and in particular the TSfE T^-TKOmiCTIOOtCKE'W Tenille Craig Anna Coutts and the teachers
and everyone who contributed, either by donating their words, drawings, photographs, or time
DOtlislh t
Our aim this year was to "spotlight" different aspects of the school By spotlighting the individual, the idiosyncratic and the specific, we hope to capture the essence of the MLC community - its variety
Editing Silver and Green has been a challenging, fun, and eye-opening experience The depth of talent, the bewildering variety of activities, and the commitment of MLC girls astonished us. Our job was made easier by many members of the school community, and in particular the new technology and computers purchased by the parents' association With the use of a desktop publishing program, we can proudly claim "we made it ourselves!"
Thanks to all the people involved and we hope you enjoy reading this as much as we have enjoyed making it for you Happy reading and good luck in future ventures to you all!
Joyce Chia and Tammy Blakeney Silver and Green Editors
The Principal Spc<1ks
A brief look at the events of 1995 indicates the breadth of educational opportunities experienced by the students of Methodist Ladies' College
We began this year with a new Music School. After spending much of 1994 watching the transformation of a hole in the ground, it was exciting to finally occupy the building The fact that a school such as MLC, which is well known for its innovation and leadership in the area of technology, would also invest such great resources in a Music School says much about the place of music in the College and in the life of an educated person. The official opening was a grand affair, with large numbers of students taking part Who could forget the splendour of the performance of the combined Schools' choirs and orchestras of the spectacular processions of banners and musical instrument characters in costume?
At the time this magazine goes to print, we are anticipating another event, and one which should also have an impact on the life of the College The Multi Media in Education Conference, involving speakers such as Stephen Marcus from California and Dale Spender from Australia, has attracted interest from schools across the world Teachers used to go outside the school to attend conferences, but here we have a school which has something to say of importance to the profession.
Other highlights of the year - the House
Swimming and Athletics competitions, House Drama, House Music - have demonstrated the degree of independence, competence and leadership in our student body Debating, interschool sport, as well as high academic standards, are areas in which MLC students are excelling and which are providing valuable training for their roles in universities and workplaces The future is not completely predictable, but I believe MLC students are well prepared for the challenges that are before them
David Loader Principal
dDnn
Senior School
Essentially, Senior School is a community of young adults getting ready for the independence of tertiary education and the vicissitudes of adult life. Academically, you are stretching yourselves to extend your intellectual horizons and get the results you desire Personally, you are developing yourselves to discover your talents, your qualities, and your interests.
Senior School is a focussed community where you give a lot to your work Where you think about it and discuss it In Senior School you learn a lot about dealing with pressure. About being organised. About disciplining your time. About maintaining motivation. Senior School is also about keeping things in perspective About balancing the highs and the lows It's about forgiving yourself when you fail or make a mistake And bouncing back to try again And again And again. It's about reaching for the stars. Falling flat on your back And learning to be resilient.
Senior School is an open, outward-looking community which is vibrant and which values difference It is our difference, our variety, our energy which is our strength
Senior School is a compassionate, humane community which cares for its members and recognises that people need each other. It is our inter-dependence and our compassion which is our strength.
Think about the people who have been influential in your time in Senior School Your friends. Their support. Their trials and tribulations Their laughter Their empathy
Think about particular teachers. Their influence on you
Think of the experiences shared this year With your friends. With your class. With your House With the school community
Is there a particular moment which captures a| key aspect of Senior School for you? Penny Norman talking to the Assembly about AIDS? Jenny van Gemert organising the most successful Casual Clothes Day ever? Ainsley Campbell organising the Year 12 seminar? Catherine Brain singing the World War II Vera Lyn Songs? Kerrie Hicks talking about her grandmother as a role model? Adrienne Hall playing "The Last Post'?
All this is Senior School Your Senior School Our Senior School Year 11 1995 Year 12 1995. A year in your life, a stage in your development So pick up your past, put it in your backpack, help your friend to her feet and stride off confidently into the beckoning future.
Judy McKenzie Vice Principal Head of Senior School
Middle School
Middle School years are vital years - a time for students to formulate their own opinions, establish values and consolidate attitudes For this to occur there needs to be an environment of ample freedom, yet enough structure conducive to learning and to the provision of challenge, opportunity and affirmation for those who become involved Our Middle School strives to provide this balance between academic endeavour and the opportunity for experiences far broader than those which can occur within the walls of a classroom
Middle School students are, on the whole, a lively and enthusiastic group who are encouraged to make their own decisions and are challenged to learn the fine skills of negotiation and compromise Students are friendly, ready to become involved yet capable of producing the best excuses for arriving late of a morning! There is little doubt that our Middle School students have forged their own identity and have pursued activities with much zest 1995 has been another year where students have seized opportunities for both leadership and participation. House competitions have been a forum for lively competition; the Captains have motivated and enthused others and we have witnessed many activities where students could demonstrate their skills and lead by example Highlights certainly included House Music where we have the accomplished performances of small instrumental groups contrasted with the huge involvement of massed singing and the never-failing excitement of Variety! The confidence and poise of individuals in House Oratory and Debating were certainly inspiring for others
Many have taken up the invitation to become involved in Middle School Assemblies - we all enjoyed the confidence of our Tae Kwon Do Performers, the many individual musicians and regular discussions by our SRC During assemblies we are fortunate to have the contri-
bution of our Chaplains who consistently manage to engage and challenge our thoughts Our annual Church Service combined with the congregation of West Hawthorn Uniting Church urged us to remember Hiroshima and it was, undoubtedly, a moving experience for those who attended
Our Dramatic Arts and Music Departments have enriched us by many wonderful recitals and performances We certainly have no shortage of talent among the Middle School population The Year 10 performance of "Joseph Andrews", the transforming of BJ Hall into an ambience of sophistication, the commitment by our actors and the magnificent performances made it a pleasure to be among the audience
It has been a daily pleasure to walk around the Middle School and to see our somewhat drab walls brightened with student art work proudly displayed, providing a constant reminder of the great range of expertise amidst our student population.
Marshmead continues to a be a highlight for most Year 9 students and we are reassured of the personal growth gained by contributing to community values and ideals Our Middle School population has also been enriched by participating in cultural studies experiences and we have been privileged to interact with people from France, Germany, Japan and Bali Such opportunities challenge us to see byond the boundaries of MLC and emphasise that we are citizens of a global community
Both within and beyond the classroom walls, there is a tremendous amount of energy and commitment and such opportunities can only be offered to our students because of the support and contribution of our teachers Staff dedication has enabled 1995 to be a year of purpose and progress and their tireless efforts are gratefully acknowledged
As Head of Middle School my days are never dull, but instead are filled with many opportunities interacting with our students who will be the force of the future - it's interaction that I have greatly enjoyed
Rosa Storelli Head of Middle School
Junior Secondary
Like birds at sundown, the sound of chattering girls fills the corridors of Cato and the resource areas of Wood Bursts of laughter, shrieks, excitement, hugs and sometimes tears are all part of the daily mosaic of sound and movement as Junior Secondary girls go about the business of living and learning
Orange canoes glide through the still, khaki waters of Lake Eildon as Year 7 students silently paddle past stark trees to reach the ridge pole of a ghostly farm house looming up form the receding waters. It is a moment for reflection about the changes that have engulfed this valley Encounters with kangaroos and bright rosellas can happen at any moment as the girls walk quietly through the bush or scurry from one orienteering point to another. Horse-riding through the rich greenness of the Rubicon Valley, or singing and toasting marshmallows round the camp fire at night are also part of the experience which was the Year 7 camp
For Year 8 the challenges were stepping backwards off a very high wall (fortunately each girl was suitably attired in helmet and belt and securely anchored with belay ropes) and inflating tractor tyres with a hand pump, lashing together very large planks and then attempting to manoeuvre this monster raft in order to win the race For relaxation you could try travelling 150 metres from tree to tree via various rope contraptions, swinging tyres, high wires, slippery tree trunks and flying foxes or perhaps you could just submerge yourself in the icy water of the Ovens River
Aborigines from Mornington Island shared their wisdom, their stories and music and dance with us; scientists from Swinburne excited and enlightened with scientific questions and tricks; the singing of whales and the story of Jonah surrounded us as we lay enclosed in a giant bubble; clowns created fun; yellow balloons and furry bees filled the Chapel with light; medieval knights and ladies, squires and nuns paraded through Cato; the noise, the colour and tension of Swimming Sports, Athletics Day, House Music invigorated us 1995 has been a lively year for Junior Secondary girls! Discovering E-mail, beginning to use the Internet, exploring Microworlds, trying out multi-mediathese were all challenges, along with learning and growing in so many areas of knowledge and experience and creativity. A vintage year. Thanks everybody
Ruth Baker Head of Junior Secondary School
ior School
I have made many beginnings in my life, although being Head of MLC Junior School is the most recent one. My first school beginning was not very auspicious I started school (rather younger than was legal) in Newcastle Desperate to go, I had sat for the previous year with my port packed, watching all the other neighbourhood children go off each day I was a lonely four year old and wanted so much to be part of what school offered - reading, writing and friends On my first day my mother cried and I was embarrassed
Many years after a number of other beginnings I found myself as the newest arrival on the staff of a Canadian school. I was teased in a friendly way and I believed everything they told me - on a colleague's advice I took my Year 3s looking for ice worms! Being in a different country prompted me to reassess what I believed to be essential aspects of children's education - the importance of the individual and the need for mutual respect between student and teacher.
Now decades later I am just as committed to friendship, reading, writing, mutual respect and meeting the needs of the individual I have now added to these a belief in the importance of innovation and the need to prepare children for change. At MLC I see the possibility of all of these being fulfilled However, in bringing about change, we may need to re-examine some of our present practice This year I have been mindful that it is not always smooth sailing when I have to consider the sometimes conflicting needs and views of the many different groups in our com-
munity.
In my first year at MLC it has been exciting to watch how an innovation such as the introduction of the Internet to Junior School has the potential to completely change how individuals are able to access information and communicate Our Junior School classrooms have been successfully wired to the world! Equally successful has been the introduction of Reading Adventure in which Year 6 students share opinions of novels in chat groups with a variety of adults I have enjoyed being the 'surprise' adult and sharing with some groups Some aspects of our school remain traditional and some aspects are beyond what we ever imagined possible
Despite age and a reasonable level of experience in education I have not been immune to teasing as the 'new girl' Year 6s conducted a very amusing birthday interview which was a parody of birthday interviews given by, you guessed it! This has not deterred me from continuing with my plan of becoming acquainted with each girl I have really appreciated the friendship, encouragement and support which has been offered from all sections of the MLC Community and with everyone continuing to strive for the best for our students and for our school, I am confident that I will continue to enjoy the challenge of leading the Junior School
Toni Gray Head of Junior School
The Head Prefect
My first recollection of Year 12 was forgetting, in a jetlag daze (having been home in Australia for less than 24 horns from my exchange in Germany) to introduce half of the prefects during the induction. It didn't seem like the ideal start to what I knew would be an incredibly tough year, but here we are, Year 12 behind us and ready to move ahead
I am astonished at how fast the year passed and indeed how quickly my secondary school life seems to have passed by. When I think back on my six years at MLC, I am, however, more amazed at the depth and the breadth of my education MLC has given me the opportunity to do things that I have dreamt I'd be able to do and every year be inspired by the talent I saw in a new student. I have sat and watched every House Music Concert and Drama Festival and felt so proud in watching the results of the students' hard work and dedication I remember cheering as girls broke records in the swimming pool, or on the track at athletics, and being inspired by students' art exhibition. The last six years have been hard work and it hasn't always been possible to understand the necessity and value of working so hard, but the things that challenged me most have been the highlights of my time at MLC I remember being stuck on the side of a very large rock on Outward Bound in Year 10. I was convinced that I couldn't move any further up this rock and that the only solution was to be let back down Neither the person on the other end of the rope, nor my friends standing below, would let that happen and so I rested for a while, cried a bit and finally decided that I was going to take a deep breath and reach as high up the rock as I could As with most other challenging experiences, with a lot of sweat and a few tears, I made it
It was a simple experience, but I found I could draw an analogy between rock climbing and many other events in my life - the one constant always being a friend standing at the bottom of the rock The power of friendship and support has been, for me, the best aspect of MLC. It will be hard to move away from things that have become so familiar and secure, and step into the unknown For many of us, MLC is like home, it's where we belong The majority of our friends are concentrated in one community and everything is at our fingertips. It will be challenging and exciting to move into a new and unfamiliar place, where things may not be so easily accessible, but we've been excellently equipped with the skills that it will take to get there
In conclusion, I'd like to thank the Year 12s for a fantastic year and wish them every success and happiness in the future and reflect on a poem given to me at Marshmead in 1992:
TASTING AIR
Taste the sweet air of an empty sky, listen to the distant cry of a lone bird soaring Feel your skin tingle to the touch of sun, feel sand burn hot on naked feet, bathe in heat
See in a still bush and pool a sunken image that is really you way out there, touching sky, feeling earth, tasting air
Ainsley Campbell Head Prefect
spotlight OB
AL TOUSSAINT:Mad about Cato, mad about dancing and aerobics and well mad! As Cato's House Captain, she'd do anything for the blue teddy, including dressing up as it! A1 does have her serious side, however no-one has found it yet!
MICHELLE TEHAN is MLC's Captain of Boats, so naturally she spends most of her time pulling an oar up and down the Yarra In her few moments of relaxation, Michelle is a keen Nevile-ite tennis player and Deputy Head of the Boarders.
JACQUI BRIGGS: Jacqui can often be found playing basketball, either for MLC or Krome She is also one of Krome's House Captains. Jacqui is a perpetually happy person, and she always has a huge grin on her face.
JENNY VAN
GEMERT: Since her arrival in Yr 9, Jenny has devoted every moment of her time to others Her dedication to people is demonstrated by her involvement with World Vision, and also her phone bill. Founder of MLC's Youth Vision, Jenny is constantly working for the good of others. AMY BENNETT: Music is Amy's life Rumour has it that she was born composing concerts, and wrote her first opera at the age of two She now plays keyboard in a band called "Big Friendly Giants" who have just won an ARIA As well as choir, madrigals and being leader of the orchestra, she loves a joke and is committed to others TAMMY
BLAKENEY explod-r ~ ed into MLC in Yr 11, and in that time has taken on the roles of a Year 11 representative and reporter for Silver and Green, and in Year 12 progressed to joint Editor of 'Silver and Green' and Prefect of the Business Course. The boarder's unofficial DJ, her music can be heard floating through the school.
ALEX KOPP is a Nev-head and proud of it. One of her passions
is sailing, but her wet-suit tan lines cause her constant torment Alex is always ready to assist in lightening up a serious moment NATALYA BOBENKO, star of the 1994 Speech Night production 'Full House.' Natalya constantly works for all departments of MLC She is MLC's all-rounder, excelling in drama, sport and music She is devoted to Fitchett, where she exercises her many talents SARA KOWAL: MLC just can't get away from Sara Wherever you go, Sara will be there Her distinctive laugh can be heard bellowing through the corridors and her dedication to choir, madrigals and Cato is infallible. SARAH CHARLES: Blessed with a unique sense of humour, Sarah just doesn't stop going If you can't find her on the sports field or singing in the choir, she's bound to be devoting her time to other areas of the school. Krome Athletics Captain and talent quest star, Sarah's hobbies include making paper friendship bands in Maths and head-butting softballs LIZ TUENO: A dedicated House member, Liz trains all year for the one big kayaking event in December with the rest of the MLC kayaking team. Liz is our Catering Course Prefect, and you can be sure that she will be cooking up a storm in the future. MAY KWONG: It is rare to see May in school uniform rather than sports uniform Whether it be badminton, aths or any other Krome activity, May always gives her all.
Tehan, J Briggs, M Tehan, S Charles, G Hall, A Toussaint, M. Kwong, K. Hicks, A. Campbell, A. Clerehan, T. Blakeney, S. Kanagasingham and M. Donaldson.
May has done a fantastic job as Krome House Captain this year SUSI FOX is continually active. House badminton, choir and 'Friends For Older People' are just a few of Susi's involvements along with tutoring the rest of Year 12 before exam time. ELINA SPILIA, alias 'not Angelique' (the name she has disowned from birth). Quick with a proven detail to clarify or confuse a situation, Elina has dedicated her talents to many facets of school life including, over the years, choir and madrigals. Krome would suffer without Elina's devotion AINSLEY
CAMPBELL: Ains is one of life's mega-nice people, who never fails to come up with a nice word for people She's always bright, sprightly and chirpy Despite her niceness, don't get on her wrong side, because as Head Prefect, she's the one that wields the whip. (Just kidding.)
