Vision Splendid A.B. Paterson College
Registered by Australia Post
Publication No. 100000142
Issue 70 March 2018
Contents 03
Vision Splendid
04-05 A Gold Medal for Kindness
A.B. Paterson College
PUBLISHER A.B. Paterson College PO Box 460, Helensvale QLD 4212
06-07
abpat@abpat.qld.edu.au
06-07 Class of 2030 – The Journey Begins!
A.B. Paterson College Ltd. Trading as A.B. Paterson College
Janine Torrisi (Accent Print and Copy)
12-13
ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR
14-15
PRODUCTION
16
17
Printed by Accent Print and Copy (07) 5597 3322 janine@accentprintandcopy.com.au
Recognised as one of the brightest female high school mathematicians in our country, Year 12 student, Alice Zhang heads to Florence, Italy to compete.
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games was so much more than two weeks of sporting and cultural events. It inspired members of our College community to dream big.
14-15 IGNITE: Ideas with Impact
Nikki Ward
abpat@abpat.qld.edu.au
All the glamour from our Year 12 cohort’s night of nights – the 2018 A.B. Paterson College Formal.
12-13 Gold Coast 2018 – Inspiring Dreams
Nikki Ward
(07) 5594 7947
Our Prep teachers reflect on an exciting start to the A.B. Paterson College journey for our youngest students and look forward to the adventures ahead.
10-11 Mathematics Mastermind Takes on the World
EDITOR/WRITER
ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
A heart-warming encounter with a Commonwealth Games hero sparks the opportunity of a lifetime for Year 9 athlete, Emelia Surch.
08-09 A Night to Remember
CRICOS Provider No: 00902F
ART DIRECTOR
Principal’s Comment
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IGNITE: Ideas with Impact coordinator, Kate Clauson reflects on the success of our new program, with a group of participating Year 11 students.
Innovation in Action
Assistant Principal: Junior School, Karen Roman explores how our refurbished learning spaces are helping to prepare our students for the world beyond the classroom.
Child’s Play the A.B. Way
Inspired by the Winton Outback, our new playground – complete with dinosaur inhabitants – fosters creativity and imagination.
18-19 Deloitte-ful Future
A split-second decision to raise her hand during a Bond University guest lecture, opens up an incredible opportunity for Class of 2013 A.B. Paterson College Alumnus, Old Collegian, Milla Ivanova.
20-21 Short Film, Sweet Success
Vision Splendid is produced quarterly by A.B. Paterson College. Vision Splendid is copyright; no part of it can be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written permission of the editor. All material is published in good faith; however, the publisher and editor will not be held liable for any form of damage whatsoever, or liability, claims or proceedings arising from the printing of the same. Vision Splendid page 2
22-23
A quirky video by Year 11 Film, Television and New Media student, Marley Moore is recognised in a prestigious national competition.
22-23 Rebuilding Lives and Creating Memories – World Challenge Fiji
Head of Outdoor Education, Andrew Sole reminisces about the life-changing World Challenge expedition.
From the Principal
FOCUS
The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well. Pierre de Coubertin
As I sit here tonight to write this article I am watching athletes from all lands in the Commonwealth give their all in a variety of sports for their country, their team mates and fellow athletes, their families and long-time supporters, and of course for themselves. Their pursuit of excellence is a journey, not a destination, always seeking improved performance and their personal best. Regardless of the result, they stand arm in arm, in solidarity, and with a pride in knowing they are a part of something very special. The comradery between the athletes is inspirational as they share the pain of the journey, the hardtimes and the successes. The Games are indeed a wonderful way to look at life’s journey. Pierre de Coubertin stated that “the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” I like to think that a slightly different take may lead to a statement like, the essential thing in life is not conquering but living well. This then begs the question what is living well? While we will all have our perspective on such a concept, I believe living well at the most basic level is about living with integrity and doing no harm. On a more sophisticated level, I think it speaks of living in such a way that our presence in another’s life enhances their life in even the most subtle and spiritual way.
Like sport, the essential thing in life should not be about winning (whatever we define this as), but rather about living our life well in such a way that we leave a positive mark on those we meet every day. This concept will seem outdated to many, and sadly many in society would never agree with such wholesome pursuits, describing them as unrealistic or idealistic. Maybe this is the journey that only the brave will travel, but our life experiences are enriched when we have such strong connections with others. They feed and nourish our spirit in ways we struggle to quantify. There is no doubt that we must give up some personal freedoms when we choose to belong to a community and agree to live by a set of expectations or laws. The struggle and tension comes when we demand to belong and to reap the benefits of such gatherings, and yet decide to behave in ways that are deemed unacceptable. Sadly, we see examples of such behaviour everyday on our roads, in our media and in our society. People who deliberately act to hurt others, whether physically or emotionally; people who steal from others; those who take drugs and place others at risk on our roads.
