The Crier
The Newsletter of Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Gathering stories and strengthening connections: Yarning Circle opens
On Monday 21 October, Cobram Anglican Grammar School (Cobram AGS) proudly opened its Yarning Circle This space is a celebration of the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, particularly in Yorta Yorta Country, where the school stands
At the Yarning Circle, visitors will have opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and perspectives, share their own knowledge and connect spiritually with country. The ceremony featured special guests, including Aunty Iris Troutman, CEO of the Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation, who so eloquently explained that the Yarning Circle would become a safe and inclusive space for storytelling, collaboration, and deepening cultural understanding.
The morning began with a traditional smoking ceremony led by Uncle Eric, who played the didgeridoo as students participated, with Year 5 student Kadeyn Duggan joining him. Following the ceremony, the school’s Indigenous students and staff had a unique chance to sit with Aunty Iris and Uncle Eric to “yarn,” embracing the age-old tradition of knowledge-sharing within this newly established cultural space.
The establishment of the Yarning Circle has been several years in the making, and its opening was rightfully celebrated as a special milestone for the school community Year 12 student and proud Yorta Yorta man Jett Robbins remarked: “It’s the basis of how our culture is taught, learnt and passed down It’s a vital aspect of Indigenous life and plays a massive role in promoting spiritual health ”
Principal, Mr Keith Willett, reflected more broadly on what the Yarning Circle will come to mean to the school community: “Cobram AGS is committed to the process of reconciliation and this Yarning Circle will allow students and staff to have culturally important conversations in a space where everybody stands on equal footing,” he said.
Class of 2024 draw the curtain with Sideshow Alley spectacular
What an absolutely EPIC Celebration Day for our Year 12s on 22 October as they drew the curtain on their schooling lives with a sideshow alley carnival theme that had to be seen to be believed!
The morning was bursting with carnival fun, featuring games, dancing, and an unforgettable dunk tank! They truly brought the joy and excitement of the carnival right to our school, making it a morning to remember for all year levels
Their final day closed out with a nostalgic assembly Laughter and tears filled the room as students and teachers shared memories, reflecting on the moments that have shaped these incredible young people It was a day to treasure, celebrating a class that has left a lasting mark on our school.
Congratulations to the Year 12 Class of 2024 here’s to all your future adventures!
Our Year 12 graduates:
Amelia Packer
Anthea Peters
Bella Mete
Bon (Micky) Voeun
Claire Stillard
Dru Munro
Ebony Kernaghan
Jett Robbins
Jordan Su
Madison McDiarmid
Molly Packer
Nathan Gossayn
Ned Bugge
Savanna Mustica
Shadan Alsabti
Tahlia Bextream
Thomas Corso
Tully Kerr
Vivian (Clive) Cromack
Xavier Greatorex
VCE results reveal incredible achievements
Cobram AGS celebrated the impressive achievements of its VCE students following the release of the Victorian ATAR results on 12 December, 2024.
Leading the 2024 cohort was school Dux Claire Stillard, who attained an impressive ATAR of 84.15. Claire’s results were bolstered by standout study scores of 37 in Psychology, 37 in General Maths, 35 in Environmental Science, 33 in Biology, and 30 in Legal Studies.
With aspirations to study Veterinary Science, Claire is hoping to embark on an exciting new academic journey in 2025
The school’s second-highest ATAR achiever was Jordan Su, who earned a score of 83 3 Both students’ accomplishments reflected their commitment and perseverance throughout the year
In an incredible achievement, Year 9 student Cedric Pang made headlines with a perfect study score of 50 in General Maths – a remarkable feat for the 15 year old who fast-tracked the subject
New robots capture attention
Cobram AGS is proud to announce the introduction of state-of-the-art KUKA robotics, providing students with access to industrystandard technology, subsequently expanding educational pathways for young people across the region
Principal, Mr Keith Willett, emphasised the significance of this addition to the school’s curriculum “We can now offer educational pathways for all students, whether their goals are university-oriented or focused on practical, applied learning,” Mr Willett said
“Our teachers and students are excited to use this technology to develop essential skills such as coding and programming.”