LOUISE BROADFOOT Lou is the sporting star of the universe, and is destined to be the best all-rounder in the Australian Women's Cricket Team. (Sometimes we wonder if she wouldn't prefer being on the men's team instead.) As well as sport, Lou loves Drama and, whilst being really involved in all areas of the school, she's always ready with a 'Howdy!" BRON WILSON: With the best tan in Year 12, it's obvious Bron loves being outdoors She loves bike-riding, rock-climbing and anything that involves an element of danger Last year she broke her arm and loved every minute of it Although occa-
sionally late to class, she never fails to win the teachers over with her charm and killer smile SHOBANA KANAGASINGHAM: This pint-sized prefect is always on the scene at Cato functions, but what she lacks in size she makes up for in vitality and good looks. She's Debating Captain, and enjoys getting together with fellow prefect Amy Clerehan and watching 'Bold And The Beautiful' reruns AMY CLEREHAN is one of MLC's undisputed Drama Queens, whose performances have dazzled us over the years. Her beaming smile is ready to strike wherever you turn She's a die-hard Krome member, whose specialties include badminton and cheerleading. CARLY FLINT is a keen humanitarian whose remarkable achievements have taken her to Vietnam, where she assisted World Vision in working for others She's ambidextrous, a choca-holic, and an easy-going sport enthusiast Her dedication to Krome never ceases to amaze. MICHELLE DONALDSON is one of Fitchett's leading ladies and is involved in all House activities. She's loud, outgoing, always friendly, and fanatical about sport GEORGIE HALL is always ready with a fresh idea, Georgie is our bouncy Berry wonder She's always ready with a 'Howdy,' and is always willing to help She will volunteer for all activities, be they school, house or community. KERRIE HICKS: Her aim in life is to be a surfer - she just has to learn how first She's as purple as they come, as her role as Berry House Captain demonstrates, and she swore she'd repeat Year 12 if Fitchett won this year LIZ TEHAN is the Head Boarding House Prefect Always cheerful, and offering a smile, Liz is devoted to Krome and entertains us with her
THE YEAR TWELVE TREE
We invite you to take a stroll through the front gardens to admire the beautiful magnolia tree donated by the Year 12s of 1995, chosen as a symbol of the growth, strength and beauty that MLC has given us We hope in the future that the MLC community will enjoy the fragrance of the beautiful flowers, the shade of the tree, and our warm thoughts Lastly, we must thank the gardeners for their help.
Louise Broadfoot and Elina Spilia (Deputy Head Prefects)
L-R: K Hicks, G Hall, L, Broadfoot, L Tehan, S Charles, T Blakeney, M Tehan, A Clerehan, B Wilson and A Campbell
"Hear ye, hear ye.
In 1995 a new music school"
ly already comfortably settled into their new musical routine, with rehearsals for the opening starting the first day this year The official ceremony was held in the school car-park next to the incredible new building Dedications, speeches, streamers, brightly coloured banners, and musical characters made up the event, with plenty of music and rejoicing Madrigal singers, a solo trumpeter and the combined effort of Choirs and Orchestra blended into a harmonious whole as MLC made music.
and as the Senior Madrigals heralded, it unfolded before our eyes! A new Music School indeed, and on the 31st of March, the rain stopped long enough for the official opening ceremony to take place and for a new era of music at MLC to commence
It was a long day of music that started in the early afternoon with final rehearsals for the many performance ensembles throughout the school At the same time, solo instrumentalists performed in Flockart Hall, the Amphitheatre, and on the Performance Staircase What spectacular performances there were, with students of all ages performing to their family and friends! Before the official opening, the Junior students held the Grand Opening Concert Part 1, and impressed parents, friends, staff and students with their singing and playing The combined bands of Junior and Junior Secondary Schools were dazzling, as were the Junior Secondary Orchestra, Strings and Concert Choir
As a small opening ceremony had been held earlier this year, many of the students were obvious-
The evening continued with the second part of the Grand Opening Concert performed by the senior students Symphonic band, Strings, Concert Orchestra and the Senior and Year 9 Madrigal groups put on an impressive performance The concert was concluded by the performance of a cantata called "The Spirit of Music" This work was commissioned especially to celebrate this special occasion and was composed by Stephen Ingham, with words by Senior English Teacher Graham Parr.
The standard of performance was incredible, and matched the superior standard of the new musical facilities at the school. At the end of the evening, just when it seemed that all of the hard work and endless rehearsals were finished, work soon started for the next mammoth musical event: the traditional MLC Gala Concert, which was also a magnificent night of music Although as a Year 12 music student I'm slightly depressed that I've only had one year of working inside the new building, I can honestly say I've been lucky for the time I've spent singing and performing in it I know that everyone is looking forward to the even higher standard of music that the new Music School is sure to provide in the future
Catherine Brain, Year
12
The Strange and Wonderful History of...
In Term 4,1993,1 was in Kew Term. It was the era of River Phoenix's death, of those strange Gatorade ads on the trams and the Late Show Essendon won the premiership, and Madonna went on a world tour But something else was happening in Kew. A mysterious plague was slowly consuming the school It ate the Ceramics rooms. It chewed up the caretaker's cottage It devoured the car park It bit into a water-pipe, with spectacular results The disease had not been seen at MLC in living memory, but it was soon discovered that the cause was something called a New Music School.
Over the next year, the excavation ended and building began After a while everyone became used to it, and only a lone time-lapse camera watched its progress. It came as rather a shock, at the beginning of this year, to realise that it was finished and we could actually use it But we adjusted readily to rehearsals in the Auditorium and the new Flockart Hall, music lessons in instrumental suites and classes in the Music Technology rooms.
The official opening of the building fell upon March 31 Rain threatened, with the movement of the clouds shifting the opening ceremony from outside to inside, and back out again But for dedicated MLC musos, neither weather nor the beginning of the footy season kept us away that night I would doubt there was anybody
from our year level who could sing, play or dress up as an instrument who was not involved
It began with an "At Work" session, where visitors could see students in open rehearsals and hear performances as they strolled around the building. Demonstrations of keyboard labs and the recording studio went on until seven After a spit roast in the new underground car park, guests were either in the audience of Part 1 of the Opening Concert featuring JS and JSS, or watched it from the Performance Staircase
The central part of the night was the opening ceremony in the car park It began and ended with a trumpet solo, and involved speeches from those involved in the planning and building, the combined choirs and the orchestra After the [unveiling of the jplaque, Part 2 of the Concert with Middle and Senior Schools took Iplace
The Music School is a fantastic building Its future history will be at least as interesting as the history of its evolution
Kathryn James, Year 9
higher, faster, stronger
This year the MLC athletics and cross-country squads have been successful in many ways. Although we didn't take home the trophies at the major athletic competitions, the GPSVSA and the GSSA, many girls took home individual blue, red and green ribbons There were many personal best scores broken, which indicates just how successful the girls are becoming
Athletics started off early in Term 1 with long and hard training sessions After the lazy summer, many struggled to keep up with the training sessions; however, it did not take long for everyone to get back into the swing of things
Term Two saw the beloved cross-country season begin Many girls trained twice a week to build up lost stamina from the holiday break. This factor did not hinder the cross-country team The season, lasting through Terms Two and Three, ( saw many successes by both MLC as a school
and as individuals MLC won many of the aggregate trophies throughout the season including the Lisa Wardle ('HELL AND BACK') and GPSVSA. Many individual feats were achieved by a number of girls - Rachel King and Rebecca Brown, to name two, were both selected to run in Tasmania for Victoria However, a huge thank you must be given to all girls who participate throughout the year; and with the enthusiasm of the team our success is likely to continue for years to come. Last, but not least, we would especially like to thank Miss Warrick for the dedication and support she has given to the coaching of both the Athletics and Cross-country squads We could not have done all this without her.
Katrina Hanney (Athletics Captain) and Michelle Liu (Vice Athletics Captain)
House Athletics
House supporters Epalmis consiminus\ species of Family Hominidae (Homo sapiens), group linked with the passing of an annual season of fierce battle
These vertebrates exist in either purple, pink, blue, yellow or green skins and are divided into different herds according to their colours They stand at heights from four to six feet and possess two legs and arms The animals are of a female breed and generously adorned in their particular colour. Dietary needs of the creatures change as day of competition nears; typically house supporters begin to feed on sweet foods with colours corresponding to its own This is the creature's method of supporting its herd and building strength for battle The creatures begin emerging from hibernation some four to six weeks before gathering together in battle Behavioural patterns indicate that the creatures remain placid until the day of battle, whereupon they become excited and competitive with members of other herds Cries of battle are emitted from the creatures, signifying the willingness of each tribe to fight. The day of battle begins soon after daybreak for specific members of each herd group, with gatherings near water locations. House supporters then gather at the site of battle Competition ensues involving various activities such as battles of speed where tribes compete to determine the herd that can escape best during annual hunting season; or the herd most skilled in hunting, by racing various hunters bearing weapons in the form of batons. The creatures have various musical noises; their cries are generally rhythmic and loud and may be accompanied by
movements of the body.
House supporters is a relatively friendly species and the closing of battle is marked by along and arduous march, expressing the co-operation of four herds to share the suffering of loss and defeat while one herd celebrates the joy of triumph After the event House supporters disperse to their various habitats to prepare for the next annual battle
5:30 am six degree mornings probably don't sound like the most inviting conditions to be out of a warm, cosy bed, let alone rowing up and down the Yarra However, the Senior Rowing Squad were out of bed, pumped and primed, ready for the arduous morning session. OK, maybe I have slightly exaggerated Although they may have dragged themselves reluctantly out of bed, training was always of top standard This hard work was reflected in our success during the season At the end of 1994, we had our first regatta at Carrum MLC won the novice eight, and quad-scull finals, and received a small token for our achievement - a really big perpetual trophy and two silver goblets each The first four then went on to win at the Victorian Rowing Association final, each member picking up a medal on their way to the finish line
Over the summer holidays, while many MLC girls were at the beach, the Senior Squad was sweating it out in the thriving metropolis of Bairnsdale on a training camp And did we train? We rowed almost fifty kilometres a day, and by my calculations about a third of the way to Sydney by the end of the week. I don't mean I to simply dazzle you with our hard work - there [ is more to rowing than just sweat and tears It is a tremendous sport, giving girls an opportunity to be fit and healthy, form close and fantastic friendships, and gain a sense of achievement, confidence and self-discipline There is also one feature of rowing that many girls like to keep a secret Well, I'm here to expose it for the sake of rowing Magnificent pumped-up, muscular, tanned specimens of the opposite sex!
The season led up to the Olympics of schoolgirl rowing - Head of Schoolgirls At this two-day regatta, MLC was very successful, placing almost every crew in the finals. The senior crews first eight came third, and the first four came fourth Noted by coaches and parents over the weekend was the desperate and gutsy rowing of both the senior and junior crews This determination is paving the way for MLC's further success
For most rowers, the season ended after Head of Schoolgirls The Senior Squad, however, was put through rigorous selection trials, for a place in the eight at the Australian Rowing Championships in Bunbury, Western Australia. Once chosen, heavy training continued, in preparation for the Nationals It was an amazing experience for everyone, rowing beside some of the best in Australia, and the world It was an inspiring trip (not to mention the great weather) At the championships, MLC made the final in every race, the eight coming fourth, the first four fourth, and the second four sixth Amazingly all our hard work paid off as nine girls from MLC came fourth in Australia
Good luck in the future, and thanks for everyone's support this year
Michelle
Tehan (Captain of Boats)
or two
The MLC Kayak Team was established in 1991 by a then Year 11 student, Susan Tegg, as her English Communications Project. Her aim was to have an MLC team participate in the Red Cross Murray Marathon, which is held annually between the 27th and 31st December. Her father, Mike, had previously participated in a number of these marathons, and was willing to coach a team for our school
That year, six girls participated They came third in the Schools Relay Division, and were the first all girls team to cross the line.
Since then the club has grown, and we have just purchased our third boat. Just recently, a boat trailer was donated to the club by Coform Australia Pty Ltd, (worth around $1000). We expect to have three teams participating in this year's marathon. There are presently around twenty girls active in our club, which is open to girls from Years 10 to 12
Training on the water takes place every Sunday morning, in two hour sessions This is held on the Yarra opposite the State Swim Centre. We are also working on endurance and strength in individual programs throughout the week. The Kayak season is continuous - that's right, all year round Our team participates in various races on a variety of rivers throughout the state, and have achieved fantastic results
The team is extremely grateful to Mike Tegg for sticking with us. He is still a very dedicated coach and parent Parents are very much involved, as they must participate as our ground crew This year, a Parents and Friends Support Group was formed to help raise all funds required. The Red Cross entrance fee for the Marathon is $110 each Of course, there are other expenses to be met. Also this year, the school has appointed a member of staff from the PE department. Many thanks to Mrs Hull who has helped us through the year
Good luck to the crews of 1996!
Louise Flinker (Kayaking Captain)
in the pool
1995 was the year of the MLC swimmer! Why?
You may ask . . . Well, let me tell you! For a start, we triumphed over St Catherine's School, at the All Schools Swimming Competition. In the process we also won! The victory gave the older members of the team special pleasure and joy, as previously (through dodgy circumstances) we were robbed of our rightful title
It was through the demonstration of superior skill in the competition leading up to All Schools that the 1995 team found once again that winning touch In these competitions many swimmers shone so bright•ly they overshadowed our already-brilliant squad
One was Tracy Mecklam, who breast-stroked down the pool fast enough to qualify for the NATIONALS! The younger members of our team were also impressive
The support for the team at the All Schools Competition was wonderful, and the team thanks the [Prefects, senior students, parents and family who came and screamed I hope to hear our new chant echoed for many years to come
So the torch that was joyously ignited in 1995 will hopefully burn even more brightly in 1996
Kate Boyd (Swimming Captain)
1995 was another year of great achievement for the MLC water polo team We started out with a bang and finished with an explosion The team, consisting of many invaluable players, blitzed the entire season, undefeated the whole way What can we say - last year's results were much along the same lines
Travelling to and from our away games in our "go go mobile" we faced our opponents with mixed feelings: are we, or are we not, going to win? However, we all came home with smiles on our faces
Never taking it for granted that we were going to reign on the scoreboard, we took our training seriously and turned up to our Tuesday and Thursday morning practices, taking note of our trusting coach, Kelly Wise, who was there all the way.
Although six of us will be leaving our gracious team, there are still plenty to carry on our might of our great team, and defend our title for next year So good luck to all you girls who will be here to play for us.
Tenille Craig, Year 12
netball and hockey
SENIOR NETBALL
Despite playing some excellent netball in certain games, our A, B and C teams all finished in third place A number of key players were unavailable throughout the season, due to either Year 12 commitments or injury, and this had an adverse effect on our final placings However, the players who took to the court each week are to be congratulated on their efforts
At the recent School Girls Competition, we won two and lost two games We were beaten by a couple of very strong country teams I am sure all girls really enjoyed the season; and on behalf of all team members, I would like to thank Mrs Peters for her excellent coaching throughout the season
Michelle Donaldson (Netball Captain)
SENIORHOCKEY
Despite hail, sleet, snow, and tough opposition, the MLC hockey team had an extremely successful season. We were beaten only by PLC in a close, low-scoring game Memorable moments include Louise Broadfoot diving horizontal to stop a ball, and landing in the mud, as well as Sally Giljohann's brilliant tackle where she got not only the ball, but the player, and Catherine Turner's instant reaction, as she dodged a ball coming to her head! Our secret tactic was accurate passing by Stef Baird and Sam Frankenburg, good pressure and support by Merryn Alway and myself, and fearsome hitting by Sophie Pogue, Anna Rix, and Jane Best Not forgetting, of course, Amelia the fearless goalie! We look forward to the Buchannan Cup, where we can hopefully become Victorian Champions Thanks to Mrs Dahl for her inspirational halftime talks and best of luck for 1996!
softball
It's a pretty good afternoon for a game of softball. The senior As limber up before the visiting school, Strathcona, arrive. So far MLC is undefeated and we are looking to maintain the record I have a warm-up throw with Fiona Charles The ball hurtles through the air at about 100 km/hr. After somehow catching the ball, I casually turn around, shake my hand and think to myself, "Hmmm...That girl can throw!"
Strathcona arrives, and after the usual pre-game occurrences, Liz Robinson, our first batter, thoughtfully selects a bat and steps up to the plate "Strike!" comes the call "Don't worry Betty! we all cry, and Liz grimaces at the nick-name. The second time, Liz gives the ball a great reminder of its purpose, and manages to get to second base. The game continues in this manner until Sarah Charles takes her rightful position at the plate. "Cam Sarah, smash it!" And smash it she does The ball soars up into the clouds and eventually ends up near the doors of the PEC. Inevitably, this results in a home run and we all go crazy When Sarah returns she says, "That's funny. Last night I dreamt that I smashed the ball and it hit the PEC sign" "Well" someone replies, "tonight you can dream that you hit the ball over to Ruyton!"
Further on in the innings, we are two down, and the bases are loaded Marina Bromley is batting She swings, it's a worm burner. She should make it to about second base She runs, first then second, but she doesn't stop there. The ball meanwhile is making its way back to the pitcher Marina skids around third base The ball and Marina are simultaneously going home "GO BACK, GO BACK" we screech, but Marina is in another world (where exactly we don't know). It is at this moment that Marina performs her trademark.. The slide "SAFE!" Initially we go crazy, before regaining our very professional composure and heading out to field.
Sarah Davies and I are feeling a little weary in the out-
field."" Sam Frankenburg seems to be getting all the action as the catcher. None of the opposition seem to be able to make heads or tails of Fiona Curl's pitches We clap as another girl goes down for three strikes Then all of a sudden, a miracle intervenes One of the girls from Strathcona closes her eyes, swings blindly and actually makes contact! The force throws the ball way into the sky as though in slow motion. Sarah Davies "Pops" and I realise that this is our moment to shine As I run for the ball, I am vaguely aware that Pops is also running with the intent of catching We are so excited with the prospect of being heroes that both of us have forgotten to call "MINE!"
