The Crier The Newsletter of Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Term Four Edition, 2023
Landmark VCE results: a moment to savour On 11 December 2023, news filtered through of the exceptional achievements of our Year 12 students in the 2023 Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) ATAR results. Incredibly, four students achieved an ATAR rank above 90, with a median study score of 28 from the Year 12 students who sat exams. In an amazing effort, 9.7% of students who pursued a scored VCE obtained a study score above 40 (seven in total).
L-R: Cadence, Harrison and Cody
L-R: Cody and Martin
While acknowledging the collective efforts of the cohort, Mr Willett said it was also important to celebrate the school’s outstanding results.
Cody Lincoln received an ATAR of 99.55, Martin Kong 98.05, Cadence Pang 97.85 and Harrison Brooker 92.
“These ATAR results are the best in the school’s 24-year history; an incredible testament to the hard work, commitment and sacrifice made by these students over the course of their VCE studies.”
There were some exceptional study scores across the board: Martin Kong scored 45 in Mathematics Methods and 40 in Physics; Cadence Pang scored 43 in English and 40 in Mathematics Methods, and Harrison Brooker scored 42 in English.
“These outstanding results also serve to highlight the incredible educators and staff we have at Cobram AGS, who will deservedly celebrate with these students and share in their success,” Mr Willett added.
Principal Keith Willett said the school was immensely proud of not only these four individuals, but indeed every Cobram AGS student who received their ATAR results. “Of course, it is not just these students that we must celebrate as a school community, but indeed our entire Year 12 cohort who have dedicated themselves to achieving the best possible personal outcome, whatever their chosen pathway is,” Mr Willett commented.
Following the release of these ATAR results, Cody Lincoln was revealed as a highly deserving School Dux. Following a perfect study score of 50 in Physics in 2022, Cody achieved incredible study scores of 48 in both Mathematics Methods and Specialist Mathematics. Cody offered some sage advice for other students set to embark on their VCE journey. “I would encourage Year 12 students to persist even when things get tough, and to remember that their journey throughout VCE is not one they will take alone,” Cody said. He also encouraged VCE students to develop a personally tailored study formula that will give them the best chance of success. “One thing I found out during VCE is that study timetables and routines never worked for me, but what did was a change of environment. Try studying in another room or at the Library/staying after school with friends, and definitely make sure you are sleeping eight hours every night,” he added. Page 1 Integrity, Endeavour, Community
Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Class of 2023 bow out in style! 18 October 2023 marked Celebration Day for our departing Year 12 students. The theme of the day was cops and robbers and they certainly didn’t disappoint with playing the part! One mighty party ensued as the different year levels came together to celebrate with the Year 12s before the commencment of classes. A morning of fun in the yard was followed by deeper reflection at assembly, in which the cohort took to the stage to detail some of their favourite memories at Cobram AGS and to thank their teachers for their guidance. As one chapter comes to an end, another one now opens. We thank the class of 2023 for your contributions to our school community. Go out into the world and be great.
Class of 2023 graduates: Charlotte Andrew, Harrison Brooker, Isaac Brown, Remy Campbell, Abby Curnick, Brooke Eddy, Ainsley Guthrie, Martin Kong, Gabriella Leimgruber, Cody Lincoln, Hannah Logie, Emily Orsida, Cadence Pang, Hollie Percy, Claudia Ross, Lochie Rouse, Natasha Smith, Brayden St John, Tianeka Van Den Berg, Caitlin Welch, Mikayla Woosnam
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The Crier – Term Four, 2023
Year 6 cohort celebrated at memorable Graduation Ceremony The Year 6 Graduation Ceremony is always one of the most special days on the Term Four calendar and the 2023 edition was no exception. The way in which our two Year 5/6 teachers Mrs Hayley Rathbone and Mrs Donna Williams spoke to the beautiful friendships that have been established and the shared memories that will no doubt endure the test of time. We congratulate the class of 2023 on completing their primary school education at Cobram AGS and wish them every success in their future endeavours. Thank you for being valuable members of our school community. Year 6, class of 2023: Oliver Benson, Cassian Blower, Lexie Bruce, Emily Collins, Herbert Euston, Hameesha Fernando, Isabelle Haberfield, Kohen Haddrell, Tia Hyde, Nikola Kennedy, Hayley Lebner, Braxton McManus, Ellie Miller, Koby Mitchell, Thomas Nye, Alison Orwin, Lachlan Pardy, Sebastian Pate, Archie Paterson, Madison Simpson, Kasey Trembath, Zoe Van Den Berg, Jessica Voeurn and Vanessa Voeurn.