While people stray from living well (by the above definition) for a variety of reasons and personal situations, much can be achieved from young people growing up with simple expectations and accountabilities. This is not always easy for parents, as we all expect and want the very best for our children, but I maintain the greatest gift we can give our children is the standards by which they can live well. This can be a lonely path for parents and this is where school communities can share in the role of developing young people of character. This is, in my mind, the greatest challenge of all, and one in which schools and parents can have the greatest success. The genuine development of character is not done in a day but is, in itself, a journey, but one worth travelling. I see this journey laid out in the eyes of so many of our students and see the wonderful collaboration of home and College. I commend the many young people in this edition of Vision Splendid to you as those learning to live well; young people well into their journey and those experiencing life in a richness that many would never see. Brian Grimes Principal
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A Gold Medal for Kindness A chance encounter, during the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games, sparked the opportunity of a lifetime for talented A.B. Paterson College Year 9 athlete, Emelia Surch. A private, impromptu session with an Olympic hero, with a heart of gold, not only changed her technique, it also solidified Emelia’s goals – to become a champion, on and off the track. Emelia, and her mother Kelly, spoke with Manager of Marketing and Public Relations, Tamara Hamilton about their heart-warming experience.
A stunned crowd gathered around 14 year old Heptathlete, Emelia Surch during – what had suddenly become – anything but a routine training session at Runaway Bay, in March 2018.
24 hours earlier, Emelia’s mother, Kelly had been snapping photos of her daughter in the athletes’ ice bath, trying to respect the privacy of a Jamaican man, nearby.
Moments earlier, while training alone, Emelia had been approached by another athlete and his coach.
Kelly laughs as she recalls, “I didn’t want to be rude, so I only took photos of her. Then we got home, and I saw on the news that the Jamaican athletes had arrived on the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games, and I said, ‘Emelia, I’ve got a funny feeling that was Yohan in the ice bath.’”
Mouths were agape – it was none other than Olympic Gold Medallist and Jamaica’s former world 100m champion, Yohan Blake.
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The next day, noticing her obvious ability and the fact Emelia was training alone, “Yohan’s coach walked over to us and asked if he could help Emelia with her starts. The next thing you know they were both working with her for 25 minutes.” Cameras began clicking away, as the crowd expressed their admiration and surprise that 28 year old Blake – a Commonwealth Games Gold medal favourite – would put aside his own training to dedicate so much time to a young athlete.
“I was just really shocked, and really excited,” Emelia recalls. “When I was training I was nervous, but the coach and Yohan were really kind saying, ‘You can do anything. You have the potential.’” “I usually get really nervous before a big competition, so they were telling me to be aggressive, to pretend the first hurdle isn’t there, and to relax.” “Yohan helped to change my blocks and my positioning at the start.” “When I got into the car with mum, I said, ‘Can we move to Jamaica?’ I’d love to train with him more.” “I’m not quite sure we’re ready for a move to Jamaica,” Kelly concedes, “but we certainly rushed out and made sure we had tickets to Yohan’s events.” They also attended the Queensland International Track Classic in Brisbane, in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games “to cheer him on,” says Kelly. “He’s our new favourite sportsperson, because of his kindness.” “Emelia and I started following him on Instagram, so I sent him a message to thank him for his time. He responded, ‘No problem. I will help any time and best of luck with the meet coming up.’” Upon hearing of Emelia’s fortuitous meeting, her coach, Olympic legend, Glynis Nunn was delighted.
“She was very, very excited,” says Kelly. “She wrote to me, ‘It’s not every day you get coaching from a World Champion sprinter!’ I wrote back, ‘Well, actually, she trains with you!’“ Kelly remembers, “Emelia went straight home that night and got out her journal, where she writes down details of her training, and recorded everything they had told her so that it won’t be forgotten.” Emelia put Blake’s invaluable advice into action that very weekend, at the Little Athletics State Championships, and pulled off a minor miracle. Despite having just returned to competition, after four months spent trying to recover from a stress fracture, Emelia won the Heptathlon event by more than 300 points, gaining selection in the 2018 Queensland Team.
College HPE Teacher and Interschool Sports Coordinator, Mr Matthew Stopel. When training with Glynis, Emelia is “used to the fact so many people want photos of her after training.” Emelia has noticed the care and attention Glynis gives to her adoring fans. Like Glynis, Blake is more than an athlete. He’s a role model. “Glynis has been talking to her young athletes lately about branding themselves,” Kelly says. “Yohan is someone unique, in that he spotted a young athlete that he could help out. He chose to take time out of his day to do that, for no recognition or reward.”
In a dream come true for Emelia, she will now compete at Nationals on April 28 & 29, on her home track at Runaway Bay Sports Complex.
Blake could be forgiven for having an ego. He took two silver medals behind his now retired countryman, Usain Bolt in the 100m and 200m at the 2012 London Olympics, and joined Bolt in Jamaica’s gold-medal winning 4x100m relay teams at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
“Hopefully her school mates will get behind her and come out to cheer her on in this national event,” says Kelly.
But, rather than revel in his own selfimportance, Blake concentrates on giving back.