Cedric’s success illustrated his commitment to achieving his best, proving that age is no barrier to academic excellence. A study score of 50 for a student of this age is extremely rare in education and certainly worth celebrating, so congratulations Cedric.
Commenting on the school’s overall VCE results, Cobram AGS Principal, Mr Keith Willett, expressed his pride in the cohort’s success, attributing the fantastic results to a combination of student application, teacher support, and family encouragement
“We were delighted with the results achieved by our students this year These results not only reflected their hard work throughout the year, but also highlighted the unwavering support of our teaching staff and families in providing guidance and support,” Mr Willett said
“I am particularly pleased that most students who sat their VCE exams are on track to pursue their chosen pathways, whether that be higher education, an apprenticeship or full time work I would like to extend my gratitude to our Careers Coordinator, Jade Drew, for her tireless work in guiding and supporting students towards their future aspirations beyond school.”
We congratulate all our VCE students on their achievements to date and wish them every success as they look forward to the next chapter in their lives.
The KUKA robotic arms are widely used in industries around the world that rely on automation for efficiency. Technology teacher, Mr Anthony McConnell, highlighted their importance in preparing students for the future workforce. “Many industries already use KUKA robotics. We’re seeing an increasing number of students interested in engineering, robotics, and coding for the ever-changing workplace,” Mr McConnell said.
Claire, Jordan and Cedric.
Year 6 cohort celebrated at memorable Graduation Ceremony
Our Year 6 Graduation Ceremony is always one of the most memorable days on the Term 4 calendar, and the 2024 edition was no exception. Our two Year 5/6 classroom teachers, Mrs Christine Doyle and Mrs Donna Williams, beautifully highlighted the wonderful friendships that have blossomed amongst the cohort and the shared memories that will be cherished for years to come.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2024 for successfully completing their primary education at Cobram AGS, and we wish them tremendous success in their future endeavors. Thank you for being a valued part of our school community, and we wish you the best of luck as you embark on your secondary school journeys!
Year 6 class of 2024:
Chase Bouchier
Bella Broderick
Thomas Burns
Isla Butler
Mila Diaco
Grace Grant
Indi Hemingway
Kegan Hollands
Chase Jarjoura
Olivia Jeffery
Jean-Marie Jonker
Aroha Kautai
Jacob Latina
Neve Macheda
Lara Maher
Angelina Mckay
Gabrielle Mete
Elsie Murphy
Claudia Mustica
Luke Nave
Coen Pang
Heidi Quick
Divjot Singh
Matilda Stirling
Emily Stone
Harper Stubberfield
Melody Su
Janel Tanchote
Hadley Tenney
Penelope Thompson
Kohen Verner
William Waser
Scarlett Watson
Eliza Wyhoon
Meet our 2025 House Captains
We are thrilled to introduce our new Senior School House Captains for 2025 who will contribute their leadership skills and skills to various events and activities, both within the school and out in the community
Congratulations to the following students:
Cowell: Jeremy Packer and Ben Curnick Farrer: Kyden Rodda and Olivia Thompson Parkes: Jack Brown and Miley Driscoll Stanyer: Peyton Royston and Heidi Webb
In addition, we’re excited to announce that Matilda Waser has been appointed as the Leader of the Student Forum Matilda is set to work closely with our Captain of Student Engagement, Mackenzie Duhring, to bring fresh ideas, encourage collaboration, and foster growth within our student community
John Thompson, Head of Senior School, expressed the school's enthusiasm about having a diverse group of leaders, each bringing their own unique strengths to the leadership roles.
"House Captains play a pivotal role in the Senior School; they engage actively in assisting with traditional house activities, such as the Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals "
“Throughout the year they also plan several fundraising and community awareness initiatives, as well as whole school activity days at which connect Junior and Senior School students and help build school culture,” Mr Thompson said.
Language students journey through time and tradition at Bendigo
Sixteen curious Chinese language students from Years 9, 10, and 11, along with Mr Geoff Brown and Mrs Jacqueline Pang, took a trip to the Golden Dragon Chinese Museum in Bendigo and what an adventure it was!
