Connections Magazine 2017

2017 ISSUE

CONNECTIONS An ELTHAM College Publication

1

CONTENTS

Asking the Right Questions

FEB 4

Year 7/8 Welcome BBQ

Urban Learning

FEB 27

House Music

Bush Adventuring

MAR 17

ELTHAM College Open Day

Outdoor Education

MAR 23

ELTHAM College Golf Day

Music is in the Air

MAR 23

Class of 1998 - 20 Year Reunion

Alumni News Alumni Profiles

MAY 11

Class of 2008 - 10 Year Reunion

Class of ‘97 - 20 Year Reunion Class of ‘07 - 10 Year Reunion

MAY 26

Think ELTHAM

Class of ‘87 - 30 Year Reunion Class of ‘16 - 1 Year Reunion

JUL 27

Past Staff Reunion

Notices Alumni Sporting Clubs

AUG 10

Masterworks Exhibition

ECCA Parents Supporting ELTHAM Checking in with friends

OCT 12

Class of 1988 - 30 Year Reunion

Swipers Gully Feature Recipe

OCT 27

Class of 1978 - 40 Year Reunion

Foundation News

NOV 16

Class of 2017 - 1 Year Reunion

Masterplan

NOV 23

Twilight Market in the Vines

From the Archives 2

CALENDAR

Year 7/8 Sails Area, 12.00pm

Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 7.30pm

ELTHAM College

The Eastern Golf Club, 7.00am

Swipers Gully Training Restaurant, 7.00pm

Swipers Gully Training Restaurant, 7.00pm

ELTHAM College

Swipers Gully Training Restaurant, 7.00pm

Swipers Gully Training Restaurant

Swipers Gully Training Restaurant, 7.00pm

Swipers Gully Training Restaurant, 7.00pm

Venue and time to be confirmed

Swipers Gully Training Restaurant, 4.00pm

CONNECTIONS

Editorial

ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS “Socrates himself said, ‘One thing only I know, and this is that I know nothing.’ … Any one question can be more explosive than a thousand answers.”

Jostein Gaarder, Sophie’s World

American author James Thurber once reflected that he would “rather know some of the questions than all of the answers.” The best way to predict the future is to invent it now. To invent we must look for great questions; questions that lead us to new understanding and new inventions.

Questioning is the art of learning. Learning to ask important questions is the best evidence of understanding there is, far surpassing the temporary feeling one gets when finding a ‘correct answer’. Over recent years the College staff have been challenged to shape essential questions – questions that seek to discover the understanding we hope all students gain from their time at ELTHAM College.

This constant discussion of big and essential questions assists the staff to construct learning environments that reveal student understanding.

When students autonomously make sense of, and transfer their learning, they will invent and engage

with learning at a much deeper and authentic level. Educators Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins outline the following six facets of understanding: the capacity to explain, interpret, apply, shift perspective, empathise and self-assess. All these attributes can serve as indicators of understanding.

McTighe and Wiggins encourage teachers to be coaches of understanding, not mere purveyors of content knowledge, skill or activity. Teachers should always aim, and check for, successful meaning making and knowledge transfer by the learner. (Understanding by Design (UbD) Framework, Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins 2012) In this edition of Connections you will see how we are creating an environment, both within the classroom and outside the walls of conventional learning spaces, where our students are delving into ideas in a way that asks big questions and encourages deep understanding.

Mr Simon Le Plastrier Principal ELTHAM College

1

CONNECTIONS

News

URBAN LEARNING YEAR 9 CITY CAMPUS The ELTHAM College City Campus has had a number of homes in downtown Melbourne but its present site is in an unbeatable location.

A five-minute walk from Melbourne Central Station and a stone’s throw from the State Library; 398 Lonsdale Street is the perfect launching pad to explore, absorb and impact the world’s most liveable (and lovable) city.

Community connections are the raison d’être for this learning hub and the most exciting relationship initiated this year has been with Science Gallery Melbourne.

Inspired by their exhibition, ‘Blood: Attract & Repel’, the City Campus Term 1 program culminated with a pop-up street art exhibition. Students literally took their work to the streets, taking over Guildford Lane for the day.

The only disappointment registered by residents (and the general public) was that the event wasn’t on display for longer. The City Campus staff are already planning their weeklong residency for next year. Always looking for ways to push the innovation envelope, the audience could also access videos, images and artist’s notes virtually via the VR (virtual reality) app, Aurasma. This technology perfectly complemented the science inspired artworks. The curators from Science Gallery Melbourne were very impressed by the standard of the work and invited our students to take part in workshops during their main ‘Blood’ exhibition.