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Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Generations unite at Grandparents Day In the middle of Term Four, we opened our doors to our much loved Grandparents! Grandparents Day was supported quite spectacularly, and it was tremendous to see so many grandparents visit our school on a glorious sun-kissed afternoon. Our special visitors were lucky to have some A-grade tour guides in the form of their grandchildren, who were thrilled to show their loved ones their classrooms and favourite lunch time hang outs! A number of grandparents also went home with a special memento in the form of an artwork or card created by their grandchild. We look forward to hosting this event once again in 2024!
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The Crier – Term Four, 2023
2024 House Leaders ready to make their mark We are delighted to announce our new 2024 Senior School House Leaders, who will be lending their leadership skills and input to various events and activities, both at school and out in the community. In Cowell House, we have Abigail Brooker and Ava Carlson, in Farrer House, Shaun Downing and Mackenzie Duhring, Parkes House will be led by Samuel Lincoln and Miley Driscoll, while in Stanyer House, Odin Mutimer and Lewis Brown will be putting their stamp on things. Head of Senior School, Mr John Thompson, said the school is excited to to have a diverse set of leaders who can each bring something different to the table. "House Captains play an important role in the Senior School; they actively participate in traditional house activities like assisting with logistics at our Swimming and Athletics Carnivals.”
Back row L-R: Mackenze, Abigail, Ava and Miley Front row L-R: Odin, Lewis. Shaun and Sam
“Additionally, they serve as school representatives at various community events. Their significance becomes evident as we strengthen our bonds with local charitable and community-focused organisations. House Leaders will also take the lead in organising school events and fostering connections between the Junior and Senior School, further enhancing our school community,” Mr Thompson said. Congratulations to these students on being selected for these valued leadership positions. We are sure you will do great things for the school and indeed the community!
The Library gains a valuable memento thanks to the Tatnall family Excitement buzzed through our school Library in Term Four when the Tatnall family generously donated a signed copy of Andy Griffiths' latest book, 'The 169 Storey Treehouse.' This book holds special significance for siblings Elise and Lachlan Tatnall, who both vividly remember meeting one of their literary heroes at the publishing launch in Melbourne in late 2023. After lining up for a chance to chat with the author, the pair seized the opportunity to get their hands on a signed copy. When asked about Andy Griffiths being one of his favourite authors, Lachlan enthusiastically responded "Heck yeah!" Elsie told the Crier that she loves how Griffiths infuses humour into everything he creates. Inspired by their encounter, the Tatnall family decided very generously to gift the school this autographed treasure, adding a unique touch to our Library collection, and sitting beautifully alongside the Andy Griffiths display in the front window.
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Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Get to know: Melissa Knight In Term Three, we welcomed aboard Melissa Knight to our teaching staff. Melissa has been teaching RAVE and Library, and is stepping up to be our new Year 7-9 Year Level Coordinator in 2024. She was kind enough to take part in this Q&A. 1. Tell us three facts about yourself (interesting or otherwise). Mum of three boys Horses are my world Have been teaching for 20 years 2. What does your new role at Cobram AGS entail? In 2024, my time will be spent: Being Year Level Coordinator for Years 7-9 Teaching Year 12 Biology Teaching Year 7 and 8 Humanities Teaching Year 7 Maths Teaching Year 5/6 RAVE
5. What qualities did you most admire in your favourite educator when you were a student? (Either secondary school or primary).