The day was all about exploring the ideas behind Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, and discovering how these philosophies have shaped Chinese-speaking communities, both in the past and today.
Some of the best parts of the trip included getting up close to the amazing Chinese dragons on display, exploring the peaceful Guan Yin Temple and Taoist-inspired gardens, and checking out unique artefacts from Bendigo’s Chinese community Imagine seeing real money from the early 1900s!
After all the exploring, everyone refuelled with a delicious lunch at the museum’s restaurant, where honey chicken and fried rice were the crowd favourites!
Year 5/6 students soak in the nation’s capital has to offer!
Our Year 5/6 students closed out the school year in style with a four-day camp to Canberra. Below is a reflection piece written by Year 6 student, Aroha Kautai
We arrived bright and early at school on Monday the 11th of November; everyone had made it safely on to the bus at 7:00am. During the six-hour drive we had two stops. The stop at Gundagai lasted about two hours due to a flat tyre which certainly made it an interesting trip!
At 3:00pm we entered the National Capital Exhibition, where we learned why Canberra was made in such a specific way, who designed it and why they did it that particular way Later we arrived at the Sundown Villas, where we settled straight into our rooms, ate some dinner and watched a movie that was well deserved
Day two started early with breakfast at 7:30am We departed our accommodation an hour later and headed to GeoScience Australia where we learned all about the way earthquakes work, how rocks form and many other intriguing facts After GeoScience, we headed to the Australian War Memorial where we learned about all of the world wars, prime ministers, Australian spies and the unknown soldier.
After this we ventured to the Australian Mint and learned about how, where and why coins are made. We also had an amazing lunch at the pod playground. The night time activities were Laser Tag and games, which the teachers dominated by winning almost every round!
On day three we visited the Museum of Australian Democracy which provided us with a rich understanding and appreciation of the political legacy and the extreme value of Australian democracy in the Old Parliament.
After we left, we headed to the National Electoral Centre where the staff helped us experience Australia's federal electoral system and the power of Australia's democracy. Later we entered the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), with a tour guide showing us the way though the basketball stadium, gymnastics stadium, swimming pool and the sporting game room. Later we had a walk around some amazing Aboriginal artwork and learned the facts behind them. The exciting night time activity was Questacon, where we experienced an earthquake simulator, drop slide and many other extremely satisfying activities.
On day four, we enjoyed our final breakfast at the Sundown Villas before heading to Parliament House. During our visit, we explored the House of Representatives and even participated in passing a mock bill on the 'freedom of circus animals ' We also admired a Lego replica of Parliament House and treated ourselves to some frozen yoghurt Later, we set off for Cobram AGS, arriving back at school at 7:00pm
It was a great camp to be on!
Get toknow:PeterWatson
Teaching background and path to Cobram AGS
I have extensive experience teaching Mathematics and Physics across various schools in Victoria. I taught at Notre Dame College in Shepparton for 3.5 years, Galen College in Wangaratta for 16.5 years, and later had a stint at Cathedral College in Wangaratta. In that time, my focus has been predominantly on teaching Year 11 and 12 Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Physics, and General Mathematics, along with some Year 7 to 10 Mathematics classes.
After taking a 3.5 year break from teaching to work in the family business in Bendigo, I returned to education, joining Cobram AGS in July this year. I chose to work at this school because it operates within the same system as Cathedral College and offers a lifestyle that aligns with my personal and professional goals
Subjects you’re teaching in 2025 and additional qualifications
In 2025, I will be teaching Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 3 and General Mathematics Unit 1 I am also qualified to teach a range of Mathematics and Physics subjects across secondary year levels
What is your inspiration for teaching advanced Mathematics and Physics?
My natural aptitude for Mathematics and Physics inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne After completing my degree, I decided to explore teaching and earned a Diploma of Education, starting my teaching career at Notre Dame College.
I quickly discovered a passion for guiding students through their mathematical and scientific journeys, finding the profession both exciting and rewarding. I aim to inspire students by combining deep curriculum knowledge with humour and engaging classroom discussions. I also use real-life examples to demonstrate how concepts are applied in various fields, making the content more relatable and practical.