2

Having now toured a number of American city-based educational institutions (thanks to a scholarship from NGS Super), Evan Watts (Head of Year 9) can say with some authority that the ELTHAM City Campus provides a unique experience for our Year 9 students. While he certainly learnt a great deal to further enhance the program, his various US hosts were equally impressed by the Year 9 program and its distinctive setting. Evan was especially keen to visit those US education institutions embedding design theory in their various curriculums. Originating out of Stanford University’s d.school, design theory promotes innovation and hands-on prototyping in an effort to make positive change in the world. The desire to provide our Year 9 students with real life design challenges has meant forming connections with RMIT University, Melbourne Polytechnic, the Global Innovation Challenge team and the Lort Smith Animal Hospital.

While in America Evan also signed off on an international relationship with the New York based storytelling organisation The Moth, as they accepted ELTHAM College City Campus as Australia’s first curriculum partner. Visitors to the Campus’ end of semester Open Night were treated to a student storytelling event that was for many a true highlight, with the key elements being ‘enthusiasm, confidence and animation’.

Storytelling skills are integral to design theory as it’s the final stage in a process that sees innovative ideas come to life in challenging and engaging presentations.

3

CONNECTIONS

News

BUSH ADVENTURING IN THE ELC

4

What is Bush Adventuring at ELTHAM College?

In a Bush Adventuring program children are exposed to experiences that foster and develop confidence, self-esteem and independence. As children explore the flora and fauna they begin to appreciate natural wonders and become increasingly sensitive to traces of flowers, insects and animals.

We believe every child deserves a sustainable education. Learning in natural environments encourages creativity, innovation and an increase in motivation and achievement, which are all highly desired attributes for any learner. Nature based educational experiences are integral to ensuring young people develop an appreciation for sustainable living principles and a desire to understand the delicate and complex environmental challenges faced by communities both locally and globally.

Early Learning Educators encourage children to further investigate our unique Environmental Reserve, a resource that provokes discussion, questions and extends learning in various areas of the program. Children work collaboratively, recognising and analysing risks, they care for themselves and others and are empowered by opportunities to guide their own learning. Along the way an attitude to care for our environment is encouraged with mindful reminders of the importance of this land and its unique ecosystems, with the intention to leave as little trace of our footprint on the land.

The principles of the Bush Adventuring program are incredibly powerful.

•

Bush Adventuring is for all children, educators and parents.

•

Supports children, with a supportive and knowledgeable educator, to identify, comanage and navigate risk. Opportunities to experience risk is seen as an integral part of learning and healthy development.

•

Maximises the learning potential of local bushland through frequent and regular visits throughout the year within the same natural environment.

•

Promotes the holistic development and wellbeing of children.

•

Fosters an understanding, appreciation and care for the natural environment.

•

Educators play the role of facilitator within a child-led approach and view children as competent and capable learners.

•

Builds on a child’s innate motivation and positive attitude to learning, offering them the opportunities to take risks, make choices and initiate learning for themselves.

•

Individual interests and strengths are embraced and the environment naturally invites children to explore and try new experiences.

•

The process is as valued as the outcome.

With the philosophy that “there is no such thing as bad weather - only inappropriate clothing.” (Ranulph Fiennes), the children are exposed to the elements as they set out for remarkable bush adventures.

5

CONNECTIONS

News

OUTDOOR EDUCATION AT ELTHAM The ELTHAM College Outdoor Education (OE) experience starts with Bush Discovery in our Environmental Reserve in Prep and finishes with a hike through Wilsons Promontory in Year 9. However, Year 10 students also have the opportunity to take part in an outdoor education elective, or the outdoor recreation program, that runs during school holidays. ELTHAM’s program is designed as a sequential experience which utilises a range of outdoor activities and situations as vehicles to promote students gaining a greater understanding of, and more positive attitude toward, themselves, others and the environment.

6

The program teaches students practical outdoor skills such as food preparation and Trangia stove cooking, orienteering, minimal impact living, survival techniques, personal safety and camp-craft skills.

More importantly, OE is pivotal in enhancing students’ leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills, as well as developing their understanding of their physical capabilities, accountability and responsibilities; leading to greater independence and confidence.