3. Please tell our readers about your past professional experiences. What has led you to working at Cobram AGS? I have worked for state, government and catholic educational settings both locally and in Ballarat. My family and I decided it was time to work within my local community and I look forward to only having a three-minute drive to work. 4. What is the one thing you enjoy most about your job here?
The biggest influences in my education were the teachers who took the time to get to know their students. Also having a belief in my ability even when I lacked the confidence, they would help me overcome this. 6. Since you have started your employment here, has anything about the school surprised you that you didn’t realise beforehand? The connection that the school has to the local community. This has been such a positive surprise as the school goes out into the community nearly every week for differing occasions.
Staff have been very welcoming and the students have been a pleasure to get to know. Teaching primary school students for the past six months has allowed me to have a change of pace and find my love of teaching again.
Community cow captures the people who wrote the Cobram AGS script in 2023 During Term Four, students from different year levels (and staff) ‘left their mark’ on Cobram AGS by painting our fibreglass community cow using their thumb print. The community cow came into our possession a few years ago thanks to the Dairy Australia Picasso Cows program. Our Year 12 crop were the first students to contribute their fingerprint to the community cow, which they did before their final day of school. Once complete, the cow will be on display between the VCE Centre and Admin building. We can't wait to see the finished product!
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Year 5/6 students create golden memories on Ballarat camp Our Year 5/6 students closed out the school year in style with a three-day camp to the Goldrush city of Ballarat. Below is a reflection piece written by Year 6 student, Madison Simpson. On this year’s 5/6 camp to Ballarat, we got to stay at the Sovereign Hill Lodge. We all had a very early start to camp as we had to leave Cobram at 7am to catch the bus to Ballarat. Our first stop was in Bendigo, where we were split into three groups. After we were split up, we had a tour and rode a tram around town. After another hour or so of travelling we finally made it to Ballarat, where we visited the Botanical Gardens and ran around for a bit, before finally arriving at the Sovereign Hill Lodge. That night we had pasta with bolognese sauce for dinner and jelly slice for dessert. After dinner we watched a light show and movies and walked back to our cabins. On Tuesday we went to the Red Hill Mine and had an educational session. We then had lunch supplied from the Hope Bakery. After we had finished our lunch, we watched a gold pour demonstration and learned how to do candle dipping. We then got to walk around Sovereign Hill. After dinner we watched a Pantomime of Black Beard. We then ate supper and got ready for bed. On Wednesday we went to the Museum of Democracy, where we got to see the Eureka Flag and were each allocated a person to find information about. After lunch we visited the Ballarat fish hatchery where we looked at Rainbow and Brown Trout. We then had salad rolls for lunch which were also supplied by Hope Bakery. After a busy few days, we departed Ballarat and made the four hour journey back to school. In conclusion, we all had a great time and learned a lot about the Eureka Stockade and the Gold Rush.
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Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Year 10s experience the hustle and bustle of Melbourne life In the crescendo of Term Four, our Year 10 cohort swapped rural life for the pulsating tempo of Melbourne. The group visited the Old Melbourne Gaol and Courthouse and participated in a mock trial, stepping into the shoes of justice seekers. As the sun dipped below the skyline, they ascended to breathtaking heights at the Melbourne Skydeck. There, amidst breathtaking panoramas, they partook in a heart-pounding VR simulation, soaring over the cityscape in a helicopter!
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With day two heralding the celebration of Shaun Downing's 16th birthday, positive energy permeated through the camp. The Victoria Market beckoned, and the students enjoyed browsing the various stalls. Hosier Lane, an iconic canvas of Melbourne's soul, mesmerised with its unique art and graffiti. At the MCG Sports Museum, the group enjoyed the company of Tess Lloyd, an Olympic sailor. They delved into her story as she explained the sacrifices that are required to reach the Olympics Games.
A favourite experience for many on the camp was the Melbourne Adventure Rooms. Divided into two groups, one sought escape from the Gaol Break Room, while the other endeavored to breach its confines — an activity dependent on teamwork and strategy. All in all, a busy few days spent traversing the big smoke and a great opportunity for the group to further familiarise themselves with Melbourne and its various opportunities.
