2023 Year 6 House Leaders revealed after peers have their say

This term we had a group of Year 6 students apply for House Leader positions This involved candidates stepping before their fellow house members to detail why they would make a good House Leader

Following a voting process within each house, the following students were named as House Leaders:

Cowell

Hayley Lebner

Kohen Haddrell

Parkes

Tia Hyde

Kasey Trembath

Farrer

Emily Collins

Sebastian Pate

Year 12 Retreat lays foundations for the year ahead

Our Year 12 students ventured to the historical Goldrush town of Beechworth for their Retreat and Study Skills Camp in week one of term

This is an annual event that helps each student lay a platform for the year ahead

The Retreat allowed each student to consider what is in store for their final year of school and establish clarity around their goals and desired outcomes for the year

The students were fortunate to hear from motivational speakers including our very own Educational Psychologist, Dr Kevin Quin, and Candace Potter, a senior Psychology teacher at Cathedral College Wangaratta

Candace and Kevin talked to the group about goals, motivation, stress, support and balance

The students were involved in a special moment where they got to read a letter written by their parents/carers which outlined their hopes and dreams for their young person in 2023.

The students then wrote a letter to themselves about what they hope the year will bring

The group also worked together to create a Year 12 code of conduct, they attended a Liturgy service and were presented with their Year 12 rugby jumpers which is always a momentous occasion

Importantly, the group also got to enjoy some downtime and bonding during the Retreat, such as visiting the old Beechworth Gaol and exploring the beautiful landscape of Woolshed Falls

From Mr Keith Willett

Dear families and guardians,

Term One at Cobram AGS was an exciting time for students and staff alike.

The term commenced with a Welcome BBQ which provided an opportunity for new and returning students and their families to meet and socialise with teachers, staff, and fellow students.

The BBQ was a great success, with attendees familiarising themselves with our school and engaging in fun activities

Throughout the term, students have been actively involved in a range of cocurricular activities and events

Anglican Identity With Ms Shea Doyle

In the midst of the business of Term One, we engaged with, explored and celebrated our Anglican Identity in a variety of ways

A highlight has been our students gathering for our traditional Friday morning Lent reflection services

In the last week of term we continued our Easter preparations by observing the Year 9 students as they presented The Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross is a series of depictions of the events of the Passion of Christ and the associated prayers and rituals. Both the Senior and Junior School cohorts were taken through the last days of Jesus’ life, reminding us of his suffering for the sake of humanity

The Swimming Carnival, lunch time clubs and after school Homework Club have been some examples of the opportunities on offer at our school

A real highlight of the term was the visit to Perth for ASC Schools Week This week-long celebration of ASC schools provided an opportunity for a group of our students to showcase their talents, learn new skills, engage in community building activities and form new connections with students from other schools.

The appointment of Father Victor Adams to the role of School Chaplain has also been a wonderful development for Cobram AGS

Earlier this term, we officially welcomed Father Victor Adams to our Cobram AGS family as he took up his role of School Chaplain

The students have enjoyed his engaging and inspiring Chapel Services and have relished getting to know him as he has visited their RAVE classes and joined them in the playground during our recess and lunch breaks

In March, we also saw a small group of Senior School students represent their peers at the Anglican Schools Student Forum hosted by Melbourne Grammar.

The day provided students from Anglican schools across Victoria with the opportunity to share their ideas and perspectives around being a part of a faith-based education community.

They discussed and affirmed what they appreciated about their schools, as well as what they felt needed to improve in this space We look forward to using the feedback provided by these students to inform future planning

Father Victor’s presence has contributed significantly to a constant and vibrant reminder of the importance of our Anglican Identity and the elements that underpin this, which are fundamental to the manner in which our school operates

Looking ahead, we are excited to embark on Term Two, which promises to be equally stimulating and engaging. We are committed to providing our students with a challenging and supportive learning environment, where they can achieve their full potential.

Term One at Cobram AGS was both a successful and productive period, with students and staff rising to the challenges and opportunities presented I was thoroughly impressed with the adaptability and application of our students in all facets of school life

We look forward to continuing our journey together as a school community in the coming term and beyond.

