The Crier Newsletter - Term Two 2023

The Crier The Newsletter of Cobram Anglican Grammar School

Term Two Edition, 2023

Another Run'derful Following the intraschool Cross Country, we had some fantastic Cross Country results at the divisional level, Term Two means one thing for our sports program – Cross Country! Following their success at the Swimming Carnival, Stanyer backed it up to win this event!

The students had to run or walk between 1.3km to 5km based on their age, and there were some ultra-impressive performances throughout the day.

Baden Riedell (Year 10) took out the open boys event with a blistering time of 20:57 over 5km, while Amelia Packer (Year 11) was our open girls champion, finishing with a time of 19:28 over 3km.

with Baden Riedell crowned age champion in the 16 boys event, while Charlotte Woosnam (Year 9) flashed home to finish second in the 14 girls race. At the Hume event, 10 students took up the challenge of competing against the best young runners in the region.

The competition was understandably fierce and our best result came in the 12/13 boys event, with Seb Pate (Year 6) crossing the finish line in 12th place in a time of 11:33.72 to secure his place at the State Finals! Well done to Seb on this fine achievement.

“We are very happy. We were happy just to get to state but to make it through No revival needed as trio qualify to nationals was even better,” Evalee told the Crier. for School Aerobics National Finals!

In early June, Peyton Royston (Year 8), Evalee Royston (Year 9) and Bonnie Bugge (Year 9) competed in the Victorian School Aerobics State Finals.

For those who don’t know much about sport aerobics, it’s a high intensity performance sport that combines elements from dance and aerobic gymnastics to create a routine to music, where athletes show elements of flexibility, power and strength through various skills such as push ups, splits and jumps.

Representing Shepparton school aerobics studio Revival, the trio and their team members produced a performance so scintillating that they qualified for the National Championships in Adelaide later this year!

“It’s a lot of exercise. There’s a lot of movement happening and it’s non-stop at a hectic pace,” Evalee said.

Evalee said the outcome was a complete shock to the team.

She described the team’s preparation leading into the state finals as intense, with the trio training twice a week for two hours, plus occasional workshops on the weekend. She added that the intensity goes up several notches when it comes to competition time, particularly as she is a relative newcomer to the sport.

“You’re competing against so many other people who have been doing it for a long time so it’s pretty fierce. In saying that, everyone is really encouraging and it’s just fun to be involved in,” she said.

Evalee described being out of breath during a routine as the hardest aspect of competing, as well as the nerves that set in before going on stage. Despite the physical demands of sport aerobics, she enjoys the teamwork that comes with competing at events and said each team member gets a say in the routine they decide to go with.

Team Revival at the School Aerobics State Finals in Rowville.

Evalee, Peyton and Bonnie now have under two months to prepare for their tilt at the Nationals on 11 August. We wish them the best of luck!

Page 1 Integrity, Endeavour, Community

Gary Smith shortlisted for national teaching award

The underlying mutual respect between Gary and his students, combined with his innate ability to inspire them, is best summed up by our current School Captain, Cadence Pang:

One of our longest serving teachers, Mr Gary Smith, has been shortlisted for the prestigious title of Secondary School Teacher of the Year (Non-Government) at the 2023 Australian Education Awards.

Gary’s well-deserved nomination will come as no surprise to those who have witnessed his exceptional professionalism and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for his students during his extensive time at our school.

Since commencing at Cobram AGS in 2006, Gary has truly proven himself to be an invaluable asset to our school, teaching Physics, Specialist Mathematics, Maths Methods and Woodwork.

With the Pang family secretly putting together his nomination for the award, it certainly came as a shock to Gary to eventually find out he had made the shortlist with seven other teachers from around the nation.

“I’ve never been nominated for something like this before so it’s nice to know parents think you’re doing a good job,” he reflected.

One of Gary's greatest qualities as an educator is his ability to cater to the diverse needs of his students.

He teaches his classes in a manner that accommodates both the academically exceptional students as well as those requiring extra assistance, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of accomplishment.

A big feast and even better cause Our Biggest Morning Tea event was one of the BIGGEST highlights of an incredibly busy Term Two. Our school community certainly got creative in the kitchen to whip up some amazing treats for all to enjoy.

The Biggest Morning Tea helps to raise awareness and funds for the Cancer Council in its mission to aid world-class research and treatment programs for those subject to the disease in Australia.

The delicious offerings were accompanied by a gold coin donation, a small financial gesture to support the amazing work of the Cancer Council.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our incredible students, families, and staff who brought an array of mouthwatering treats that delighted our taste buds for a worthy cause.

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Gary and wife Melonie at this year's Swimming Carnival.

One of the most rewarding accomplishments of Gary's teaching career thus far arrived last year when then Year 11 student Cody Lincoln attained a perfect study score of 50 in Physics, much to Gary’s amazement.

“To think there were only 17 students in the state who achieved a 50; especially when you consider how many top private schools there are where students do Physics, it’s a pretty special achievement,” Gary said.

Despite teaching for nearly 38 years, Gary is still invigorated by the prospect of working with bright young minds each day and cherishes the opportunity to steer his students in the right direction.

His "be smart and be proud of it" mantra eliminates any stigma associated with students participating in academic competitions – an area of passion that he and wife Melonie have had a profound impact on during their time at the school.

“Mr Smith is one of the best Maths teachers I’ve ever had. I often look forward to his lively classes, where he demonstrates his almost-magical ability to paint pictures with numbers and formulas, so that each of his students grasp complicated concepts. Even though Mr Smith juggles many extra-curricular activities as well, he frequently dedicates time to provide extra support. I’m grateful for having such an amazing teacher in my life," she said.

Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the awards ceremony which is being held on 11 August 2023 in Sydney. We extend our congratulations to Gary and his family on being nominated and wish him the best of luck on the night.

No matter the outcome, Gary has already done our school community extremely proud.

Cobram Anglican Grammar School

The Crier – Term Two, 2023

her recent success in securing a Taleea determined to dance her way to the top Despite place at Kelly Aykers, Taleea has more Year 12 student Taleea Long has long dreamt of one day becoming a back up dancer to global stars in the entertainment industry.

auditions on the horizon. She plans to audition for Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance, Spectrum Dance and Transit Dance, which are all based in Melbourne.