"OOFFFF!" I am now fully aware that Sarah was also going for the catch "Sorry" we both mumble, as Mr Shipp shakes his head Mortification sets in as we trudge back to our places It had been an easy catch and probably our only chance to make a contribution
Another girl from Strathcona hits the ball. It is heading in a direction that no human being should physically be able to stop Enter Lou Broadfoot, renowned for her amazing cricketing skills She takes a dive that Mark Waugh would be proud to call his own. The ball is caught, the game is over MLC wins 23 runs to 5 The postgame niceties commence. A handshake here, a handshake there Unfortunately, we've all forgotten the stupid oranges again, except for the Charles sisters Strathcona then divide the spoils between the eleven of them and climbs back onto the bus.
Jane Holroyd, Year11
"So, tonight's the big night?" "Yeah," I answered, laughing at my situation When you have to perform in front of your peers and can't remember any lines or cues, and 'tonight's the night', there is nothing to do but laugh. Secretly, behind the "this will be a joke" mentality, my stomach is churning
We'd been laughing about the House Drama ever since rehearsals commenced Nothing worked - our set, our play, our acting. I guess the latter was our most major concern I was still laughing right up until that 3:25 bell, signalling relief most days, but on this particular one, it brought horror A sickness crept into my stomach, as a voice whispered maliciously in my ear: "You are about to make a total fool of yourself, and there is nothing you can do about it!"
Now I'm sure I wasn't the only House Drama participant who felt this way, but in my present state, I seemed unable to comprehend or think of my fellow competitors - all I could do was face the harsh reality of my fate. Total humiliation!
Perhaps if we had managed to run through our play at least once without forgetting our lines or what scene came next, I might have felt slightly consoled; but I had to admit, I had no clues. It is at this point that you begin to ask why Why on earth did I audition in the first place? What am I voluntarily (that's the scary part) doing to myself? Why didn't I drop out when I could see this disaster looming from the beginning? The worst realisation was that I had no-one to blame but myself
So I'd crammed as much into my head as my brain could contain, prayed for a miracle, and just in case, had developed a new plot which we could ad-lib if worst came to worst. It consisted of one character entering the stage in a wheelchair (we thought that it was about time we put that wheelchair from the props room to good use), declaring they had just been involved in a traumatic accident, never
to walk again, at which they threw themselves with despair onto the floor The curtain would close as they crawled across the stage moaning with anguish, while the rest of the cast gazed on with pity
Nothing too dramatic
Now, as I stood on the stage, voices began to hush in the audience, my only comfort was that in roughly thirty minutes it would be all over The curtain was raised, spotlight on, and we began. And it was going okay ... right up until the last line was spoken, and the curtain was lowered. In common fashion, our cast and directors ran around hugging each other with exclamations of "Can you believe it?" So maybe no-one really understood it, and our American accents reflected cities distributed right throughout the U.S.A. It was over and we'd done an okay job
The rest of the night we were able to relaxJ entertained by our friends in other Houses When the adjudication commenced, there was no way we were prepared for the results. Berry came first with their character-based play of "The Swimmer", while we were awarded second place (Fitchett) for our interpretation of "The Summer People" Now we began to really laugh! Nevile's "Sorry Wrong Number", Cato's "The Devil and Daniel Webster" and Krome's "The Lottery" were also commended for their fine acting and direction Leida Walker, from Krome's production, was awarded with "Best Actress" for her convincing portrayal of a male
Now there was nothing more to do than to give a few pats on the back of congratulations, and scream my lungs out in a war cry, a common ritual at any House event. It was over! So, what was that College Production the drama staff were talking about?
Willow Kellock, Year12
Tom Brown's Day Of Music
Tom Brown was a truly valued member of the MLC community His talent in music, not to mention his dedication and style, were a part of the school for so many years Who could forget the times he took to the stage, with his wife Mrs Jane Elton-Brown, for Gala Concerts, Speech Nights and special events like the John Farnham concert. The students of Senior School decided to dedicate this year's 'Day of Music', the House Music Festival, to him.
Indeed, what a spectacular event it was! With meetings that started as early as March to plan the mammoth event, it was an exciting day for all who took part Endless rehearsals, lastminute nerves and the pressure of CATs were forgotten for a few hours, while senior students took to the stage on Friday 4th August Although every competition must have a winner, it can safely be said that no one walked away that afternoon a loser, with every ounce of enthusiasm, House spirit and raw musical talent exerted to produce a competition of an exceptionally high standard
While Fitchett came away with top honours on the day, who could forget the many spectacular performances that wowed the audience, and Mr Henk Van Ernst. Nevile's prize-winning 'Showboat', Cato's cool chorals and jazzy solos, Krome's various vocal solos and dramatic flair and Fitchett's award winning choral composition were all smashes on the day, but
faced heavy competition from the other Houses.
Variety, in particular, was closer than it has ever been From Fitchett's lions, to Krome's superstar, Cato's tradition, Nevile's fame and 'Finally' Berry it was hard to choose Flamboyant costumes, bands, props and lighting highlighted the energetic vocal performances and dancing skills demonstrated by all five Houses When not on stage performing or backstage preparing, students forgot about the combativeness and pressure and supported friends who too were up there giving their all When the final results were announced there were celebrations, disappointments but more importantly relief that the pressure was over and there were no more weekend rehearsals
Catherine Brain and Sara Kowal, Year12.
. .
.Adding a little Variety to life
As a loyal Nevile supporter, when House Music rolled around again I enthusiastically signed up for Variety Perhaps not best known for my co-ordination and athletic ability, my participation in Variety had previously been limited to singing from the sidelines (although during our 1993 hit "Under the Boardwalk", I choreographed my own simple versions of the dance to fit the general mood of the piece). So when I turned up to my first Variety rehearsal tills year to see everyone learning the dance, I gracefully but inconspicuously retired to the nearest corner to 'learn the words'. Easier said than done. This year's Captains proved to be particularly resilient to my cries of resistance (ranging from 'See, it's just that I'm so good I'd show everyone up!' to a last desperate, 'But I can't dance!') and forcefully dragged me on to the dance floor, claiming that they also were coordinationally challenged, so to speak. I was sure, anyway, that once they saw quite how bad I was, they'd be finding ways to get rid of me. (In any case, I had heard that we were wearing Eighties leotards and leggings, and there was NO WAY I was going to appear on the Assembly Hall stage with that kind of daggy clothing on).
As rehearsals progressed, I began to know the Nevilites involved and became more comfortable about my abilities (or lack thereof) I realised I was doing a service to humanity and to Nevile: certain individuals who felt insecure about their own dancing abilities, and might I add, for very good reasons, could always make
themselves feel slightly better by comparing themselves to me! In this way I was improving the general self-esteem and confidence of Nevile Variety dancers; and I was very proud to give my services thus Our three weeks of rehearsals were very enjoyable and VERY funny! Nevile's staging rehearsal was quite simply brilliant, with the 'Fairies on the Box' a definite highlight! Our weekend rehearsals were full of fun, pink icing and pink bubbles galore
The BIG DAY arrived all too soon! It was ace on the day to be able to get up there and do "Fame", our way, with heaps of energy, fun, and excitement! (However, the 'Fairies on the Box' had turned into 'Leg Stretchers on the Beam'). Of course, Nevile performed the best Variety ever, but we understand that other Houses need to be encouraged with first prize once in a while, while we consistently produce outstanding work every year Anyway, we have inner satisfaction without needing external, material rewards
I loved every minute of Nevile Variety and I'd give anything (except my pink bubbler) to do it again My lunchtimes and after-school sessions are empty now, as I wander listlessly from Flockart Hall to Room 3.01, remembering the ghosts of yesterday, almost seeing pink bubbles and pink tutus and imagining sweet tuneful music!
Leah Bloch, Year 11
Most Year 12 students could think of nothing worse than the thought of returning to Year 7, but that's exactly what 50 or so students have done this year through participating in the Big Sister Scheme. Each Year 7 class was assigned their own big sisters, who would visit them each morning to mark the roll and say hello (or if not every morning, at least when their hectic schedule will allow), and attend any other classes where they might have spares. I must say that Year 7 is certainly different
to arrive After the blank cold stares faded and they ran out of 'those questions', our class turned out to be pretty cool It became part of our daily routine to visit 7H every morning, before facing the horrors of Year 12 Talking, joking, and helping them out was fun, reminding me of my time in Wood
Thinking back a few years now, I remember those big Year 12 girls who were my big sisters. It felt cool to actually recognise someone important wandering about the
Being a Big Sister
the second time around. Young aspiring scholars are now fully equipped with their own laptop computers and a disgustingly large understanding of the computer lingo (that is completely foreign to me). The new Wood building is also different - cleaner, tidier, much more modern and generally more inviting than the way I remember it. It's safe to say that the first visit is a little daunting. Thirty new girls to Junior Secondary School, aged around 13, can be somewhat ferocious. Cries of "Who are ^ou?"; "Do you have a boyfriend?"; and 'When are you taking us to McDonald's?" /ere what first greeted us as we walked irough the door, waiting for Mrs Hartley
Melbourne's horror stories
Rapes, deaths and more
Going at eighty cents
At your local corner store
Teenage girl missing
Birth of unknown disease
Father kills his son
Children left to freeze
school grounds who would say 'Hello', in what I recall was a pretty intimidating time After making it through primary school, we were once again on the bottom of the ladder struggling to reach the top Having a big sister made it that little bit easier, and made us feel a little more human in a rather terrifying environment I only hope that our little sisters feel the same about us If not, at least we were helpful in the McDonald's department
Catherine Brain, Year 12
Woman bashed to death
Victims lose a fight Murderer on the loose It's all there in black and white
Melbourne's horror stories
Not at all nice
Going at eighty cents
Cheap at half the price
Julia Whitford, Year 11
Miranda I\irner, Year11
The Year Seven Camp was a fantastic experience: we went horse-riding, bushwalking, canoeing and orienteering
While riding horses, we walked, we trotted, and some of the more adventurous ones cantered We went over hills, through paddocks and splashed through a muddy stream There was plenty of assistance for us inexperienced ones The experienced ones also had a chance to do more advanced things I had never been horseriding and found this a wonderful experience
Next, we went orienteering We were given a map, a whistle, and a compass and told to find orange markers Following the map we walked (or ran) to get to the end of the trail Up the hills we went and down the hills we ran Some of us took a wrong turn and ended up in the wrong place It didn't take us long to turn around and go back We didn't lose anyone to the bush animals On the trail we saw six kangaroos, many rosellas, and other Aussie birds
The same day we went canoeing. Into the water went the canoes, and in we went! All of us learnt the forward stroke, the backward stroke and the side stroke. We had races and then joined our canoes together by holding hands A couple of people ran across the canoes and changed partners When we got out of our shoes they were dripping with water and sticky with mud We cleaned the canoes and helped them on to the trailer to take them home
The last day we went on a bushwalk Great! I love bushwalking The walk was quite long, about seven kilometres We got into groups of four and each person had a special name There was the Floater, who floated about and talked to the Leader about the problems There was the Leader, the Navigator who read the map and compass, and there was also the person at the back who kept the pace and could stop the group at any time The walk we went on
was quite pleasant and the Navigators took us in the right direction, so no-one got lost
I had a great time at camp and hope to go on many more!
Carly Siebentritt, Year 7
CAMPS
This year Grade 5 went to Warrnambool We went to the Wool Museum and were told the history of Australia's wool manufacturing, about droughts and each type of wool Then we were taken to a room with discs and educational programs and computers We went to the Twelve Apostles and there were only eight Apostles left We also visited a bird sanctuary, where we went ponding We caught waterboatmen and other weird creatures I thought camp was exciting and filled with new things to learn
Natalie Leons, Year 5
As soon as we arrive at Happy Valley Homestead, us Year 8s are put through some mentally and physically challenging exercises, trusting each other to help and co-operate. The huge tyre swing, going up into the slopes to reveal some very beautiful but air-bound scenery; the "electrical" triangle boundary; the Tarzan swing; the "blind" trail, and other challenges. Each of these activities dare us to conquer our fears. Just as we thought the excitement of the day was going to slowly unwind, a Year 8 Form heads toward the campsite, way up the mountain. We had to face the coolness of the night, the 5:30 morning call, just to cook our brekkies!
Days pass We are expected to experiment - be adventurous, take risks This applied particularly to abseiling, canoeing, and the "Aerial Course" Challenges, faced and defeated That's what camp means
Chi-Sze Ooi, Year 8
Underwater Photography
Perhaps the prospect of underwater photography at Queenscliff did not hold quite the same excitement as our previous plan of hiking through Tasmania, photographing the wilderness Nevertheless, the idea still remained exciting to Year 12 Photography students, along with their teachers Ms Medhurst and Ms Smith
Arriving at Fitzwilliam Street to catch the bus, we were presented with a full-page front cover article that a student had cut out from the Herald-Sun titled "Shark Can Spotted at Pope's Eye" - our destination!
We tried to laugh it off, "Yeah, well that's the Herald-Sun for you!"
Word spread throughout the bus, panic arising as snippets of conversation rose above the motor's hum Even those armed with Walkmans could not compete with the terrifying news
"I heard there were 50 sharks spotted there last week!"
"No, no, it was about 100!"
Meanwhile, Ms Medhurst attempted to calm her frenzied class, although when presented with the full-page article, even she expressed her doubts There was, however, a positive - at least we'd get some great shots
"Perhaps I'll change my CAT 1 theme to 'Sharks' What do you think?" Certainl y VBOS would not receive too many other Studio Arts CATs of similar style
A plan was constructed. One of us (Ms Medhurst was nominated) would go for a snorkel, equipped with camera, and on the detection of any shark-like creature, would take as many shots as possible, before throwing the camera back to us, safe in the speed boat. We'd take it from there
At the Queenscliff marine centre we were assured of our safety, and trudged off to be dressed in the most hideous outfits ever invented - wetsuits. Not just your average wetsuit, but full body ones with hoods and all, along with snorkels, masks and flippers. At least (speaking personally of course) the sharks would die of fright before they thought of their feed
A sombre gloom fell over the group as we expressed our thankfulness to one another for
friendship over the years. A few called home for last farewells Soon after, the speed boat carried us away into the deep and we caught our last glimpse of land.
Having arrived at Pope's Eye, we surveyed the area with unashamed paranoia. Yet fairly soon, the water was too hard to resist Soon we were snorkelling away, snapping photographs of seaweed (I was never fast enough to catch the fish), and strategically avoiding the white spray which randomly ejected from the birds which inhabited the area No sharks so far!
We were then led treacherously further away to the outside of Pope's Eye where the current was stronger. Now and then a lone person would begin to drift away, flippers and arms flailing as they stared at the murky depths beneath them.
Photographs were snapped, some particularly grotesque, depicting the "after" look on the back of the boat, exhausted by the day's adventure
The successful day was acknowledged on the bus trip home by people flaking out on the seats The low hum of snoring MLC girls was heard from afar
And now, near the end of the year, we laugh at our naivety, our foolishness for believing everything we read in the papers - our maturity and growth now evident to us all.
"And weren't the dolphins beautiful, when they swam by the speed boat on the way back?" Ms Medhurst comments.
We all glance at each other sideways, each asking the same question What dolphins?
"We only saw their fins above the water." Fins?
As for maturity and growth, I'm not so certain any more.
Willow Kellock,
Year 12.
gymnastics
The MLC Gymnastics Club offers classes for all students at MLC from Prep to Year 12, catering for recreational and competitive gymnastics It also offers these classes for girls who are not students at MLC, bringing in new faces and talent
MLC Gym Club also offers an Interhouse competition This allows girls from Junior to Senior School to compete and show their skills in a fun and safe environment against other students MLC is also involved in, and has a great success rate at Interschool competitions, allowing girls to compete against students from other schools.
Not only has MLC given me the opportunities to become House Gym Captain for six years and currently School Gym Captain, it has also allowed me to became a part-time coach. Currently there are five full-time and ten part-time coaches at MLC - a group of qualified, fun and enthusiastic people Having seven years experience as a competitive gymnast myself, I now have the chance to pass on my background and knowledge to the younger girls
Being a coach has enabled me to interact with the younger students whom I would otherwise not have much contact with
Leida Walker (Joint Gymnastics Captain, with Katrina Hanney)
Lisa Kirwan, Year 7
Junior School Concert Choir
Out of 120 girls I was one of the lucky ones who was chosen for the Junior School Concert Choir The Concert Choir is a group of the best singers in year 5 and 6
We have performed two concerts and one chapel service. Ms Price conducts the choir and has done so for two years. Every week we have to practice. The seconds practice on Friday lunch hour and the firsts practice on Thursday lunch our. In our lunch time e work on things that e do worst.
Phoebe Taylor, Year 5
5 Phillips:
"The Simpsons, it's all about the Kennedys, so watch it for homework."
Mr Lim:
"It will be a test to separate the sheep from the goats."
Mr Pryke:
"I am a criminal too."
