WINTER 2011
The Passion Issue
An ELTHAM College Publication
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CONNECTIONS
Info
ContENTS 3
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CALENDAR
Passion is key.
SEP 4
Father’s Day Breakfast Swipers Gully Restaurant, 9am
SEP 6
ELTHAM In Action Tour 1660 Main Road, Research, 9.15am
Lifelong passion for learning.
SEP 5
Morning Melodies-Some Strings Attached Swipers Gully Coffee Shop, 10–11am
SEP 14
MCS In Action Tour 121 King St, Melbourne, 9.30am
SEP 27-29
Kids Cooking Classes Swipers Gully Restaurant
OCT 19
MCS In Action Tour 121 King St, Melbourne, 9.30am
Colour and movement. Raw talent.
OCT 14
Masterworks 2011 Opening Cocktail Swipers Gully Restaurant, 7:30pm
OCT 28
ELTHAM In Action Tour 1660 Main Road, Research, 9.15am
Introducing our KitchenKids.
OCT 15
ELTHAM College Kids-Market Day Ryans Road, Eltham North, 2–5pm
NOV 8
MCS In Action Tour 121 King St, Melbourne, 9.30am
OCT 15-16
Open Cellars-Sunday Breakfast at 9am Swipers Gully Restaurant, 11am–5pm
NOV 10
ELTHAM In Action Tour 1660 Main Road, Research, 9.15am
History with a twist.
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Our comeback kids. Living passion.
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Class of ‘86 25 year reunion. Class of ‘01 10 year reunion.
OCT 21
Friends of Hockey Dinner Swipers Gully Restaurant, 6:30pm
NOV 18
MCS In Action Tour 121 King St, Melbourne, 9.30am
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Class of ‘10 1st reunion. Our ExECS sporting clubs.
OCT 22
EJYA Shopping Tour Various locations throughout Melbourne
NOV 24
MCS In Action Tour 121 King St, Melbourne, 9.30am
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Recipe: Oven baked ricotta. Advice: School readiness.
NOV 5
Class of 1981 30 Year Reunion (Date change) Swipers Gully Restaurant, 7pm
NOV 25
ELTHAM In Action Tour 1660 Main Road, Research, 9.15am
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ECCA parents supporting ELTHAM. Checking in with friends.
NOV 25
Morning Melodies-Sing Concert! Swipers Gully Coffee Shop, 10–11am
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Looking to the future by giving back.
NOV 28
ELTHAM Volunteers Thank You Reception Swipers Gully Restaurant, 1–3pm
DEC 5
Responsible Service of Alcohol Short Course Swipers Gully Restaurant, 9:30am–1:30pm
DEC
Kids Cooking Classes (1.5 hours) Swipers Gully Restaurant, call to book/times
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SCHOOL TOURS
CONNECTIONS
Editorial
PASsion is KEY Welcome to the new look Connections magazine. Matching our new layout you will find interesting, informative and exciting articles describing the activities and innovations in the ELTHAM College Community. Our community also includes our Melbourne City campus and ELTHAM College Kids. Connections is a publication designed to bring together all our Community networks, including past and present students, families and staff, so that we can communicate, share and collaborate. Being involved can be fun! We appreciate all the passion you have shown in making ELTHAM the remarkable place it is to live, learn and work. ELTHAM was built by a group of people passionate about relevant, innovative and student-centred schooling and its determination to deliver on that goal is realised everyday by people like you.
and the connections we make through these channels needs to be celebrated and encouraged to grow.
One of ELTHAM’s core values is Community. We value community behaviours that encourage people to work together. We value connections with all members of the wider community as vital factors for the wellbeing of the school. The passion we have as individuals towards schooling
I invite you to consider what you are passionate about within the ELTHAM Community as you read Connections. I hope it promotes your enthusiasm and excitement to continue to be involved. Join us at our schools and be passionate about ELTHAM as the leading innovator of 21st century schooling.
From community grows collaboration and in our schools this governs the way in which staff and students, in particular, work together. Collaboration is a key 21st century disposition and skill and ELTHAM is one of the few schools to integrate it into all that it does, so that our young people grow with the skills needed for success in this century.
Dr David Warner Principal/CEO ELTHAM College
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ELTHAM COLLEGE
Jordyn Latta embracing the opportunities that life has given her.
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Feature
Lifelong passion for learning For many people putting “passionate” and “work” in the same sentence might seem a strange juxtaposition, but for previous ELTHAM students it is simply just the way our wonderful world is. “My confidence
and ability to use my voice has been an imperative tool as I begin to sculpt my future.