All programs are designed to encourage students to step out of their comfort zones in a safe and controlled environment. We promote the philosophy of challenge by choice, which is different for all involved. Although exhausted, students (and often our supporting staff) walk away from camp with immense pride in their achievements, having all overcome individual challenges in one form or another.

The OE opportunities at ELTHAM creates a wellrounded education for our students, and allows them to experience a range of environments and activities they might not otherwise have the chance to experience.

MUSIC IS IN THE AIR AT ELTHAM

The benefits of a vibrant music program are many. Research has shown that participation in music enhances cognitive development and promotes skills in the areas of focus and concentration, discipline and dedication, fine motor skills, and teamwork and social skills.

Furthermore, music is fun!

At ELTHAM, the music program comprises four interconnected aspects: the classroom music curriculum, private music lessons, the co-curricular ensemble program, and performances and productions.

Music is a core curriculum subject for all students from our youngest ELC students up to Year 9. In Years 10, 11 and 12 students may choose to take a range of elective music subjects, including VCE and VET options. These VCE and VET options include both Music Performance subjects and Sound Production. The Sound Production students learn how to record music in our fully resourced recording studio, along with how to set up and operate Public Address (PA) systems for live sound reinforcement.

ELTHAM students have the opportunity to learn many musical instruments. We have a team of twenty highly dedicated and talented music tutors who specialise in teaching woodwind, brass, string and percussion instruments, as well as singing and piano.

All ELTHAM students are invited to participate in the co-curricular ensemble program. We have numerous choirs and ensembles, including a string ensemble, flute ensemble, jazz band, rock bands and a wind orchestra. We have ensembles that are age appropriate to every level and cater to students of all instruments. Every student has access to at least one ensemble.

Performing music is one of the greatest expressions of humanity, and every ELTHAM student is encouraged to participate.

ELTHAM College ultimately provides many opportunities for students to explore their creative potential through music. Music really is in the air at ELTHAM.

Learning an instrument or participating in an ensemble is a wonderful way for students to get involved in our extensive schedule of concerts and performances. These range from intimate recitals to full scale music theatre productions.

7

ALUMNI

News

ALUMNI NEWS 2017 has been another busy year for our organisation with four reunions, full of much laughter and reminiscing.

We have also seen an injection of youth into the committee and a new name for the association.

Founded as the ExECS (Ex ELTHAM College Students and Staff) in 1983 by legendary past staff member Keith McKechnie, the purpose of the association has always been to maintain connections with past students, staff and parents after leaving the College. In more recent times, under the leadership of Justin Littlefield (Class of 1986), the association developed a strong calendar of annual reunions, forged close links with sporting clubs and most recently, rebranded the organisation as ELTHAM College Alumni.

A strong focus of the association over the coming years will be supporting students in the transition from their final years of school to adult life. This begins with career education events and work experience opportunities offered to older students, and extends to those starting out in their chosen vocational fields. In 2017 we launched our first initiative to connect recent College graduates studying at university with other ELTHAM alumni studying at the same university, to help support them in what can be a daunting transition.

The ELTHAM College Alumni Association strives to support past students, staff and parents as they continue to engage with the ELTHAM community and thereby strengthen it. Our committee believes that our new name is simpler and more inclusive; our new logo, designed by Kelly Peck (Class of 2013), is elegant and symbolic. The tree rings reference the leaves in the ELTHAM College logo and represent our continually growing community.

There are numerous ways to stay in touch with classmates and the College; our organisation seeks to provide a breadth of opportunities to do so, be it via sport, social activities or business. I encourage you to stay connected via our Facebook page and LinkedIn, and to contact us directly if you wish to be involved in our sporting associations or business activities.

ELTHAM College Alumni alumni@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au linkedin@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au 8

Don’t forget to email us if you change your phone number, email address, house address or name.

We look forward to growing our association with you.

Al Anderson (Class of 2009) President of the ELTHAM College Alumni Association

ALUMNI

Profiles

ALUMNI PROFILES Patrick Hooton Class of 2013 My education at ELTHAM College instilled in me many wonderful qualities which have contributed to who I am as a person. However it was ELTHAM’s emphasis on ensuring we were independent, altruistic and self-reliant that has had the most profound effect upon me.

Amanda McClaren (née Riddle) Class of 1991 Our family had a strong connection with ELTHAM College from 1977 - 1994 as I, along with my siblings, attended ELTHAM College from Kindergarten to Year 12. I have many fond memories of the school and still have some of my closest friends from my schooling at ELTHAM College.