Cobram Anglican Grammar School
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Community Corner Students unleashed their wild side on 'Crazy Hair Day,' generating an impressive $400+ for the Kids With Cancer Foundation and Cancer Council. The spotlight shone on Year 12 students Caitlin Welch and Brayden St John, who boldly took the stage to contribute significantly to the cause. Caitlin parted ways with her flowing tresses to help create a wig for a child facing the battle of cancer, while Brayden went for the complete head shave to elevate awareness for the cause, with the helping hands of Mrs White! A group of enterprising Year 5/6 students — Bella Broderick, Hameesha Fernando, Janel Tanchote, Penny Thompson, Vanessa Voeurn, and Zoe Van Den Berg — whipped up a batch of delicious cupcakes for a fundraising drive benefiting Cancer Council Australia. The bakers were skillfully assisted by Elissa Raco. Together, our school community proved that when it comes to making a difference and raising awareness, creativity knows no bounds!
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Year 1/2 activities and sleepover On Friday 17 November, our Year 1/2 students enjoyed an afternoon of activities, pizza for dinner, a movie, and for the Year 2 students, a sleepover at school! After a busy week doing our swimming program, the students enjoyed a shared fruit platter and some activities with the Skillzone crew. Teambuilding games, dodgeball and the inflatable soccer field were a hit with the students, who enjoyed participating in the activities and many got out of their comfort zone to be team players which was pleasing to see! We then enjoyed a pizza dinner and watched a movie called ‘Yes Day‘. The Year 1 students then went home and the Year 2 students set up their makeshift beds and got ready to wind down. In the morning we enjoyed a breakfast of delicious pancakes accompanied with strawberries, ice cream and maple syrup, before heading home to enjoy our weekend. It was a fabulous afternoon/evening and the students enjoyed their time together. – Year 1/2 DB teacher, Dakota Bennett
Ag Summit leads Senior School students to Wagga Wagga In week two of term, Five Senior School students —Kasey Caldow, Olive Murphy, Abigail Brooker, Matilda Waser, and Charlotte Andrew —attended the Digital Agrifood Summit in Wagga Wagga, hosted by Charles Sturt University. Joined by Careers Advisor Jade Drew and Year 10-12 YLC Year Level Coordinator Mrs Carolyn White, the students reunited with former student Jesy Bright, now studying at Charles Sturt University. As well as having the chance to catch up with former student Jesy to hear about her post school journey, the summit provided the five students with a chance to learn about new technologies used in agriculture and beyond, Discover what agriculture will look like in the future, as well as hearing and learning from captains of industry about the possibilities in agriculture from a career standpoint.
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Cobram Anglican Grammar School
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Discovery the aim of the game On Friday 27 October, we (Year 10 and 11 Food Technology students) went on tours of Katunga Fresh and Booth Transport’s worm farm as part of the Ag to Food Discovery day. Along with the tours, we were put into groups with different business owners and agriculture workers, and we had 30 minutes to come up with a ‘start-up’ business under the prompt “Decrease labour via increased automation and robotics” in an orchid. The specific problems given to us were worker shortages, needing to improve health and safety, improved fruit quality and productivity and yield. The concepts they wanted us to cover were fruit sensing and grading the orchid, moving to robotic harvesting and integrating into traceability that starts in the orchid. In our group, we had to figure out what the problem is, who the customer is, what is our solution or idea, and the features and benefits of it and how it works. We came up with the business name Film Image Leaf Management (F.I.L.M). We then had to present our idea: ours was for orchardists who are looking to reduce cost and be productive with labour, crop management and disease detection. F.I.L.M. is an AI technology device that reduces cost, detects disease early, and makes crop management more targeted. We described it as a robot that goes over the top of the trees and down the sides and using AI technology, collects a database of photos by scanning the trees for pests, disease, and fruit quality. This would prevent needing a worker to travel around the farm checking the trees. It would also help check which fruit was ready and which blocks had to be harvested or sprayed first. Working with business owners and agricultural workers who have experience in the agribusiness and agriculture industry was really inspiring as they knew a lot about how to plan ideas. It was great to talk to them about the future of technology in Agriculture. This article was written by Year 10 student, Abigail Brooker.