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- Jordyn Latta
Graduates from ELTHAM move into a diverse range of fields reflecting their varied interests and dreams, and it is uplifting to hear of their further successes in other endeavours. These successes can in part be attributed to the lifelong passion for learning and self directedness that is inherent in the culture at ELTHAM. This approach ensures that young people are better equipped to deal with the rigours of life outside the school environment; we are guiding each young person to become empowered with the self-confidence and independence to manage all aspects of their future lives. Take for example our 2010 graduate Thomas Wu, and his reflections on the difference between high school and university life. In Thomas’ first university orientation lecture a comparison table was put up to illustrate the differences between life in high school and life in university. At first glance, Thomas thought it all seemed very reasonable, the phrases “self directed”, “student initiative” and “independent learning” flashed up on the screen. However it was only when he realised he was reading the “University” column that it dawned on him the uniqueness of the experiences he had already received whilst at ELTHAM. As Tom states:“The fact of the matter is that the culture, beliefs and systems in ELTHAM not only create fully fledged students, but make the leap from high school to university just that much smaller. Just that bit easier.”
The self-directed learning that takes place at ELTHAM encourages students to take responsibility for their choices and actions. With the support of their teachers, young people gain the confidence to guide themselves, monitor their own progress and make adjustments along the way. With this skill in hand, they have the capacity to manage their tertiary studies, careers and personal lives, and develop a true love of learning. Jordyn Latta, Class of 2010, knows exactly what is required to be resilient and flexible when it comes to life choices. “Plans, I’ve learned, can only go so far. I had planned to go to university this year, to jump right in to completing a course that would hopefully open up job opportunities in the years to come. Those plans went out the window when a job offer presented itself the day my deferment was due! So I went for it, and now I am gaining some of the best workplace experience I could ever have hoped for in my role as an Assistant Marketing Manager.” Through encouraging creativity, innovation and risk taking ELTHAM develops learners with capacity for self direction and self management equipped to enter the world and enjoy happy, successful and rewarding experiences.
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ELTHAM COLLEGE
News
HISTORY WITH A
TWIST
Learning history in the junior years is far more exciting than simply remembering the facts. In the Junior Years HiSTORY Centre stories and events come alive. The HiSTORY Centre is an innovative program combining elements of drama and history to make for a truly interactive and fun experience for all those involved. Using a folktale or historical event this unique, narrative based program develops across Years 3 and 4 and integrates all areas of the curriculum, giving meaning and purpose to art, music, literacy and numeracy research tasks. Students and teachers build the set within their learning neighbourhood creating a physical backdrop which sets the scene for teachers and students working in-role. Ancient Egypt - Stepping Back in Time Students explore with enthusiasm complex individual projects based upon their interest in ancient Egyptian topics. They learn about ancient Egypt through: researching burial rituals; building and decorating the sarcophagus; creating art works and ritual objects; investigating and writing in hieroglyphs; researching gods, goddesses and animal spirits; re-enacting the creation story of Isis and Osiris and writing prayers for the Pharaoh’s soul. Costumes transform teachers and students into their characters which include builders, artesian and high priests as the learning community re-enacts the ritual burial of a pharaoh, whose tomb was never quite completed by the ancients. The ceremony represents the culmination of a full term of preparation. Our Award winning HiSTORY Centre The truly exceptional nature of this program has been recognized by Drama Victoria and the Department of Education. The HiSTORY Centre has received the Drama Victoria Award two years in a row (2009- 2010) for the most Innovative Curriculum for Drama (Primary). Our young people in character.
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COLOUR AND MOVEMENT House Music is a wonderful forum for our Year 5-12 students to participate in an event that combines passion for music, passion for dance and passion for community spirit. This event is full of excitement, colour, movement, exceptional talents and provides so much joy for everyone involved. ELTHAM values community behaviours that encourage people to work together and respect the integrity and individuality of other people. These attributes are very evident when watching this student led event come together. Students have the chance to make connections and forge new friendships across different year levels in the intense lead up to the big night. Winning “Nillumbik dance”
House Music provides a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate their vast talent across many artistic disciplines, as well as giving them a
chance to develop other important attributes like management, organisation and communication skills. House Music was at an exciting new venue this year - the State Theatre of Victoria, and from all reports the event was a standout success. Congratulations go out to all involved for their creative energy and adaptability to a new theatre, and to Nillumbik House as the overall 2011 winner.