Early in Term Two, she moved a step closer to that dream when she was offered a position at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance in Brunswick Melbourne, following a successful audition.

Taleea’s passion for dance now extends to the classroom and she is completing a Unit 3/4 in Dance through Virtual School Victoria (VSV) as part of her VCE. She liaises with her dance teacher regularly and completes her coursework remotely.

Reflecting on her audition, Taleea told the Crier that she managed to create exactly the type of first impression she envisaged.

“They (Kelly Aykers) pretty much just told me I was in and that they were very impressed with what I did in terms of my skill level,” Taleea said.

Wanting to ensure her audition was near faultless, Taleea diligently practised her routine by doing three run-throughs with her teacher. She showcased snippets of different jazz and contemporary routines she had learned the previous year, recording them and submitting them for the audition.

You could say reaching this point of receiving a full time dance offer has been a long time in the making considering Taleea's dance journey began at the tender age of two when she started taking tiny tots classes.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing though, especially considering she decided to discontinue her training at the age of nine. Her passion for dance was reignited when local studio League 23 opened its doors in 2019.

Having discovered the dance program on the VSV list, Taleea seized the opportunity to pursue her passion after a less-thanenjoyable experience with online business studies the previous year.

Now the world of dance is her oyster. Taleea explained that she discovered Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance through a website called Dancetrain. This site features information about full time dance schools across Australia.

If she decides Kelly Aykers is the right place for her development, she will be committing to a rigorous training schedule, attending classes five days per week over a two year period.

Not that it will particularly phase her considering her current training regime involves dancing three night per week, completing 11 classes in the process.

Taleea says that having an intensive training program aligns perfectly with her love for dance, which she describes as an outlet for her boundless energy.

“Because I have ADHD, dance is a way for me to let literally everything out. On night’s when I don’t have dance, I can get pretty restless,” she said.

Young Writer's Day flames Jett's creative passions On 12 May, a group of students and myself attended the Young Writer’s Workshop Day. We went to Cathedral College in Wangaratta and had the amazing opportunity to hear and learn from some great authors and speakers on the day.

Firstly, we started with an introduction to the workshop and why we were having it.

We learnt about Alex and how he was an intelligent young man and aspiring author.

Then the bubbly and bursting Gabriel Bergmoser, Australian author, comically initiated introductions and connected us as young writers from different schools, sharing his inspiring story of setbacks and accomplishments.

We then separated into three groups and rotated between different workshops with each guest writer, learning about the fundamentals of writing: First was character.

We learnt what makes a good character, how to make your audience love or hate your character and through these various writing functions, we began to develop our own characters.

The second workshop focused on setting. A gloomy ominous field, a bright warm forest, a lonely barren desert; all these different places that we can invent to build atmosphere and a feel for our stories.

Lastly for my group was suspense. How to build it, how to play with it and perhaps most importantly, how to keep your audience on the edge of their seats.

She said marrying up the practical component of dance with the theory side has improved her overall performance.

“You better understand what you’re doing when actually dancing and you learn how to analyse prescribed dance routines, identify choreographic devices and movement categories,” she explained.

When asked about the most important skill in dance, Taleea emphasised the significance of mastering technique. She highlights leaps and turns as particularly challenging as they require consistent refinement and practice.

She added that while genres like jazz, contemporary, and lyrical demand technical proficiency, a genre like hip hop stands apart with its emphasis on creativity and expression, requiring a different approach and skill set.

We wish Taleea well with her remaining auditions and look forward to watching her dance career continue to prosper.

We were then set with a task to make our prompt of “a little boy happily running through a sunny meadow” as tense as we possibly could.

At the conclusion of the workshops, we went outside enjoyed a barbecue lunch. It was a wonderful day and I learned so much about writing. It really inspired me as a young writer and made me rediscover my love for writing.

I’m really happy I experienced this day and had the opportunity to go to this event with Mr Willett and collaborate with other students who enjoy writing as much as I do.

Jett Robbins, Year 11

Page 3 Integrity, Endeavour, Community

Claudia North America bound for World Dairy Expo Later this year, Claudia Ross (Year 12) and her family are jetting off to America to attend the World Dairy Expo, staged at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Claudia is excited about the prospect of getting back to competing in cattle shows on the global stage. At this stage she is planning to show Jersey and Holstein cows at the Expo.

The World Dairy Expo is a five-day event renowned worldwide for showcasing the best in dairy genetics, technology, and education, and brings together dairy enthusiasts, farmers, researchers, and industry professionals from around the globe.

For Claudia, the sheer size and scope of the Expo means it is not only a fantastic networking opportunity, but also broadens her knowledge of different cattle breeds and provides valuable perspective on how farming practices differ in America compared to Australia.

Claudia told the Crier that she was born into the dairy industry and has grown up around cows, with her family running a dairy farm in Katamatite.

“Each day the Expo features different cattle breeds and each day there will be a different farm tour or simulator that you can go to. It’s pretty cool because you also get to go on different farm tours and have a look at their facilities and the equipment they use," she said.

Her family has a long-held affinity with the World Dairy Expo, with her father Adam attending the event regularly in his younger years. Claudia last attended the Expo in 2017 and she told the Crier that a lot has changed for her personally since then.

“When I was there in 2017, I led and showed a cow which was the biggest thing I’d ever done at that time. Since then I’ve definitely become more experienced doing it myself. Last time all I did was lead the cows but now I pretty much just fit the cows and my sister leads them,” she said.

"The farming over there is a lot different to back home. Everything is under cover and in sheds and there is a lot less outside work.”

Away from school, Claudia does contracting for Flanagan Ag which sees her mainly driving tractors and doing seeding. On the side, her passion lies in getting cows ready for shows and her endeavours in this area are beginning to bear fruit.

Just recently she was invited to fit cows at the Sydney Royal Show and her work has been garnering interest from different corners of the industry.

“I’ve been asked by a few well-known people in the dairy industry to clip their cows and things like that so I guess word just gets around. I’ve also won a few competitions which helps get your name out there as well.”

Her excellence in showing cattle has even caught the eye abroad.