How do you go about integrating real-world applications into your teaching?
My process is to make complex topics engaging by drawing on students' existing knowledge and experiences through extensive questioning and discussion. My background in geophysics and meteorology allows me to provide real-world examples that connect classroom concepts to everyday phenomena. This approach helps students see the relevance and applicability of what they are learning.
What are some innovative strategies and tools you have brought to the Cobram AGS Maths/Science department?
I have implemented the MathSpace platform to enhance students' learning experiences. MathSpace offers immediate feedback and uses mathematical artificial intelligence to support students with adaptive, accessible tasks This tool works in tandem with direct teacher instruction, fostering a more efficient and enjoyable learning environment
Advice for students considering Mathematics/Physics in VCE For students in lower secondary school contemplating a pathway in Mathematics or Physics, I recommend developing a strong curiosity for learning Always ask "why" and make use of all available resources Establish disciplined study habits and work programs at home to build a solid foundation for success in VCE
It’s also essential to develop clear problem-solving and working-out skills not just thinking through problems mentally, but articulating ideas and processes on paper These habits are key to excelling in Mathematics or Physics
Peter is not only a Cobram AGS teacher, he is also a proud parent.
He is pictured with daughter Scarlett at the Year 6 Graduation
Peter and his Maths Methods class during the Headstart Program
Grandparents feel the love!
We were thrilled to welcome a wonderful turnout of grandparents and special guests to our Grandparents' Day celebration
The day was filled with memories as students eagerly shared their classrooms, showed their favourite play spots, and enjoyed snacks with their loved ones during recess
A special thank you to our super talented ukulele group, whose beautiful melodies set the perfect tone as guests arrived Their performances impressed everyone, showing improvement with each passing performance!
We hope our guests enjoyed this peek into our school community and felt the love from their adoring grandchildren.
Community Corner
Year 3/4 Students Make a Difference
Five compassionate and thoughtful Year 3/4 students Merola Wisa, Karla Hindson, Abigail Gemmill, Arveen Gill, and Gurleen Kaur teamed up in the name of charity to create a meaningful impact to young children on the other side of the world
As part of their ‘Hands For Homeless Orphans’ fundraiser, the students handcrafted over 50 colourful bracelets and sold them for $2 each at school Their efforts raised much-needed funds to support orphans in South Sudan, proving that even small actions can make a big difference.
Explaining why they they decided to do the fundraiser, Abigail Gemmill said: ”They (the orphans) don’t have that much food, water and a house to live in like we do with our families so we wanted to help them so they can be like us,” she said.
Cows Create Careers
Over the first couple weeks of term, we had the wonderful pleasure of hosting two adorable calves, Viola and Hallie, as part of the ‘Cows Create Careers’ program This involved our Year 5/6 students feeding and caring for the calves each morning and afternoon, providing valuable hands-on experience with the animals The Year 5/6s were well supported by the Year 9s who ensured they were being cared for each day
Throughout those two weeks, students learned a great deal about the Australian dairy industry, completed research projects, and explored potential career paths in agriculture.
We’re proud of how our students embraced this opportunity and we are grateful for the chance to have had Viola and Hallie with us!
Well done girls, your kindness and creativity have inspired us all!
To learn more about this cause, visit
Gurleen, Arveen, Mylah, Abigail, Merola and Karla at the bracelet stall
CAGS colour explosion!
Mid-term, it was raining eye-catching colours on the school oval as students participated in a high-energy Colour Run! This fantastic event brought together students from all year levels, showcasing the incredible community spirit that is a hallmark of our school
The Colour Run was expertly organised by our VCE Vocational Major (VM) class under the guidance of their teacher, Ms Doyle The team put in countless hours of hard work, from designing the course to ensuring the colourful powders and safety goggles were ready to create a truly unforgettable experience Their attention to detail was evident at every turn, making the event enjoyable for both participants and the many spectators who came along to take in the fun!
A big well done to our VM students for creating such an inclusive and engaging event. We would also like to extend our thanks to our Parents & Friends group for providing Zooper Doopers to students after the run a refreshing treat after all the fun and activity! What a memorable way to celebrate our amazing school community!