Find out more about House Music and other special events that happen throughout the year by following us on Facebook, or check out the news & events section at elthamcollege.vic.edu.au
RAW TALENT Brave, talented, inspirational, amazing! These are just some of the words that have been used to describe Lucas Haynes and his most recent film, “Nothing More. Nothing Less”. Lucas, currently in Year 8, has an undeniable enthusiasm and an unquestionable talent, for conveying important stories through film. “I like films so much, it’s my passion,” Lucas says. “Sometimes when you ask people what they want to do when they are older, they say I want to be a builder and if that fails I want to open a restaurant. I’ve made a pact with myself that I have no second option, it’s just film.”
Lucas Haynes, living his passion
His current film explores the frustrations of living with dyslexia and was selected to be part of the Little Big Shots film festival, which screened at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image at Federation Square in June. Some adults have
been moved to tears by this emotional story. The interest from many people affected by dyslexia has been overwhelming, with the College continuing to receive calls each week from people who have heard of Lucas and his film and wish to know more. The ELTHAM College community has given Lucas the freedom to explore his potential and harness his creativity whilst supporting the fundamentals required to embed this learning. We look forward to seeing the next visual feast that Lucas creates.
Find out more about how our Middle Years program encourages students to explore their passions, come along to an ELTHAM in Action tour. See the dates on page 2 or at elthamcollege.vic.edu.au
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MCS
Feature
Some of our happy KitchenKids
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Introducing our
KitchenKids Remarkably, KitchenKids arose out of daily role play in the sandpit. As students developed their culinary skills in the sand, this play was also brought inside where students were able to develop their understanding of the ways in which chefs, wait staff and patrons interact with one another within a restaurant setting, through role play in the dramatic play space. The students came up with their own name, and a logo was designed by the prep children. KitchenKids opened its doors on Friday March 18, for breakfast, transforming the Junior Years learning space into a formal dining area and commercial kitchen. With our budding restaurateurs catering for over 40 hungry guests, scrambled eggs, pancakes, fruit salad and breakfast muffins were just some of the items prepared and cooked for the eagerly awaiting patrons. After much anticipation, KitchenKids reopened its doors to serve lunch, with students preparing a variety of savoury and sweet items for more than 35 guests. Menus were developed in consultation with Learning Advisors and our resident expert and parent Sally Eccles, from Belle Zain restaurant. A budget was created, recipes were researched and ingredients were sourced from a local supermarket, which led to creating an online shopping account that is now used to order and purchase all of the restaurant produce. For Mothers Day this year, the children decided to provide a complimentary Mothers Day Pamper Package for their mum. A high-tea of cucumber sandwiches, salmon mini-toasts, apricot slice, scones and a selection of teas was prepared, cooked and proudly served by KitchenKids.
Activities included having a mother and child photograph taken in a photo booth, portrait drawing and a hand massage in the relaxation zone. The next evolution of KitchenKids involved students visiting Belle Zain restaurant to receive a guided tour of an actual restaurant and to learn how to make wood fired pizzas. The skills developed during this experience were put into action at the community pizza night at Belle Zain, where students prepared and served a selection of gourmet pizzas, canapés and salad, and every aspect of the restaurant was facilitated by the students. KitchenKids has provided a platform for busy families to take time out to see their child’s learning in action and to engage in conversation with other parents. The learning that has taken place has been phenomenal, with all students well on their way to gaining a holistic understanding of food production, along with the passion and joy that comes with producing creative and delicious edible delights. All of this demonstrates the many different facets of this inquiry. Creative design, online technology, business development, collaboration, numeracy and literacy elements are all present in various guises. And the dads won’t miss out, with another Kitchen Kids event in the pipeline for Father’s Day 2011.