While she was walking on air after her meeting with Blake, Emelia’s feet are now firmly on the ground, thanks to her family and the words of wisdom of her coaches, Glynis and A.B. Paterson
“I see it a lot,” Emelia says. “Mr Stopel is a former athlete and so is Glynis. Then there’s Yohan. I see the way they act. I want to be like them.” “Humble.”
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Class of 2030 – The Journey Begins! As our youngest students first entered our Prep gates for 2018, there was a mixture of nerves, excitement and anticipation for what was ahead. Our Prep children have taken the transition to our College in their stride. They are settling into their new routines, guidelines and classrooms while establishing respectful friendships with their new-found peers. Our Prep teachers have been building strong relationships with each child and are very pleased with how they are adapting to their new school environment.
Prep B
Prep D
What a fabulous start to the year we have had! During the first few days in Prep we saw a few nervous faces but those faces quickly turned to smiling ones as the lessons in Prep B began. The start of the new school year brought with it new routines and rules, which has helped develop independence. We have had so much fun getting to know all of our new friends, learning new rules and exploring our new school together. We are looking forward to continuing this fabulous journey in Prep B.
It is very hard to believe, but the littlest learners of A.B. Paterson College have been at school for a term already – hasn’t that time flown? Prep teachers have noticed that all students have settled into their new learning environment and grasped the routine of Prep Life very quickly. As each child has gained confidence, we are now seeing some very interesting and funny personalities emerge. The children are developing socially, working on building friendships with the other children and gaining confidence in their learning abilities. Prep D children have been on a tour of the College grounds and enjoy
Miss Rebecca Barraclough
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attending specialist lessons like HPE and Music where they get to experience life outside of the Prep gate! Congratulations to our newest members of the A.B. Paterson College family. We are looking forward to continuing to watch you grow and develop as the first year of “big school” progresses. Mr Trent Davis
Prep G Prep G have had a great start to the year! They quickly settled into their new routines and everyone has made some new friends. We did a lovely circle time about being a good friend and many of the children are already displaying some of the ideas that we talked about. The children enjoyed our tour of the College, including seeing what happens at the tuckshop, a little visit to the nurse and saying hello to everybody
at Student Services. Back in the classroom we did some lovely drawings about the special places that we visited. The parents have also settled well and it was great to see so many of them at the meet and greet coffee morning. We have class coordinators who are planning some nice events for parents and some play dates for the children in order to create a nice Prep G community in 2018. Mrs Alice Goldsmith
Prep H Our relationship had begun well before we had even walked through the classroom door on our first day in Prep here at A.B. Paterson College. This wonderful partnership between student, parent and teacher has grown stronger and stronger over the first term. We are happy,
challenged, inquisitive and eager to learn more. We are listening to the advice of others to improve our learning outcomes and asking questions to extend our own thinking. We are kind and understanding of each other’s needs. A helping hand is never far away. We are the magnificent Prep of 2018. Mrs Angie Hall The Prep year is an exciting one indeed, filled with many new experiences, activities and events. We look forward to watching each child grow and develop throughout this year, and beyond, as they share their exciting and personal journey with us all, here at A.B. Paterson College. Belinda Farley – Deputy Head of Junior School: Prep to Year 3
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DRIVE LIKE EVERYONE’S WATCHING
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A Night to Remember Anticipation builds to fever pitch each February, as attention – and flashing cameras – turn to the red carpet for the Year 12 Formal, where hundreds of our A.B. Paterson College community members gather at Links Hope Island, to watch the parade of glitz, glamour and spectacular entrances. Our Year 12s paused in awe at the amazing atmosphere, gorgeous decorations and the striking fountain in the middle of the room, as they were introduced, one by one, to Board Chairman, Mr David Tanner and College Principal, Mr Brian Grimes. The multitude of dance lessons, under the guidance of Dominique
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McDonald, had paid off and the students waltzed better than they had ever imagined. Highlights of the evening were the breathtaking performance by the Senior Music Class and the delectable snowflake cookies made by Mrs D’Odorico. Students flocked to dance floor as balloons dropped from the ceiling and the cohort performed a spirited rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody to conclude a night that would be remembered forever. It was wonderful to have so many students and parents cheering in support of the Class of 2018, during one of the biggest A.B. Paterson College events of the year.
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A.B. Paterson College Year 12 student, Alice Zhang, has now been recognised as one of the best and brightest female high school mathematicians in our country. Alice has been selected for the Australian team to compete at the European Girls’ Mathematics competition in Florence, Italy. Alice’s talent and passion for Mathematics has seen her climb the ranks of the Australian Mathematics Trust Mathematics Olympiad program – arguably the most prestigious Mathematics competitions in the world – to achieve its highest honour. We have watched with awe Alice’s journey unfold throughout the years and have celebrated her hard work, determination and growth mindset in achieving her goals. Alice has been invited to share her reflection. At the start of term one, I was selected as one of the four girls across the country in the Australian team for European Girls’ Mathematics Olympiad (EGMO) in Florence, Italy. The competition involves solving six different problems over nine hours, split between two days, and there I will be competing against more than 40 countries. It will be an amazing opportunity for me to meet other mathematicians from all over the world, and it is an honour for me to represent Australia on an international level.