“SEMEX (a Canadian livestock genetics company) had heard about what I’ve done in Australia and asked me to come over and work for them in Toronto after the Expo which is going to be a great opportunity,” Claudia told the Crier.

Geoff Brown joins Teaching Fellowship We are thrilled to announce that Mr Geoff Brown, a passionate advocate for language education, has been chosen to participate in the prestigious Teaching Innovation Fellowship (TIF) program.

Coordinated by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, the TIF aims to recognise and empower outstanding educators who bring innovation to the classroom.

Mr Brown's inclusion in the inaugural TIF intake is a testament to his dedication and expertise in teaching languages.

Among a pool of highly accomplished educators, he successfully navigated a rigorous, merit-based selection process.

The TIF comprises 30 alumni from 26 diverse schools across Victoria from the Government, Catholic and Independent education systems.

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Geoff Brown (bottom row, far right) sitting alongside his teacher fellows at a recent PD workshop in Melbourne.

By providing funding grants, the TIF offers selected teacher fellows the opportunity to implement transformative innovation projects that enhance teacher practices and foster student learning in classrooms and schools throughout Victoria.

"The project I'm looking at is building up online resources for Chinese Language teachers in rural and regional schools. I'm starting off by doing a few basic lessons for Year 3/4 and then I'll keep on adding to it as I go. It will also give me the chance to create some good resources for our school.

I'm looking at trying to create a few books which I can publish through a blurb publisher and that we can have in our Library," Mr Brown explained.

As part of his professional development sessions in Melbourne, Mr Brown will receive assistance with skills relevant to his project, such as website design. He said he was ultimately inspired to pursue his project based on his lived experiences and a gap he identified in the education system.

"From my experiences teaching in a lot of rural schools, often when you're the Languages teacher, you're the only person within miles who does what you do. My project is just about trying to get some resources up and running on a website so other Languages teachers can easily access them," he said.

Cobram Anglican Grammar School

The Crier – Term Two, 2023

Celebrating our superheroes at annual Mother's Day Breakfast Our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast was once again a magnificent gathering and celebration of the special women within our extended school community.

It was truly special to witness our school community coming together in such a meaningful way.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Year 11 and 12 students who volunteered their time and talents in the kitchen, cooking and serving delicious food and managing the distribution of raffle tickets.

Additionally, we extend our thanks to the staff members who went above and beyond by arriving before sunrise to ensure that the barbecue was ready to serve bacon and egg rolls to attendees.

Furthermore, we would like to recognise the generous local businesses that supported our event by donating lucky door prizes. Noonans Showcase Jewellers, AMCAL Chemist, and Kerr Real Estate contributed wonderful prizes that added an extra layer of excitement to the breakfast.

A special mention must go to our talented Ukulele Club, who once again enchanted us with their melodic tunes.

The breakfast was a great platform for the group to perform several new songs they had been diligently learning and rehearsing.

We are truly grateful to all the attendees who made the effort to come to the school earlier than usual to enjoy a scrumptious egg and bacon roll while celebrating Mother's Day with our wonderful community.

Your presence and participation made this event all the more memorable.

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3 Page 5 Integrity, Endeavour, Page Community

Young hearts honour the brave: Students pay tribute to ANZAC spirit Our school community gathered to pay homage on ANZAC Day, a day of remembrance dedicated to honoring the courageous men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our nation in times of conflict.

It was brilliant to see so many of our students and families attending services across the district and actively participating in local marches, or respectfully laying wreaths. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who represented our school with such dignity and reverence.

Among the most poignant moments of the ANZAC Day service in Cobram was the performance of the Last Post by Year 10 student, Lewis Brown. Lewis demonstrated exceptional composure and skill playing his trumpet, delivering a magnificent rendition in front of hundreds of onlookers.

The following morning, we held our own commemorative service with our Year 7 and Year 8 students. We were honored to welcome Barry, Glen, and Denise from the Cobram Barooga RSL Sub-Branch, as well as Commodore Ash Papp from the Royal Australian Navy.

Commodore Ash graciously shared his personal experiences with our students, recounting his global travels and diverse roles within the Navy, including his tenure as the Commanding Officer of HMAS Canberra. The students were captivated as Ash delved into his remarkable career, highlighting the profound sense of purpose he finds in serving a cause greater than himself.

A question and answer session followed, during which the students eagerly engaged with Ash, exploring his greatest adventures in the Navy. The level of participation and enthusiasm during this interactive session was fantastic.

Continuing our commitment to honoring ANZAC Day, a group of dedicated students represented our school at the ANZAC Day service held at Cobram Regional Care. Ned Bugge (Year 11), Tully Kerr (Year 11), Tyler Cole (Year 10), Baden Riedell (Year 10), and our Captain of Community Service, Caitlin Welch (Year 12), paid their respects and showed solidarity with the residents of Cobram Regional Care.

Our engagement in these various ANZAC Day ceremonies demonstrate that our students take great pride in exemplifying the values of integrity, respect, and community.

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Cobram Anglican Grammar School

The Crier – Term Two, 2023

Careers Advisor Jade Drew covers everything you need to know about the new VCE Vocational Major

Which type of student would be suited to undertaking the VCE Vocational Major?

This VM certificate recognises vocational and applied learning pathways as equal to the VCE, but provides a more hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12.

Students who undertake the VM are more likely to be interested in: going on to training at TAFE doing an apprenticeship or traineeship getting a job after completing Year 12.

Tyler Cole (Year 10) is one student who is excited by the new VCE Vocational Major. He is pictured here with Jade Drew and Keith Willett. Photo provided by Cobram Courier.

In basic terms, what is the new VCE Vocational Major?

The new VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a program that introduces a specialised vocational pathway within the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) curriculum.

It allows students to focus on a specific vocational area of interest alongside their academic studies. The VM offers a range of vocational subjects and industry-specific training that equips students with practical skills and knowledge relevant to their chosen career path.

By completing a VM, students can gain valuable hands-on experience, industry certifications, and enhance their readiness for employment or further vocational education after completing their VCE studies.

Why is our school introducing the new VCE Vocational Major?

One of the key reasons why our school is introducing the new VM program is to foster inclusivity and ensure that all students have equal access to quality education.

By embracing the VCE VM applied learning practices, we aim to create a more inclusive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs and circumstances of our students.