Find out more about about Melbourne City School at an MCS in Action Tour. Dates can be found on page 2 or at www.mcs.vic.edu.au
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EXECS
News Biographies
OUR Come Back Kids Many of us unknowingly come full circle.We finish school, leave the nest and spread our wings, finally returning to the place it all started. Some ExECS have taken this one step further and have returned to the College as parents. ELTHAM currently has over 60 students, from ELC to Year 12, whose parents once attended the school themselves. Some of these ExECS parents are graduates from as recent as 1995 and some like Barbara Collins (nee Billet), were amongst the first graduates of the school in 1978. Current students could not imagine the changes that the school has experienced since that time. There was no Art Centre, no Performing Arts Centre, no ECCA Centre, and some very different activities! Barbara Collins recalls:“Before the ECCA Centre was built the College had an outdoor above ground pool and the 1st July every year was declared Polar Bear Day. Brave souls would plunge into the freezing water and create a whirl pool.” Early ExECS will remember with a smile desert boots, duffle coats, orienteering and those infamous green “frog suits”! Some recollections remain constant today; Carl Williams remembers “conquering the sculptures in the junior school playground”, and his girls are probably doing the same at this very minute! The reasons for returning to ELTHAM centre around the lasting impression ELTHAM has left on the ExECS, and that it just “felt right”. Lesley Mitchell (nee Antonoff) explains ELTHAM offered her daughter Emma “the opportunity to not be conformed to a mould, to advance at her own pace and feel part of a community”. The most common word used to describe ELTHAM and reasons for return is freedom. Even current students feel the same way; Marianne Bulmer’s kids, Kate and Dean Kotsopolous, appreciate the “freedom in terms of the way you learn”. Carl Williams (Class of ‘86) and his daughters Bethany (Year 3) and Miranda (Year 1)
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There are sure to be further changes to the school, the community and the environment, but we hope one thing will remain constant; ExECS will still come full circle and bring their children back to ELTHAM.
EXECS
Biographies
LIVING PASSION Fergus Green Class of 2001
ELTHAM encourages life long learning so it’s wonderful to hear from some of our Ex ELTHAM Collegians and discover more about their life experiences.
For me, life after ELTHAM began with the study of Mandarin Chinese at a Uni in Beijing. After a wonderful year involving much fun, travel and cheap Chinese beer (and some language skills development, of course), I returned to Melbourne to start degrees in Law & Arts at Melbourne Uni. Highlights of my time at uni included my involvement in the Melbourne Journal of International Law, and brief trips for work and study in Hong Kong and Geneva. In 2007 I completed an exchange to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where I studied international relations to complete my arts degree and politics major, and undertook an internship at a foreign policy think tank. It was in the US that I developed a fascination for climate change, energy and environmental issues, the focus of my professional and civic activity since. I am currently in my third year of practice as a lawyer at Allens Arthur Robinson, where I have advised large Australian companies, Government entities and NGOs on climate change, environmental, water and energy law. I am currently on secondment from Allens at the Victorian Department of Transport, advising on legal and regulatory policy. Outside of Allens, I am a Director of the Centre for Sustainability Leadership, a contributing author on international climate policy for the Lowy Institute for International Policy and a volunteer researcher with Beyond Zero Emissions. After too many years post-Eltham neglecting my piano and tennis racquet, I recently bought a digital piano and some new tennis shoes and am enjoying rediscovering my passions!
Hollie Pegram Class of 2001
Immediately following Eltham College, I completed a Bachelor of Science (with Honors) at the University of Melbourne, where I majored in Microbiology and Immunology. I became interested in a career in scientific research and completed my honors year at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, where I was working on novel cancer therapies, specifically for the treatment of breast cancer. I chose to do a PhD on this same topic and finally finished studying in 2009, receiving my PhD from the University of Melbourne and Peter Mac. Following this, I accepted a position as a post-doctoral scientific research Fellow at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, USA. I am very lucky to be working in such a fun city, NYC is truly a crazy playground and I am working at a fantastic hospital developing therapies for the treatment of Leukemia and Lymphoma.
WHAT’S YOUR PASSION? Tell us how you are living your passion by emailing execs@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au, connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn or uploading your bio to execs.org.au
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ExECS
Reunions
Class of ‘86 25 year reunion A crisp night and a spectacular back drop of the city of Melbourne skyline greeted us at the open air roof top bar at the Mountain View Hotel in Richmond. A relatively small crowd was in attendance, probably a reflection of busy schedules at that time of year, but the laughs were flying… Martin Tenant had his usual comedy routine in full flight to entertain the crew and stories were surfacing not only of school day antics but past reunions as well. Some had been to all previous reunions, but for some it was a nervous first, quickly overcome with a glass or two of wine. As the reminiscing continued, the talk veered to rounding up the troops for the 30 year reunion in 2016!
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25 Year Reunion A. Alison Voss (nee Bailey), Justin Littlefield, Kathy Spencer-Gent (nee Spencer), Nick Hamshare,John Weatherill,Emily Goode (nee O’Hehir) B. Cameron Wallace, Peter Myers, Michelle Endersby C. Justin Littlefield, Martin Tenant, Rebecca Macauley D. Nick Hamshare, Martin Tenant, Sandy Litchfield, Liz Forster E. Sandy Litchfield, Tara Venn F. Victoria Pollock, Linda Lupton (nee James), Michelle Endersby.