Junior Secondary Chamber Singers
It's really interesting being in the choirbut with two practices each week, it's really demanding Performances are really challenging as well - the opening for the new Music School, the Gala Concert, the Assembly Hall It's good fun Though most of the songs we sing are pretty hard, since they're in three parts - or even five - it was really fun learning them After practising for numerous times, we then perform it We usually get a favourable response from the audience
To the girls in the group this year, thanks and well done.
Thanks especially to Mrs McAllistar for her undoubtedly fantastic piano playing; and last but not least to Miss Deppeler for her excellent conduction of the choir. These will be the memories I carry into Middle School.
Whoever likes to sing, have a go, and try out for it. It's a great experience, and well worth the effort
Chi-Sze Ooi, Year 8
BUSINESS SCHOOL
beyond school to seriously consider the business course, as it opens many doors, provides numerous opportunities, and equips you with additional qualifications along with your VCE
Tammy Blakeney (Business School Prefect)
I am now at the end of year 12 and have three options for next year: University, TAFE or a job Only in the past month, trying to decide my future plans, have I realised how lucky and ahead of my friends I am
The MLC Business Course has equipped me with essential skills for the workforce, making me now an employee with a variety of business skills to offer an employer, whilst also completing my VCE.
To meet the requirements of the TAFE courses involved in the Business course structure I have completed work experience in a variety of areas, providing another advantage over fellow school leavers.
Business School girls also participated in a successful conference earlier this year (see photographs) which featured guest speaker Sue Ingleton along with employers from different industries and past students sharing their experiences and career paths.
I advise girls who are unsure about their future
Mr Scott: "Don't you ever label me as a male."
Mr Scott: "I wouldn't want to share a sausage with 300 Year 12s." (about the Year 12 barbeque)
I went to Marshmead in Term 1 and loved it! It was probably the most fantastic thing I have done in my whole life. I'm sure it is something I'll never forget Marshmead is a great place to learn about yourself, your friends, people in general and about the world we live in Marshmead is a place for making friends However, I found that it could be quite difficult to live with seven other girls for eight weeks, and inspections were definitely not to be looked forward to While at Marshmead, I wrote the piece below about the cross, which sits on a hill looking down over Marshmead
The Cross
mA boring life you might say, standing alone on this hill of green I am a cross, tall and proud and live anything but a boring life People see me up on my hill and assume I've been there forever My life began only five years ago, when a chaplain named Dr Lewis needed a symbol for the Easter season I was cut from an old stringy bark and was carried up the hill on the back of Dr Lewis. At my new home, swarms of girls threw rubbish at me to symbolise the cleansing of their sins Then in silence they left me alone in my new home I may be alone, but I have my friends, the wildlife at night and the girls who scale my hill to sit with me on the summit and take in the view that I experience everyday A view that has changed over the years - from the beginning when there were only three houses to when the rest were built. I see what happens
Marshmead
everyday, from the girls sitting in the amphitheatre all half-asleep, to the rush at four o'clock when the mail is out. I see the girls set out for expeditions, exciting and happy for what is in store. I see them return, some happy, some sad, but all very tired and definitely sore! I see them at meal time saying their grace and cleaning their houses for inspection Down to the compost and out with the rubbish, sweeping and washing in a mighty big hurry. People having fights, people making friends -1 see all this from my place on this hill. The sun rising up in the early morning bathes the whole village in a golden light The grass is silvery with dew and the whole valley is covered in a light hazy mist Down below my perch on the hill a little creek runs, the main source of water to Marshmead, this special place so far from anywhere. When darkness comes and I am left out in the cold, I see all the torches out at work They think no one sees their dimmed light but I can see everything from my home I stand up here on constant lookout amongst the blackberries and greenbrown bracken I see the parents come to check out the place they've let their daughters come to At the start of term I watch the new girls walk from Top Shed, the awe on their faces after that first view. I get to know this bunch of girls and then I watch them when it is time to leave - some upset to go and others happy to be heading home But all stop to look down once more at Marshmead, my home
Zoe Singleton ,Year 9
I realise now, in the midst of the thrill and the fun of being so far from home, of living with friends and waking up in the country, I learnt more about myself, my relationships and my life in Melbourne than I could have anywhere else
The time I had away was a time to laugh, to look on life from a different perspective - in an environment that rewards everyone, and in a group I never had to strive to be a part of At Marshmead I felt warmth from everyone and everything around me It was hard to leave a place that had given everything it could to us and become our home
I am thankful for the time I spent, the people I knew and the things I learnt, at Marshmead It will always remain a precious memory
Anonymous, Year 9
Chronicles of the French Revolution
First it started with the simple lunch time meetings. Then came the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday after school rehearsals and now the weekend rehearsals Starting at nine o'clock in the morning and ending at five to five thirty Saturday and Sunday, you can imagine how tired all the cast and teachers got. Thanks to all of the drama and dance teachers who have given up all of their spare time to help us with the play It has been a lot of fun but very tiring The costumes and set are great and once again we thank the teachers
Lauren Savage, Year 7
Miss McCloud: "I can't work with that hunky male (Keanu Reeves) looking at me."
The College Production for 19957'Chronicles of the FrencTTRevoIution", was performed in the Assembly Hall during the first week of September The Dramatic Arts Department commissioned an internationally recognised Melbourne playwright Sandra Shotlander to develop a work specifically for MLC The Drama Department were looking for a script that was suitable for a cast size of 130, while remaining theatrically challenging and socially relevant Sandra Shotlander has had a great deal of experience working with both students and professional actors and has produced works for radio, film and theatre
In a fast-paced sweep through French history, "Chronicles" surveys the period from events leading to the fall of the Bastille in 1789, through to the terror under Robespierre in 1794
The focus demonstrated that French women played a much greater part in the Revolution than) knitting at the guillotine Historical characters were introduced through two narrators, a ticket-seller at a fair (played by Annalise Newell), and a young woman looking back on her childhood in Paris during the Revolution (Elisha Hall) We followed the march of 6,000 women to Versailles, the path of the ill-fated Marie Antoinette (Laura Birley), the exploits of Theroigne De Mericourt (Katherine Holland), and the infamous struggle of Louis XVI (Willow Kellock)
The visual spectacle of the detailed recreation of 18th century France is attributed to the collaboration between the Drama and Art Department. The Assembly Hall was transformed into a thrust performance space, to accommodate the elaborate sets. These consisted of the Palace of Versailles, with a section revolving to reveal the imposing walls of the Bastille, a rustic tavern and peasant house, and the grand interior of King Louis' room.
Audiences were delighted with the magnificent costumes that clearly showed the delineation of the classes The story was supported by a music score that was composed by Tom Fitzgerald from the Music Department
It was wonderful to see so many talented people contributing to such a successful project Juliet Francis, Drama Teacher
exchanges available to us MLC girls, I was eager to participate in one of these exchanges
At the beginning of this year my German teacher told us about The Society for AustralianGerma n Studen t Exchange which was asking for peopl e interested in hosting a German exchange student in winter. After convincing my parents we could fit another person into our house, we filled out the forms, had an interview and were finally deemed worthy of hosting A week before the students arrived there was a meeting to brief us about possible problems and up-and-coming events A week later and it was the big day: 9:30p.m. at Tullamarine the plane arrived, and not long after so too did our German sister for the next three months, Christine Weis
off to the G.A.S.S Camp, held at Valley Homestead, near Bright In the second week of the holidays we took Christine to see the Fairy Penguins at Phillip Island and Healesville Sanctuary.
First day of Term Three and Christine was off to the Sunshine State, via Sydney The exchange students were allowed ten days' travel wherever they liked. Christine travelled with two other German girls and after staying in Sydney for a few days, they went to Cairns, visiting rainforests and Fraser Island, back to Brisbane and then back to us While we missed Christine during those ten days, Christine and our family were both able to have a break from each other.
After another four weeks and a trip to the Great Ocean Road later, Christine was leaving us. These final four weeks seemed to just fly by and before we knew it Mum and I were at
Hosting a German Exchange Student
Spencer Street Station farewelling Christine for the last time Tears were shed by all and as the train pulled away we felt a part was missing from our lives It has taken a while to get back to normal but we are getting there and the experiences shared with Christine will never be forgotten
Sally Summers, Year11
The first week or so were spent sleeping, getting to know each other and introducing Christine to our family and friends. Three days after Christine arrived she had her first engagement with school: the Gala Concert at the Concert Hall The next day: school Another two weeks of this and we were on holiday and
Class: We love you Frau Tarran. Frau Tarran: No you don't. Don't lie.
Chronicles of a Daunting Time
1995 will be a very special year for 25 students in particular, for a $2000 reason. This September we will be going to Japan
For those of us previously widely untravelled, it will be a daunting experience For most it will be the first time they have been out of the comfort of their own home It will be a time of writing to host families, blowing $200 in every shop at Southgate, and gawking at the leaving time of the plane to Japan What will happen? What will we do? Will I save the return airfare and not come back? How will I change?
Amidst the lunch time seminars on tidal waves, earthquake and mad religious groups, some have started to see the light We found out not long ago we can use our Japan trip for our Communication Projects. This makes the burden of knowing that in three weeks we will have to suffer the gruelling test of a half day's shopping in cities like Hiroshima and Fukuoka, and hiking in the county side much easier Through these gruelling tests of personality and strength, it is comforting to know that at least we will come back better shoppers And maybe having made a few friends, we will find the transition form being dependent to living in a suitcase a little easier
Lisa Patterson, Year 11
Visiting Japan in Melbourne
Each year, Year 8 students of Japanese visit Japan Seminar House in Term 2 as part of the Silver Lining Day program. It gives us the opportunity to see and touch some of the things we can only talk about in the classroom
We experience first hand the aesthetics of a traditional Japanese house. It is gorgeous to feel tatami mats beneath your feet (no shoes or slippers, naturally) The sunlight filters softly through sliding paper doors. We take futons from the cupboard, lay them on the floor and snuggle up under a quilt. In the garden outside, the bamboo, the stones, and the water remind us that nature is close and soothing We learn about the Japanese bath ritual, and that most important rule of all - always wash yourself BEFORE you enter the bath
A significant part of the visit is the demonstration of Sumi-E by one of the world's most distinguished exponents, Andre Sollier Sumi-E is 'ink painting', an ancient form of art closely tied to the spirituality of Zen Buddhism Sollier-sensei sits on a cushion on the floor, his long empty sheet of paper spread before him, his brushes, ink and bowls at his side He speaks, very softly, of the simplicity of Sum-E, how it must capture the essence of a moment. He waits for a flash of inspiration before he begins, then his brush rolls and swirls, it dabs and pushes; it is unhesitating and strong, yet delicate, gentle. On the paper is the image fresh from the artist's mind: a cat stalking a snake in the grass; a spidery chrysanthemum in full bloom; a dragonfly hovering above a waterfall
Later on, in the classroom, we take our own brushes and ink and try Sumi-E for ourselves It's fun, and we are reminded very quickly that some things are not as simple as they appear to be
Sue Mullett, Year8 Japanese Teacher
Ms
Phillips:
If you asked 100 people what MP stood for, they would say Melrose Place.
Blanc et noir
Bonjour et bonsoir
Un, deux, trois
J'aime bien les foires!
Lucy Saaroni, Year 7
J'adore les chiens les chevaux et les chats
Je d£teste les grenouilles les poissons et les rats!
Rachelle Katz, Year 7
LES POEMES
Moi, j'adore les animaux
J'adore les chats, Je n'aime pas les rats
J'adore les chiots, et les escargots!
Shoshanah Longmuir, Year 7
Un autre amour
Je pensais toujours que je te connaissais jusqu'^ hier soir quand j'ai ddcouvert que je ne connaissais rien
Ton rire, ta voix douce,
ton sourire,
Ta tete,
je pensais que je les con- je pensais que je 1'ai connue aussi naissais.
Mais je me suis tromp6e.
J'dtais bete
Tes yeux riants vraiment si beaux et bleus, lis ne me regardent plus
Ta peau est vraiment si lisse et pale,
Je ne la toucherai jamais encore
Tes m&ches dorees qui attirent la lumi&re, Elles ddgringolent comme les fils de soie autour de ta figure
Tes l£vres sanguines qui m'ont blessd si profonddment, Elles ne me parlent plus
Tu savais combien je t'ai adoree?
Je n'ai pas pu supporter la pensed de toi et un autre; Je n'aurais jamais pu te laisser partir
Tu ne seras jamais avec quelqu'un d'autre
C'est k cause de mon amour pour toi que je l'ai fait
Victoria Hodges, Year 12
Mr Koch: "I don't need alcohol to get. . o'clock after a 'Maths Luncheon'!)
J'adore les croissants et la mousse et les crepes le champagne et le souffl6 J'adore le frangais!
TessaLivingston, Year 7
Je n'ai jamais pensd que tu dtais comme ?a
J'esp6re que tu es satisfait maintenant
II faut que tu sois content
Je me souviens du jour que je t'ai vu pour la premiere fois.
II y a deux ans et j'ai 6t6 tellement heureuse
Apr&s avoir regard^ ton visage, je suis tombee amoureuse. Et je pensais que tu l'as senti aussi.
Mais maintenant, je vois que tu as un visage unique et changeant comme la lune.
Quelquefois tu montres tout, quelquefois rien
Quelquefois tu brilles pendant que tu jettes une ombre une grande ombre sur moi
J'esp6re que tu es satisfait maintenant
II faut que tu sois content
Amelia Tooher, Year 12 . stupid." (Friday 3
These are the characters of one of the plays which was performed in French by some Year 7s This | plays was the first story in our French textbook. Performing this play, rather than memorising vocabulary sheets, reminds me of the French I learnt at the start of this year
Sarah White, Year 7
French in action
French Extension Classes
"During our classes at the moment, we have been working on writing French 'po6mes\ and programming matching animation in Microworlds computer program. Using vocabulary from our French books 'Ca Bouge', we are required to perform a role play in groups of three or four
Accelerated French is an exciting and interactive subject, in which we have learnt a great deal already In each class, we practise our skills in tasks such as writing story books, creating role plays and listening to French tapes."
Kate Robson, Year 7
"In our extension French class we are now writing French poems and animating them on Microworlds As well, we are writing and performing short dialogues about what we do on the weekends."
Mrs Jones: Aren't you thinking of coming to school tomorrow?
Student: No!
Mrs Jones: What's tomorrow?
Student: Saturday!
getting to know the dolphins at Monterey Bay
They leap out of the water with grace and style
Droplets of water sprinkle off gleaming grey backs and flukes Magic hangs in the air
Suddenly there is a great leap, then a cracking splash less than a metre away I sit in awe We are surrounded by a pod of over thirty individuals, only metres from shore
Dolphins are a wonder They never cease to amaze, holding us spellbound as they perform their acrobatics It was for this reason and for a chance to help them that I decided to take up the challenge of the MLC/Earthwatch Scholarship.
It was hard to imagine that only a few weeks before I had been sitting in the Principal's office being interviewed for the Scholarship Earthwatch supports 165 expeditions: from active volcanoes in inaccessible parts of Russia and sea turtles in Bahia, to discovering previously unidentified insects up in the canopies of the Australian rainforest. As an Earthwatch volunteer, I learnt much about dolphins and other fascinating sea life in the Monterey Bay area of California.
At first the Bottlenose dolphins all appeared the same - playful, cheeky, and acrobaticMs Garlick: If someone went them to stop making a scene!
although later I was able to pick the names of individual dolphins by identifying the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is the main identification marker, because it is uniquely marked with 'acquired notches' These acquired notches start appearing soon after birth through games and fights and are considered a dolphin's 'fingerprint'.
The initial task, once we were out on the water, was to locate a dolphin. In the first anxious moments in the fog anything among the abundance of sea life became a dolphin, including diving black pelicans, curious harbour seals, Californian sea lions, porpoises and whales
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, Daniela Maldini Feinholz, the research method used was "capture - recapture", although we did not touch the animals because we used photo-identification. It was essential to the research that the dolphins were not disturbed in their natural environment while we collected accurate data about grouping of the animals Accurate records were crucial - a good photograph without records was useless
Once a school was sighted, I was responsible into labour on a plane, I'd tell
position of each set, the number of adults and calves, and the depth and temperature of the water On alternating days my position was to maintain the photographic log, recording fin side, school and set number, and the number of animals in the photo
Large groups of individuals or 'schools' contained smaller groups of 'sets' which may contain only one dolphin, a mother and a calf, or often three dolphins The dolphins also moved around inside the school in different sets, making things very hectic!
Afternoons meant land duty One lucky team member was responsible for refuelling and scrubbing down the boat, ready for the next day. Others had data analysis. The data work was tedious, but very rewarding Each slide was projected on to a screen and then traced as a diagram The project researchers had built up a manual of the best diagrams of every dolphin on record. We could then match a recent diagram against the diagram manual to get an idea of which individual we were looking at. With over forty animals on record, looking at a slide for each individual would have been very timeconsuming!
The diagram manual was an index of all sighted dolphins from Monterey The manual
included a name and number linked to a slide file on each dolphin. Every slide was either matched to one in the diagram manual or else it was new, so was given a number, name and file. After comparing the diagrams we compared the slides for exact identification Often diagrams looked similar, but the slides made it much clearer
From this information we could identify each dolphin within its set, and check if it had been with the same dolphins on other days We could also establish if this association occurred due to climatic factors such as the temperature of the water or levels of kelp. This information will be used by the principal investigator to better her understanding of the dolphins and hopefully come to some scientifically significant conclusions on their social behaviour
To be involved in such a vital project has been very rewarding I have learnt so much about the behaviour of dolphins and scientific methods
I often think of them out there every day, splashing and frolicking along the coast and wonder who is left to scrub down the boat today?