What will this mean for our secondary program?

The introduction of the VM in our secondary program will bring several benefits and implications. It will enhance career pathways by offering specialised vocational training alongside academic studies, providing practical skills development and industry connections.

This inclusion will increase student engagement and provide nationally recognised qualifications, opening doors for employment and further vocational education. Overall, it enriches our curriculum, expands career opportunities, and prepares students for their future endeavours.

How do students at Cobram AGS go about the process of applying to do the VCE Vocational Major?

Our Year 10 students commenced the Course Counselling process on 15 June by participating in the “My Pathways Day”. The My Pathway Day program is designed to not only provide students with all the information needed to make informed decisions on selecting the VCE program most suited to them, but also to help inspire them to be more self-aware.

Please note that the VM is not a shortcut or an easier alternative. It is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and academic excellence through the applied learning model. While it offers flexibility and the advantages of applied learning, students must still meet academic standards and expectations.

What are the key benefits of a student using the VCE Vocational Major as a pathway in VCE? The VM as a pathway brings many advantages. It emphasises practical skills development for future careers and job readiness. Students can gain industry connections and valuable work experience. The Vocational Major opens up diverse career opportunities and boosts employability. With personalised learning, students can choose VET subjects aligned with their interests, leading to increased motivation and success.

Students received application forms for the VM during the My Pathways Day. If your child did not receive a form or has lost theirs, please visit me at school.

Are there any upcoming dates that families and students should put in their calendar regarding the implementation of the VCE Vocational Major?

What is the most important thing students need to know before considering undertaking the VCE Vocational Major?

Subject Selection forms are due back by Wednesday 19 July.

The most important thing students need to know before considering the VM is that it is not a suitable pathway if they are intending on applying to university straight from secondary school. While having a clear understanding of their career interests and goals is beneficial, it is also okay if they are uncertain about their future path.

If students and their families require any further information to inform the decision-making process around pathways, they should contact me, Jade Drew, via email at: careers@cags.vic.edu.au

The VM provides an opportunity to delve into different vocational fields and gain practical skills that can be valuable in a variety of careers. It is important for students to research the program requirements, subjects, and potential pathways, while keeping in mind that it will not contribute to the calculation of an ATAR.

Page 7 Integrity, Endeavour, Community

School community unites to commemorate National Sorry Day On 24 May, we held two very special assemblies for our Junior and Senior School to commemorate National Sorry Day. These were coordinated and led by our Year 9 students.

Proud Indigenous woman and Cobram AGS teacher, Mrs Sharonlee Post, kindly offered the following reflection after our school's involvement in the Sorry Day commemorations:

These assemblies presented a wonderful opportunity for our school community to connect with local Indigenous leaders.

Each year, National Sorry Day commemorates and acknowledges the atrocities faced by First Nations children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities; and the continuing impact of forcible removal and assimilation policies on Stolen Generations Survivors, their families and whole communities.

We were honoured to have several special guests at the assemblies including Aunty Iris Troutman from the Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation (Yarrawonga).

Also joining us were Uncle Michael Morgan from Yorta Yorta Country, Aunty Therese Rodway from Wiradjuri Country, and Diedre Robertson from Reconciliation Shepparton.

We cannot begin to fix the problems of the present without accepting the truth of our history. At Cobram AGS, we teach empathy and understanding and these beautiful assemblies presented by the Year 9s make it very evident that our students have empathy for others.

Debutantes sparkle in front of family and friends Our 2023 Debutante Ball was a night to remember to the Finley RSC. At the centre of the celebration were eight outstanding couples from Year 10 and 11.

They were: Bella Mete and Thomas Corso, Savanna Mustica and Harry Paterson, Alana Rickard and Shadan Alsabti, Tahlia Bextream and Jett Robbins, Madison McDiarmid and Nathan Gossayn, Molly Rice and Zac Everingham, Makayla Pestrucci and Sam Lincoln, and Abigail Brooker and Shaun Downing.

Page 88 Page

Sorry Day asks us to acknowledge the Stolen Generations, and in doing so, reminds us that historical injustice is still an ongoing source of intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Islander families, communities, and peoples.

Why say sorry? Words have incredible healing power; while words cannot erase the crimes of the past, the acknowledgement of the wrongs committed against Aboriginal people has helped pave the way for greater understanding and empathy.

The Year 9 students should be very proud of their wonderful commemorations and the power their words had on our special guests who were members of the Stolen Generations.

Cobram CobramAnglican AnglicanGrammar GrammarSchool School

The The Crier Crier –– Term Term Two, Four,2023 2022

Camp opens door of discovery In the second week of Term Two, our Year 11 cohort experienced a ‘careers camp' in Melbourne and Ballarat. This saw the students visit and tour several of the city’s leading university institutions such as Deakin, Swinburne, Monash and RMIT (city campus).

The group also had the chance to explore the regional city of Ballarat, touring ACU and Federation University during their stay. They also attended the VCE and Careers Expo at Caulfield Racecourse, which was a hive of energy and excitement as they rubbed shoulders with other students and university ambassadors from around Australia.

Considering Cobram is located roughly three hours from Melbourne and four hours from Ballarat, logistically it’s incredibly difficult for our students to visit all these universities in their own time.

With each campus having a different look and feel, the students relished the opportunity to immerse themselves in the higher education experience and get a better feel of which university would suit not only their educational needs, but also their lifestyle needs (if that's their postschool intention).

Year 11 student Alana Rickard commented that she “loved learning about the different courses and social activities that are on offer at each university”. Jett Robbins found the experience reassuring, discovering that he can study things he enjoys such as dance and creative writing.

Back within the confines of structured curriculum, students at Cobram AGS have various means of readying themselves for future workplace opportunities through the VET Delivered to Secondary Schools (VETDSS) program. This enables students in Years 10 to 12 to access vocational courses at Level 1,2 or 3 thanks to the school’s partnership with local providers GOTAFE Shepparton and Wodonga TAFE. Our growing School Based Apprenticeship Traineeship program (SBA) is another alternative pathway that equips students with workplace skills and knowledge that enhances their long-term employment prospects.

Our Year 11 students pause for a photo during their RMIT tour.