My time at ELTHAM College encouraged me to strive for excellence, work to my strengths and enabled me to balance my interests in both the arts and sciences.

Since leaving ELTHAM College I have completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (photography) with honours seeing me start my early career

Since graduating from ELTHAM I was nominated as an Australian delegate to the 8th University Scholar Leadership Symposium at the United Nations. This was an amazing opportunity which allowed me to meet young leaders from over 80 different countries and to share ideas on how we can improve the world. During this week long conference I was able to work with the United Nations Development Program to promote education as a means to further alleviate poverty across the Asia-Pacific region.

I am now just a few short weeks away from not only graduating from RMIT University’s Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies, but also finishing my role as the president of one of RMIT’s largest student political parties. After graduating I plan to go onto to complete my Juris Doctor so that I can practice as a barrister.

I owe this sense of altruism and hard work to ELTHAM’s community and staff, but especially my teacher Simone Kenny. My time volunteering with her in Guatemala showed me that with hard work we can achieve great things in this world.

in medical/scientific photography. During my undergraduate years I participated in an internship in Iceland and presented two papers at a World Congress in Biomedical Communications in Amsterdam. My career as a scientific/medical photographer saw me working for the Austin Repatriation Hospital, La Trobe University and Kodak before moving to Central Victoria with my husband Ian to run our farm. We have two beautiful boys, Darby 10 and Bryce 7. Our farm is surrounded

by National Park and we produce pasture raised chickens, free range pork and beef for Farmers Markets, specialty butchers shops and high quality restaurants in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

After moving to regional Victoria I worked for Landcare and Catchment Management Authorities. More recently in the past five years I have been the CEO of the Fairley Leadership Program in the Goulburn Valley. The Fairley Leadership Program is an 11 month experiential leadership program for upcoming leaders.

Last year, I decided I would run for local government in the Strathbogie Shire. I was subsequently elected unanimously and unopposed into the role of Mayor.

This role has been a true privilege and one of the highlights of my career to date. I am very fortunate to have a great team of Councillors and a wonderful CEO working with me.

Local Government is the closest level of Government to the community. Whilst Strathbogie Shire is a small rural Shire, we have managed to be innovative and responsive to our community needs, recently instigating a Solar Bulk Buy Program, becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone and signing up to the Climate Council Cities Power Partnership.

When I was a student at ELTHAM College, I did not consider politics in my future, rather I was focused on arts and sciences. I am really enjoying my current role and many of the skills I use every day I can attribute to the great education I know I was fortunate to have at ELTHAM College.

9

ALUMNI

Reunions

CLASS OF ‘97 20 YEAR REUNION Saturday 25 March

A. Colin Fink, Peter Williamson, Oliver Wigg, Cameron Ramsay, Shane Moore B. Anna Quayle, Melinda Wright C. Silvia Shamir (Frattali), Jonathan Rogers (past staff member), Neil Mathias, Sam Grimshaw, Daniel Brenan D. Tim Chapman, James Howgate, Gareth Thomas E. Imogen Jarvis, Evan Cramp, Nick Jones, Daniel Brenan, Neil Mathias F. Imogen Jarvis, Sarah Kop (Macmillan), Casey Andrews, Jessica Provan, Zoe Foster, Kristy Jaycock G. Oliver Wigg, Silvia Shamir (Frattali), Elena Gerstman (Grant)

E 10

A

B

C

D

F

G

CLASS OF ‘07 10 YEAR REUNION Saturday 12 May

A. Brittany Forster, Nicole Haywood (Bellinger), Britt Hodgson, Jessica Burke, Libby Downey, Bianca Sturgess (Bowden) B. Patrick Ferguson, Mark Pobjoy (current staff member), Ashtyn Tomasini C. Rachael Busby, Marcus Hibberd D. Sarah Dowling, Jenna Cumming (Fenech), Milenka Heezeman (Maffei) and Lisette Bowtell (Class of 2008, Bamford) E. Lauren Campbell, Nicole Haywood (Bellinger), Britt Hodgson, David Warner (past Principal), Harley de Vos F. Kasey Lack, Anna McLaren, Isabelle Young, Richard Batchelor G. Tim Stumpf, Lucas Chenco, Josh Meaden, Dave Neely