Year 12 Valedictory Dinner
the 2024 Valedictory Dinner at Finley RSC on 21 November was nothing short of magical! It was a night filled with joy and pride as we celebrated our incredible Year 12 graduates alongside their families, friends, and dedicated teachers. The evening highlighted the deep connections, respect, and friendships that have come to define this cohort.
A special highlight of the night was the announcement of Madison McDiarmid as the 2024 Class Valedictorian. Madison delivered an inspiring speech, reflecting on 13 extraordinary years at Cobram AGS. Congratulations, Madison, on this welldeserved honour!
We were privileged to have The Right Reverend Clarence E Bester, Bishop of Wangaratta, preside over the liturgy service with Father Victor Adams, bringing a spiritual and reflective element to the evening Our heartfelt thanks also go to Nicolene Gossayn, who shared a moving address on behalf of the parents
To the Class of 2024, thank you for your meaningful contributions to our school community We are so proud of you and excited to see you step boldly into the next chapter of your lives The world awaits –go make your mark!
Principal’s Message
From Mr Keith Willett
Cobram AGS can reflect with satisfaction on a year filled with innovation, progress, and success
Our school community has embraced exciting curriculum initiatives, strengthened its sense of purpose, and celebrated the achievements of students, staff, and families. Among the highlights of this year have been the addition of the VCE Vocational Major, Project Ready, and Sports Academy programs, each contributing significantly to the development of our students and the enrichment of our educational offerings.
The introduction of the VCE Vocational Major has been a transformative milestone for our senior students. This program has provided hands-on learning opportunities and industry connections, allowing students to develop critical skills and explore career pathways in real-world contexts From workplace placements to collaborative projects, students have shown outstanding dedication and growth, ensuring the success of this new venture
Our Project Ready program has further enhanced our commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom This initiative has focused on employability skills, teamwork, and personal development, empowering participants to tackle future challenges with confidence and creativity. The projects completed throughout the year have demonstrated the program's effectiveness and the incredible potential of our students. The establishment of the Sports Academy has been another highlight of 2024. This initiative has fostered excellence in both sport and academics, providing tailored training programs, expert coaching, and leadership development.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be another exciting chapter in the story of our school. The much-anticipated opening of the Trades Centre will further expand our practical and vocational offerings, equipping students with valuable skills for careers in skilled trades and technical industries We also look forward to welcoming new and diverse enrolments, enriching our school community with fresh perspectives and talents The consolidation of our new curriculum initiatives will further enhance the learning experience, ensuring that every student is supported in achieving their full potential
The students across the Junior School have been wonderful They have listened and responded to their teachers and the growth and development of these young people, academically, socially and in the fields of music and sports has been remarkable
None of this year’s achievements would have been possible without the efforts of our entire school community We extend our thanks to our staff, whose passion and professionalism has been outstanding To the School Council and the Parents and Friends Group, your unwavering support and contributions have been instrumental in shaping our school’s direction and success.
Most importantly, we thank our students and their families for their commitment and support. Your efforts and encouragement are the foundation of our shared achievements.
As we close the book on 2024 and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025, we remain committed to providing an environment where every student can thrive. Together, we will continue to grow, innovate, and celebrate the unique contributions of all members of the Cobram AGS community.
Junior School Report
With Mrs Fiona Clark
Dear families of Cobram AGS, As the school year closes, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared and express my gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership. It has been a year filled with learning, growth, and countless memorable moments.
I am immensely proud of the progress our students have made and the goals they have accomplished. From academic achievements and creative projects to artistic performances and community service, they have truly embodied the spirit of our school.
I would also like to extend my deepest appreciation to our teachers and staff, who have worked tirelessly to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for students to thrive in With mixed emotions, I would like to thank and farewell Mr Geoff Brown and Mrs Rosie Foster We wish you all the best in your new positions in 2025
Senior School Report
With Mr John Thompson
2024 has proven to be another big year for Cobram AGS in the Senior School, as some exciting developments continue to take shape, with some farewells along the way
This year, the push towards the development of our Trades Centre continues to take shape. Our sod-turning ceremony in Term 3 was an important milestone in blessing the site, and with the building dimensions marked out, it was exciting to see where the newest facility within the school would be located In recent times, contracts with developers have been signed and it’s exciting to know that work on our Trades Centre will begin over the upcoming summer break.