Our involvement in the launch of the Moira Live4Life initiative for 2023 has demonstrated the commitment of our community to improving the mental health of our young people

Our enthusiastic Live4Life Crew made up of a small group of Year 9 students, have worked tirelessly to promote the program and act as proud ambassadors for the important initiative

We look forward to both our Year 8 and Year 11 cohorts undertaking their Teen Mental Health First Aid Training in Term Two

Junior School Report With Mrs Fiona Clark

Hello everyone,

Reflecting on Term One, I wish to thank each and every one of our parents and carers for your connection to our school and for the commitment and hard work you show every day in supporting your children to be ready for learning

An incredible amount of learning mixed in with various school events have taken place during this time

How fortunate that our programs and events unfolded as planned – a far cry from the COVID years

We ended a fantastic term that saw some significant accomplishments, with our Foundation students beginning their schooling and settling into their learning spaces with their peers and new teachers.

This entire cohort have begun their learning with rigor and intent and we have all worked in unison to ensure a great start to the year

Senior School Report With Mr John Thompson

Is it possible for a term to both feel like it has gone very quickly but also taken a long time? Because that is certainly the feeling from my end, as we have done so much this term already, but so many things are on the horizon for the rest of the year and beyond.

First and foremost, I want to thank the school community for your welcome as I start my role as Head of Senior School. While I have had a connection to this school since 2013 as a parent of children here, the work is definitely different from this desk, but the students, parents, and staff of the school have been incredibly supportive of me in this new role, so a huge thank you to everyone.

In the first term of this year, we have seen our school community come together for a number of events. As always, these act as absolute highlights of the year, not just the term

Some of the most memorable from my perspective include:

Some students have required additional support to assist their learning, and our teachers and education support staff have worked tirelessly to make this happen, and for that, I applaud and thank them.

The Foundation Parent Information Evening and Parent Teacher Interviews provided an opportunity for teachers and families to form or consolidate valuable relationships so that collectively we can best support our young people in their learning adventures.

Assemblies and Chapel have exemplified inclusivity and belonging Not just fitting in, but navigating what it is to be authentic and how we can continue to encourage an environment that enables it

Chapel complimented Harmony Week, which carries an important message of belonging and inclusivity Three Year 1/2 students Ari Zanotto, Valerie Strauss and Karla Hindson kindly read passages in relation to inclusivity:

"Whether it's at school or the workplace, at our many cultural or sport centres, we share an aspect of your culture, engage in meaningful conversations, make an effort, and learn something new "

Our Year 6 House Leaders continued to be enthusiastic in representing student voice by providing fun alternatives to typical lunchtime activities

In Term One we saw Tia Hyde and Kasey Trembath (Parkes), Hayley Lebner and Kohen Haddrell (Cowell), Thomas Nye and Vanessa Voeurn (Stanyer), and Emily Collins and Sebastian Pate (Farrer) organise paper plane throwing competitions, dodgeball, closet kick and chalk art on the basketball court

The Junior School students loved getting involved in these activities and mingling with other students outside of their regular friendship groups

Amongst all of this, the regular school program has gone on! The Year 12s began the year with their Beechworth Retreat but quickly settled into the life of classes, study, and SACs

The rest of the Senior School followed suit and it is so pleasing that when I walk around the campus and into classes, I see the overwhelming majority of our students focused and applying themselves diligently

• The cheer for the first race of students hitting the water for our Swimming Carnival was unlike anything I have heard during my time in education. It was also pleasing to take the trophy in the teacher's race, but I am sure that without the weight of a handicap disadvantage, Mr Smith will bounce back stronger next year

• Our Welcome Night and Open Day were fantastic events, celebrating the special community we have and inviting others to join what we all know and love

• My first Senior School Assembly has been and gone. The huge volume of certificates I was able to hand out on the day is a testament to the wonderful students we have at the school.

With all of that said, Term Two starts at a rapid pace for the Senior School as we ramp up our Careers pathway planning and begin our Year 7 Transition days

With a nine week term to look forward to and so much to do, it's going to be another jam-packed term of events in the Senior School at Cobram AGS!

