Games in Adelaide during the first week of December. She was chosen to compete in the U15’s 50/100/200m freestyle events as well as several relay teams. Kala won bronze in the 10x50 m relay mixed relay. The following week she went on to win gold in the State Aged Championships in U16 4x100 freestyle relay. Congratulations Kala!

15NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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Over the past two weeks, Year 7 students have visited the Jewish Holocaust Museum, in Elsternwick, as part of our English study of the book ‘Then’. The book, by Morris Gleitzman, is based on true events of World War II and tells the story of two young kids on a journey to find a home. The Holocaust was a defining factor of World War II, and was the period of time where the Nazis were trying to exterminate the entire Jewish race, as they were seen by them as ‘nasty vermin’. The museum was set up by survivors of the Holocaust and their families, to educate people about this tragic period of time, and to acknowledge the millions of innocent Jewish people murdered. At the beginning of the excursion, we listened to a talk about what the Holocaust was and why it happened, also relating it to the present and how we are lucky today. We were then separated into 3 groups to do a range of different activities, all exploring different elements of the Holocaust, and what it was like for people at that time. One activity was experiencing some of what it was like to have a different identity, just like how many Jewish people forged their identity in the Holocaust, as their Jewish identity put them in grave danger. Everyone was given an identity card, with a new name, date of birth, religion, and more. Once we received our identity cards, we glued our school photos on the profile picture, then we were told to try to memorise our identity cards as well as possible. Then, the instructor asked each of us a question about our identity card - for example, ‘what is your date of birth?’ The objective was to convince the instructor that we were the person who was on our identity cards, and that we were not lying. Some people struggled to lie persuasively, whilst others managed quite well! We then discussed the purpose of the activity, and how it related to the Holocaust. Another activity was all about Anne Frank. There were discussions about how Anne Frank’s family would have done small day to day activities such as

English Excursion

going to the bathroom, walking around and getting food. A bit of history was provided about what had happened to Anne Frank and her family during World War II. The Anne Frank room was a wonderful way to teach us the story of a girl our own age and her time in World War II. At the end of the excursion, the students listened to a talk from a survivor of the Holocaust. Our group heard from Halina who talked about her time in Poland and how she used a fake ID to survive. It was a very moving story and some of the students wrote messages for Halina afterwards. The excursion was a sad yet informative experience, with lots to take away from it, and proves how fortunate we are to have all the things we have today. It really showed how the Holocaust has affected the past, present and future. By Kate and Daisy - 7B

16NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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17NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

Land and Water Camp

Camping amongst the eucalyptus trees next to the Yarra River in Wonga Park, Year 9 Land & Water students spent three days exploring the surrounding areas and hanging out around camp. From the local guides, students were treated to in-depth knowledge of the local ecology and history of the land, whilst also discussing local environmental issues. At night, students fell asleep to the sound of a vocal male koala and then were woken early to a chorus of kookaburras. One of the highlights of the camp was exploring a maze of subterranean caves where the group crawled and scrambled over rocks, slid down dark chutes, navigating through tight spaces, and best of all got very wet and muddy.

South Melbourne Community Chest Grant

This year Albert Park College music department was fortunate enough to receive another generous grant from the South Melbourne Community Chest. This grant will go towards support underprivileged students by giving them access to the instrumental music program. Without this support, this would not be possible. We would like to thank the South Melbourne Community Chest, its board, volunteers and the people of the City of Port Phillip for their ongoing support of the music program.

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Year 7 & 8 Camps

Year 7 Camp

On our first day of Camp, we had surfing, it was the clearly the favourite activity for the most of the Year 7’s. On the second day, we packed a day backpack and headed to the river. When we got there we did raft building first. We were split into two groups. After a big lunch, we did canoeing, which was heaps of fun apart from the fact my canoe partner was trying to capsize us!

The next day we walked down to the Anglesea inlet and did orientation for two hours before setting off on a four-kilometre hike. We got to the campsite and later started on learning about tangias then we split into three or fours and cooked butter chicken. On the last the morning we packed up and started on our two-kilometre hike. The view on the hike was really nice for a kilometre of the hike, then it was just bush until we reached Anglesea. The hike up to the camp was hard but I would do it again because it showed me what I was capable of. I had proved that my skills were better than I thought.

by Poppy Leadbetter

Year 8 Camp

This year for camp all Year 8 students went to Lake Eildon. It was a fun and challenging experience for everybody that made me and my classmates work as a team. My feelings going into camp this year were mixed, but after participating I felt much better about the whole experience. The greatest challenge, in my opinion, was the hike in really hot weather. We also had the opportunity to be involved in mountain biking and canoeing where we learnt the basics of each activity in order to get the most enjoyment. Throughout the camp, I learnt that teamwork and good communication is the key to success, as most challenges I will face involve an aspect of teamwork.

by Lewis Lewis

18NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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Slam Poetry Workshops

Students completed two-2 hour workshops, over two weeks, that focused on writing and performing slam poetry. They were taught by successful Melbourne based slam poet Tariro Mavondo who took them through the history, structure, and performance techniques involved in slam poetry. Students wrote and performed in groups and alone.