Our grade structure for 2025 is a combination of both straight classes and composites, with a focus on ensuring teachers work in professional learning communities and never in isolation I know there can be some concern from parents regarding composite classes, but please be assured that research suggests the quality of teaching and collaboration is more important than the structure itself.
Composite classes:
• Enable larger teams of teachers to collaborate on planning
• Further enhance consistent teacher judgement and assessment
• Create flexible groupings for whole cohort intervention and extension
• Enable class groupings with greater social balance
In 2025, our focus in the Junior school is to refine and strengthen our teaching and instructional model to design and deliver effective learning opportunities for students In this model, instruction moves slowly and purposefully from teacher modelling, to teachers and students sharing responsibility, to finally, students practicing and applying their knowledge independently.
Thank you once again for your partnership and trust Wishing you a restful and enjoyable summer break
This space will revolutionise our technology and STEM offerings within the Senior School as we continue to position ourselves as a place of education for all within our community. We have already seen the excitement and enthusiasm that our new robotic arms and laser cutters have generated amongst our students and it’s going to be a great facility to showcase this work.
As we round out 2024, it would be remiss of me not to mention a few departures amongst staff within the Senior School. Delwyn Hills has been a stalwart of the school for a long time now, seeing this school through the tough times and the good Her passion and enthusiasm for Art will be undoubtedly missed by our students Sharon Bird has been a key member of the Maths and Science Department and we will miss her wisdom and experience in these areas
Finally, Geoff Brown is saying farewell after a long period of service There’d be many parents of Senior School students, myself included, who witnessed to the puppet shows Geoff performed over Zoom during times of lockdown, and his passion and enthusiasm for language, cartooning and performance was infectious. We wish all these staff the best into the future.
To our Year 12 students, regardless of the numbers you see presented to you following your exams, know that it has been an absolute treasure to work with all of you as Head of Senior School for the past two years and that I wish you all the success in the world, wherever your pathway leads you
Finally, Term 4 has been one of particular personal challenge, and I’d like to give a huge thanks to my Senior School teaching team who have supported me immensely. I’m not sure how I would have gone without the amazing support of my colleagues who are a pleasure to work with on a daily basis 2024 was huge With the Trades Centre coming in 2025, next year promises to be even better. Merry Christmas and I’ll see everyone again in 2025.
Sports Recap
With Mr Jon O’Dwyer
Welcome, Cobram AGS Sports fans, to our final Crier edition for 2024! What another excellent year it has been for our sporting stars, who have again excelled in their chosen sports Here are some highlights of what has happened over the year, particularly in Term 4
Establishment of the Cobram AGS Sports Academy for Year 7-10 students: All Year 10 participants successfully completed a Cert II in Sports Coaching, an important qualification that will enhance their employment opportunities within the industry A huge thank you to our wonderful community sponsors who supported the students in their sporting endeavours: Amcal Chemist (now Terry White Chemist), Barooga Aquatic and Recreation Centre (BARC)/Sporties Barooga, Proactive Physiotherapy Clinic, Skillzone Sports, Wingate’s Intersport Cobram/Yarrawonga (for the drink bottles and socks as well), and Worklocker Cobram. We look forward to another successful year in 2025!
Foundation to Year 6 Swimming Program:
The enthusiasm and participation of our Junior School students during the F-6 Swimming Program was nothing short of sensational! This was held at BARC over two separate weeks (Year 3-6: 28/10 –1/11; Foundation – Year 2: 11/11 – 15/11) A huge thank you to all the students, the Year 10 Sports Academy students for their involvement, all our amazing staff for assisting in the pool and BARC for access to their staff and facilities Thanks to Sporting Schools for their assistance in funding this program
Individual
Achievements
Aroha Kautai (Year 6): Represented the Victorian 12 and Under Touch Football team for the third consecutive year! She was named Vice Captain of the side, which played off for a bronze medal but unfortunately, went down to Western Australia Aroha was voted her team’s Most Valuable Player
Sam Brown (Year 8) and Madison McDiarmid (Year 12): Both qualified for the School Sports Victoria State Athletics Championships after winning events at the Hume Region Championships in hurdles and long jump respectively This saw Madison achieve a fifth place in Victoria for Long Jump! She also received silver medals in Discus and Shot Put at regionals
Jean-Marie Jonker (Year 6): Competed in the Victorian Gymnastics championships in Geelong, where she came 5th on the beam!