Mathematics Mastermind Takes on the World
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To me, solving mathematics problems is a thrilling experience, and the idea of mathematics is not to be confused with the idea of arithmetic. Once, in a lecture to young mathematicians, Professor Terry Gagen at the University of Sydney, discussed the three ways to solve a problem and how they illustrate the difference between mathematics and arithmetic. The problem involves 1024 tennis players who are paired off, in which the winner of each match goes to the next round, until the ultimate winner remains, and one must find the number of matches. The first method, which is the most obvious method, goes as the following: in the 1st round, there are 10242=512 matches; in the 2nd round, there are 5122=256 matches; …; in the final round, there is 1 match between the 1st place winner and 2nd place winner. All of these gives 512+256+…+1=1023 matches. However, in this case, one is doing arithmetic, which refers to calculations here, instead of mathematics, which is the art of logic. The second method is very similar to the first method, except that instead of finding
out 512+256+…+1=1023 in the usual way, one uses the geometric series formula, which is a shortcut to finding the sum. By using this formula, one is still doing arithmetic, not mathematics. However, the mathematician who came up with this formula was doing mathematics. The third method involves nearly no calculations at all: consider all the 1024 competitors. Each of them loses exactly once, apart from the ultimate winner. Hence, there are 1024-1= 1023 matches in total. In this method, one is doing mathematics instead of arithmetic. Mathematics itself is more than repetitive exercises; it is very easy to fall into the trap of memorising formulas and substituting values. Ironically, the actual essence of mathematics lies in coming up with the formulas themselves and using existing results to come up with new results. It is important to always spare time to practise problem-solving questions that involve using logic, so that one can truly understand what has been taught. True understanding doesn’t come from substituting values into formulas. It comes
from understanding where the formulas come from, and what they imply: do they open the path for some new area of mathematics? Do they imply something about the existing result? Can you prove something you already know using these results? The great English mathematician and philosopher, Bertrand Russell, once stated in his A History of Western Philosophy that, “Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty—a beauty cold and austere, like that of sculpture, without appeal to any part of our weaker nature, … sublimely pure, and capable of a stern perfection such as only the greatest art can show.” Mathematics is an art in itself, and it should be appreciated as such. After all, if it is just about calculations, then why would we need mathematicians instead of replacing them all with calculators? Xinyue Alice Zhang Year 12 student - A.B. Paterson College
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Gold Coast 2018 – Inspiring Dreams When Year 11 student, Tahlia Dilkes reached out her hand to grasp the Baton on April 1 – as bearer Number 56, in the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay – her thoughts momentarily strayed to 2022. Is this what it will feel like to hear the crowd cheering her name, as she speeds down the pool in Commonwealth Games host city Birmingham, United Kingdom? For Tahlia, our next generation of champions, and hundreds of volunteers – including other members of our A.B. Paterson College community – the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games was so much more than two weeks of cultural and sporting events, and
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city-wide disruption. It offered an opportunity to be inspired, to see where dreams can take us. Before the Games began, I caught up with Tahlia, along with A.B. Paterson College Games Volunteer – Year 6 Teacher, Vennessa Paul – to find out what they consider to be the important legacy of our Commonwealth Games. Tahlia Dilkes On hearing of her selection for the Queen’s Baton Relay, Tahlia recalls, I was shocked. I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone be selected. I feel honoured to represent the school and the Gold Coast in carrying the Baton. It is the experience of a lifetime.
Vennessa Paul There was no way anyone was going to stop Year 6 Teacher, Vennessa Paul from getting involved in our Games. I like to give back to the community,” she says. “We’re selling the Gold Coast as a venue capable of holding an event of this calibre. I thought, what an opportunity to be involved in it. Vennessa answered the call for Commonwealth Games volunteers and served as an International Team Liaison Officer at Runaway Bay Sport and Leadership Excellence Centre, immersing herself in the sports of Beach Volleyball, Hockey, Triathlon and Athletics, while mingling with world sporting greats.
My whole family will be there. I’ve got friends coming to watch. To have them all there supporting me, is just going to be amazing. I will probably start off running, then think, ‘Oh! This is way too hard,’ she jokes. I’m not a very good sprinter, so I definitely won’t be sprinting. Tahlia already has her sights firmly set on another sprint to the finish – in the pool, at the Tokyo Olympic Trials in 2020. However, the 2022 Commonwealth Games is where I’m hoping to be, she says. I don’t know what my best stroke is, or what my best length is, because I’m still growing. My coach says, ‘until you stop growing and start building muscle, we’re not going to know what you’re best at.’
