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!

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