E

A

B

C

D

F

G 11

ALUMNI

Reunions

CLASS OF ‘87 30 YEAR REUNION Friday 13 October

A

B

C

D

F

G

A. Chris Ward, Cam Fraser, Neroli McConachy (Arnall) B. Peta Rowbottom (Lane), Meghan Tozer (Duncan), Brook Tozer C. Melissa Van Der Drift (Bayly), Caroline Sharp, Carmen Gurney (Sanguinetti), Sue O’Hehir, Hilary Little D. Lisa Broben, Kerstin Smith, Nick Larkin, Simon Le Plastrier (Principal), Donna Parsons E. Cam Fraser, Tabytha McCarthy (Venn), Nick Wood F. Julie Kinnersley, Lauren Matthews G. Jacqueline LeemannJackson (Leemann), Mel Coffey, Bruce Lock

E 12

CLASS OF ‘16 1 YEAR REUNION Friday 17 November

A

B

C

D

F

G

A. Amy Nuccio, Dean Haydock (current staff member), Julia Curl, Kristin Brodie, Paul Cifone B. Sebastien Vabre, Jake Bell, Digby Moore C. Todd Johnston, James Cummane, Meg Hogan, Maia Heysen, Thomas Coghlan, Christie Rayson D. Naomi Taranto, Danielle Laurie E. Yasmin Slinger, Georgia Kielbaska F. Amy Nuccio, Matilda Keating, Hannah van der Heyden G. Charlee Hawkes, Brendan Peck, Naomi Taranto, Joshua Campbell, Kristin Brodie

E

13

ALUMNI

Notices

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, IN MEMORY AND CONGRATULATIONS NOTICES Births

Marriages Ashlea Frazer, born 27 October 2016, daughter of Brooke (current staff member) and Trevor Frazer (Class of 2004 and current staff member).

James Heezeman (Class of 2007) and Milenka Maffei (Class of 2007) married on 25 June 2016.

Blake Colin Lethborg Diffey, born 3 September 2017. Son of Gemma and Joshua Diffey (Class of 2003).

Les Clarke AM (Founder) married Val Jones on 25 June 2017.

Keep us in the loop! Please email us at alumni@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au if you have recently welcomed a new baby, celebrated a wedding, lost a loved one, or achieved something monumental.

14

Congratulations

Les took up the challenge of starting our school back in the 1970s. He was our founding Chairman of Council and was instrumental in designing some of our award winning buildings. Les is the father of Helen Cleary (Class of 1981 and past parent), father of Andrew Clarke (past parent), Ross Clarke (past parent and Foundation Director), grandfather of Alix Clarke (Class of 2008), Dale Clarke (Class of 2011), Amy Clarke (Class of 2014), Aidan Clarke (Class of 2012), Gemma Cleary (Class of 2013) and Dylan Cleary (Class of 2011). Val is a past staff member, Assistant to the Business Manager followed by our first Development Officer. Val is the mother of Darren Jones (Class of 1979), Lynne Lawson née Jones (Class of 1981) and Glenn Jones (1983). Congratulations Les and Val.

Helen Durham AO (Class of 1985) is the Director of International Law and Policy at the International Committee of the Red Cross. Helen was appointed an Office of the Order of Australia this year for distinguished service to international relations in the area of humanitarian and criminal law, to the protection of women during times of armed conflict, and to legal education.

“Many of the skills and ideas I have today were from my years at ELTHAM College, the concept that justice is important and that everyone has a “voice” with something to contribute – that is critical to understand the world around you if you wish to change it – that passion and persistence must be balanced with patience. These things were installed in me at the beautiful Research Campus and from being part of the supportive and close-knit community. Whilst I am now thousands of miles away from Eltham and travel to places from Iraq to New York. I am thankful for the opportunities I had at school.”

Helen Durham (Class of 1985)

ALUMNI

Sport

ALUMNI SPORTING CLUBS TURTLES NEWS 2017 was a building season for the Turtles.

Welcoming onboard a new Senior Coach and over 25 new recruits, the Turtles set about bonding and building a platform that would not just aim for success in one year, but be a platform for the next five years and beyond.

The Senior team, under the coaching eye of Damian Bradley, were competitive throughout the season.

Having welcomed so many new faces into the club, and played so well this season, the team will be an even stronger outfit in 2018.

Under Coach Scott Stratford, the Reserves team did see finals action. Coming up against Melbourne High School Old Boys (MHSOB) at Sandringham Reserve, the team put up a fight that demonstrated they were stronger than what the results of previous games against MHSOB showed; proving that in finals football (nearly) anything can happen.

Our team displayed a tenacity that took MHSOB completely by surprise and the entire club were incredibly proud of their efforts.