Our Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will serve as motivation for Tahlia, as she strives to reach the top of her sport. Training is extremely hard, she admits, and sometimes you don’t want to go. But then you sit in the crowd at these events and the atmosphere is amazing. Just being amongst those people pushes you and makes you want to do it more, because you want to be down there racing and have the crowd supporting you. You want to keep training, because you want to be as fit as them, and you want to beat them one day. Tahlia was eager to see her sporting idols in action, in her home city, including role model Cate Campbell. She is one of my favourite swimmers, and she does the distances I do. She is so humble, and I just love the way she presents herself to the crowds. I want to be as dedicated as she is. Tahlia believes, as a community, we have a lot to be thankful for, having just hosted a city-changing event – not only new world-class sporting facilities for younger generations to enjoy, but also a renewed Gold Coast spirit and sense of pride. Being surrounded by such talent is something that the A.B. Paterson College community needs to cherish and use that spirit to inspire them to achieve things as well.
I am passionate about sport, the nutrition side and the training side, but I haven’t actually seen it at that level. It’s all about character strengths,” she points out. “It takes a lot to get to this level. They would have had to persevere, show resilience. They would have had to overcome obstacles. Vennessa knows the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will leave a lasting impression on her and hopes it will leave an impression on the students she trains. When I am coaching at APS level, it is good to know what it takes to get to the level of a Commonwealth Games team member. Knowing what happens between those stages will help to develop my coaching abilities. I will have experienced more. I don’t have qualifications, when it comes to coaching, I have experience. I’m doing this to add to my experience. I would like my students to know that athletes at this level haven’t always been said yes to. They haven’t just walked in and made every rep team. It’s never an easy ride. Vennessa and Tahlia both accepted our city’s invitation to Share the Dream. Now they’re urging our community to keep the Games spirit and momentum alive, by striving for excellence in all that we do. Tamara Hamilton Manager of Marketing & Public Relations Vision Splendid page 13
IGNITE: Ideas with Impact
proudly sponsored by Alder Constructions What did it take to win? On Friday 2 February, five Year 11 students walked away from the IGNITE: Ideas with Impact Final Challenge proudly sponsored by Alder Constrictions, with $2,500 prize money. Their winning idea? A fashion label dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned dogs and cats. The champion team and their Year 11 colleagues had endured a hugely challenging week, participating in the brand new entrepreneurship program IGNITE: Ideas with Impact. Developed exclusively for A.B. Paterson College, the program saw student teams create innovative solutions to real-world social and environmental problems. The week culminated in a high-stakes pitch off in front of a panel of expert judges, with Strayz Apparel prevailing over four worthy finalist teams. Strayz Apparel is the brainchild of cofounders Tahlia Kelson, Jasmine Liew, Madison Marneros, Sofie Cripps and Scarlet Wells. They believe in a world where all animals are treated equally and have access to safe and happy forever homes. Through sales of their fashionable Vision Splendid page 14
animal-themed t-shirts, Strayz Apparel helps small animal rescue organisations rehome those cats and dogs who are most in need. I sat down with Tahlia, Jasmine, Madison and Sophie to reflect on their journey, and to find out what is next for these aspiring entrepreneurs. Looking back on IGNITE: Ideas with Impact, what do you think were the biggest challenges? Sofie: Teamwork! Madison: Definitely teamwork. Communication was hard, and we had some really heated conversations. Jasmine: It was also figuring out how to be competitive. How do we stay original, creative? Original and creative ideas are so difficult! Tahlia: It’s almost guaranteed that someone else had the same idea, so what sets us apart? Were you motivated by competition and winning the prize money? Madison: It wasn’t like, “Oh we have to win”. We didn’t really care if we won or not.
Sofie: I was just happy to present it. We just wanted to get this idea across. Madison: We were just into it – really into the idea and the presentation. The passion as well. We just wanted to do it for the cause, not the prize. Tahlia: I think we pretty much forgot about the money – we just wanted to get this idea across. What were your highlights? Sofie: The pitch was my favourite! Tahlia: It was terrifying though! I found it really hard. Jasmine: I felt like a motivational speaker, like I could really make a difference. Sofie: It was very empowering. So are you keen to launch Strayz Apparel as a real business? All: Yes! Strayz Apparel is excited to get this business idea off the ground, with some help from Mr Grimes and mentors from their IGNITE: Ideas with Impact journey. Four of the original team members are keen to move forward with the idea, and
will use part of their prize money to fund the launch. Our College lawyers, Corney and Lind Lawyers, have offered to help the team establish their trademark and provide other legal advice, and mentor Simon Flack has offered business planning advice and to help connect the team with manufacturers. So when can we see the brand launched for real? Currently the timeline is a bit tricky with school work and other commitments, but the girls are excited by the interest in their product, and have already had friends and contacts asking when t-shirts will be able to be purchased. Stay tuned to the Strayz Apparel Instagram page, and be first in line when they hopefully launch later this year. Kate Clauson Assistant Head of Faculty Social Science IGNITE: Ideas with Impact Coordinator
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Innovation in Action Our College has an ongoing commitment to ensuring the learning spaces – within which all of our students participate – support their learning by creating engaging, interactive, collaborative, and developmentally-appropriate precincts. Examples of this can be found in the various refurbishments that have been undertaken in classrooms, buildings and external spaces across the entire College. In the Junior School, over the past few years, significant refurbishments have been undertaken in all Prep, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 classrooms. When thinking about classroom design in the early years of learning, significant consideration must be given to the developmental needs of the students and this was reflected in the elements selected. Bright, roomy and well-structured spaces were created to ensure our younger students are well placed to learn how to learn. This is developmentally appropriate for them. By the time our students reach the upper primary in Years 4 to 6, however, their level of independence is such that we must consider other aspects in classroom Vision Splendid page 16
design to ensure we continue to engage our students in learning in a way that best reflects their growing capabilities. Our students are truly citizens of the world. They are connected beyond the classroom in ways that their age peers in past generations were not. Hallmarks of learning in these years are children’s curiosity, their ability to investigate and the development of reflective and analytical thinking. Collaborative learning spaces empower our students to work with each other. In this way they are able to understand the perspectives of others, explore alternative solutions, and engage in active problem-solving. Collaboration helps to prepare them for the world beyond the classroom. Our newly refurbished Year 4 classrooms have been a big hit with the students. They feel very comfortable learning collaboratively and our teachers are certainly enjoying the freedom to foster this skill through their teaching. Progressive classroom design will most definitely be a consideration in any future opportunities to reshape learning through the classroom environment.