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Cobram Anglican Anglican Grammar Grammar School School Cobram Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Principal’s Message From Mr Keith Willett As we reach the end of another academic year, it is with great pleasure that we present the final edition of the Cobram AGS Crier for 2023. This year has been marked by growth, achievement, and the realisation of several strategic initiatives that have further elevated our commitment to providing an exceptional education to our students. A Year of Success and Growth: Throughout the academic year, we have witnessed the school community come together to achieve remarkable milestones. From academic accomplishments to extracurricular successes, our students and staff have consistently demonstrated dedication, resilience, and a pursuit of excellence. The collaborative spirit that defines our school has undoubtedly contributed to the overall success of the Cobram AGS community. Exciting Developments in 2024: Looking ahead, we would like to reiterate some exciting initiatives that will shape the educational landscape at our school in 2024.
Anglican Identity With Ms Shea Doyle In the blink of an eye another term, and with it another school year, has come to an end. Term Four 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 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 Foundation Day and the feast day of Christ the King. Page 12 Page 12
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These developments are a testament to our commitment to innovation and ensuring that our students are well prepared for their future endeavors. Vocational Major Certificate in the Senior School: We are excited to introduce the Vocational Major certificate in the Senior School, offering our Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to delve deeper into vocational areas of study. This initiative aligns with our commitment to providing diverse and tailored educational pathways for all students. Introduction of the Sports Academy: Recognising the importance of physical activity and sportsmanship, we are launching the Cobram AGS Sports Academy. This program is designed to nurture athletic talent, promote teamwork, and instil essential life skills through sports. The Sports Academy will offer specialised coaching and training, ensuring that our students excel both academically and athletically.
During this special Eucharistic service, Father Victor invited Senior School students to join him in lighting the candles of the Advent wreath. The season of Advent begins the Church’s liturgical year. It is a time when we prepare to welcome Jesus into the world and our lives again. A highlight of the final days of the school year was the presentation of the Nativity by our Year 2 students under the direction of their RAVE teacher, Mrs Knight. 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 2024 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
Introduction of Project Ready: Project Ready is a proven program that equips students with practical skills and real-world experiences. This program will bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional readiness, preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities that await them beyond the school gates. Significant Initiatives for Comprehensive Education: These initiatives collectively provide a rich tapestry of curriculum offerings and career pathways for all our students. Whether their passion lies in academia, sports, or hands-on learning and experiences, Cobram AGS is committed to creating an environment where every student can thrive and discover their unique strengths. As we bid farewell to the school year that was 2023, I express my gratitude to the entire Cobram AGS community— students, parents and staff — for your unwavering support and commitment. The achievements and advancements of this year serve as a foundation for our continued growth and success as a school community. Wishing everyone a restful and rejuvenating break, and looking forward to the exciting possibilities that beckon in 2024. donations of non-perishable grocery items for delivery to those in our local community needing support this Christmas. A special thank you to Mr Brown and Lewis Brown for creating a fabulous atmosphere for the shoppers by busking Christmas themed tunes throughout the day. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members of our school community a happy, safe and blessed holiday period. I hope you enjoy this wonderful time of worship and celebration with your loved ones. A closing prayer. God our loving Father, as our 2023 school year comes to an end, we thank you for guiding us through the challenges and triumphs. You call us now to get ready to welcome Jesus into our hearts this Advent season. We pray that we may grow in faith and love. Let us remember that when the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with the flocks, then the work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, to heal those broken in spirit, to feed the hungry, to release the oppressed, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among all peoples, to make a little music with the heart. And to radiate the Light of Christ, in all that we do and in all that we say. We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen
The Crier – Term Four, 2023 The Crier – Term Four, 2022
Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Junior School Report With Mrs Fiona Clark As I look back over Term Four, as always, I’m struck by the variety of activities that our Junior School students have participated in including the end of year music concert, junior swimming program, Year 5/6 Ballarat camp, Foundation excursion to Pevan and Sarah, Year 1/2 and Foundation movie day, and the Year 3/4 Alexandra camp and swimming afternoon to name but a few. We also celebrated the achievement of students in Junior and Senior School through our Presentation Day Ceremonies. It is always a pleasure to celebrate the gifts and talents of our students and to acknowledge them for their endeavour and excellence, as they strive to achieve their personal best. I would like to thank the many parents, extended family members and friends who were able to participate in this celebration of our students’ achievements.