Time for a change: Worklocker takes over uniform Since Cobram Anglican Grammar School first opened its doors in 2000, Mentha’s Surf and Street Supply has been supplying our uniform.

That tried and tested partnership formally came to an end on Monday 19 June, when Worklocker Cobram officially took the reins as the school’s uniform stockist.

The opportunity for Mentha’s to become the school’s uniform supplier came about when the late Trevor Noonan OAM (former School Council Chairman) approached Mentha’s owner, Greg Mentha, to see if he would be interested in developing and supplying the uniform.

Greg recalled going down to Melbourne in those early days and putting in the hard yards to ensure he could find the appropriate colours and materials for the uniform.

“There are a lot of items involved when you’re dealing with a school uniform so I remember it being a daunting challenge at the time because it all had to tie together. We came up with what the uniform basically looks like today – which hasn’t aged as fashion has changed,” Greg said.

From those initial discussions with his good friend Trevor Noonan about taking on supplying the school’s uniform, Greg told the Crier that the business had enjoyed the opportunity to fit out the school’s students for over two decades.

“If I’m driving to work or walking somewhere and I see one of the kids in the uniform, it always made me proud of the fact that we could be a consistent supplier to the school community. It’s pretty important that when people need the gear, they get the gear,” he reflected.

With Greg now transitioning towards semi-retirement, he felt now was the perfect time to hand the baton over to Sam and Julie Kennedy, owners of Worklocker Cobram.

“I know Sam and Julie will do a great job with the uniform. It’s exciting for their business and the Cobram Anglican Grammar School community,” Greg said.

From 19 June 2023, families of Cobram Anglican Grammar School looking to purchase school uniform items must visit Worklocker at 8 Main St, Cobram.

The store will have a display area where families can view different the various uniform items that are available.

At the time of writing, we have 10 students completing a SBA, spread across a diverse range of industries including agriculture, electrotechnology, baking, civil construction and sport and recreation.

The school is committed to empowering students from rural communities such as ours by providing more flexibility in how they structure their learning environment so it best suits their needs and aspirations.

Sam and Julie Kennedy pose with Greg Mentha, Keith Willett and Narelle Schreenan at Worklocker.

Page 9 Integrity, Endeavour, Community

Cobram Anglican Grammar School Cobram Anglican Grammar School

The Crier – Term Four, 2022 The Crier – Term Four, 2022

Community Corner Winter Appeal provides temporary relief for the homeless in our community Our generous school community pitched in to support those in the local community who face heightened challenges in the winter months by donating nonperishable food and toiletry items to our 'Giving Day' cause.

Our Year 12 students packed the donated items into emergency relief kits, which will be distributed by St Margaret's Church this winter. Excess items were forwarded to Cobram Food Bank.

Further to Giving Day, our Year 12 cohort participated in the traditional Winter Sleepout. This activity aims to raise awareness for the homeless. The group approached the challenging evening with a shared purpose. Captain of Community Service, Caitlin Welch, said the experience was enlightening.

“It’s not easy and it’s not fun. It made me appreciate how lucky I am to have a roof over my head each night,” Caitlin told the Crier.

Students and local police join forces to promote road safety On 19 May, a small group of students embraced the Walk Safely to School Day initiative.

Recognising that many of our students live out of town or rely on buses to get to school, we decided to organise a simulated walk to school experience.

This saw a group of Foundation to Year 2 students and their Year 12 buddies walk down Campbell Road, discussing road safety tips on their travels!

We were delighted by the active involvement of several Cobram Police Officers who kindly joined our students on this walk as an extra source of support and guidance.

Students and staff pay respects to the Stolen Generations at Shepparton commemoration Below is a reflection written by Year 11 student, Madison McDiarmid.

On Friday 26 May, I had the opportunity to attend the National Sorry Day Commemoration in Shepparton.

Beforehand, I had been asked to deliver a reading. The part that I read was about a brief history of Reconciliation Week.

During the commemoration, it was heartbreaking to hear the personal experiences and recollections of Indigenous people during the years of the Stolen Generations.

After hearing of the hurt and suffering caused by government policies of the

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past, it was interesting learning about what we can do for Reconciliation as young people moving forward.

One common message that was aired during the commemoration was the importance of reflecting on the past and what we can do together on the journey to Reconciliation.

One of my main observations from the commemoration is that the main theme for Reconciliation Week this year, “Be a voice for generations”, can be achieved by being a brave ally to our Indigenous people and getting news on Indigenous matters from trusted sources such as National Indigenous Television (NITV).

Images provided by Amy DePaola.

Cobram Anglican Grammar School Cobram Anglican Grammar School

The Crier – Term Two, 2023 The Crier – Term Four, 2022

Riding the waves of adventure: Year 9 students dive into fresh experiences In week three of term, our Year 9 cohort embarked on a five-day camp on Phillip Island.

During the camp the group had the opportunity to feed wildlife at Maru Koala and Wildlife Park, they explored the history of Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and enjoyed evening activities like tenpin bowling and laser tag.

The students worked up a sweat kayaking and paddle boarding in the bay, followed by a stunning bush walk.

There was also the thrill of watching a penguin parade!

Then came one of the biggest highlights for many, a morning surf!

Other fun experiences included visiting 'Maze N Things' and having a go at high ropes activities.

The group concluded their adventure with a visit to the Chocolate Factory and did a quick pelican feed before heading back home.

The group enjoyed this bonding opportunity and the camp hosts were very impressed by their exemplary behavior and politeness throughout the week.

Parents and Friends (P&F) Term Two Recap It has been another busy term for our Parents and Friends (P&F), and their fundraising initiatives were once again well supported by our school community.

Here is their recap of Term Two. Fundraising • The Mother's Day Stall raised an impressive $700 and there were a range of new products available, sourced from our amazing local suppliers.

• Each of the Pop-Up Uniform Shops for second-hand uniform items generated approximately $400.

How is the money supporting our students?

• We are excited to announce a donation of $2500 towards a new engraver for our Woodwork Room. This machine has the capability to also be used for STEM and Art projects, as well other design needs around the school.

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• Additionally, $850 has been allocated towards new shelving for our Library, with further funding set to be allocated to expanding our book collection.