r new noticed about ou The first thing I s fun re was that it wa classroom furnitu using But now that I am and comfortable. other can work with the it, I like how you doing sily when we are students really ea 4W group work. Riley
I like being able to take the initiative to sit in a place in the classroom that suits me and the way I learn, rather than the teacher choosing a place for me . For example, if I know I need to work ind ependently, I can choose the best place. I also know that if I am working with a group , I can go to the booths and work there. Henry 4S
we are working We do a lot of tasks where and the new with the other students easy to talk about furniture makes it really ssrooms feel like our school work. The cla spend the day. a comfortable place to Savannah 4S Karen Roman Assistant Principal: Junior School
Play is an essential element in a child’s development. Play fosters creativity and imagination; it is a catalyst for physical, social, emotional and brain development, and helps children to build confidence and resilience. This was uppermost in our minds, when designing our Winton Playground, the brand new play experience for our younger students in Years 1 to 3. Inspired by the outback town of Winton, its connection with the College, and all it symbolises in terms of Australian culture and history, is represented within this learning play space. It has been designed to feel like a visit to the outback, complete with the landscapes and creatures you might expect to find there, now and in the past.
Child’s Play the A.B. Way
Our students recently welcomed two new, and rather noisy, playground inhabitants – one small herbivore dinosaur and a large carnivore dinosaur. Wander past and the roar of these fearsome creatures will transport you back in time to Winton in the Prehistoric Age. To make the project a truly collaborative venture, Senior School students, Rhiannon Hounslow and Brooke Musty were involved in the process of determining the distance that the dinosaur footprints should be apart to represent them walking, then running. The dramatic new additions have only added to the excitement that this new facility has generated among our younger students, making it a very popular place to be each and every day. I like going down the slide fast and playing with my friends. Hannah 1D There’s really high places that you climb up to and that’s great fun. Michael 1C It’s fun climbing on the ropes and me and my friends have races. Flynn 2R I like trying to find all the animals that are hidden in the rocks. Ivy 2S The slide is really steep and fast. Sam 3B I like how there are multiple ways that you can climb right up to the top. Mika 3B Karen Roman Assistant Principal: Junior School Vision Splendid page 17
Deloitte-ful Future
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My journey began at A.B. Paterson College. I was in my final year of school, anxiously anticipating the outcome of my biggest goal at the time: a Bond University Scholarship. It was my dream to study Law & Commerce at Bond, finish in 3.5 years and become a lawyer. I still remember Mr. Grimes calling me into his office under the pretence that I was in serious trouble, and telling me to take a seat next to Mrs Sheehy, who was trying very hard to keep a straight face. After what felt like hours (and was actually about 30 seconds), Mr Grimes smiled and said, “I’m just kidding Milla, I called you in here to tell you that you got the Bond Scholarship”. I can’t describe what I felt in that moment or that day, but I will always remember it as the start of my career and will always thank Mr Grimes and Mrs Sheehy for that amazing opportunity. When I started my degree, I set myself a goal that one day I would work for a company called Deloitte. It was my dream to work there because it was the #1 professional services firm in the world, with incredible opportunities. I did lots of research and read that Deloitte receives 500,000 job applications every year, and less than 4% get accepted. Surely enough, I (naively but enthusiastically) applied in my first year, only to be rejected and told that I simply didn’t have enough experience and wasn’t far enough into my degree for them to give me a job. By my third year of university I was starting to become pretty conflicted as to what area I could see myself working in. I loved my degree but was struggling to find that ‘one thing’ that I could be passionate about to truly ‘never work a day in my life’. It was at that point that my Legal Ethics professor, asked me if I would like to enrol in her Taxation Law class. My initial thought was that I couldn’t think of anything worse than Tax Law, but I liked the professor so much that I thought I might as well give it a go. To my disbelief, I absolutely loved it. This lead to my professor offering me a spot in her Taxation of International Business class. In order to get into this class, the students had to be hand-picked