Senior School Report With Mr John Thompson As I look back on Term Four, it’s hard to truly fathom how much has happened since our return to the classroom at the start of October! To begin the term, our Year 10 class took a few days to explore what Melbourne has to offer; visiting many educational and cultural institutions within the city. I couldn’t imagine a better way to start a term! Before long, the focus quickly shifted to our most senior of students, our Year 12s. Caitlin Welch and Brayden St John kicked it off on week three of term with their efforts on Crazy Hair Day, followed by the Year 12 Sleepover in preparation for their final day of school. On that final day, I’ve never seen a group of students celebrate harder in my teaching career; they did a wonderful job with their morning activities and then their final assembly. The Year 12 formalities eventually concluded with a wonderful Valedictory Dinner at the Finley RSC, before their VCE exams beckoned.
In preparation for 2024, earlier this term we commenced our Foundation transition program. The transition program supports these students to make a smooth entry into their first year of schooling, reduce anxiety, and meet their 2024 teachers and peers. In 2024, Years 3-6 will embark on their Science of Reading (SoR) journey. The structured literacy block will consist of the five main elements of (SoR); phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. Supplementing these literacy elements in the upper primary literacy block include sentence level work, handwriting, repeated oral reading and text-based units to teach reading comprehension and writing.
To those students who are leaving us, we wish you all the best. To the staff who are leaving us at the end of this year, on behalf of the school community, I would like to thank you for everything you’ve done to support our students and to wish you well for the future. We are delighted to welcome some new faces to our Junior School in 2024: Mrs Rosemary Foster, Miss Georgia Nicholson, Mrs Michelle Harrison and Mr Jordan Taylor. We are very excited about having you on board. I wish all families, staff and students a safe and enjoyable summer break, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2024.
We are very excited about the implementation of this model of teaching and learning. As is always the case at the end of the school year, we have several students and staff who are leaving the school to take up new opportunities or to follow different pathways.
Also completing exams were our Year 10 and 11 students, wrapping up a year of work in their core subjects with a final test of skills and knowledge. This was quickly followed by a week of Headstart, at which point we said farewell to our Year 10 students for the year. The Year 11s came back for three days the following week to complete their short course training in food handing, responsible service of alcohol and barista skills which was well received by the group. The final week of the term, despite being just three days for students, was bumper to bumper with events such as the whole-school transition day, the release of Year 12 results and our Presentation Day. The weather sure did test us on that final day, but once again, Cobram AGS showed what it’s made of and came out triumphant in the end. After mentioning VCE results, you’d have to have been out of the country to not have heard about the amazing results of our Year 12 students this year.
They are a testament first and foremost to the students for their dedication to excellence, to their families and friends for their support and to their teachers along their 13 year educational journey. Between these results, the implementation of the VCE-VM, the Sports Academy and Project Ready, Cobram AGS is absolutely positioned to be the educator for all students in the Cobram community and surrounds. To wrap up, I’ll share some similar sentiments that I shared with staff on our final day. We’re very proud of the students who have achieved their goals with high ATARs this year, but we are equally as proud of those students who have also set out on their career journeys through apprenticeships or traineeships, preparing themselves to be servants of the local community. I would like to thank every staff member and parent who has not only helped in filling our students’ minds with knowledge, but for also providing guidance and mentoring to help them become better citizens each day. It’s been a big year and a break is well deserved. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and let’s do it all again in 2024.