Marina Bromley, Year12
Student Fashion Parade
In addition to an exciting range of activities run during Art Week the Fashion and Textiles students from Year 8 to 12 participated in a Fashion Parade of garments constructed during classes
A sparkling array of fashionable garments were presented on the catwalk including tie-dyed boxer shorts made by Year 8 students, casual wear and beach bags constructed by Year 9 students, some hip and funky street wear paraded by Year 10s which included some very tailored outfits worn on work experience The Year 11 and 12 students constructed a variety of garments which fell into several categories of sleep, sports, professional and formal wear.
Those attending the parade were treated to a real surprise when the Year lis presented and modelled four fantasy ballgowns. The ballgowns were constructed by groups of students on a budget of fifty dollars. The students were encouraged to explore imaginative designs and to demonstrate innovative use of materials.
The 1995 student fashion parade was a great accomplishment due to the dedication and enthusiasm of all students involved Thank you to those girls who gave up their valuable time to make the parade such a success.
Leonie Stevens, Art teacher
MLC opens in Ballarat
After completing a series of observation drawing for graphics, I was thrilled to know that they had been selected to be exhibited at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery with other students' work. I was really excited to have my work displayed outside the school environment and in a gallery. On receiving an invitation featuring my name the experience seemed closer to reality
A day trip was organised by Ms Doran, Mrs Namour and Mr McKenzie, to allow students the opportunity of viewing their own art work on display by the gallery. On a beautiful sunny morning we departed MLC for our journey to Ballarat
The Ballarat Fine Art Gallery is situated in an enchantingly beautiful historic building On ascending the grand staircase the feeling of excitement was highlighted The moment we had eagerly awaited was upon us. We scanned the walls for our own individual art work before appreciating the exhibition as a whole Camer's clicked and voices chatted animatedly as a 'first' for MLC was recorded The day was voted a huge success and enjoyed by all.
Miranda I\irner, Year11
Ms Medhurst (as she cleans the bench): "Myfriend, Mr Jiff!"
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (YEAR 10)
CAITLIN SEWELL (YEAR 12)
CAITLIN SEWELL (YEAR 12)
CAITLIN SEWELL (YEAR 12)
CAROLINE ANDREWS (YEAR 11)
NADINE MAKIN (YEAR 11)
EMMA PERLSTEIN (YEAR 11)
Swimming
PHOTOGRAPHY
SHELLEY KEENAN
ALEX ROSS (YEAR 12)
M
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (YEAR 9)
CAITLIN SEWELL (YEAR 12)
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (YEAR 8)
AMANDA DIXON (YEAR 12)
RAPHIC COMMUNICATION (YEAR 10)
COMMUNICATION (YEAR 10)
CERAMI
GRAPHIC
ALEX ROSS (YEAR 12)
SHELLEY KEENAN (YEAR 12)
KATE KELLY (YEAR 12)
MABEL CHAN (YEAR 12)
WHY WE HAVE RAINBOWS!!
Do you know why we have rainbows in the sky?
Once upon a time people believed that there were colour monsters that didn't like it when it rained. When it stopped raining they were so happy that they painted the sky with beautiful colours The colour monsters' names were Alice, Lizz, Sally, Christie and Kristine. They all lived up in the top of a magic tree You can never find the end of the rainbow because the colour monsters keep on moving it around
Kristine
Howe, Year 5
LIKE A LEAF IN THE WIND
The boy stood silently on the cold asphalt. He watched the bigger boys shouting, playing ball games They were having fun Yet he could join in He stood there watching He was a silent, unmoving marble statue in the middle of a windy park The bigger boys were autumn leaves, always together, blowing past the statue But never stopping to notice.
At first glance, the leaves looked identical, no difference between them But if you looked closer, you would see that each leaf had its own colour, its own personality The veins running through the leaves went in different directions, different futures of the boys
The Statue was different from the other too, yet no one stopped to look, to see the patterns deep within the marble, the feelings shadowed ny cold, unloved existence. The leaves were blown around the trees, aound their families and friends. The statue stood alone. It stood silent, unmoving The marble was hard and cold, but it wasn't sad or hurt. The stone was solid, couldn't turn to anyone
The wind dropped, letting the leaves settle on the ground The new gust of wind, a new opportunity, picked them up, pulled them away again, pulled them away to something different The wind didn't pick up the statue, didn't take it to new places. It stayed in the park, the empty park of its mind Every spring, new leaves grew, then every autumn, they fell and were blown away, to new places Spring would come again, bringing new leaves. But the statue never moved, never saw anything new, never made friends
The boy's eyes followed a ball as it bounced past him, but his head didn't move Several bigger boys ran after it, yelling and pushing each other, not feeling the icy wind The boy didn't feel it either. He didn't feel anything. He had nothing left to feel He looked at things, but he didn't see into them When he spoke, he spoke to people, not with them. He was never sad, never worried
Loneliness had stolen all other emotions from his mind
Sarah James, Year 9
1995 saw the purple colours of Berry on the road to victory! The combination of the most enthusiastic Year lis and 12s resulted in many wins for the Turtles
The first major event of the year, House Swimming Sports, began for most Berryites at seven in the morning Purple people flooded the banks of the Yarra munching on purple delicacies The TUrtles didn't swim as fast as the Lions, but the positive vibes were there The great start to the year was due to Swimming C/ } Captains Bianca Thomas and Emma Fell
m ^ The momentous House Aths proved that TUrtles can run faster than Panthers, leap higher CT) than Frogs, pounce farther than the Lions and growl louder than the Bears Once again the r J purple colours stood out among the other Houses and looked spectacular. Many thanks to Aths Captains Jill Hender and Melinda Keam for their overwhelming enthusiasm, h>pH organisation and commitment Off the track I—L^ and on to the water, the always-amusing House Rowing saw Berry as the overall winnersthanks Tamie Hocking!
House Gym was an excellent chance for the TUrtles to show off the House colours in their snazzy Purple leotards Performing splits, leaps and bounds for Berry they forward-rolled into third place in Senior School Much thanks to Sharna Nunan and Sarah Norman for their great effort in training the team
Berry has always been the performing House 1995 has been no exception! Who can forget Berry's brilliant performance in the House Drama Festival? Drama Captains, Chloe Adams and Jill, helped the actors achieve an award-winning standard while Stage Manager Caitlin Sewell worked hard backstage The Swimmer, starring Katie Ferrarotto, will not easily be forgotten!
Not only did the Berryites have the most House spirit this year but also the loudest mouths! Berry performed excellently in House Debating, led by Tanzeel Jabbar with the oddly amusing topic That the Prix in the Park Will Be Grand An amusing speech was given by
Sharna when she talked about My Melbourne in the House Oratory Competition Thanks also to Katie for her help
For the final event, House Music, Berry monopolised the hall in terms of decoration, ensuring Berry stood out as the most fun, and classiest, house Music Captains Tanya Jayasuriya and Marilyn Hew put in a superhuman effort Ros McDougall, Berry's fantastic conductor, achieved the impossible by making all hundred-or-so Turtles sound beautiful singing Any Dream Will Do Choreographers Marilyn and Kristen Scott tore their hair out trying to get Turtles to sing and dance in time to Finally, our song for Variety All the work paid off for the performers when they went on stage and had a fantastic time A big thanks goes to our pianists, Lillian Cheong, EeLyn Cheng and Sarah Norman, the voices behind Berry, Jill and Emma, and also to the amazing Caitlin, Suzie Tregear, and Kate Cuthbert for the fantastic Variety costumes The time and effort put into House Music was the greatest Berry had ever seen
The TUrtles proved to be extremely talented at hitting, bouncing, kicking and throwing all the balls imaginable Tennis balls, softballs, volleyballs, hockey balls, netballs, table tennis balls, cricket balls, soccer balls, basketballs, squash balls, water polo balls, badminton shuttle-cocks and last, but not least, chess pieces! The all-round success of Berry's performance on the field and court was due largely to the time and effort put in by all our Captains Thanks to: Miranda Ball (tennis), Georgie Hall (softball), Mel Beecroft (volleyball), Sophie Pogue (hockey), Hannah Kingshott (netball), Ee-Lynn (table tennis), Sarah Danckert (cricket), Bianca (soccer), Irene Hurst (basketball), Courtney Taylor (squash), Kate Cuthbert (water polo), Mel (badminton), Nat Ryan (chess).
This year has been a huge success for Berry The support from all House members in Junior School, Junior Secondary, Middle School and Senior School has been amazing Many, many thanks to our House teacher, Mrs Smith, without whom Berry would not be the same. We have loved leading Berry this year and wish the House the best of luck in '96 and all the years to come House Captains: Kerrie Hicks and Kate Farmer. House Recorder: Kate Cuthbert
Cato has had a fiery year, with plenty of student and teacher participation Casting your eyes about the vast school grounds, you can always see various Cato girls darting to and from events, and training vigorously day and night in the PEC, Drama and Music Schools.
To start off the year with a BANG, we introduced the carefully handcrafted Cato mascot, a life-sized beloved blue Pooh-bear He made frequent appearances throughout the year, where all students large and small took great delight in popping him on.
We truly had a brilliant year We have always prided ourselves on being a House of 'high spirits', and this year was no exception The occasional (frequent?) blitz, nothing too disappointing, but our erratic 'winning streaks' were supported by an undisputedly enthusiastic group of blue, raving mad, girls!
Shobana's witty and irreverent oratory speech on 'My Melbourne' captivated the audience and more importantly the adjudicator! The breathtaking performance of the Cato debaters kept up our winning streak We continued to perform successfully in the House Music, coming a close second (losing by only 2 points) and effortlessly winning proficiency The Drama play "The Devil and Danny Webster" came third with equally pleasing results in athletics and swimming. Our team sports provided the prime opportunity for participation, with an array of sporting activities to suit the everyday Cato House member. Congratulations and thank you for your support and exceptional enthusiasm throughout the year
We love you Cato We love you Pooh.
Julia Morris andAlison Touissant Cato Captains 1995
Fitchett started off the year with a convincing win in the House Swimming, setting new records in a number of events. After dominating in the pool, the next major event was House Athletics. With our fantastic cheer squad led by our lion mascot, we won most of the track events by a huge margin, winning the overall trophy. Preceding both events we breakfasted on the banks of the Yarra, eating nutritionally-deficient cakes, Crunchies and lollies
The Senior School Drama Festival was another highlight of the year We came second with a play called "The Summer People'. We performed beautifully with our talented directors, actors and backstage crew Showing that Fitchett is an all-round house, we came through to win the netball, despite tough competition
Just when we thought we could win no more... we did! With a brilliant piece composed by the talented Amy Bennett, we were able to win chorals Even though there were choreography problems in the variety section, everyone came through on the day to win that section, and with another win in massed singing, Fitchett stormed home to win first place
To finish on a high, we somersaulted our way over the other houses to win House Gym
Thank you to all members of Fitchett who contributed during the year, and especially to the captains who devoted so much of their time to the wonderful house that is FITCHETT!!
SS Leaders: Michelle Donaldson, Stef Baird, HayleyWebb.
As far as our House spirit goes, 1995 has been the peak of Krome's ongoing success Senior School has leapt through the year with fantastic success in every area if the House Competition.
We began the year, screaming and chanting, capturing the Proficiency Cup at the swimming sports led by our fantastic Captains, Ady Wall, Caroline Kidd and Penny Cottle
Six weeks later Flora Dickson, Sarah Charles and Libby Swan accepted the Senior House cup at the house athletics Our sporting successes were not short-lived as we won badminton, softball, table tennis, volleyball, squash and basketball Our gymnasts were also victorious, winning the Senior School and the Proficiency cup - compliments to our wonderful captains, Leida and Bridget
Krome also proved to be gifted in the performing arts The House Music Competition was a highlight of the year with our captains Nik Wood and Elina Spilia achieving great success
The most exciting item was Variety - a 'Jesus Christ Superstar Medley' Our item not only included fantastic dancing, but a band, solo singers and a spectacular set. The group of tal-
ented performers and technical experts also helped in the victory. We were also very successful in the Massed Singing item of 'Mary's Lullaby', conducted by Catherine Brain We re-made the Billy Joel hit 'Uptown Girl' and played that 'Sheep May Safely Graze.' All in all, it was a most enjoyable Music Festival in which we jointly earned the Proficiency Cup We were successful in the Middle School competition and won the Variety/Dance item in JSS In the SS House Drama our play 'The Lottery' was tremendous with 'Best Actress' going to Leida Walker A big thank you to our wonderful dedicated Captains, Alex Ross and Sarah and Kate Kelly
We truly believe that this has been one of the most successful years we have ever had, due to the enthusiasm of all the wonderful Kromerians We wish them the best of luck and hope that their years in green will be as successful and enjoyable.
Senior Leaders: Jackie Briggs, May Kwong and SueLing.
NEVILE
By eight o'clock, he had quite fled, from his pink and fluffy bed. He had to make it quickly to Nevile's huge fantastic do.
Sprinting down the running track, on Panther's pink and fluffy back, we wondered how he'd left the mark, and already lapped Olympic Park.
In his great and awesome hurry, his tutu, hat and briefs did scurry. "Indecent exposure!" Miss Shipp did say and in detention the panther would stay! In being so late, it was a sad fate, that Nevile lost the running race.
We did, however, have a win, when it came to making a din Our cheerleaders pranced about, with a smile, a dance and shout!
The trophy's what we strive to snare, but we haven't really quite got there. But don't lose hope - we're in the race, House spirit's where we've got the pace
We're stylish, smile-ish, and pink thru and thru, we're as soft as bright-pink fairy floss, and as sweet as musk sticks too!
Despite our sweet and luscious tone, pink-fairies - we are not, amongst our friends, we're quite well known, as the pink and potent lot
In the pool, we're like pink salmon, swimming along with our tails splish splashin', and when we splash and swim and sink, our little faces flush rosy pink
Number two is where we came, a cask of champers we did drain Not really - but Miss H. was happy, she went all pink and soft and sappy!
Meanwhile, within his rosette cottage, the Panther snored in his last night's porridge He woke with a choke, a splutter and sigh, in his poor tired head, rang a Nevile war cry!
The rest of Nevile had a very strong hunch, that their hot pink house were a very cool bunch!
Ann Hatjiandreou and Brooke Robinson Middle School House Captains.
This year on Saturday May 13 there was a gathering in the city square of a group of people who all shared one thing in common - we either have lost or are losing someone we love or know The AIDS Vigil is held once a year, with the candlelight procession from the City Square to the Exhibition Building where the AIDS quilt unfolding ceremony takes place The evening started with a tram ride into the city and a couple of incidents occurred which showed me the different ways that people react to the word 'AIDS' There were four of us going to the Vigil and each of us wore an Awareness Ribbon These ribbons raised the curiosity of some rather drunk football fans and when they inquired about the Ribbons and were told that they were in support of AIDS Awareness there was an embarrassed silence for several minutes. However, the tram conductor, overhearing the conversation, provided us with cheaper tickets into the city.
This was the first time that I have been to
on the ground floor All the other family members and friends gathered on the balcony, that over looked the main floor
The quilt is in sections that are made up of about 12 panels and are folded up and spaced out along the floor The gay and lesbian choir opened the ceremony with a beautiful song Joan Kirner gave a speech and then there was the presentation of the new people who have fallen victim to the disease A man and a woman got up to present a panel and I presume that they were husband and wife and had probably lost a son or daughter
The pain of their loss could be seen through the distressed crying of the mother and the soft tears of the father
Next was the unfolding of the quilt
People dressed all in white unfolded each quilt while the names of daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lovers, were read out To see the number of panels and feel the loss, pain and love was overwhelming Each panel represented
Candles for AID
the Vigil and it meant a great deal to me. Everyone met in the city square at about 6 pm, buying their candles and Vigil badges from the volunteers who wandered amongst the crowd. At about 6:30 pm everyone lit their candles and grouped together to make their way to the Exhibition Building The flicker of candlelight looked beautiful, each candle symbolising a light of hope and prayer Every now and then the wind would blow out a candle, but there was always someone to offer a light
As people wandered into the Exhibition Building, the people presenting quilts and the people organising the night were seated
an individual, each panel separated that person from the masses When looking at the panels I saw a little boy who was sobbing and a man bent down and the little boy threw his arms around him and cried It wasn't a meaningless cry either, the little boy was truly distressed, which made me wonder: how could something this awful happen to such innocent people?
The panels were not only of adults, but also of children, who'd had so little time to experience life
As depressing as it all seemed, the AIDS Vigil was curiously uplifting It is a time to put all prejudice and discrimination aside, for families and friends to grieve
Penny Norman, Year 11
Miss Lemin: It was very close to a D. Student: (genuinely pleased) A "D "! Wow!!
A BIG CAT
He has big feet, long whiskers, He's hungry.
He wants some dinner. He's looking for meat. He waits alert, His nose is twitching, His ears areflinching. He's camouflaged in the shadowed bushes, He sights his prey, He finally springs, Dinner atlast.