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Class of ‘01 10 year reunion A
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On a frosty May evening, a large swathe of the ELTHAM College Class of 2001 gathered for our 10 year reunion. Though all had kept in touch with pockets of friends from our days at the College, there were plenty of long-forgotten faces in the eyes of all present. But a drink in hand and a lively atmosphere, helped to calm the inevitable nerves. Before too long, old classmates and old sparring partners, old flames and old rivals were swapping anecdotes and filling in the blanks of the last 10 years. I was struck by three things - one unexpected, one positive, and one disappointing. First, I didn’t anticipate the diversity in the extent to which people had changed: some appeared so different from how I remember them that it took me a few minutes to figure out who they were; yet for others it seemed as though they’d just hopped off the school bus. The most positive aspect of the evening was the conviviality and genuine warmth shown by all present - this, in my mind, was what made the evening truly worthwhile and memorable. The only disappointment was the lack of current and former staff in attendance (Peter Duffel and Ian Whitford being stand-out exceptions). Maybe the thought of another Brent Crockford impersonation or Gareth Baird jibe was just too much to bear. It’s a pity, really, because, all things considered, we’ve turned out to be a pretty friendly, earnest and decent bunch. Written by Fergus Green, Class of 2001
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10 Year Reunion A.Amy Trucano, Laura Northall (nee Lewis) B. David Howgate, Nathan Lewis, Jeremy Reiger, Tristan Pierce C. David and Andrew Howgate D. Jessica Collins, Rick Tonissen, Sharona Wheeler (nee Jarman) E. Jolyon Duffell, Christa Zeuschner F. Scott Stratford, Andrea Kesselring, Marcus Decker, Bianca De Vos, Jake Hickingbotham.
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ExECS
Reunions
Class of ‘10 1st reunion While it may seem odd to have a reunion such a short time after the finish of high school, the most recent ExECS reunion was undeniably a largely exciting experience. With so much to talk about, including Schoolies, post-school celebrations and the beginning dawn of university days, the reunion was full of healthy chatter and the coming together of ‘long-time-no-see’ friends. The long awaited Year 12 DVD brought with it many a nostalgic chortle, and David Warner’s speech was something every student truly missed.
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It is a fascinating feeling to see a community, which was once so tight, to break apart, engage in some incredible experiences, and come back together. With the next ExECS reunion being so far off, one can only imagine what the interim future might hold for the group of 2010. Written by Thomas Wu, Class of 2010
DONT MISS YOUR NEXT REUNION Signup to the ExECS Xpress Newsletter to find out what’s happening within the ExECS community at www.execs.org.au
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1st Year Reunion A. Alice McKinnon, Marlee Hamilton, Hannah Boreham, Amanda Wood, Jenna Kun, Lara McQuillan B. Anthony Stephens, Raquel Norris C. Bradley Gedge, Sam Thompson, Blair Pickering, Brendan Hanley ,Ryan McLaughlin, Brendan Canty, Tait Forster D. Dannika Horvat, Mariah Tomasini E. Sam Thompson, Amber Vincent F. Scott Coffey, Sebastian Spangenberg, Raquel Norris.
ExECS
Sport
our EXECS sporting clubs Find out what our Football and Cricket clubs have been up to. A
GET IN CONTACT Research - Eltham Collegians Cricket Club tony.jenkins@researchcc.com.au ELTHAM Collegians Amateur Football Club www.elthamcollegiansfc.com
A. Half time huddle. B. Adam Dale and the juniors taking time out.
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ELTHAM Collegians AFC Update
Local legend HELPS grass roots cricket!
The ELTHAM Collegians Amateur Football Club sit mid-table as the VAFA Division 2 competition approaches the half-way point of the season. After a challenging pre-season, the club, under the direction of experienced senior coach Alan Sutherland, has posted important home victories to move away from the relegation zone and keep in contact with teams competing for a finals place.
Not only are the junior cricketers at the Research -Eltham Collegians Cricket Club able to practice in their fantastic new nets these days, but guess who they get to practice with? Former Australian cricketer, Adam Dale, giving back to the very community that gave him his start as a junior!