Upcoming events • We are planning a Trivia Night in October. Gather your friends and family for a chance to showcase your knowledge, all the while supporting our school and having a great time in the process!

We welcome new individuals with fresh perspectives and great ideas to join us!

Whether you can spare a little or a lot of your time, any contribution is greatly appreciated as we look to enhance the experiences of our students through fundraising and social events.

• Father's Day Raffle – will be held in late August or September (date TBC).

• The Father's Day Stall will be held on 31 August and 1 September. Celebrate the incredible male role models in our school community by buying locally sourced gifts at our Father's Day Stall.

Get involved with the P&F Our meetings are casual, informative, and only require an hour of your time each month (rotating between Zoom and in-person).

Page 11 Integrity, Endeavour, Community

Cobram Anglican Grammar School Cobram Anglican Grammar School

Surf's up for Year 8 class Our Year 8 students enjoyed an unforgettable camp on Phillip Island, immersing themselves in the stunning coastal region's natural and cultural wonders.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to Maru Koala and Animal Park, where students enjoyed a guided tour, interacted with native Australian animals, and had a unique feeding session with the rarely sighted Tassie Devil, as well as an albino kangaroo!

The students relished the chance to participate in a range of activities. They played mini-golf, went bowling, climbed rocks, and explored Churchill Island Heritage Farm, where they witnessed a blacksmith demonstration and met adorable baby farm animals.

Kayaking was a memorable experience as the students paddled along the coastline, basking in favorable weather. They also caught waves during a surfing lesson, embracing an opportunity to be at one with Mother Earth.

To appreciate the island's natural beauty, the group embarked on a scenic hike, fostering an appreciation for the native landscape.

Overall, the students had a great time exploring the island's many treasures and getting to know each other outside the classroom environment.

Year 7 cohort forge bonds and conquer challenges Mid-term, our Year 7 students set off for a four-day adventure to Borambola for their first ever secondary school camp!

At the Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre, they plunged into a raft of adventure activities, plus teamwork and relationship building exercises.

From learning survival skills and cooking, to engaging in activities like pioneering, archery, BMX, and fencing, the daily schedule was packed with new experiences!

The group also enjoyed participating in special challenge events such as Minute to Win It, Castaway, and a Mini Olympics competition. Student Owen Leishman said he had a great time on the camp.

"My favourite activity by far was BMX riding because I hadn’t ridden a bike in SOOO long!

The black track had jumps and curves and it was just so much fun!" Owen remarked.

Poppy Goodwin added: "I loved the Minute to Win It challenges as they were fun and exciting and really got your blood pumping.

I’d go back in a heartbeat."

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The Crier – Term One, Four, 2023 2022

Cobram Anglican Grammar School Cobram Anglican Grammar School

The Crier – Term Two, 2023 The Crier – Term Four, 2022 I would like to extend my appreciation to our hardworking staff members who play an instrumental role in shaping our students' lives.

Their commitment, passion, and tireless efforts in providing our students with an abundance of opportunities has been exceptional. I am grateful for their dedication and the positive impact they have on our school community.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the families of our students. Your support, active involvement, and collaboration have created a harmonious and healthy school environment.

Principal’s Message From Mr Keith Willett

Their enthusiasm for learning, positive mindset, and eagerness to actively participate in all aspects of school life is highly commendable.

Dear Families and Students, I trust this message finds you well and looking forward to a well-earned semester break.

As we reach the end of another successful semester at Cobram Anglican Grammar School, it is with great pleasure that we present to you the highlights and achievements of our wonderful school community.

The collective efforts of our students, teachers, staff, and families have certainly made this semester a memorable one.

Anglican Identity With Ms Shea Doyle Midway through the term, Cobram AGS staff attended the Anglican Schools Commission Anglican Identity Day event, held at Cathedral College Wangaratta.

The day supports staff from the three eastern states ASC schools to come together for purposeful reflection and worship.

Two very engaging keynote speakers shared their stories, both reflecting on journeys that, at times, required a leap of faith and a hopeful spirit to achieve a desired outcome.

Both speakers reminded us of the significance of our Anglican Identity and prompted us to consider how it is expressed in our schools.

Of course, there is always room for improvement and I encourage all students to reflect upon their Semester One efforts and achievements and to set new goals for Semester Two.

As we approach a well-deserved break, I would like to wish all members of the Cobram AGS community a safe and restful holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back in Term Three as we continue our educational journey together.

With regards, Keith Willett

Alongside their academic endeavours, our students have also actively engaged in a diverse range of extracurricular activities throughout the semester.

We take great pride in offering a broad range of options to cater to the varied interests and talents of our students.

We were reminded of the opportunity we have every day to share stories and practice our faith whilst at the same time, welcoming with a generous spirit, those of other faith traditions or those of no faith.

During his reflection, Bishop Clarence E. Bester highlighted how important relationships were to what we do, and we were encouraged to build and nurture our relationships by “looking again” at people, or problems, with a new lens of kindness and compassion.

This was evident when we recently welcomed members of the wider school community to our sub-school assembly presentations focused on National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.

The presentations, facilitated by students from Year 9, engaged the audience with stories from the Stolen Generation and provided examples of how, by acknowledging the atrocities of the past, we can work to heal the hurt suffered by our First Nations people.

One of the most important ways in which we celebrate our Anglican Identity is through worship and this term we have continued to appreciate the Chapel Services conducted by Father Victor Adams.

The Junior School cohort have particularly enjoyed engaging with the music he has included in each service, while the Senior School students have been encouraged to contemplate the themes that arise from the readings and prayers presented during each service.

Another way in which we cultivate our Anglican Identity at Cobram AGS is through acts of service and one of the highpoints of this term was the launch of the Diocese of Wangaratta Anglicare Winter Appeal.

Our students heard from Father David Still from Anglicare who shared with us the work undertaken by this organisation to support people who are in need in our community, in particular during the harsh winter months.

David invited everyone to bring a non-perishable food item or toiletry item to our Giving Day held in the second last week of term, which was well supported as always. *Anyone who is interested in having their child/children Baptized or Confirmed is welcome to contact Father Victor Adams via email at: victor.adams@cags.vic.edu.au

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Cobram Anglican Grammar School

Junior School Report With Mrs Fiona Clark

The Crier – Term Four, 2022

The Year 5/6 group also had the opportunity to look at an apple orchard in full swing, complementing the theory learnt at school in their Agriculture Unit.