Careers Report With Mrs Jade Drew

What a great start to 2023 we have had! The vibe around the school has been very uplifting. Over the years we have had an increasing number of students participating in alternative programs as part of their Senior School program and this year is no exception

We currently have around 25% of our Senior School students combining Vocational Education and Training (VET), School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship (SBAT) or Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) as part of their program. Term One has been a period underpinned by adaptability as these students learn how to navigate a new learning structure

Term One has seen our Year 7, 8 and 9 students spending time learning about who they are and what they like and dislike

We have also started the discussion with Year 9s about Morrisby testing/profiling which helps them better understand their strengths and areas of interest

Our Year 10 students are completing lessons on occupational health and safety and employer/employee rights in preparation for their work experience placement in June

Business Report: With Mrs Narelle Schreenan

Our Year 11 students have been focusing on setting and refining their goals and revisiting their career action plans, whilst our year 12 cohort are focusing on course exploration and post-secondary pathways to either employment or further study

In Term Two, we are particularly looking forward to ramping up communication around the new VCE Vocational Major which will be an option for students entering Year 11 in 2024 The same goes for Project Ready which will be available to Year 10 students in 2024 We are also in the early stages of piecing together a Sports Academy for for our aspiring elite athletes Please stay tuned for further announcements regarding these programs.

As you can see, we have many exciting options becoming available to our students in 2024 which I'm confident will lead to positive change in ensuring our students are future ready.

Over Term One, the staff at Cobram AGS have been working hard to maintain and improve the school's facilities. In an exciting development, the school is investing in a solar panel system to help offset electricity costs, and the new outdoor table tennis tables have been installed for students to enjoy at recess and lunch.

Whilst the work on the southern driveway is a big undertaking, it's pleasing to see that the school is taking steps to upgrade its infrastructure. Due to the expansion of the Tutor Program, we are undertaking efforts to fill vacancies in the Education Support team It's vital that we continue to have a strong team of educators and support staff to help our students succeed Maintenance works were carried out on the Gearing Wing during the Easter holidays to protect the building from weather damage and keep it looking fresh and attractive

Overall, we feel as though we are making positive strides in improving our facilities and programs which ultimately enriches the experiences of our students The recent Open Day for example was a terrific showcase of our school community and spirit which is continuing to thrive across all areas

Sports Recap With Mr Jon O’Dwyer

It has been an exhausting term of sport for many, where our magnificent young sportspeople have once again excelled in their chosen fields

It gives me great pleasure to highlight some of the wonderful achievements accomplished by our students

School Sports Victoria Team

Victoria trials

A number of our Junior School students have or are in the process of trialling for SSV Team Vic selection in the sports of cricket, AFL football, netball and soccer Kohen Haddrell, Oliver Benson and Archie Paterson (Year 6) trialled for the cricket and were unlucky not to progress to the next stage For those trialling for winter sports in Term Two, we wish you all the very best!

Extracurricular Sporting Achievements

A number of students and staff have achieved some remarkable outcomes in their chosen sporting fields over the first term Without going into detail, please find names of the students/staff and the sport they have excelled in It is quite incredible what our amazing athletes have been able to accomplish!

Athletics: Madison Simpson (regional representation)

Canoeing: Vivian ‘Clive’ Cromack (medalling at state event)

Cricket: Abigail Brooker, Oliver Benson, Jed Flanagan, Nathan Gossayn, Kohen Haddrell, Archie Paterson, Kohen Verner (Murray Valley Cricket Association grand finalist, MVCA team of the year selection, MVCA and other representative selection, local club awards)

Dance: Lacey Eddy (having a number of successes at major dance eisteddfod)

Equestrian: Charlotte Dickins (competing at State level)

Golf: Kohen Haddrell and Mr Thompson (competing in pro-am at NSW Open event, member of Pennant winning Tocumwal GC team)

Karate: A number of students grading with distinction

Lawn Bowls: Miss Bate, Mrs Post, Mrs Seccull, Mrs Smith, Mrs White, Mr O’Dwyer, Mr Smith (as well as Ms Hall and Mr White) (Social Bowls runners up, MVBA grand finalist, club Tournament winner)