by the professor based on their GPA and interest, because she only selected 10 people. The reason for this was because my professor had some of the most impressive industry professionals come into the class as a networking opportunity, so it was important to keep the class small and ‘exclusive’. I was told that four weeks into the class, we would have two representatives from Deloitte attend our class to give a presentation. What was even more amazing was that they weren’t just any representatives, but they were two leading national Tax Partners at Deloitte – which was a massive deal. The night before this class I stayed up for hours reading and preparing. I knew it was important to impress them, so I tried to write down the most comprehensive question that I could think of, that could grab their attention. Once I did, I read it back to myself a hundred times to memorise it. The next day I walked into the class and saw the two Tax Partners standing there, ready to start their presentation. The question totally fled my mind and I was absolutely terrified. Here were two people who were the leaders of my dream firm with a rate of acceptance lower than Harvard. How could I possibly impress them? With that thought in mind, I sat down and they started their presentation. The presentation was so impressive that by the end, when they asked if anyone had any questions, the entire class just went silent. My mind was blank, but I knew this was my chance. Without a second of hesitation my hand flew up and I began to recite the question I spent hours preparing. By the time I was done, the two partners were so impressed that they approached me at the end of the lecture and told me to contact them. What happened within the following months completely changed my career. I went to Deloitte twice to interview them for my tax paper. By the end of these coffee interviews, they made me an offer to shadow them for a week at the Brisbane office. Within this time, I submitted my tax paper into an International Tax
Competition, and I won, alongside 2 students from University of Oxford and NYU. As a result, my paper was published in an international publication called Tax Analyst. After I shadowed the two Tax leaders at the Brisbane office, they sat me down and offered me a job. During this time, I was offered to enrol to do a Doctorate of Law by my Professor at Bond University. I accepted. I will begin working at my dream company this year 3-4 days a week while I complete my Doctorate and eventually move into a full time role. It is honestly a dream come true, and I pinch myself daily. Looking back, I know A.B. Paterson College will always remain my foundation. It is the very place where I discovered my passion for writing in Mr Olivier’s History class, my love for advocacy in Debating and my urge to speak my mind at Public Speaking. If I wasn’t encouraged to involve myself as much as I did at A.B. Paterson College, not only in my classes but in the wider school community, I don’t think I would have had the courage to raise my hand in the tax class that day and ‘just go for it’. Truthfully, I think the lesson of my story is just that. The only thing that separated me from my peers that day was raising my hand and going for it the way I would, back when I was at A.B. I consider myself very lucky, but I know that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Being prepared allowed me to recognise the opportunity and rise to the occasion. And let’s face it, if I can survive Mr Grimes’ practical joke, I can survive anything. Milla Ivanova – Class of 2013 Vision Splendid page 19
Short Film, Sweet Success
From hundreds of high quality entries right around Australia, a quirky creation by A.B. Paterson College Year 11 student Marley Moore, stood out to the Video Matsuri Student Short Film Contest judges. A Film, Television and New Media student at A.B. Paterson College, Marley so impressed the panel, they awarded her a special mention – one of only two entries to be recognised nationally in the Senior Secondary category. Marley has been invited to share her short film learning journey… that all began with a button. When Mr Sole announced the first film competition assessment to our class, my classmates and I were filled with anticipation. If I wasn’t already intrigued enough, I could hardly contain my excitement when I found out it was for the Japan Foundation. Video Matsuri is a competition held by the Japan Foundation of Sydney that allows students to deepen their understanding of language, target topics and current social issues in Japan, through the video making process. Not only is it a handson approach to exposing students to a new medium of learning, it is also fun and provides motivation to students. As a half Japanese film student, I was very passionate about this opportunity. After we were given the brief, the whole class felt confused about the all-too-simple signature item that must feature somewhere in the film, being, a button. The assignment consisted of four engaging stages. The pre-production stage, where students think of a topic to focus on, then provide further research. Scripting, which
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follows a strict and professional screenplay format. Storyboarding which provides visual direction and ideas by displaying a scene-by-scene analysis of the individual’s film. Then finally, production, which includes cinematography and hands-on editing. Each student interpreted the brief and executed the film in their own, skilful way. From dramas to horrors, to even Sci-Fi films, the class found a creative way to feature a button in their creation, whilst doing so in Japanese; pretty impressive. My film featured my dog typing on a computer, which only proves that even the silliest ideas can have you placed in a nationwide competition. I was very honoured and grateful for this opportunity. I would also like to thank Mr Sole and the Japan Foundation. I would definitely recommend entering this competition next year if you love film, or Japanese, or simply just wish to try something new.
