The Crier Newsletter - Term Two 2023

The Crier

Term Two Edition, 2023

Another Run'derful Cross Country

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

Following the intraschool Cross Country, we had some fantastic results at the divisional level, 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

No revival needed as trio qualify 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

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!

“We are very happy We were happy j to nationals was even better,” Evalee told the Crier.

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

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

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

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!

The Newsletter of Cobram Anglican Grammar School

Team Revival at the School Aerobics State Finals in Rowville.

Gary Smith shortlisted for national teaching award

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 incredibl 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-cl research and treatment programs fo those subject to the disease in Austr

The delicious offerings were accomp by a gold coin donation, a small fina gesture to support the amazing wor the Cancer Council

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to o incredible students, families, and sta who brought an array of mouthwate treats that delighted our taste buds worthy cause

Gary

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

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:

“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

and wife Melonie

Taleea determined to dance her way to the top

Year 12 student Taleea Long has long dreamt of one day becoming a back up dancer to global stars in the entertainment industry.

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

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.

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

Despite her recent success in securing a place at Kelly Aykers, Taleea has more 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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Geoff Brown joins Teaching Fellowsh

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

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

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

“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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

Careers Advisor

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subject Selection forms are due back by Wednesday 19 July

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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 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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Cobram Anglican Grammar

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

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

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.

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

• 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!

• 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)

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.

Cobram Anglican Grammar School

The Crier – Term Two, 2023

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 cha participate in a range of activ played mini-golf, went bowlin and explored Churchill Island where they witnessed a black demonstration and met ador animals

Kayaking was a memorable e students paddled along the c in favorable weather They al during a surfing lesson, embr opportunity to be at one with

To appreciate the island's na group embarked on a scenic an appreciation for the native

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 "

Principal s Message

From Mr Keith Willett

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Junior School Report

With Mrs Fiona Clark

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

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.

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

With Mr John Thompson Senior School Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

We are thrilled to announce that our school will be going green!

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

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

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

2

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

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.

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!

1. Installation of a 99.6kW solar panel system

Adjustments to sand pit and existing shade sails

Installation of kerb separation in school driveway

Aroha goes back-toback in state selection

In a tremendous example of sustained sporting excellence, Year 5 student Aro Kautai has once again been selected in Victoria Under 12 Girls Touch Football t

Aroha is now looking forward to travell to Darwin to compete in the School Spo Australia Touch Football Championship held over a week in mid-August this yea

"Pretty proud of myself” was her imme 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”