Captain John Galvin continues to lead by example on the field, ably assisted by the experienced contingent of Ryan Foo, Luke Ogilvie, Tom Wenborn and Bryan Galvin. The Hargrave brothers have enjoyed a fine start to the season and although restricted by injury, Sam Richardson and Sabastian Ciavola have been outstanding when available. A number of ExECS have joined the club this year, including Jackson Bevilacqua (Class of 2008), who made his senior debut in the victory of St Marys/Salesian. The ELTHAM Collegians are always seeking new players and current and past members of the ELTHAM College community are always welcome at the club. The club recognises and values the tremendous support it has received from ELTHAM College and the ExECS association.
Adam’s motivation for coming back to the area and becoming re-acquainted with the club are heartfelt. “Research was my junior club and a place that taught me many things about cricket and life. I grew up 200 meters away from the ground. My memories are strong and I will always be thankful for the guidance the club gave me when I was a teenager. It gave me a great foundation to achieve my goals.” In the coming cricket season, Adam’s goal is to provide a high level of coaching to young cricketers looking to improve. Whilst basic skills are taught during the week by the team’s coaches, Adam’s sessions will focus on tactics, advanced skills and the mental tenacity needed to be a successful cricketer. With the added benefits of Adam’s expertise, the season ahead is looking very promising!
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SWIPER’S GULLY
Contacts Recipe
Baked ricotta with roast tomatoes and bacon We’ve opened the vault and decided to share a favourite brunch recipe with you! This scrumptious offering is served at Swipers Gully Vineyard & Restaurant on various occasions throughout the year. It features on the International Students & Home Stay Parent Brunch Menu in October. INGREDIENTS (Serves 6)
METHOD
3 desiree potatoes (about 350g), peeled, halved
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 10cm x 30cm loaf pan with baking paper.
2 eggs 1kg fresh ricotta, drained 1/3 cup (25g) grated parmesan 1/4 cup chopped mixed herbs(such as flatleaf parsley, basil, chives and oregano) 250g vine-ripened cherry tomatoes Grilled bacon rashers or bacon curls (see note) and grilled bread, to serve 6 cups wild rocket leaves
Place potatoes in a pan of cold salted water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender, then drain. When cool enough to handle, grate coarsely into a large bowl. Process the eggs and ricotta in the food processor until smooth. Add to the potato mixture with the parmesan and herbs, and season well with salt and pepper. Fill the loaf pan with the mixture and bake for 20 minutes or until firm. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
While the ricotta is cooling, place the tomatoes on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven for 5 minutes or until just starting to split. In a pan cook bacon till browned, remove and keep warm. Sauté rocket in pan with a little butter season to taste. Turn out ricotta and slice thickly. Serve with tomatoes, bacon and rocket, and drizzle with a little olive oil and vinegar.
1tbsp butter Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, to drizzle
Treat Yourself at Swipers Gully Restaurant Enjoy delectable dining with a mouth watering menu prepared and served by ELTHAM College Hospitality students (under expert guidance). For a great night and excellent value phone 9437 2222 for bookings.
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Fresh produce tastes best!
ELTHAM COLLEGE KIDS
Advice
How can I help my child to be
school ready? Starting school is an important step in a young child’s life. The following information may be helpful to consider when thinking about preparing your child for school. Develop Social Skills It is important to ensure your child has some contact with other children on a regular basis. Within social situations games should involve taking turns. Introduce games of chance to show them how you lose without worrying about it, and encourage them to do the same. Promote Emotional & Interpersonal Skills It is good practice to praise them when they show you examples of their growing independence and persistence with things. As part of everyday life, have them experience some simple instructions that may also help you, such as putting away a toy, or getting something from the fridge. Encourage Physical Development Make sure children are well rested and have a balanced diet. Physical activity is also very important. Play ball games with them, limit their screen viewing (TV & computer), and teach them to dress themselves. Encourage Intellectual or Cognitive Development Read to your child frequently – not only does this promote literacy, but can also help with their attention span and sitting quietly. Talk with them, and most importantly, listen to what they have to say. It is also very rewarding to visit new places and talk with your child about what you are seeing and doing. To find out more about how ELTHAM College Kids can help your child develop the right skills and be prepared for school go to elthamcollegekids.com.au Young minds, passionate to explore
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ECCA
Roundup
ECCA parents supporting ELTHAM Be a part of the ECCA Community.
Mother’s Day stall success
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The Mother’s Day stall for 2011 was of course a great success, with many children demonstrating their affection for Mum through the purchase of a gift, courtesy of ECCA. With the help of our Class Conveners who selected and wrapped the gifts, we had a wonderful variety of items on offer at the stall, which was held for the first time in the new Junior Years building. Mums could not help but be delighted with their gifts and were sure to be suitably spoilt on the day.