You can watch Marley’s short film, The Button, on the Japan Foundation website www.jpf.org.au
Marley Moore Year 11 student - A.B. Paterson College
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Rebuilding Lives and Creating Memories - World Challenge Fiji
Departure day – 30 November – had finally arrived for 16 intrepid students, accompanied by teachers Andrew Sole and Hope Foster, who made up the A.B. Paterson College World Challenge Team for 2017. Excited students farewelled anxious parents and close friends, before passing through customs and moving into the departure lounge; the adventure had begun! There was a sense that they would not be the same upon their return, that Fiji would forge new character strengths. Months of saving, doing odd jobs, sizzling hundreds of sausages at sports carnivals, baking and selling vast quantities of cakes and biscuits would now all be worth it as students and teachers boarded a flight to Nadi. Despite a 5.15am arrival, there was no time to rest as the adventurers checked into accommodation at Wailoaloa Beach – a location with excellent backpacker hostels and beautiful beachside views. Students organised themselves into teams, agreed upon expedition ground rules, allocated roles, changed money, contacted the In-Country Agent and Vision Splendid page 22
made accommodation and transport bookings for the next few days. Another early start the following morning saw our students catch public transport for the 1.5 hour bus ride to Sigatoka, one of the Coral Coast’s busiest towns. Sigatoka – a farming hub and popular tourist spot – would be base for two days. The team was able to buy food and resources for the first trekking phase at Colo-i-Suva National Park. Students took the opportunity to explore a unique natural wonder, the world-famous Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, a short 15 minute bus ride away. Leaving Sigatoka, students travelled to the Fijian capital of Suva. From here the group would travel to Colo-i-Suva National Park, to explore the 2.5 square kilometre oasis of beautiful lush green rainforest, home to 14 indigenous bird species. The park offered excellent trekking through dense rainforest with several natural pools, waterfalls and vistas. Whilst in Suva, students were able to explore the town and visit Fiji Museum. Located in the heart of
Suva’s Thurston Gardens, Fiji Museum holds a remarkable collection, which includes archaeological material dating back 3,700 years and cultural objects representing Fiji’s indigenous inhabitants. Leaving the busy town of Suva after just two days, students headed for the more peaceful Pacific Harbour. The two hour coach drive took them to the self-named Adventure Capital of Fiji, where the group snorkelled in beautiful clear waters off the Fijian coast. Spending almost two hours in the water, students saw many marine creatures, including varieties of tropical fish and baby nursing sharks. Whilst snorkelling was one of the many highlights of the World Challenge adventure, the Community Engagement Phase would be the most memorable experience for all. The expedition project offered a unique opportunity to fully engage with the local community and would allow students to make a positive and lasting impact. In February 2016, Category Five Cyclone Winston devastated the small island of Fiji. Since then, the Fijian people have struggled to rebuild their
lives. Villages along the north coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu were hit hard, particularly the town of Rakiraki. The students would focus on helping to rebuild and refurbish the local school. The local community welcomed our team with open arms, cooking every meal. While camping in the village hall for a week, the students were made to feel like valued members of the community. A distinct shortage of building materials meant people were unable to repair their houses and school. Students discussed the options with the teachers and school staff and made plans to buy suitable materials, paint and school stationery and resources to help refurbish the school. The result, after just was one week of work, was impressive. Numerous classrooms, the library and
school grounds all received makeovers. Whilst our manpower and financial contribution were valued, our hosts were also proud to share their culture. On our last night in Rakiraki, members of the local community and teachers prepared a special meal and entertained our group with dancing and singing. It was a sad departure. Rakiraki, and its people, had left an imprint on the hearts of these young travellers. Our group then headed off to Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, staying one day in Lautoka to stock up on food and supplies, before heading to Abaca Village. This would be the staging point for our trek within the Koroyanitu Mountains. The park boasts some of the most beautiful unlogged tropical montane forest left on the island. Whilst there,
students trekked through the forest and climbed Mount Batilamu, Fiji’s second highest mountain. Our team battled steep and extremely slippery exposed rock areas, however, the view from the summit made it worth the effort. After a well-earned night’s sleep, students headed back to Nadi for the final stage of their World Challenge adventure and the chance to rest, relax and to buy souvenirs for friends and family. Nadi’s hot thermal water springs and pools – also known as Sabeto mud baths – are one of Fiji’s hidden jewels, and offered a rare opportunity to indulge in a therapeutic natural spa. Our last night was spent enjoying a Fijian-style Christmas meal, as we looked back at many fond memories of a life-changing Fijian adventure. Andrew Sole Head of Outdoor Education
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EXPERIENCE BOND UNIVERSITY IN A DAY Over the course of the year we offer experience days for Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students who want to learn more about a particular career.
APRIL 18
Communication and Digital Media
19
Architecture
20
Criminology
26 - 27 Bond Business School Year 12 Extension Program
MAY 10 - 11 Bond Business School Year 12 Extension Program (second offering) 22
Careers in Business, Hotel and Tourism Management, and Sport Management
23
Careers in Actuarial Science and Commerce
JULY 5
Environments, Planning and Urban Design
AUGUST 8
Ideas Camp
11
Health Simulation Competition
OCTOBER 22
Headstart Day
24
Careers in Business, Hotel and Tourism Management, Sport Management, Actuarial Science and Commerce
25
Welcome to Actuarial Science
JUNE 25
International Relations
26
Film & Television
28
Psychology
bond.edu.au/Experience-Days CRICOS Provider Code 00017B