Tom Burton RECCC 1st XI Captain, Simon Le Plastrier, Paul Cusma RECCC Senior Club Coach, Brad Purvis RECCC President, parent of Ellen (Class of 2012) and William (Class of 2014)

Get in contact Old Eltham Collegians Football Club Contact Bryan Galvin on bryangalvin12@gmail.com, or visit elthamcollegiansfc.com

Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club (RECCC)

In 2018 our goal is to continue to build upon the new faces joining the club, which includes continuing to welcome players from our school ELTHAM College.

We enjoy watching their football teams grow and develop, and look forward to welcoming everyone down to the Turtles, whether it’s to play, watch or be involved in another sense. The Turtles pride themselves not only on their name and song, but on being the family club for ELTHAM College.

RECCC NEWS New player Mike Waugh will join us this year from Walmley, UK; the home of our First XI Skipper Tom Burton.

Our pre-season training was of a high standard and all players and coaches worked hard to go into the season with the best possible preparation. The Senior Coaching Group consists of Paul Cusma (Senior Club Coach), Ross Davies (Senior Assistant Coach), Wayne Taylor, (Assistant) and Tom McDonald (Assistant).

Player expectations have been set for the year both on and off the field and a players’ handbook for all Senior Players has been presented to the group, reinforcing the agreed standards. The handbook content has also been an outcome of a series of pre-season meetings and a review to set the standards for the year ahead.

For information on: • • • •

Entry level Milo in2Cricket and T20 Blast Junior boys and girls cricket Seniors and Vets cricket All abilities cricket

visit our website: researchelthamcollegians.vic.cricket.com.au

Philip MacIsaac RECCC Vice President Parent of Donald (Year 5)

We again thank the school for their support of the club, and look forward to delivering success in 2018.

Jamie Hyndman President, Old Eltham Collegians AFC ‘The Turtles’

Contact Brad Purvis on 0409 499 751 or visit researchelthamcollegians.vic.cricket.com.au 15

ECCA

News

ECCA PARENTS SUPPORTING ELTHAM Having parents supporting the College is something ELTHAM has always been very lucky to have. Our parent and community group ECCA (ELTHAM College Community Association) was at the cornerstone of building the College, quite literally… they helped make the mud bricks that you see in some of our buildings.

From its original beginnings ECCA has gone through a number of iterations, but always at its core are ‘parents supporting ELTHAM’. One way that we do this is by having parents acting as key contacts at each year level. Over the years this has been a challenge but in Term 3 this year an ECCA Representative workshop was held to look at the role and how we can support the College moving forward. A group of 11 parents from various year levels met at Swipers Gully Coffee Shop and we looked at the role description, activities and discussed how we can support our community moving forward.

ECCA’s two key focuses are friend and fundraising.

We run events to bring the community together and

16

support our children and the College. We are keen to further develop our strong community focus and to also launch some exciting fundraising activities for 2018 and beyond.

By the end of this year, we will be announcing our ECCA Reps for each year level, along with our new care package and list of events for 2018. We are always interested to hear from parents who would like to get involved in big or little ways, so if you are interested in knowing more, becoming an ECCA Rep or helping at an event please contact Nikola Shearer, ECCA Coordinator on ecca@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au

Ruth Bailey ECCA Vice President

The Twilight Market in the Vines was made possible thanks to our amazing volunteers.

ECCA

Friends of Groups

CHECKING IN WITH FRIENDS

Our Snowsports Team at Mount Hotham.

Isaac, Emma and Amelie represented Victoria in the 2017 Pacific Games.

Sisters Nikki and Georgia training at the club.

SNOWSPORTS

EC WAVES

ECCA TENNIS

In the July school holidays an energetic group of 40 ELTHAM students and parents boarded a coach and headed up to Mount Hotham for the College’s annual Snow Camp. With students all the way from Year 1 to Year 12 involved, it was a great chance for different members of our community to get to know each other and learn some new skills along the way! From first-time skiers and snowboarders to seasoned professionals, all participants took part in early morning lessons with professional instructors and then enjoyed ‘free-ski’ time for the rest of the day, practicing their newly acquired skills under the supervision of ELTHAM staff.

Results for the EC Waves Swimming Club over the past year has been nothing short of impressive, with the club enjoying great success in and out of the pool.

We enter teams in Diamond Valley Tennis Association’s senior mixed and men’s competitions three nights a week during the two tennis seasons.