Netball: Lucy Adkins and Mikayla Woosnam (Bendigo Academy of Sport participant, Murray Netball League representation/leadership position)

Soccer: Lachlan Pardy (Albury-Wodonga Football Association representation)

Swimming: Juliette Steel and Harlin Robbins (local competition, All Juniors Country Championships)

Tennis: Stefania Wright and Lucy Adkins (participation in Cobram Lawn Tennis Club Labour Day tournament, CLT awards)

What a terrific list of achievements! We are looking forward to hopefully building on this throughout the winter program

Next term will also see the Year 3-6 students involved in interschool sports with other local schools on a weekly basis each Friday, so stay tuned for more information regarding this

Lucy makes strides in in development squad

Year 9 student Lucy Adkins has recently achieved a significant milestone in her netball journey

She has made it into the Bendigo Academy of Sport netball program, which is a fantastic achievement for any aspiring netball player in this area

The Bendigo Academy of Sport is an elite program that aims to develop young talent through high level coaching and provide them with opportunities to take their game to the next level.

Lucy said the training will focus on improving each player’s skill development to prepare them for a tournament in Melbourne at the end of the program This tournament will offer participants a chance to get scouted further, which could lead to even more opportunities in the future

Championships

Although she didn't make the team due to being bottom-age, mooroopna put forward her name to train with the Bendigo Academy of Sport. She has since seized the opportunity with both hands

Lucy, who plays for Cobram locally, has been travelling to Shepparton roughly every three weeks as part of the program

Well worth the wait: Nathan goes big to hit first A-Grade century

They say good things come to those who wait Well that couldn’t be closer to the truth in a sporting context for budding cricketer

Nathan Gossayn

During a campaign of ups and downs where he opened the batting for Barooga Cricket Club in the Murray Valley Cricket Association A-Grade competition, it all finally came together for the Year 11 student when he plundered 139 runs against Deniliquin in the last game of the season

Nathan fondly recalls that magical day in Barooga and spoke about what he described as an almost “out of body experience”

“We won the toss and went out to bat first Riley (other opening batsmen) and I put on a good partnership and I finished the day on about 20 runs The next day Riley got out early and we were in a bit of a shambles and from there I really don’t know what happened, something just clicked and everything just came out of the middle of the bat,” Nathan told the Crier

Nathan can pinpoint a particular moment in his innings where he realised he was a genuine chance to break through for his maiden A-grade century in what had been his first full season playing at the level.

“I was on probably 40 runs and I hit a very nice one bounce four and I thought to myself, today’s the day,” he said

The squad is made up of players from Albury, Shepparton and surrounds. A busy player around the court, Lucy plays in the centre position in local netball

"There's a fair bit of running involved when you’re playing centre, but there and wing defence are the main positions I enjoy,” Lucy told the Crier

Lucy is keen to keep pushing herself to be the best she can be and see where her talent takes her.

"I'm very competitive and determined Playing netball is lots of fun, but I still try and take it seriously,” she said

With his previous highest score sitting at 60 runs, Nathan could have been forgiven for feeling nerves and a slight sense of trepidation as he was approaching his century Instead, he well and truly smashed through the barrier of doubt He described the feeling of reaching three figures as something he will always remember

“It (hitting the century) was very special It was a rough season for me individually as I didn’t score many runs so getting my first hundred was pretty awesome "

While he said there wasn’t much of a crowd at the game, his teammates rallied around him in the aftermath which made it even more special

During his marathon innings, Nathan faced close to 300 balls and spent roughly five hours at the crease, displaying great endurance and even better mental application which is so crucial in an opening batsmen’s tool kit

Nathan describes his batting style as more defensively minded, opting to push for singles and twos whilst remaining patient for the inevitable bad delivery from the opposing bowler instead of relying on power hitting which is almost the norm in modern cricket

While Nathan’s Barooga side went on to make the grand final, unfortunately they couldn’t quite get over the line against Nathalia Despite the disappointment, Nathan’s mighty knock of 139 will no doubt help him springboard into the 2023/24 season with a steadfast belief that he belongs at the level