Building the ELTHAM community
EJYA MOVIE NIGHT At the end of Term 1, the Early & Junior Years Association (EJYA) hosted a Movie Night for all families from ELC through to Year 4. Entry was by gold coin donation, with all funds going to the Queensland flood victim appeal. EJYA provided a sausage sizzle for the kids and movie snacks of popcorn and fairy floss were on sale.
ECCA (ELTHAM College Community Association) is the parent association for all ELTHAM College families. ECCA creates a community network to connect College families by organising various events throughout the year. Within the ECCA network there are many communities, including Class Conveners, Friends of Group committees and the Early & Junior Years Association. Volunteers are vital to the success of the ECCA community. There is a lot to be gained from helping out as a volunteer with ECCA apart from personal satisfaction, there is also an opportunity to contribute to your children’s overall experience at ELTHAM. ECCA is extremely grateful for the work of all our volunteers, and we urge parents to consider joining the ECCA network.
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A. Parents enjoying the ECCA Biggest Morning Tea at Swipers Gully. B. Lucy Giles getting a present for Mum C. A wonderful family event - EJYA movie night.
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As dusk hit the soccer oval, with the city skyline as a backdrop, everyone settled in to watch the film “Despicable Me” on the large outdoor movie screen. The EJYA committee did a fantastic job in organising a great, fun family night for everyone.
GET INVOLVED WITH ECCA There are plenty of ways parent’s can be involved at ELTHAM. Contact Simone Houlihan at ecca@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au to find out how you can help.
ECCA
“Friends of” groups
Checking in with friends Get inspired by these activities showcased by some of our Friends of Groups.
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Swimming Strong for eltham
Success for ELTHAM Hockey
ELTHAM host Canoe Slalom Series
EC Waves officially launched in March 2008, and now boasts a membership of over 70 swimmers. At EC Waves we strive to help our swimmers achieve to the best of their ability, from the Novice swimmer to National level.
ELTHAM College had a fantastic result from the December 2010 Quikstix International Schools Hockey Tournament in Canberra. The two mixed teams made up of 29 students from Years 7–10 came home with three premierships.
Over the three years we have seen several District Champions, Gold Medalists and State Medalists. We are even branching out into Open Water eventing. Our coaches and committee are all very proud of the progress and achievements of our members. Of course it is not all hard work - the annual family surf camp at Phillip Island and social events balance out the hard work in the pool.
There was a mixture of experienced and first time hockey players from the College, and everyone came away with new friendships, new experiences and had a whole lot of fun. Congratulations and thanks to the players, team managers, staff and parents who organised and participated in the tour. We hope to see you all again next year.
ELTHAM recently hosted the Yarra Canoe Slalom Series event at Griffiths Park Reserve. This competition comprises of five events held throughout the year at different locations on the Yarra River and provides paddlers the opportunity to develop skills close to Melbourne.
Find out more about EC Waves by contacting Sue Coffey on coffey235@bigpond.com
Find out more about Hockey at ELTHAM: friendsofhockey@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au
A.Making a splash! B. Sam Cosgrave in action. C. Tim Lau, Matt Owen & Mike Lau
ELTHAM was well represented in many age groups at this event. Competitors also included Warwick Draper, an EXECS, coach and former Olympian. The Term 3 canoe coaching program for new paddlers is well underway, however new paddlers are very welcome anytime and can join in current sessions – or commence in Term 4. Find out more about ELTHAM Kayaking: friendsofkayaking@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au
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ELTHAM COLLEGE
Fundraising
Looking to the future by
givinG back The newly created Development Office is nearly 12 months old, and the time has flown. In the first 12 months a lot has happened.
In this time the Development Office has been researching how ELTHAM was, and what it might be in the future. What is evident is the overwhelming admiration and love for ELTHAM that can be seen at each turn. A number of opportunities are being considered that will enable people to maintain their connections to ELTHAM, or to forge new ones. More on this in the future. It is also with great pleasure that ELTHAM College can announce our first confirmed Bequest. This new Bequest has been directed to the College by Jeff Elsum, a member of one of the College’s founding families. Both Jeff’s children attended ELTHAM College and Jeff has left his bequest to form a scholarship. Jeff believes that if it was not for ELTHAM his children would not have become the adults that they are today. “Everyone deserves a good education and I want to see other children receive the chance in life mine did.” Very shortly the ELTHAM Development web pages will be completed and you will be able to view a clip of Jeff. You can hear why he left his bequest and his thoughts about the College back in the 70’s. One of the first things on the Development Office’s wish list is to start an Ex-ELTHAM College Parents Association, and we would love to hear from any Ex-Parent or parent about to become an Ex, if you are interested in joining the inaugural committee.