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Cobram Anglican Grammar School Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Sports Recap With Mr Jon O’Dwyer What a year it has been once again on the sporting front, with a number of students excelling in their chosen fields. Here is a snapshot of how Term Four unfolded from a sporting perspective. School Endorsed: Kohen Haddrell (Year 6) qualified for the School Sports Victoria State Primary Golf Championships following his efforts at the Divisional event. The cancellation of the Regional event saw him advance on the merits of his divisional result. This tournament was played at the Kooringal Golf Club in Melbourne. Kohen’s experience on the course was unfortunately cut short due to severe weather. Our Year 7 Boys Table Tennis team did an amazing job by winning the Goulburn-Murray Secondary School Divisional event and qualifying for the Hume Region event, where they finished in second place! Congratulations to Maddix Kong, Harry Thompson, Ben Dean, Owen Lesheim and Tom Nye.
• The Foundation to Year 6 students completed a week-long swimming program, aimed at improving water confidence, safety and strengthening stroke skills. It was great to see the majority of the student population take up the offer, generously supported by the Federal Government’s Sporting Schools funding program, the provision of a quality venue in the Barooga Aquatic and Recreation Centre (BARC), and our amazing teachers and education support staff, who willingly gave up their time and effort to provide a program which endorsed all that was set out to be achieved from the program’s implementation. I’m proud to say that it went above and beyond expectations so many thanks to all those involved who enabled this to happen. • Sporting Schools funding also afforded our Year 7s the opportunity to engage in a four-session tennis program thanks to the Cobram Lawn Tennis Club and Greg Duns, while the Year 8s got to participate in a 3-hour long paddling experience on the Murray River thanks to Paddle Victoria and instructors Louise, Les and Barry.
At the end of term, the successful applicants for the 2024 Cobram AGS Sports Academy were informed they had been selected for the program. This will see 10 x Year 7-9 students and 10 x Year 10 students be the inaugural members of the Sports Academy and, hopefully, go onto bigger and better things in their sporting futures.
Extracurricular: Juliette Steel (Year 3) and Charlotte Dickins (Year 9) have been excelling in their equestrian exploits, where Juliette toppled Charlotte at the Finley Show and did well in other local show events. Charlotte continues to go from strength to strength in her discipline. She took out the local Cobram-Barooga Junior Rider Award (for the 3rd time) and won Champion Rider (for the second year running) for Division Two at the HRCAV awards night. She then followed this up by winning the Champion Equestrian Victoria Intermediate Rider (under 18) on the 2nd December and was part of the HRCAV Top Teams Trophy (TTT) winning team (Yack Bling It On) on the 3rd December in Melbourne.
A number of our female students from the Junior School cohort participated in the all girls four week cricket program conducted by Cricket Victoria after school on Tuesdays.
Oliver Adkins (Year 4) and Blake Miller (Year 4) both made the Goulburn Valley Suns Soccer Academy squads and will regularly venture to Shepparton to participate in this program.
Flynn Woolley (Year 7) was named the Male High Gun at the Clay Target shooting event on the Year 7-8 Summer Sports day. He scored 13 from a possible 15 shots!
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Xavyer Hyde (Year 2) continued to impress during the 2023 Barooga Little Athletics season, where he has broken three club records this year, one which has stood since 2006 (800m record). Madison Simpson (Year 6) has also been doing some record breaking at the Finley Little Athletics Club’s 2023 season, where she has broken the 400m record twice! Jed Flanagan (Year 5) has been involved with the Southern Riverina U13 cricket representative squad, where he has been shining with both bat and ball. Lacey Eddy (Year 9), Ariana Gatcum (Year 3) and Scarlett Lean (Year 3) did incredibly well at the DanceLife Unite dance competition in Albury, where all were successful in gaining recognition for outstanding performances in the jazz genre. Lacey also did tremendously in other genres to take out the 14 and under age regional dance champion title! Sam Trembath (Year 9) was selected in the Greater Western Sydney Giants Academy’s 15 year olds Super 24 team (best players in the academy program), and pitted his wares against the Sydney Swans equivalent in a week-long carnival in Coffs Harbour at the start of the term. Mr O’Dwyer was involved with the successful 14 year old team as an assistant coach (backline). So, as you can see, our Cobram AGS sports superstars have had another outstanding term of results which amplifies the talent and ability our small population possess! Congratulations to all! Have a safe and enjoyable holiday, God bless and take care.