Oliver Adkins (Year 5), Cameron Harb (Year 8), Andy HazelmanSmallwood (Year 8) and Gurhar Singh (Year 8) all made soccer representative sides or have gained selection in elite soccer programs.
Riley Grant (Year 8), Ely Elliott (Year 9) and Beau Kernaghan (Year 9): All made representative basketball squads. Ely came second in the Most Valuable Player award for the Cobram Basketball Association’s spring competition behind fellow Sports Academy student, Kyden Rodda (Year 10).
Sam Trembath (Year 10): Has made the Murray Bushrangers’ U18 pre-season train on squad.
Kasey Caldow (Year 10): Excelled at the Victorian State titles event hosted by the Northern Victorian Show-Jumping Club in Shepparton, where she finished first in the 85cm event, second in the Open 115cm event and fourth in the 75cm event!
As you can see, another very successful year had by the remarkable sporting talent here at Cobram AGS. I wish everyone an extraordinary Christmas and holiday period, and look forward to recommencing our sporting endeavours at the resumption of school in 2025! God bless and take care
Kasey, Jean-Marie, Madison and Sam Brown.
Anglican Identity
With Ms Shea Doyle
In the blink of an eye another term and with it another school year, is coming to an end
Term 4 has been full and productive We farewelled our Year 12 cohort with several celebrations including a celebratory liturgy shared with family, friends, staff and other members of the Cobram AGS community
The theme of the service was one of hope and encouragement Bishop Clarence E Bester offered inspiring advice to our young people to “go well” into the spaces and places unknown, but to always remember the familiarity of Cobram AGS.
In the final whole school Chapel Service of the year, students and staff celebrated Founders Day and the feast day of Christ the King. During this special service, Father Victor encouraged those present to be thankful for our thriving community. Following the liturgy, the Year 9 cohort facilitated an afternoon of fun and engaging activities for all students to enjoy.
A highlight of the final days of the school year was the presentation of the Nativity by our Year 1/2 students, under the direction of their RAVE teacher Miss Nicholson. The students involved did a delightful job, taking those present on a wonderful journey through the story of the birth of Jesus.
Also worthy of mention was the Christmas Appeal Grocery Grab facilitated by the 2025 School Captains and House Leaders The tradition of involving our future school leaders in this annual event proved a great success, with the students participating enthusiastically to collect donations of non-perishable grocery items for delivery to those in our local community needing support this Christmas
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members of our school community a happy, safe and blessed Christmas I hope you enjoy this wonderful time of worship and celebration with your loved ones
Year 1/2 students who performed the Nativity.
Students and staff enjoy a Zooper Dooper on Founders Day.
Our 2025 Senior School Leaders did a stellar job collecting shopping items at the annual ‘Grocery Grab’ to support our community.
Junior Swimming Program makes the right waves
With the Australian lifestyle revolving around water, learning to swim is an invaluable life skill for children to learn With this said, students in Foundation through to Year 6 had the opportunity to partake in a week-long swimming program at Barooga ARC This was held over two separate weeks for F-2 and Year 3-6 students respectively
Students were put into groups according to their experience and ability A major part of the swimming lessons for the younger students in Foundation to Year 2 was building confidence in the water and becoming comfortable doing essential water tasks such as partially submerging, breathing floating, gliding, and regaining a standing position
Students in Years 3-6 were taught specific skills according to their swimming ability A large focus of their program was learning the survival swimming strokes along with floating and treading water for increased periods of time The more traditional swimming strokes such as backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle were also taught The students embraced the program and their improvement was visibly noticeable the more time they spent in the water.