This same cohort donned their football guernseys and netball bibs and commenced their winter sport competition, competing gallantly against neighbouring primary schools. This competition will run into Term Three and has been a great initiative thus far.

The weeks have flown by in Term Two and the weather is starting to get colder and wetter. Despite the change in seasons, the endeavour of our Junior School students has remained the same. Below is just a snippet of events that transpired during Term Two. At the beginning of term, many of our Junior School students participated in the ANZAC Day March at Cobram – a memorable event and a first for many of our little ones.

A large number of the Year 6 cohort were lucky enough to be part of our Year 7 Taster Day. The students came away raving about the day and eager to start their secondary school experience at Cobram AGS.

Midway through May we invited numerous kindergartens and preschools to our school and in particular into our lovely Foundation rooms. The kinder kids were lucky enough to experience school life and have a play in our playground.

It was fantastic to network with the early childhood educators and bounce ideas of one another. Parents in the Foundation classes also had a chance to network with a cheeky afternoon tea by the playground.

Foundation to Year 6 students took part in National Simultaneous Storytime, reading a delightful story ‘The Speedy Sloth’, which featured several poignant messages about participating, perseverance and positivity.

Speaking of participating and positivity, an enthusiastic group of Year 3/4 and 5/6 students participated in the Lions Club Speeches.

Senior School Report With Mr John Thompson

They initially spoke at a classroom level in front of their peers and guests of Cobram Lions Club, then the selected few went through to speaking in front of a panel of judges and against other local students at the Cobram Senior Citizens Hall.

These students conducted themselves admirably and have gained an immeasurable amount of confidence through their participation.

Following their successful Immersion Day in Term One which focused on history, the Year 1/2s decided to ramp up the experience and take part in another Immersion Day, this time focusing on geography. This was a fun learning experience in which students visited each continent virtually. They discovered, explored and immersed themselves in the cultures of six different countries.

The Cross Country was our major sporting event for the term. It is a picturesque setting down by Thompson’s Beach and it is always a wonderful event to be part of, especially for our Foundation students who get to experience it for the first time.

With Term Two now in the books, I wish you all a happy and safe holiday period. I am looking forward to the ‘premiership quarter’, Term Three, where our students apply and consolidate their learning.

In week three, the Year 9 cohort swapped places with the Year 8s at Phillip Island, just sneaking in their activities before the weather turned sour. We took a week off from camps in week four and this saw our secondary compete in a wide variety of sporting pursuits against other schools in the district as part of the GMDSSV Winter Sports competition.

The last of our camps for the term departed in week five, with the Year 7 cohort enjoying many team building activities at Borambola on their first camp experience away together.

As well as sending most of our year levels off on camp this term, we also held a successful Taster Day for prospective 2024 Year 7 students (participants pictured in photo) followed by an information evening for parents during week five. We look forward to running a second Taster Day on 4 August, so if you know anyone who has a child entering Year 7 in 2024, be sure to spread the word!

At the beginning of term, a quick glance at the calendar indicated that Term Two was going to be a significant one for our Senior School students.

Our Year 7 and 8 students took to the sporting field in week six, while our Year 9 and 10 students commenced their planning for 2024 with the ‘My Pathways Day’ taking place in week seven. Week eight was a big one for our Year 12 group with the General Achievement Test (GAT) taking place, followed by their Winter Sleepout.

As we sit here having completed the first semester of 2023, it’s fair to say the calendar didn’t fully reflect just how many curricular and extracurricular opportunities our Senior School students were presented with.

And to cap it all off, the Year 10 students went out on work experience in the final week of term, while a group of dedicated Senior School performers starred on stage, with the ‘Game of Tiaras’ production a fantastic way to conclude a massive term of activities.

We kicked off with a bang in week one with the Cross Country carnival, while week two began what can only be described as ‘camp season’, with our Year 8 cohort departing for Phillip Island; the Year 11 students taking off for their Melbourne and Ballarat university adventure, and the Year 9/10 Outdoor Education class setting off on their hike.

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It’s fair to say that a semester break has been well-earned by students and staff alike. A massive thank you to the staff in the Senior School who continue to go above and beyond to provide these wonderful growth opportunities for our students, whilst also completing the day-to-day business of teaching and learning.

To the students who have taken up these opportunities, be sure to enjoy the break before returning refreshed and ready to do it all again in Term Three.

Cobram Cobram Anglican Anglican Grammar Grammar School School

The The Crier Crier –– Term Term Two, Four,2023 2022

Business Report: With Mrs Narelle Schreenan As we gear up for the upcoming holidays, we wanted to share news of improvements and renovations that will be taking place on our grounds. Here’s a brief overview of the works being carried out:

The solar panels will generate clean electricity, which will not only benefit the environment, but also help us save on energy costs in the long run.

1. Installation of a 99.6kW solar panel system We are thrilled to announce that our school will be going green!

2. Adjustments to sand pit and existing shade sails Our youngest learners deserve the best play spaces, and that's why we are revamping the Junior School sand pit. During the holidays, we will be removing the existing decking and replacing it with a synthetic grass surface.

Over the holidays, a state-of-the-art 99.6kW solar panel system will be installed on the rooftop of our basketball court facility.

This initiative aims to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability by harnessing the power of renewable energy.

Sports Recap With Mr Jon O’Dwyer As we approach our mid-year break, we want to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our talented athletes.

Our sporting stars have once again excelled in various disciplines, showcasing their dedication and skill.

Here's a summary of their achievements: Our Cross Country event was a typically hard-fought battle, with Stanyer and Cowell tying in points, but Stanyer ultimately clinched the title.

Nineteen primary students progressed to the Goulburn-Murray Division event, and 15 students represented the school at the GMDSSV event.

Fourteen students (six Junior School and eight Senior School) secured top 12 positions in their respective events, earning qualification for the Hume Region event.

Interschool Sport highlights included: Year 9-12 students participating in their respective summer and winter sports days.

Year 7-8 students engaging in winter sports.