In the Autumn 2017 season our competitive teams enjoyed one of their most successful campaigns, with two teams promoted to the next section and all teams making the finals.

The weather was kind, providing clear blue skies and several centimetres of fresh snow at the beginning of the week for everyone to enjoy.

Each night, after joining together for a group dinner, students and parents took part in evening activities run by ELTHAM College staff members, Chris Capewell and Laura Jones. It certainly was a week to remember!

We hosted Swimming Victoria’s Regional Development Day, which was attended by over 150 people; and we welcomed Alex Hirschauer, the 2017 Victorian Coach of the Year for Swimmers with a Disability, as our Director of Coaching.

In the pool our swimmers have enjoyed unprecedented success, with the highest number of club swimmers represented at School Sport Victoria Primary School Regionals and the achievement of six medals at States. In Seniors, we had Katharine and Flynn represent EC Waves at the Nationals and the largest ever contingent of our swimmers attended State Championships in early September.

If you’re interested in joining our club please email Alex at swimcoachalex@outlook.com.

Jackie Bianco-Hill Vice President

Members are a mix of current and past students and parents, and we still have room for more. We welcome players from the school community to join us for competitive or social play. Social members pay a small fee and have full access to the courts and our newly re-furbished facilities.

If you’d like to join us in keeping active, improving skills, and sharing our love of tennis, or if you want more information, please contact us via ecca@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au or call the secretary, Mike Dove, on 0418 359 711.

If you would like to learn more about any of our Friends of Groups please contact the ECCA Coordinator ecca@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au 17

SWIPERS GULLY

Recipe

LEMON CREAM TART RECIPE A fragrant lemon tart is a great way to finish a meal, and is always sure to please. Like most sweets it’s best homemade, so we encourage you to give it a try! It is also a favourite on the menu at Swipers Gully Training Restaurant.

Ingredients For the sweet pastry: • 300g plain flour • 120g butter • 80g icing sugar • pinch of salt • 1 beaten egg For the lemon filling: • 750ml thickened cream • 2 lemons zest and juice • 1 vanilla pod • 9 egg yolks • 125g caster sugar Method For the sweet pastry: 1.

2.

18

Use a mixer and the spade/paddle attachment to cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add in eggs and flour and bring the mixture together.

Wrap in cling film and allow to rest for 1 hour.

Grease large (approximately 28cm) tart mold with butter and sprinkle with flour.

3.

Roll out the pastry to approximately 5mm thick and use to line baking mold. Chill for 30 minutes in the fridge.

4.

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill with baking beans/ rice, then bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove paper and beans/rice then bake for a further 5 minutes or until the base is slightly golden.

Remove from the oven, brush lightly with egg yolk to seal and allow to cool slightly. Remove the pastry case from the mold and set aside.

For the lemon filling:

To serve:

1.

Place the cream, lemon zest and vanilla pod in a pan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and infuse for 30 minutes, then add the lemon juice to the cream.

2.

Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Strain the cream mixture over the egg and sugar mixture, whisking constantly. Skim off any foam.

Slice a wedge of the lemon tart and sprinkle the top with caster sugar. Blow torch the top just like a crème brûlée (optional). Place the slice on a plate and serve with some raspberry sorbet or some fresh berries.

3.

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Pour the filling into the precooked pastry case and place in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove when centre is slightly wobbly, then put the tart into the fridge to set.

Patrick Murphy Hospitality Trainer

TREAT YOURSELF AT SWIPERS GULLY TRAINING RESTAURANT For great food and excellent value phone 9437 2222 for bookings during the school term.

FOUNDATION

News

FOUNDATION LITTLE FLYERS Explore, experiment and create.

With an overarching goal of ensuring ELTHAM College continues to prosper, the Eltham College Foundation operates a number of child care centres within and around Melbourne. With the recent acquisition of another two locations, in Laurimar Township and Caroline Springs, the Little Flyers Learning Centres deliver exemplary care and education across a total of six centres.

the introduction of the QikKids Enhance service.

This online facility means families can receive their child’s learning journey via their phones or desktops throughout their child’s day. Allowing families real time access to the activities and events their children participate in on a daily basis means important connections can be further explored and celebrated at home.

Providing care and early childhood education for over 700 children is a big responsibility and our Little Flyers staff are up to the challenge, with a strong belief in delivering an inspiring and aesthetically pleasing learning environment that provides every child opportunities to discover and explore using their senses.