Tariro mentioned that she “really enjoyed seeing students grow in confidence and perform pieces they put a lot of work into”.

19NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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Debating Program

The Debating and Public Speaking Program has concluded for the year. And what a year we have had! Over 40 students participated in the senior program and 30 students in the junior program. Our junior students reflected that they greatly enjoyed the new competition and are keen to join next year. The cherry on the cake was Oscar Pearce being awarded a Swannie Award for best speaker in the Brighton Region. At the awards ceremony, he was also awarded Best Speaker for the entire competition across the C Grade region. What an achievement! A huge thank you to all of those who have continued to support the program. Most debates are held out of school hours and students rely on parents/carers to transport them to the events. There has been quite a cheer squad of supporters most evenings and the students have definitely benefited from your ongoing encouragement. I strongly encourage all students to consider joining the Debating and Public Speaking program in some capacity in 2018. Please keep an eye on Compass and email me if you have any questions about the program at Albert Park College.

Sing it Out Incursion

On Friday the 3rd of November the ‘Sing It Out’ team came to Albert Park College to perform for all the Year 7 and 8 students. ‘Sing It Out’ is a group of young talented singers who have been successful participants on ‘The Voice’ and ‘X Factor’ and are now writing their own songs. Their aim is to teach young people how to let out their feelings by singing or doing something they love. Each singer told us about the things they had gone through during their lives and how they managed to keep on going through tough times that they faced. Some of the stories they told were quite emotional but all said it was during these times that they really came to love singing. I really enjoyed ‘Sing It Out’ and learnt that whenever I am feeling upset or sad I should let it out not only by singing but by doing something I love.

by Amy Carr

20NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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French News

On fête le français

APC students have had a number of opportunities in recent weeks to celebrate all things French. Some students have taken part in mini-excursions to Noisette Bakery to order their pâtisseries françaises, others have enjoyed a pétanque championship at Gasworks park (Champions Ryan Sweeney and Stefan Mellas pictured below). Our French extension students joined some of our Year 9s at the Paris to Provence French community festival: Campbell Darby (pictured) took part in the ‘Build a French Monument’ competition and others enjoyed the French boutiques and baguettes. Last, but not least, our senior French exchange set off to Paris on 14 December with our French Assistante Catherine Jackson-Grose. They will be staying in France for 7 weeks and will be hosted by the students from our French sister school who were with us at APC in July and August of this year. With our 2018 New Caledonia study tour fully booked, and with the plans for our next France exchange already underway, there are plenty of great opportunities for APC students to parler français.

BON VOYAGE, TOUT LE MONDE!Zach Cain’s (Year 9) range of eco-friendly beauty products and eco-friendly Christmas packaging, designed as his creative response to his Da Vinci big question, all produced in beautiful French, remind us of the importance of minimising our eco-footprint this Christmas. JOYEUX NOEL

21NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

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APC Families Getaway

Weather forecasts for our weekend away were filled with doom and gloom. Unfortunately and wisely our 40 campers cancelled. The 50 of us lucky enough to have cabins set off for Aireys Inlet in torrential rain and with heavy hearts. The gods were kind as there was even a bit of sunshine. We introduced ourselves in the comfort of the Aireys Pub and some of us stayed late becoming nicely acquainted with the Brewery. Saturday morning we put on our coats and set off for a dry but windy walk to the Split Point Lighthouse.

Our kids found this familiar especially if they watched the series Round the Twist. We all enjoyed our history lesson whilst touring the lighthouse. The walk around the top provided a wonderful view and if you were lucky a “new hairstyle”. The afternoon was spent supporting the local cafes and/ or in the spar. Saturday evening was so much fun, we hired the Aireys Community Hall. The kids played basketball, Uno and Poker ending the evening in an exhausted state. The food was delicious, and the families who made such a great effort to join us were fabulous.

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Page 23: Last day of Term 4 Something special has begun.€¦ · through the development of our Pickles Street Campus. This project will deliver a specialised study and mindfulness centre

23NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10

Page 24: Last day of Term 4 Something special has begun.€¦ · through the development of our Pickles Street Campus. This project will deliver a specialised study and mindfulness centre

For some schools, more than one third of students in Year 12 undertake the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma, one of the most widely recognised secondary qualifications highly sought after by the world’s leading universities.

IB Diploma results will be released on 4 January, and not until the IB Diploma results are combined with the VCE results, will we have the full picture of the academic perfomance of the Class of 2017.

In Victoria, all schools listed below offer the IB Diploma.

24NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 – ISSUE 10