Melissa Walton, Year 7
MONKEYS
Swinging swiftly through the trees
Travelling high with skill and ease
Clinging to branches with human hands
Living injungle in family bands
Eating bananas all the long day
Sometimes sleeping but ready to play
Furry flatnoses with stretching long arms
Cuddling theirbabies is one of their charms
Long tails that let them hang free
The animal Ilove is the monkey
Kate Anderson, Year 7
\dent: "Maybe I should have slipped $100 in with the T."
r Pryke: "Well, it's not too late. There's teller machines down the street."
Ms Phillips, the politics teacher (to herself): "Who's the Prime Minister? (Pause) Keating!"
ELEPHANT
With clumsy, shambling steps on the African plains the large grey elephant roams.
Kind, gentle eyes, baggy skin craving for berries, fruit and leaves
Flapping ears, listening enjoying the streaming sun
Priceless tusks wading through a squelching mud bath
Slurring water though a majestic trunk
As the sun goes down the elephant follows An echo glides through the hills
The huge mountain of grey is now a shadow
Natalie Forsyth, Year 7
A MOMENT
TO REMEMBER
DEDICATED TO JACKSON
With mane and tail of flowing silk
You raise your head in the gentle breeze and see me standing, watching you With a whinny of delight you start towards me,
Hooves a drumroll on the ground. With a sleek body that ripples with muscle your rolling canter eats up the ground. As the rising sun peeks out, it sends a glimmer of hope into me. Yet I know you will not be like this for much longer, the cancer will overtake you and no longer will your comforting head rest on my shoulder.
Skye Byrne, Year 7
Cold Showers and Toilet Queues
Who would want to be a boarder? With cold showers, an hour of phone calls (limited ones at that) lengthy food queues, kitchen duty (washing dishes for 103 other people), room checks daily with the messiest ones having to clean the cooks' dishes that night, wake-up bells and dinner bells, set prep times, television times and quiet times - who would want to be a boarder?
Unless you like to rise with the birds and be one of the first girls in the shower, the hot water has ceased and cold showers are installed No doubt, they are good for waking you up, better than anything else, but what is the use of living 100 metres from your first class if you can't use the extra time to sleep? Even worse is the queue of Year 12s waiting for last-minute COLD showers Not only do we have shower queues, but toilet queues can almost be embarrassing If you're not queuing to share one of the thirteen toilets, you can hear everything that is happening on the toilets on either side of you
The piercing morning bell is rung at seven, seventhirty, eight, and quarter past eight, but by Year 12 these bells become part of your sleep and it seems most girls aren't woken until the eight-thirty school bell. Quickly throwing the doona over your bed, piling all books onto your desk next to an array of nail files, tapes, CDs, sunglasses, tissues, photos and all the usual homework disturbances, and then swiftly grasping all items of clothing and miscellaneous things lining your floor, throwing them in the cupboard and shutting the doors is a daily event that can be completed by the most skilful of boarders in less than thirty seconds
A slice of uncooked toast is usually seized to escort them over to classes, where they sit for the first two periods with glassy eyes - the brighter girls using matchsticks to prop them up and watch the sixty seconds of every minute before recess, which not only brings with it food if you're lucky enough to be first one back, but mail as well IF you're lucky enough to have any connection with the outside world
IF you make it through the morning, and three periods before lunch, your next problem arises. How to
get to the front of the hot lunch queue, continually asking yourself if there will be any left when you finally make it If it's a smorgasbord of sandwich fillings, you have to dart between 103 other people to get to the few slices of chicken and avocado left, and then to the drink stand where you find the leftovers of what was a nice selection of drinks Sadly for the cleaners, as the Year 12s make their way to the normal congregation in the common room, a trail of half of every sandwich filling is left for the new girls, or day girls, to find their way
When school is through, the people of Glenferrie certainly know about it Not only do all the day girls queue for miles at the tram stop, but 103 boarders line the street, the Year 12s noticeable due to their distinctive fire-red rugby jumpers. Any excuse to wander for that hour is used, whether posting mail, shopping for presents, strolling to one of the nearby male colleges, having coffeeor just going for a walk, the boarding house is almost haunted at that time of the day. By five though, everyone is back and in their rooms doing their best to avoid the possibility of homework. The morning bell is magically transformed into the dinner bell at six o'clock each night, and once again cotton wool is necessary due to the noise pollution throughout the house
Now let me just explain dinner to all you unaware folk Contrary to many beliefs MOST boarding food is edible, even digestible, at the best of times. Like everything it has its good nights and its bad nights, but generally passes the test However, waiting for your meal is one of the biggest problems There are about 15 dinner tables If you are the first table to go up, it is one of God's biggest blessings However, if you are the last table to go up, you could sit watching others queue and eat for up to half an hour, but tragedy strikes due to the wait. You miss the start of 'Neighbours', and through your shovelling of food suffer from serious indigestion by the time you make it up the stairs and to the common room
Continued
To parents of future boarders, a subtle warning Unless you wish to buy your daughter a whole new underwear wardrobe - TEACH HER THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLOURS AND WHITES WHEN WASHING! My first weekend visit from my family not only ended with tears, but started with them too as Mum followed me to the laundry where she wasn't the least bit upset (or surprised) to see my green socks, jocks and bras Of course I learnt the hard way, but just as annoying is returning to the laundry to find that someone has emptied your drier pretending your clothes seemed dry, or lifting the lid to find a bundle of hair from the previous user's crusty washing
Boarders have to share bedrooms, bathrooms, common room, washing machines, phones, cutlery, and occasionally boyfriends so if you're not convinced yet of the hard life we live, you must lead an unmerciful one. Alas, there are many good points not worth mentioning when you spend 99% of your time telling mistresses and parents what a hard life you live We only have one message, 'Boarders Do It Best!
Tammy Blakeney, Year12
BOARDERS' POEM
You day girls come from near and far, to get an education,
Not as far as some of us, that even includes migration,
And what's so great about the school we boarders learn to love,
Is it the sleep-ins, the hot lunch or the weekend markouts where you can find us at a club?
We are from country Victoria, interstate and overseas,
To discover, explore and to find out what life really means.
Independence, managing money, responsible for own actions.
Quite a change from dagging sheep, and pulling out muddy tractors.
We left our family's co-ed school and the country pumpkin image,
All to fit in with the clean and pretty private girl figure,
Top button up, tuck yourself in, go and comb your hair,
But that isn't for a boarder, 'cause we really don't care.
108 growing girls, constantly eating and studying,
thanks to all the kitchen staff for yummy meals that keep on coming
And what would we do without our mothers or should I say mistresses?
That are not only there in place of our families but who party along with us
Boarders' Birthday Night was wild and did we get stares,
As usual Dave got an invite, but this year we caught him unawares,
For the quiet country kids or the feral party hacks,
Poor Dave was left thinking we were all maniacs
Being a boarder is fun, and it teaches you a heap,
You don't fight with boarders and sisters, or when you mum begins preach,
But one thing we boarders all share in common is that family means a lot
No matter how far you tear us away from our roots we all know where we belong
The year of 1995 has gone but not forgotten, For the boarders a social year of having fun and getting rotten,
But this we do regret, that our close community, apart from Steph, Amy and Bolz you daybugs we just don't see,
The class of '95 will stay in out heart for eternity,
For those stresses of all nighters and getting CATs done for VCE,
To everyone involved with Year 12 and all the rest,
Good luck for the future and remember that BOARDERS DO IT BEST!!!
Sarah Prowse, Year12
Silver & Green BOARDERS
Community Education
Yes, most of the Community Education programs conducted at MLC are designed for adults. However, each year, lots of special programs and activities are offered which cater for younger people - both girls from MLC and girls and boys from other schools Some of these activities are conducted after school, some are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, but most of them are held during the school holidays.
Many of these special programs, not surprisingly, have a focus on computers. Computer camps, learning about MicroWorlds, Lego Control Lab and the Internet, for girls and boys in Year 5 to Year 8 have been fully booked in each holiday period in 1995. Short courses, focusing on the development of particular skills courses, have been conducted regularly after school and during holidays to assist secondary students wanting to improve the efficiency with which they use a computer. For all Year 5 and Year 7 MLC girls Community Education organised, in 1995, a six-week keyboarding course during school hours to ensure that they have well-developed basic computing skills before they start to use their laptops in a significant way
In every holiday period Community Education has conducted a regular holiday program - with sport, gym, art, drama, excursions, films and lots more. As well, in 1995, there have been some special holiday activities like the Gymnastics Programme at St Leo's International College, Box Hill, and a residential Equestrian Camp at Upper Beaconsfield In all of these programs some of the partici-
pants are girls from MLC but most of them are boys and girls from other schools
For secondary students the major non-computing activities in 1995 have been a VCE summer school in January, a Writers' Workshop in July, a Drama Workshop for Deaf students and a predriver education program in December. The Summer School attracted over 300 students looking to prepare themselves for their Year 12 programme - with studies in particular subjects or specific study skills or computer skills courses. The Writers' Workshop, conducted on a Sunday at the end of Term Two, gave more than 400 VCE students an opportunity to work, in small groups, with published writers or wellknown journalists on writing tasks related to their VCE English CAT The drama workshop, conducted at St Martin's Youth Theatre in South Yarra, was conducted by a renowned American deaf actor and educator The driver education programme will be offered in December after exams are over when students are able to think about things other than study and school! This programme gives students with their learners' permit an opportunity to start learning to drive under the expert guidance of RACV instructors
We have lots of plans underway to extend the Community Education programmes for children and young people in 1996 - sports camps, leadership courses, self-defence and yoga classes, and art, drama, and music workshops The possibilities seem endless.
Joan Taylor, Director of MLC Community Education
Yes, a fairy floss fund-raising stall is difficult to organise, but it's tun and it sure does bring in a bundle of cash to help out charities Our class treated the school with a fairy floss stall at the beginning of Term 3 Our first obstacle was to obtain permission from Mrs Baker, Head of JSS. We then had to raise enough money to pay for the hire of the machine - $90 We decided to have a delicious take-away lunch from McDonald's, thanks to Mrs Tong who delivered it, with each student donating $2 with their order. We also had a quick and easy cake and lolly stall which togeth-
OF FAIRY FLOSS AND MCDONALD'S
er with the money from our McDonald's venture, raised enough to pay for the hire of the machine The machine, along with enough pink sugar to make 500 sticks of fairy floss, was delivered to the school courtesy of Caroline Nadebaum and her mum We set up the machine and soon had it running smoothly Each person in the class had a chance to cover themselves head-to-toe in fairy floss and to fill themselves up with pink sugar for a whole period The captains got a whole day off making fairy floss and eating it They definitely had a lot of tun, as did our teachers! They each received a bag of fairy floss and thought it was a bribe. After lunch we decided to use up the rest of the sugar and give fairy floss to all the hard workers of 8D The worst part was cleaning up the machine, but we all had fun getting wet. At the end of the day we raised over $300 for the diabetes foundation. Have a go at this adventurous activity that helps raise money for charities!
Bianca Tong and Sonya Sivaraj, Year 8
BOSNIA
I see whirlpools of sheer agony - and then I turn away,
From the images that haunt my screen, the starving ones that pray I fear deep down I'm immune, to pain and shattered pleas, I live a life of luxury, with this, I am at ease.
But then one day I shut my eyes, their face is carved in there, In the sacred art-show of my mind, their eyes hold mine and stare f \ The hands that help their mother, and V the hands so scarred by tears, Their eyes are hungry, craving peace, their fears are not my fears
A bloodied puppy whimpers for a feed I throw away,
The best of sculptors could not hold that furrowed look on clay
I pride myself on sending gifts of money twice a year,
It's not enough to mend those lives They're worse than they appear.
I hear Bosnia, and Serbia, and "war zone" once a day,
But I listen not to battered life, in ignorance I stay.
I seek the shelter of my life in dealing with such crimes,
Yet restrict my love for living, with such cruelty in these times
In sending out our armies, are we helping them revive?
Their bruised and bloodied countriesare we helping them Survive?
They need not tanks or guns but food, the shelter we should proffer, We have the money - not the hearts - for all of this to offer
Is there nothing we can do
CHILDREN LINING
I stand in utter solitude, my thoughts piercing my ears
Shall I return and rebel or fall victim to my fears?
Though my fears are not all which defeat me, though their power I should not elide,
Fears are the mask veiling my hurt, behind them my scarred soul I hide
Like a mask, concealing a face, what lies beneath may shatter or elate
The mask's removed and my withered life suspends me and my approaching fate.
My eyes fall shut in remembrance, in pain close the lids of my eyes
I see a past sodden with terror, from exile to demise
The nights when in comfort my father would share his treasures with me, The treasures from his righteous past, my elation
THE
Bosnia continued
we can do to heal such morbid fear?
We're never told much more than what we think we want to hear
Each time a UN haven is destroyed it falls behind,
And never looks to children's eyes to see what it should find.
I remain ignorant, but know that though I preach,
I could never live in Bosnia, to me it's out of reach
Have we learned from past mistakes? I know now we have not,
We sit back and watch as children's lives disintegrate and rot,
Listen, now, to crying when it spreads across the screen:
And imagine how life is for them
Imagine what they've seen
Ingrid Burford, Year 7
set me free.
No dreams were ever shattered in my elated world alone,
Tis the nights of painful solitude now when their rumbling's the constant drone.
The people I've seen carrying pain, the burden too large to release.
The children so young and so vulnerable, who never have seen blissful peace
The peace of content and fulfilment, the inexplicable joy,
Felt when the world that surrounds you is not your life but the centring buoy.
I share with these children the suffering, the anguish and the despair,
Though I have once seen the peace, though it retreated into its lair.
I know now only a dishevelled site where children line the streets,
The streets of pure pain and hurt. A bed would be quite a feat
Abruptly my eyes they open, returning from the battlefields of thought,
Though my surroundings alter none, I remain the useless being I fought Lucy Witchell, Year 7
"Good morning girls I'd like to welcome you to another school year, one that promises to be even more exciting than the last Why don't we go around the room and hear from everyone to start off with You could tell us your name, how long you've been here at MLC and maybe a little bit about yourself. Now, how about... Tiffany."
"Hi, my name is Tiffany and I've been here since Grade 5. I really like to play netball."
"My, Tiffany, you have been here a long time, haven't you."
Look at all those new faces I don't think I can do this Why has it become so warm all of a sudden?
Okay, calm down Everything's fine. Just
relax Nothing to be concerned about Tiffany came in Grade 5 - she's an old girl too Just keepbreathing - inhale...exhale...inhale..
"Very well, who's next...Catherine?"
The time had come All those eager and kind faces stared in my direction, trying to make me feel as comfortable as was possible I knew once they heard my terrible secret, I would lose every chance of gaining their respect/admiration/friendship
"Um...my name is Catherine and...I...um..."
"Speak up, dear, we can't hear you."
"Ahem...I'm Catherine and I've been here since kindergarten." An uncomfortable silence followed for what seemed like forever. Sarah spoke up first.
FROM KINDERGARTEN
"Why?"