Year 5/6 students competing in a round-robin football/netball competition against other local schools.

We are excited to educate our students about the importance of renewable energy sources and demonstrate our commitment to a greener future.

The synthetic grass surface will provide a softer and more even playing area, reducing the risk of trips and falls. To ensure our students have a comfortable and safe outdoor space, we will also be expanding the number of shade sails seen around the school.

3. Installation of kerb separation in school driveway Safety is a top priority for us, and we are continuously looking for ways to enhance it. Over the holidays, we will be installing kerb separation in the school driveway to increase traffic safety.

This improvement will provide a clear separation between the vehicle lanes, reducing the potential for accidents and ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

These infrastructure/maintenance projects are part of our ongoing commitment to continually improving the experience for our students and families.

We are excited about the positive changes they will bring to our school community. We will keep you updated on the progress of these works and any other developments as they unfold, but it is expected they will be completed prior to students returning on Monday 17 July.

Our senior girls' badminton team produced a gallant performance at the All Schools division two event, finishing in 7th position.

Noteworthy achievements from interschool events include: Jack Magill (Y7) and Adrian Jonker (Y7) receiving awards at the clay target shooting; our intermediate (Y9/10) division one netball team finishing second, our intermediate girls' badminton team claiming runners-up, and both our senior girls' and senior boys' badminton teams being crowned divisional champions!

Extracurricular Success: Athletics: Madison Simpson (Y6) and Xavyer Hyde (Year 2) – regional/club records AFL: Jack Magill (Y7), Lachlan Packer (Y7), Taylor Thornton (Y7), Elijah Everingham (Y9), Jeremy Packer (Y9) and Sam Trembath (Y9) – GWS Giants Western Riverina Academy members Badminton: A number of students experienced success at the Shepparton tournament on 13 May and at the Cobram tournament on 16 June (where all Cobram AGS connections finished on top of their respective divisions!

Basketball: Charlotte Woosnam (Y9) – elite training program and squad selection Dance: All those students who dance for League 23 and have qualified for Nationals!

Canoeing: Vivian ‘Clive’ Cromack (Y11) – medals at Victorian School Canoe Championships Equestrian: Isla Butler (Y5), Emily Stone (Y6), Emelia Cole (Y7), Kasey Caldow (Y9) and Charlotte Dickins (Y9) – success at local gymkhana’s Golf: Kohen Haddrell (Y6), Harry Thompson (Y7) and Mr Thompson – success at local club events/tournaments Gymnastics: Jean-Marie Jonker (Y5) qualifying for an international event!

Netball: Lucy Adkins (Y9) – elite training program selection, Mikayla Woosnam (Y12) netball league representation and vice-captaincy Soccer: Lachlan Pardy (Y6) playing representative soccer Lawn Bowls: CAGS Cityside finishing runners-up in the Barooga Sporties Social Bowls season, with Mr O’Dwyer winning the 21 Up competition and finishing runners -up in B grade men’s division at club level Other Individual Achievements: Kohen Haddrell and Isabelle Haberfield excelled in the selection process for the Under 12 School Sports Victoria (SSV) Team Victoria in cricket and AFL respectively. Aroha Kautai secured a place in the Under 12 Team Victoria Touch Football side for the second consecutive year.

We are immensely proud of our talented athletes for their dedication to their chosen sports. As we head into the second half of the year, we wish them a well-deserved break to recharge and prepare for future successes.

Congratulations to all our sporting stars!

Page 15 Integrity, Integrity, Endeavour, Endeavour, Community Community

Cobram Anglican Grammar School

The Crier – Term Two, 2023

Aroha goes back-toback in state selection In a tremendous example of sustained sporting excellence, Year 5 student Aroha Kautai has once again been selected in the Victoria Under 12 Girls Touch Football team!

Aroha is now looking forward to travelling to Darwin to compete in the School Sport Australia Touch Football Championships, held over a week in mid-August this year.

"Pretty proud of myself” was her immediate reaction to discovering news of her selection in the state side once again.

Aroha explained that try outs started back in March and there were two training sessions that determined selection for the squad. These sessions involved physical testing and an assessment of each player’s fundamental touch skills.

Lining up in the middle position, Aroha will no doubt have a central role to play in helping her side make an impression on the tournament after they struggled last year.

Aroha is confident the Vics have a better squad this year and she is excited to see what they can produce this time around, also noting improvements in her individual game.

“The biggest thing I’ve improved on since last year is my long passes,” she said.

Making her selection all the more impressive is the fact she no longer plays touch footy at club level! Aoha told the Crier that she harbours ambitions to one day reach the top level of the sport.

“For now it’s just fun, but maybe I will try to become professional when I’m older.”

Aroha said she was thankful for the encouragement and support she has received from Mr O’Dwyer, her teacher Mrs Williams and her friends at school.

Belle tests herself against the best Year 6 student Belle Haberfield recently had the opportunity to play against the best young female AFL footballers in the state, trialing for the Victoria Under 12 team.

Belle described it as an awesome experience.

“It was really great actually, everybody was really nice.

They split everybody into four teams and we played each other over the course of the try outs,” she said.

Despite falling just short in making the final squad, she received words of encouragement from those with arguably the keenest eye on match play.

“Both umpires (of the trial matches) actually told me they thought I would make it after the practice games, which I don’t think they were meant to,” she said with a laugh.

After kicking off her footy career in 2020, Belle enjoys the sport so much that she now plays two games every weekend! She plays for Katamatite against the boys in the under 14s each Saturday, as well as playing for Rutherglen in the under 14 girls’ competition which she has only started this season.

“At the start I was playing Friday night footy at Cobram which was kind of just an extra thing to fill my time and keep me fit but then I started really enjoying it so I signed up to play club footy as well,” she told the Crier.

Belle remarked that the physicality associated with playing football is her favourite element of the game, naming tackling and running as her biggest attributes, also adding that her short kicking is developing each day.

When asked if her goal is to one day play AFLW, her response was razor sharp: “Definitely”.

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A school of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)

Contact Us Visit: 40-48 Campbell Road, Cobram VIC 3644 Post: P.O. Box 607, Cobram VIC 3643 Call: 03 5871 1816 Email: admin@cags.vic.edu.au

cags.vic.edu.au