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Have you considered donating to an award or scholarship? ELTHAM College Scholarships and Awards An annual award or prize can be established with an outright gift or a pledged amount. You can nominate the duration of the award and an award can be set up for as little as $500. Once the funds have been disbursed the particular fund ceases to exist. The Coffey family has chosen to do just this and have set up an award for achievement in drama, the “Scott Coffey Drama Achievement Award�. Thank you to the Coffey family and especially Scott.
Permanent Scholarships Permanent scholarship funds are designed to be managed in perpetuity and can be created with a gift contributed in full at the outset, or with an initial financial commitment that is added to yearly, until the pledged amount is reached. The fund is invested to produce income, and an annual award is made to the winning recipient/s. This type of scholarship may be established in memory of a family member or friends, or in the name of the donor. The investment revenue from the preserved capital of a permanent scholarship is used to fund the activity designated by the donor.
Jeff Elsum, founding family member.
For further information about Awards and Scholarships, please contact Julie Marshall in the Development Office on 03 9437 1421 or development@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au
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CONNECTIONS
Contacts Supported by
It’s worth swiping.
At Swipers Gully we make a range of classic Yarra Valley wines that occasionally inspire a little cheekiness. Maybe it’s because they’re full of character and life. Or perhaps it’s because we keep a close eye on their quality and only release limited batches of our best wines at any given time. Either way, if you do get your hands on a bottle of Swipers Gully Wine, we suggest you keep your eyes on it. Available at www.swipersgully.com.au
Give your child so much more than just child care.
Advertise in Connections magazine Support us and reach over 7000 households in the ELTHAM College community. Contact ELTHAM College Community Relations Office on 9437 1421 for details.
Visit www.elthamcollegekids.com.au to book your personal tour today C
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Chris Chapman Senior Property Consultant Fletchers Eltham If you have been considering buying or selling, I would be delighted to assist you with your property needs. Please contact me on
0421 736 592
chris.chapman@fletchers.net.au 951 Main Road, Eltham 9430 1111 If your property is currently listed with another agent, please disregard this notice.
fletchers.net.au
Arborist Richard Warren-Smith
Ba.App.Sc (Hort) Assoc.Dip (Arb)
Melbourne Aboricultural
Services Pty.Ltd ACN 134567856 Fully Insured
15 Hartington Street Kew, Vic 3101 Mob: 0413 393 720 Tree Assessment Report Writing Pruning Removal
Sylvia Gilbert Marriage Celebrant Beautiful Wedding Ceremony Renewal of Vows Ceremony Commitment Ceremony Children Naming Ceremony Funeral Ceremony ‘Celebrating Life’
Web: www.civilceremony.com.au Email: sgilbert88@yahoo.com.au Mobile: 0414 321 594 C
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GET CONNECTED ELTHAM COLLEGE Enrolments and Tours: 03 9437 1421 registrar@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Development Department: 03 9433 9867 jmarshall@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Swipers Gully Restaurant: 03 9437 2222 www.elthamcollege.vic.edu.au MELBOURNE CITY SCHOOL Enrolments and Tours: 03 9433 9973 enrolments@mcs.vic.edu.au www.mcs.vic.edu.au ExECS Enquiries 03 9433 9959 execs@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au www.execs.org.au ECCA Enquiries 03 9433 9920 ecca@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au ELTHAM COLLEGE FOUNDATION Enquiries 03 9437 1421 icowan@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au ELTHAM COLLEGE KIDS Eltham North 03 9431 4947 Laurimar 03 9717 3741 Melbourne City 03 9614 3011 Wallan 03 5783 2698 www.elthamcollegekids.com.au FRIENDS OF... EC Waves Swimming coffey235@bigpond.com EJYA ejya@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Equestrian friendsofequestrian@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Football friendsofootball@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Great Victorian Bike Ride r.smedley@optusnet.com.au Hockey friendsofhockey@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Kayaking friendsofkayaking@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Music friendsofmusic@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Snowsports friendsofsnowsports@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Tennis durrigla@bigpond.net.au
1660 Main Road Research Tel: 03 9437 1421 elthamcollege.vic.edu.au