There was no plausible answer. "I dunno," was all I could manage, as my ears turned crimson and I bowed my head in shame
This was an ordeal that many of us soon-to-be "extremely old collegians" endured on the first day of every school year, particularly from Year 7 on To many of you, we appeared abnormal, freaks of nature who had worn the snazzy green checked uniform from an unnaturally early age We were seen to be different, and rightly so Although we had not been a part of the clique that was the 'primary school scene', we did share memories that have now become
rather 'infamous'
Kindergarten at MLC was relatively normalboys were even allowed to attend Like all other children, we finger-painted, moulded clay, ate paste, tried desperately to colour within the lines, played in the sandpit, had nap time and made new friends When we started prep two years later it was just like going back to kinder all over again. We didn't have to face the terrors of starting somewhere new and we still had old friends from kinder, including some of the boys who decided to stick around, until their parents removed them shortly afterwards (for undisclosed reasons) The Junior 58
wards (for undisclosed reasons) The Junior School was familiar to us, and for years we were oblivious to what was going on over in 'the big school.' The only contact we had with the older students was when we had to make the long journey to take the lunch orders to the tuckshop. Clad in our brightly coloured smocks (that were compulsory, so as to protect the uniform) would attract the attention of the senior students, who 'oohed' and 'aaahed' when we passed them by As a child I remember going to my parents and asking them exactly why it was I'd been sent to MLC so young. Was it because I'd been a particularly naughty baby? No They wanted me to have every opportunity they'd missed in their
TO YEAR
are the little things, irrelevant to those in the outside world; the fun of the adventure playground, being a library monitor (or the prestigious gold library monitor), the honour of ringing the school bell in Grade 5, the competitiveness of the athletics and swimming sports, the pride of being in the infamous 'Recorder Ensemble', starring as Munchkins in 'The Wizard of Oz', our high-quality performances of 'Annie', 'The Three Drovers' and the chicken dance (sung in Italian), the numerous numbers we sang at the Gala Concerts wearing coloured costumes and jiffies and the choir's pitiful attempt to sing and dance to 'When Will I Be Famous' by Bros
Each one of us remembers something special
12(1980-1995)
schooling They said they wanted me to grow up a lady, and I can't help but think they were slightly misled by the school's name. It certainly seems apparent when I recall the way we passed the time at recess and lunch in the Junior School playground; spitting competitions behind the tram, playing British bulldogs until no-one was left standing and the highly dangerous games of forty-forty-home on the muddy hills after it had been raining. Many an afternoon would we meet our parents covered from head to toe in grass/dirt/mud/clay, upon which we were greeted with equally dirty looks
While other primary school children dressed themselves in brightly coloured 'new age' fashions, we soon became used to the bottle-green that would clothe us for the next 13 years Unlike many current students, we were forced to wear...the old school uniform In all honesty the summer dress wasn't that bad, but the winter uniform made us want to cry In the prickly grey tunic, with the equally uncomfortable starched grey shirt with grey stockings, grey jumper and a smart green neck-tie we felt like zombies, whose world had been drained of all colour and individuality As unco-ordinated as I was as a child, I can remember spending hours on end practising tying a tie I was adamant I was not going to wear what was affectionately known as a 'spastic elastic', which was accompanied by endless taunts What many of us remember about our special time in Junior School, besides the friendships formed (many of which are still going strong),
about Junior School, and will most likely do so forever If you wander through the common room, or are flicking through old school photos, you may be surprised to discover just how many girls were a part of the junior school Glancing over the fence and gazing into the Junior School yard I can see that things have changed - the buildings, the teachers and the technology Still, those students are a part of something special, separate from the rest of the school. As I prepare to leave after 15 years of MLC life, 48 long school terms, I can't help but feel envious as to what they will learn, share and become, Although many classmates saw us as deprived, I cannot help but believe that we're the ones who are a step ahead
Catherine Brain, Year 12
THE BILLABONG
Through the leaning branches guarding life along the banks
Past swaying flowers, lay a tranquil pool
It rose with the dawn and dozed by crimson firelight
Source of tribal knowing, of fear and might Watched the night
And children played by the waters of the billabong
And children played
Tunes of lonely cowbells led him through the swirling dust, Blankets of tiredness covered his bones
His belly on the boil at dusk by the waterhole, A roof of starry sky and a bed of loam
Forty years, a thousand mile, only one place to call home
The drover slept by the waters of the billabong
The drover slept
Left his mum in London, sailed to search for boundless gold
Leave home a pauper, return home as King Wild rumours rebounded around the sodden canvas
Stories enough to make the young hearts sing
But the ground was hard and barren and yielded not a thing
And young men wept by the waters of the billabong
And young men wept
Raw green pastures bounded, edged tight with axe-wounded gum
As each lay claim to his own promised land
Then the warmth of music at home on the river bank
The child wandered freeto river sand
Darkest night, starless sky, as they reached for her cold still hand
The women prayed by the waters of the billabong
The women prayed
Past the ragged city, far beyond the roaring streets,
Down a winding path flanked by grazing sheep,
Here lies a waterhole, where one can see reflected the Story of a nation in waters deep.
A silent place for each man's heart, a sacred place to keep
And there is peace by the waters of the billabong
And there is peace
Sarah Norman, Year 11
WHAT MAKES IT RAIN?
Once there was a boy named Sam. One day Sam was going to his grandparents When Sam arrived there he sat down and did his homework By the time Sam had finished his homework it had started to rain His Grandma said every time God has a shower it starts to rain. Sam didn't believe her so he went and asked his Grandpa.
Sam's Grandpa said that the angels were crying because God had smacked their bottoms Sam didn't believe his Grandpa so he went to his aunty His aunty said that the clouds are splitting. Still Sam didn't believe his aunty either. So Sam went to his uncle His uncle said in heaven there is an earthquake and all the pipes have sprung leaks But still Sam didn't believe his uncle So Sam went to ask his Dad Sam's Dad said that the toilet had sprung a leak. Sam definitely didn't believe his Dad By that time Sam was pretty frustrated. He thought he would have just one last try So Sam asked his Mum. His Mum said the angels were having a bath and splashing water over the edge Still Sam did not believe his mother either It was night time and Sam went to bed depressed. The next morning Sam woke up and went to school. At school Sam learnt that the clouds are so full of rain that when they clash together it makes thunder. At the end of the day Sam went home to him Mun and told her what he had learnt Sam said to himself, I still don't know where rain comes from!
Nola Smith was a teacher at Methodist Ladies' College for many years In that time her teaching commitments were plentiful and varied, encompassing senior biology, senior chemistry, junior and middle school science At each of these levels Nola approached her work with dedication and professionalism But this was not the limit to Nola's role as an educator She was also Berry Senior Housemistress, a year 12 tutor, an examiner with the Board of Studies and editor of books of revision topics for Year 12 biology.
tion that acknowledged their personal maturity and growth This was always enlivened by Nola's subtle and often insightful sense of humour For students such as these, a strong and affectionate regard for Nola undoubtedly formed However, even students who knew only a little of Nola respected her All appreciate that the quality of Nola's teaching was such that it has influenced their thinking and their values for the rest of their lives
, Genera l Science , Chemistr y
In her 'spare time', Nola was a devoted parent to Jessica, Benjamin, Ethan, Jared and Toby Their scholastic achievements and participation in music and dance bear testimony to the hours she spent as mentor (and chauffeur!) to her children
Many students have made the journey from Junior Secondary to Senior School with Nola as their teacher at various stages along the way Throughout their years at the school, Nola provided consistent stimula-
A lasting image of Nola is of her entering her Year 12 biology classroom at the end of each academic year A cloud of balloons would be held in her hand, each with a small personal message attached by a ribbon So Nola would farewell every girl she had taught that year. It is now each of us that returns that personal farewell to Nola, who will be sadly missed.
Jill
goodbye Mrs Smith from all of us
Nola Smith, Old Collegian, MLC science teacher, mother of Old Collegian Jessica Smith, and friend, mentor and colleague of countless MLC staff and students, passed away under tragic circumstances on September 17, 1995. Silver and Green pay her tribute, and pass along their sincere condolences to her family.
mm
Nola Smith
Bioloav
Morgan, Old Collegian (Class of '92)
He calls out Gently at first, yet with more urgency as time grows old The leaves stir and titter at their childishness. It is no time to play games. Born of the earth, from the earth, with the earth, through the earth - this garden of earthly delights has turned suddenly chill
An artist creates from within. Rarely does one ever sculpt or paint with pure originality. Most ideas are extensions of others, an endless cycle. Once in a while, however, an artist emerges who is unique - with a concept that has never yet been fathomed.
Long tendrils of willows whip at their legs, his voice floating to meet their deepening silence
Why are you hiding?
Teeth chattering and arms wrapped round all that they are, his voice, soothing, like the rushing waters, haunts them in their hiding Their feet imprint on the dark earth's soil, revealing a slither which causes both to shrink. Like a childish game of hide-and-seek, they hold their breath, waiting until he has passed The earth's heartbeat hesitates Across the sky, a broadening gloom hangs
An artist always has control of his creation. It belongs to him, for it emerged from his mind, his imagination. Though perhaps, if one were truly brilliant, a creation could be made that was given the capacity to choose - given free will as a gift.
He had feared this, that they would not listen He had placed it all beneath their feet It was so perfect, so complete. They knew not of the time taken to create all that they saw, of the visions and dreams he'd had, of the love that caught his heart on fire and now this
His footsteps draw closer and closer to the huddled mass, eyes downcast, sinking in the gloom. The bittersweet taste of citrus still lingers in their mouths, now turned sour with age.
Many artists know of the painstaking efforts to create a piece of work, and of the disappointment if it fails to live up to the artist's intentions. Most artists would rather destroy
genesi s
this imperfection, yet in extremely rare cases, one might adore his creation too much to discard it. So an artist may pour all his time and effort, indeed his entire heart, into restoring his masterpiece.
He calls again - hoping they will respond He knows they hear him A single leaf flutters to the ground, the branch bare with grief Tangled vines entwine their bony fingers around trunks, suffocating, smothering, yet all the while deceptively beautiful The elms murmur softly to one another, preparing for the bare winter approaching. And across the land, a darkness seeps; shadows haunting every hollow, dark pervading every crevice, as the inner abyss continues to swell
She notices first. A tear ... it runs down his gentle face, and something inside her sinks. He sees it too, and turns his head in shame He had already given them so much How they had loved exploring the depths of this earth earlier, when they walked with him... when, they had walked with him
He weeps Sobs that leave the roots quivering, the wind deathly silent Tentatively they creep out, exposed Yet neither knowing the full devastation of what they had begun Willow Kellock, Year12
One of these days I'm going to fly - fly up, up and away. Away from love, and hate, and all the things that mess people up! Away from passion, and needs and hope, and fears, dreadful stomach-pit-penetrating fears full of longing .. . Up away into the sky, away from timetables and schedules, and lives divided up neatly like lamb sliced with a huge shiny knife Overbearing, relentlessly, meticulously slicing, exactly, accurately, precisely, each hope, with not a chance of doubt anywhere whatsoever, except where direction is needed because you don't know which way you're going any more, even the signpost spins crazily in the tornado. And your whole life's a broken egg, and you can't separate the yolk, you can't even separate the colours any more, because they're wild, uncontrollable flashes of brilliant colour that, like butterflies, melt in your hands when you reach for them, and you find the whole world's dripping, like a shoddy candle, and maybe you're the flame, flickering but constant, who'll be suddenly extinguished, when all the wax has melted, before you know it, but the paintbrushes kept getting mixed up, and the ice is shattering, and mirror fragments reflect you everywhere you look, while your window on the world gets murkier and murkier as you spin in the time machine ... When you don't have answers any more, when there's so much you long for, but you're so, so tired, ALL the TIME, when each second is an hour, but eternity flashes by so fast you're still in a whirr, that whirl of colours, not dulling, but building up to something more, something fantastic and vibrant, a crescendo of brilliant collisions until the world explodes and you're left with nothing, save your brain, scattered into a million pieces over the floor, but even then nobody notices, 'it might as well be those fridge magnets again', they say 'naughty, naughty things', and the dulling sensation is still there in your head, pounding away like a hammer on the inside of your skin, drilling in nails, while your eyes burn in acid, and all the time you're shouting, screaming, for justice, to be heard, for help, because you don't know the right way any more, but no one can hear you, because you're behind a glass wall with no windows And you're mouthing and clawing desperately as the water drags you down, and your mind turns to mud, but they just laugh and think you're funny Moonlight glistens on milky tears, and wet streets reflect lamplight eerily Coffee stains and porridge vomit on unanswerable letters signed in blood at midnight, where werewolves howl till deathly silence punctures my mind, and the door refuses to open, mindless snatching hands, waves pound forever on endless shores, while thoughts evaporate and sift, till there's almost nothing left, nothing, but the hammering in your hand, louder, faster, banging and banging, till the seams are bursting, and it feels like exploding, and again, the panic is rising, it's choking me, I can't breathe, I'm going down, wildly thrashing, going down, with no way out, and I can't even see any more because they've gouged out my eyes and I don't know which way to go, or what I'm going to do.
So I fly, fly away up, up into the sky I think nice, clear thoughts, and the wind, she carries me up, up to reach for the stars, and I float on the air, I float and drift and all is calm Time and pain lost forever, only warm, floating, just drifting on a golden sea, just floating up into a blue clear stark pure sky, and drifting in clouds, above everywhere, away from everyone, and the ropes that ties you down. No, you strain hard enough, and they just snap, and then you're free to go, up in the sky, wherever you want, just free to float. No pain, no cages, no bars, no broken glass Just drifting in peace with beautiful music of rain and wind, you, among them, dreaming, free to swoop and glide and sing and dance as you please You can do it all there - you can do a triple somersault and you don't get hurt You can be everything, you are your own master and slave, critic and performer, friend and lover. They call you mad, but you know you are free. M A D W O M A N
Leah Bloch, Year11
riding the revolution
During the past two terms the Year 5s have been working with their laptops We have been learning about tessellations which are different polygons (shapes) put together with no gaps In Project Builder we have been learning different procedures and we have found it most interesting The most important and interesting thing is the Internet that Year 5s have used to find out facts and information We have had a lot of fun this year with our computers.
Sarah Davis and Stephanie Sloan, Year 5
The Making of Silver and Green... What would Silver and Green be like without computers? As one of the last MLC girls to go through life without a laptop, I can see only too clearly what the 'information revolution' (or the first stages at least) has brought to MLC. Silver and Green 1995 has been reliant on the use of computers from the word 'go'. Our applications to become editors were wordprocessed Computer literacy was an essential skill But Silver and Green also utilised most of the technology available to us girls E-mail, for example, was vital for setting up appointments to speak to Assembly, sending and receiving messages to and from our representatives, receiving files which we could download on to disk, and communicating to each other important messages on days we didn't see each other We even had, for the first time, a Silver and Green e-mail bulletin board, which allowed girls to contact us with ideas and questions for the magazine. In fact, the first time I heard from Tammy was through a congratulatory message on my e-mail!
Programs such as Pagemaker and Microsoft Publisher, available on the school network, helped draw up posters advertising Silver and Green Around 90% of the written articles we received had been word-processed using Microsoft Word - the value of which we saw only after reading laboriously through handwritten scribbles! We received some pieces on disk, which saved us typing time We even managed to access graphics from the Internet! Next year, the magazine may well include fonts
This year we have learnt lots of impressive things I like to learn about computers MicroWorlds is an interesting program that allows you to make creative projects and you can also program a turtle to make a drawing
We have learnt to use Microsoft Works, a program that has three programs that we have learnt to use and yet another that we have to learn about Microsoft Works allows you to write stories, make graphs and make card files. I have had heaps of fun with my new computer and I am sure everyone in my grade will agree that our teachers are great to take time and teach us how to do these things
Phoebe Taylor, Year 5
from the Internet! But best of all was the desktop publishing program, Quark XPress, on which the magazine was laid out for the first time Quark meant the end of cutting and pasting: all we had to do (after learning how to use it) was arrange the text, images, and headings on screen, print them out, and roll on our photographs! In addition, the Art department's scanner made it easy for us to incorporate and modify hand-drawn and standard graphics in the layout, as well as simplify the cropping and arranging of photographs. All of this was printed out, of course, on a fabulous laser printer which is how this magazine got to you And they say the information revolution is baloney!
Joyce Chia (Silver and Green editor)
Library Networkers
I don't know exactly what attracted me OK, I guess the thought of receiving a badge that says 'Library Networker' during Assembly was rather exciting, but I think it was more than that I think it was the charm of finally being computer literate.
It all began at the start of Term 1, when I caught sight of some friends eagerly signing up for a library course Not being one who likes to miss out on anything, I enthusiastically wrote my name down, too. Then I strutted off happily, not knowing that I had just signed up my name for eight gruelling sessions of learning how to extract information from the school network computers
For one lunch time per week over Term lthe team of library networkers wannabes met in the library computer room labelled "Current Issues
ANIMAL
"I think fishing's cruel," pouted Helen.
Awareness Room." The class sizes ranged from 2 to 14 (maximum) students and during those sessions, we learnt how to access all the CD Roms available on the school computer, such as 'The Age', 'SAGE' (Science and Geography Encyclopedia), and 'Supermap' At the end of the course, we were given a 45minute written test on all that we had learnt and by some miracle, I passed. This meant that I was eligible for a shiny green and gold badge, but also for Stage 2 of the course - learning about the Internet.
So, if you see anyone around with a badge that says Library Networker do not hesitate to approach us for help on how to get the information you want from the computer
SofiaChen, Year 12
RIGHTS
"It's no different to any animal hunting," Bob said impatiently. "I'm going to eat them. Would you call an animal catching its food cruel?"
"I suppose you're right," she mused, then jumped sideways, startled, as a hungry saltwater crocodile leapt up suddenly and grabbed Bob
A BITE TO DRINK
"I'd kill for a drink," said Vladimir, pulling his cape more closely around his shoulders "Well, there's a cafe just ahead Shall we stop and have a coffee?" Mary asked "No thanks," he replied, and sank his fangs into a pulsing vein in her neck, "I'd prefer a Bloody Mary."
A SILENT ROMANCE
Though they'd never met, never spoken, Peter knew she was his soulmate He hadn't confessed it in the months he and Jan had exchanged e-mail, but Peter was in love He opened the door to finally meet her, and - "Hello," said a man with an accented voice. "I am Jan."
Kathryn James, Year 11
Ms Medhurst: You've got to remember - In the '70s, people had sex the way we'd go to aerobics!
Ms Mikkelson: Oh, that person's a dish. What do you say, doll?
Matisse
Our tickets are held in our hands, As we walked past the walls of other art Into a crowd of Matisse seekers creatively smart,
Into a world of imagination we are thrust
With smiles on our faces of appreciation and envy
We look into each frame of interpretation, The impact is pleasing of each creation, We want to see more, would he paint for us kindly?
Of still life, of colours, of talent, he has painted.
Each canvas with emotion and individuality, The traditional, the modern that he has stated, Are filled with thought and without clarity
We leave the last with belief in our mind, that there once lived a man, Who took the unknown world in his hand, He put it to canvas for us to find, for us to see his own humanity
Catherine Copley, Year 11
Lollies
As you have probably heard, the Junior School 5s and 6s are presenting a play named Lollies There have been a lot of excited people the last couple of weeks with the auditions for the main characters The main characters are: Truffle, Nougat, Peanut, Fudge, Chocolate Bar, Marshmallow, After Dinner Mint, Bubble Gum, Jelly Bean and Liquorice Allsort. There is also a dance group of about 30 girls These girls are rehearsing every Tuesday and Thursday morning before school The girls who have main parts rehearse on particular days at lunch time, depending in who they are But then we have the girls who didn't get into the main characters or dance group, but don't worry, they are still going to enjoy themselves because they are going to be singing in the choir!!