Learning and development outcomes across the Centres are designed to support the complex and interconnected learning of young children. This ultimately results in children having a strong sense of identity, an ability to contribute to their world, a firm sense of wellbeing and the confidence to be active and involved learners and communicators.

Learning occurs when children are active participants, and our programmes offer children the chance to describe, explore, experiment, create, discover and communicate.

Recently the Little Flyers leadership team worked with Kerrie O’Neill, a leading educator with over 25 years of experience and founding committee member of the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange, to review and restructure the Little Flyers curriculum. This has resulted in the development of a dynamic curriculum that focuses on the Reggio Emilia approach, while also incorporating the use of technology through

We nurture, guide and encourage every child (from six weeks to six years) to learn about themselves and each other. They gain skills that will last a lifetime.

19

CONNECTIONS

Feature

MASTERPLAN BUILDING OUR FUTURE As this holistic approach develops many factors will be taken into consideration. Major building works will be reviewed and priorities will be placed on different stages of work. In light of this significant review taking place, we have accepted the recommendation to postpone the construction of the planned Environment Centre.

In late 2017 the College began the process of reviewing its Masterplan. Although originally developed in 2011, changes to government regulatory bodies and the finalisation of our Strategic Plan have resulted in the need to revisit this important guiding document.

A masterplan is a dynamic long-term planning document that provides a conceptual layout to guide future growth and development. Master planning is about making the connection between buildings, social settings, and their surrounding environments.

1 Cited urban-regeneration.worldbank.org 20

A masterplan includes analysis, recommendations, and proposals for a site’s population, economy, housing, transportation, community facilities, and land use. It is based on public input, surveys, planning initiatives, existing development, physical characteristics and social and economic conditions.1 The Masterplan will ultimately support the College Charter and Strategic and Operational Plans to ensure the requirements of the College are met, now and in the future. Such a plan has to align with many diverse needs to ensure the strategic longterm vision for our goals to be successful.

Community consultation and stakeholder engagement is integral to ensuring the long-term success of this plan. We are fortunate to have had a long association with esteemed architectural firm ClarkeHopkinsClarke, who have received many awards in the field of school design, and who are working closely with College staff to ensure all the aspects that must be considered in this process are addressed. Preliminary meetings with staff and local council have already begun, with further meetings with the College community and local residents and associations planned for early 2018.

One of our many identified objectives is to make ELTHAM College a destination, not just for our current families, but for the wider community. Ultimately, our objective must be to create an environment which supports and promotes our pedagogical vision. We must build for the future of education, and whilst we don’t quite know what that future looks like, we are incredibly excited to take on this challenging task.

CONNECTIONS

Feature

UNIFORM FROM THE ARCHIVES One of the most enduring memories of school is often the uniform we had to wear. Ironically it is well known that during adolescence our appearance tends to be particularly important to us.

Over the years, it is the summer dress that has seen one of the greatest transformations; from a striped zip up number, to the adorable and iconic gumnut dress, to the pinstriped sage green dress we have today.

The award for the most bizarre item of uniform must go to the velour sports one piece. Allegedly, the heavy silver ring attached to the zip continually worked its way down.

If anyone has items of uniform that are in good condition and that they are willing to part with, the Archives are always looking to improve their collection.

We hope these photos bring a smile to your face as you reminisce, or perhaps spark feelings of compassion for the students of yesteryear.

Uniform from 1974 - 1993

1995

1974

21

GET CONNECTED ELTHAM COLLEGE Enrolments and Tours: 03 9437 1421 registrar@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Swipers Gully Training Restaurant: 03 9437 2222 elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Find us on Facebook.

Alumni Enquiries: alumni@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au ECCA Enquiries: ecca@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au ELTHAM COLLEGE FOUNDATION Enquiries: 03 9437 1421 icowan@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au LITTLE FLYERS LEARNING CENTRES Caroline Springs 03 9363 7622 Eltham North 03 9431 4947 Laurimar 03 9717 3741 Laurimar Township 03 9717 8074 Melbourne City 03 9614 3011 Kids on Collins 03 9629 4099 FRIENDS OF: Aerobics friendsofaerobics@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au EC Waves Swimming swimcoachalex@outlook.com Equestrian friendsofequestrian@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Football friendsoffootball@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Great Victorian Bike Ride bstelfox@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Hockey friendsofhockey@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Kayaking friendsofkayaking@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Music friendsofmusic@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Snowsports friendsofsnowsports@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Tennis friendsoftennis@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au 22