Cobram Anglican Grammar School
Jean-Marie is flying high Jean-Marie Jonker (Year 5), a talented gymnast, made a strong impact at the 2023 Victorian State Championships held in Geelong on October 15. Competing in level 5, division two, Jean Marie played a crucial role in guiding her Jets Gymnastics Shepparton squad to an impressive sixth place finish in the state! Having embarked on her gymnastics journey at the age of six in her native South Africa, Jean-Marie is no stranger to the high demands of the sport. She told the Crier that she particularly excels on the balance beam, expressing, "I like doing beam because I'm really good at it."
Students find their radar at representative athletics The jewel in the sporting crown during Term Four is Athletics and we were blessed to have three students represent our school at the State level of competition at Albert Park in Melbourne! Aroha Kautai (Year 5), Belle Haberfield (Year 6) and Madison Simpson (Year 6) had the awesome opportunity of taking on the best young athletes in Victoria. They earned this right after finishing in second place in the 11F 200m, 12/13F Discus and 12/13F Long Jump events respectively at the Hume Regional event. At State, they had the following results. Aroha contested the 11yo Girls 200m event, finishing 14th overall, with a time of 31.63 seconds.
The Crier – Term Four, 2023 The Crier – Term Four, 2022
Her dedication to the sport is evident in her rigorous training regime, involving three sessions a week, each lasting four hours, with one scheduled on a Saturday morning! As a Jets squad member, Jean-Marie actively participates in numerous competitions, traveling to destinations like Albury, Geelong, and Diamond Creek. With 5-8 competitions annually, she navigates the challenges of gymnastics with enthusiasm and skill. Looking ahead, she is gearing up for an exciting adventure in Hawaii, where she will participate in a gymnastics competition. Beyond the intense competition schedule, she eagerly anticipates a cruise and a visit to a Jurassic World themed ranch!
On the Senior School side of things, our Hume Regional representatives also produced some outstanding individual and team results at the Albury meet. Year 11 student Madison McDiarmid managed to place in four events, while our 15yo Girls 4x100m relay team consisting of Lucy Adkins, Miley Driscoll, Heidi Franklin and Charlie Magill were enormous in defeat, finishing in a gallant second place! Other notable results at the Hume event were:
Belle contested the 12/13yo Girls Discus event, finishing 14th overall with a best throw of 17.61m.
Madison McDiarmid: 3rd in 17yo Girls Long Jump, 2nd in 17yo Girls 100m, 3rd in 17yo Girls Triple Jump, 2nd in 17yo Girls 200m
Madison contested the 12/13yo Girls Long Jump, finishing 14th overall with a jump of 3.83m.
Xavier Greatorex: 2nd in 17yo Boys 100m and 3rd in 17yo Boys Long Jump
The girls acquitted themselves superbly against extremely tough opposition and we couldn’t have been prouder of them following the event.
Jack Magill: 2nd in 12-13yo Boys 800m and 2nd in 12-13yo Boys 400m Jeremy Packer: 3rd in 15yo Boys Discus Throw Jeremy Packer: 3rd in 15yo Boys Discus Throw
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Cobram Anglican Grammar School
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 weeklong swimming program at Barooga ARC. 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.
A school of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)
Contact Us Visit: 40-48 Campbell Road, Cobram VIC 3644 Post: P.O. Box 607, Cobram VIC 3643 Call: 03 5871 1816 Email: admin@cags.vic.edu.au
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