The musical Lollies is going to be about some lollies who live in a store, until they find out they are going to be moved to a supermarket with fluorescent lights and
metal trolleys, and I promise you, they don't like it!
Meanwhile, After Dinner Mint is drowning in a cup of coffee!
LydiaPhillips and Emily Sloan, Year 5
Above and BeyondMotivating Year 9s
"I thought the film was very well presented and it addressed lots of issues that are important to us today The format appealed to people our age. The images and music were very well chosen as they provided and enjoyable atmosphere in which to get the message across. It dealt with issues such as drug abuse, alcohol and suicide It helped to change our attitudes It made us think about what we should do, if in certain situations I really did enjoy what this film had to offer and I hope that everyone's else did too."
Hannah Burt, Year 9
"I thought that this production was very good and I thought it was worthwhile I though it was a very good way to get the message across about what friendships are, and what drugs and alcohol do I wish I could see it again I think that everyone paid attention to it because of the music, movies, and TV shows It kept me involved for the whole 45 minutes It should have been longer
The messages were very good and came across very well I thought that the message was encouraging and inspiring, even though I already knew about the topics This motivational media presentation got the point across better and I think that I took more notice of these issues than I normally would if they were done in another way. I hope to be able, and I am looking forward, to seeing it next year."
Mary O'Connor, Year 9
NATURE'S FIELDS
Floating at a steady pace, they loom over the fields, huge tuftsof whiteness on a background of sky so blue it ceases to be colour at all. The clouds are coaxed on in their journey by the tireless wind, which has been humming and laughing since the early hours of the morning
The wind is what shapes this land It torments the trees and exhausts the grass It forces once-dignified, powerful birds into submission within their nests It flogs flowers until they bow down before it It moulds huge cliffs, leaning on their surfaces for milleniums of time Nature can be evil and merciless, unhindered even by humans An expanse of power
Far below such majestic forces lies a small boy Stretched out amongst the lanky limbs of a wheatfield, the boy observes the clouds as they meander across the sky.
This boy is without identity: he merely exists within nature His eyes are squinting against the sun and he has flung his arms out on either side of his slight, awkward torso One hand is pulling idly at a stem of wheat while the other lies motionless on the ground His feet are pushed out as far as they will go, with his shoes kicked off beside him in a display of childish rebellion All around him the sea of wheat is tossed and punished by the wind, yet he is sheltered within it, untouched and safe Only the sun can see his hiding place, and it looks down on him tenderly, stroking his skin with its rays Heaven nurtures him and guards him with a watchful eye.
Half a world away lie more bodies, basking under the treacherous sky They share the boy's youth and innocence; they too are without identity, just a mass of blank, empty faces Yet these bodies have no stems of wheat to occupy their hands Their nameless faces cannot observe the clouds overhead with tiny, squinting eyes. These bodies he motionless with death in shallow pools of mud and misery Their dignity has been stolen, their souls have fled, and now they are nothing more than carcasses strewn about on the ground Heaven seems to have abandoned this world The sun strokes no-one on these bloodied fields, there is no forest of wheat to hide their shame Contorted grey clouds mock the dead The wind tugs at the clouds and tears them apart, emptying them of their heavy burden. Sheets of rain pour down on the fields, flooding them and cleansing the ground of the stench of death
The blood of these fields seeps into the soil and, in years to come, will lend its colour to the thousands of flowers yet to cover the land Children will one day play amongst the bloom and stretch out under the heavens, oblivious to the terror this land once knew
Emily Porter, Year 11
OBEDIENCE
"Always carry scissors by the blades, not the handles." Just one of the thousand niggling things he had constantly reminded her of for twenty years And although it was no longer necessary, as she walked from his body the blood-stained blades, not the handles, were clutched in her trembling fingers.
TRAGEDY
I stared, horrified
"That's impossible He can't be."
"He is! The ambulance came. I checked myself. There was nothing I could do."
"But how? I can't believe the rat poison?"
"I know Look, I'm shocked, too Sorry, but you just have to understand that it didn't work He's still alive."
Kathryn James, Year 11
Sweet Dreams
"I got half an hour of sleep last night."
"Oh, you 're lucky. I haven't gone to bed yet."
"I haven't slept in a week!"
These are just a few of the all too common experiences of sleep-deprived VCE students. However, don't be fooled, it is not the massive and unnecessary amount of homework that keeps us awake during the wee hours of the morning. It is something more sinister. Evil. Terrifying. They are VCE nightmares! And I'm not talking about English CAT 1 either
We've all had them They start oh so innocently You're sitting in the middle of the school oval, at night (as one usually does) when your literature teacher drops in (by parachute) to tell you that you failed Year 12
"But I haven't finished Year 12!" you exclaim
"Oh, it doesn't matter, we decided to send in the results to VBOS that we thought were fair," she says as she hands you your end-of-year report even though it's only May Flipping through it you notice that you got UGs for every CAT
"But Mrs Henry, I know that my Chemistry CAT was better than an UG."
"Sorry, we lost your CAT, and besides a UG is more appropriate for you."
Suddenly, your whole family has joined you. No longer are you on the school oval. Instead you are on the stage of the Auditorium wearing those sexy, brown flannel pyjamas that seemed so appropriate when you hopped into bed. The audience is full of laughter. All your teachers (including dear, old Mrs Browning from Grade 1) are surrounding you chanting, "Failure..failure!" A big, flashing electronic notice-board beams, "YOU'RE A FAILURE!" above your head Suddenly, Howard Kelly arrives presenting you with a certificate honouring the lowest VCE mark in history Yours
"I didn't know it was possible to score in the negatives," he giggles
It is at around this point that you wake, sweating and panting After getting out of bed and finishing that Maths homework that you had previously decided to leave for yet another night, you climb back into bed and muster up the courage to fall asleep again Bad idea This time it's your lovely History teacher telling you that you have an exam on NOW.
"What's the topic?" you ask
"The mating habits of tropical snakes."
"But Mrs Peters, that's not History."
Your protest is in vain, as Mrs Peters disappears
You run towards the exam hall, but you can't find it - it's no longer there. You go into fullpanic red alert mode Other students are walking around you but ignore your desperate screams You see a sign: "The History exam will be held in the maintenance cupboard." Finally, you're there. Just in time to see your classmates file out You've missed your exam The (deja vu) the "failure" chant returns Mrs Peters comes back: "I'm very disappointed in you," she says with a shake of the head
Her words echo as you see you future: a dole queue regular - the word "failure" tattooed on your head in big bold red letters
Suddenly your Legal teacher enters: "Congratulations!" he says as he shakes your hand. You immediately take back all the cruel judgements you've made about his personal life
"Mr Krow, you're my ray of sunshine!" you proclaim to him and the laughing audience which has reassembled from your previous dream You look around All your teachers are surrounding you, grabbing your hands, congratulating you The audience begins to chant "Congratulations" You wave at them, beaming with pride, although you have no idea why
It is here that Tony Barber, gameshow host extraordinaire, enters.
"For failing Year 12 you've won...another year at school," his booming voice announces "Ahhhhhhhh!" you scream, in agony at the prospect. You cannot take the pressure anymore. You awaken
It's four in the morning You don't know whether or not you'll pass VCE, but you do know that you'll never sleep soundly again. Defeated, you get out of bed, go to you desk and begin that English creative piece due yesterday
Sara Kowal, Year 12
Every Friday at 4:30p.m., "the curfew tolls the knell of parting day/the lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea." In other words, a less-than-enthusiastic group of thirty students enter Centenary 3.9 for an "intriguing" lecture based almost solely on the moments of 'great social upheaval', which have resulted in amazing literary history. Like many who read this, after two semesters we too have grown to cherish the half-an-hour break which divides the lecture and tutorials.
The pizza, chocolate cake, and mildly warm sausage rolls are a highlight to a Friday evening which usually does not involve three hours of interpreting and analysing literature However, despite many of our complaints, most of us do enjoy one aspect of University Literature - the social interaction The extended school discussions regarding plan for schoolies week, 18th birthday parties, end-of-year breakups have input from representatives from 7 different schools
University Literature is run in conjunction with Monash University, and part of the course includes joyous "day trips" during the holidays for lectures, tutorials and library tours. At Clayton we've been able to explore and utilise the Student Union Cafes (after all we are a subsection of the Arts Faculty). Throughout the year, we've managed to tackle 'great writers', including Shakespeare, Blake, and Defoe, in an hour-and-a-half tutorial before going home, climbing into bed, and watching the Star Wars trilogy
Stefanie Russell, Year 12
ENHANCING STUDENTS
You may be wondering, as we ourselves constantly do, just why on earth six MLC Year 12s are willing to forgo Tuesday's night Seinfeld, Mad About You (and for some) Melrose Place in order to study company accounting, consolidations, analysis and interpretation, and management accounting? It must be for the additional five points and first year university credit we get (provided, of course, we pass the final exam!) Or it must be for the less stressful lives we lead doing a "CAT-less" sixth subject Perhaps, even, it's the thought of the members of the opposite sex doing the course Nah, all wrong It's the FOOD!
Seriously, though, for the past 7 months, every Tuesday evening, from 5:308:00p.m„ around forty students from MLC, Carey, Camberwell Boys' Grammar, and Genazzano all congregate at one of these schools for an ever-so-enthusiastic lecture and tutorial. Half an hour is spent eating and drinking (lemon or orange cordial, of course). Lesser joys included 'bonus' Monday tutorials, used to go over homework we were supposed to have done; the one-and-a-half hours before tutorials spent "hanging around" in Centenary; and, of course, cramming a month's worth of notes on the days of 'surprise' tests
Selena Ng, Year 12
Editor's Comment: Despite the sarcasm of these students, the fact that many MLC students participate in University Enhancement programmes, including Uni Physics, Chemistry, Accounting, Mathematics, Literature, German, and Japanese, as well as TAFE modules such as General Life Drawing, demonstrates a latent well of deep enthusiasm!
goodnight
I woke up this morning and wrote down all the things I had to tell her; I just wasn't sure where to send it to I find it hard to find people like her, today She was unique with her deep laugh, her high heeled boots, her Jimmy Hendrix and her perfect pigtails; her caring temperament and her delightful smile, her heart of gold and her individual composition All left as precious memories, for now she is on another journey far from here, her soul alive and vibrant in all who knew her I know we'll meet again some day in some perfect place, not the tragic world that hurt her so much
I still see her at a steady pace, lagging behind us with a penguin's waddle as we crossed the tennis court on our way to Psychology, with her computer bag by her side, an arty display of her name imprinted on its side in liquid paper. She was always casually late. She could never understand why I wanted to be on time, let alone early! Her computer was her constant companion. However, it was infrequently used, more a disguise of the model student she wasn't and didn't long to be It brings tears to my eyes still when I remember the careless, half-amused look on her face, when one day in her carefree fashion she hauled her computer off the desk without doing the bag up first. As the computer thudded to the floor, no screaming or tears filled the room She simply bent over, placed it back and left with a chuckle.
She introduced me to The Doors and every song is now a monument to her Most strongly I remember our discussion one afternoon of her ultimate fantasy. She was to be dressed in a pure white dress and Jim Morrison was to recite "Touch Me" to her. She so strongly wanted to be young, carefree and pure again,
yet she had come too far down the wicked track of today's world to return to such innocence
Her flannel pyjamas became a daily uniform and her dark dyed hair, never brushed, occasionally accompanied them, strung up in perfect pigtails that not a moment of thought or a hairbrush had helped create Her hair was beautiful, full of originality and life, natural almost, despite her lack of consideration towards it. It was never messy, but she had no time for artificial things
She was one for a good time, at any cost
When Mum asked how close we were, I couldn't begin to express, because most of the things I did with her were 'naughty'. Our late nights and insane moods Nothing more physical to treasure her by than the scar on my belly. I still don't know whether it was out of boredom, rebelliousness or sheer stupidity that after piercing each other's ears, we decided to continue in other regions Of course they didn't last, but it was something different and wild at the time, and that was the way she lived, for the moment.
One of her most unforgettable qualities was her laugh. A chuckle of a deep tone, that could often be heard through others, it's one that's now missing on the rare occasions we get to laugh without her. Our in-depth talks, where we all become one and shared the good with the bad. Looking back it seems she only shared the good times, and listened to our bad times, and often I wonder if only somehow she'd shared with us, maybe Maybe nothing, it is all too late to cling to ifs and maybes She walks before me in the corridor everyday, but as I stare and tears well in my eyes, it is then I realise it is her sister instead. Maybe she is there with her sister, helping Soph to keep going Maybe that is her way of keeping an eye on us and guiding us through, for I know she is there watching somewhere For now I say goodnight, but one day when you awake I will be there lying beside you, and until that day I'll go on, knowing that I will meet with you again Goodnight, my friend, goodnight!
Tammy Blakeney, Year12
A BOULEVARD OF FAITH
(FOR CHLOE)
You have left a trail of love behind you
But maybe if only I knew Your silence may not have been And your warmth could still be seen
In my heart I cry silent tears of grief
And from these lonely tears of disbelief, I feel as if I have lost everything I had to gain All I have left to reveal is pain.
You vanished in just one short day
You have shown me that I had so much more that I had to say.
But if only I knew There could have been something more that I could have done.
Just when I needed you most, You disappeared like a ghost. You left me without a trace
But I will never let go of our memories or your smiling face
You always promised me that you would hold my hand,
Because I was the ocean and you were the sand.
And that you would be there
You constantly brought me back to you, the one who would care
Please continue to walk beside me
Show me just one more smile, that's all I want to see
Help me pick up the pieces from the boulevard that shattered your dreams
Show me that face that always radiantly beams
Reach out your hand to me from above
Continue to guide me through life with your love,
Rescue me from the unknown, But teach me what I need to be shown
I know I ask for far too much Just to have that one last touch But just to see your smiling face, Would you tell me that I sdll fit into this place
You know that if I could have one wish And it was to come true, I would send it with love, from me to you. To watch you live through and through
Never say good-bye
Sarah Hall, Year12
A NON-EVENT
"Will you marry me?"
The birds were silenced in anticipation Puffy clouds hovered overhead Delicate flowers glanced up from their ponderings
The infinite sky kept a silent vigil. A soft, warming breeze tickled the grass, waiting to carry the message far away "No."
Emily Porter, Year 11
RESUSCITATE
One Sunday evening, when Dad and I watched the news, there was a loud crash outside our house
One Sunday evening, when Dad and I stepped out into the thick air, we heard the cry of a dying man
One Sunday evening, when Dad and I stood beside the blaring ambulance, we saw the men in white rush in circles, Around and around.
One Sunday evening, when Dad and I watched the news, we heard the red and white van drive away "Resuscitation was not possible." It didn't make the news.
Rosa Holman, Year10
oTo all Year 12s (and those who will be one day) you are about to, either sadly or ecstatically, enter the world beyond the shelter and confines of school life What will you do? Will you improve the world, even in a small way, or be entirely complacent? MLC has, I must grudgingly admit, provided us with opportunities to find and cultivate our voices by developing our self-esteem and knowledge Think of Marshmead, Outward Bound, the countless Issues Assemblies and Forums They did not occur for their own sake but to nurture our innate tendency to do good, so that we in turn impact on the world So I was shocked to hear of girls in Year 12 who refused to sign a petition against French nuclear testing in the Pacific, on the grounds that they "did not believe in protesting, because it would never change anything." It is incomprehensible to me, that people can be indifferent to the possible nuclear contamination of our oceans, and the large-scale manufacture of globally annihilating weapons
/hat I understand clearly is that education's primary aim is not to get into university in )rder to get a great job and make heaps of loney Education, as we at MLC have constantly been reminded, is founded on the importance of bettering the mind and through le mind, the soul. We are educated so we are lable to judge what is right and wrong in the IwOrld, and so we can try to stop whatever is iwrong Everyone is capable of strength and goodness, sometimes beyond what they consciously know Upon entering the world, we are empowered, by the knowledge gained rough education and the goodness that occupies the spirit, to make changes
Fair enough, the French have already started testing, and Australian protests appear to have relatively little effect But in years to come, how will our generation be able to explain to their children that we, as thoughtful human beings, did not believe in the strength of our voices? Did not believe we mattered?
It is easy for us privileged girls attending a private school not to believe in protest, but the fact that we can go to school and dream of future careers is only because of the determination of women of the past. Had they not believed in protest, where would we be now? Consider the battle fought and won by Northland Secondary College in the High Court We who feel that losing the couches and vending machine in the common room was an injustice cannot imagine having to fight the Government for the simple right to be educated at the school of our choice
To all MLC students, maximise what MLC has attempted to instil in us Confront all injustice with your knowledge and goodness Fight with intelligence and spirit Remember the sacrifices of our ancestors and heed the words of Napoleon:
"There are only two powers in the world - the sword and the spirit, and in the long run the sword will always be conquered by the spirit."
