Connections Magazine - December 2018

2018 ISSUE

CONNECTIONS

An ELTHAM College Publication

CONTENTS

CALENDAR

Enhancing the Curriculum

FEB 8

Year 3 – 6 Welcome Picnic

Reimagining our Observatory

FEB 22

ELC - Year 2 Welcome Picnic

Partners in Learning

FEB 28

Donor Thank You Event

Curious Minds

MAR 14

Aretha Franklin in Words and Music

Challenging Convention

MAR 22

Class of 1999 – 20 Year Reunion

Alumni News

MAY 4

ELTHAM College Open Day

MAY 10

Mother’s Day Stall

MAY 22

Love and Information – Year 9 – 12 Performance

MAY 24

Class of 2009 – 10 Year Reunion

MAY 25

Think ELTHAM

Class of ‘78 – 40 Year Reunion Class of ‘88 – 30 Year Reunion Class of ‘17 – 1 Year Reunion Notices Alumni Sporting Clubs Swipers Gully Feature Recipe Foundation News The ECCA Way ECCA News Boundless Potential From the Archives

ELTHAM College, 3.45pm – 6.00pm

ELTHAM College, 3.45pm – 6.00pm

Harold Mitchell Performing Arts Centre, Clarke Auditorium, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Harold Mitchell Performing Arts Centre, Clarke Auditorium, 7.30pm – 10.00pm

Swipers Gully Training Restaurant, 6.30pm – 9.30pm

ELTHAM College, 9.30am – 2.00pm

Information Technology Centre, 8.45am – 3.15pm

Harold Mitchell Performing Arts Centre, 7.30pm – 10.00pm

Swipers Gully Training Restaurant, 6.30pm – 9.30pm

ELTHAM College, 10.00am – 2.00pm

CONNECTIONS

Editorial

ENHANCING THE CURRICULUM

In that space between what students must do and what they choose to do – this is where the magic happens.

During my years working with young people, I have observed that those who go on to become the most adaptive in their career don’t think of learning as simply a means to an end.

For these students, the classroom is about more than establishing a career – it’s a place in which to read widely, engage with topics and try new things.

At ELTHAM College, it is our job to prepare students for the future by working in the educational system that has been provided to us – to provide the framework for learning and to encourage our students to work out how to use it. But it is also our job to create unique learning experiences that enhance the curriculum. It is my view that such activities will help students to engage with the subjects and texts they are studying.

Alongside our wide co-curricular offering and exceptional camp experiences, additional learning opportunities at ELTHAM include a philosophy course that our Head of Curriculum Dorothy Allan is developing with RMIT, a scriptwriting extension course that Head of Visual and Performing Arts Nick Waxman teaches, our ever-popular ELTHAM on Film program and an artist-in-residence program in the Music department with Steve Sedergreen. These additions complement and extend upon well-established programs like our renowned Bush Adventuring curriculum in the Junior School. Forthcoming experiences include the opportunity for students to explore space with the development of the Observatory, and the Amplify project that we are introducing next year – a learning initiative that seeks to find passionate students, facilitate their ideas and launch them to an authentic audience.

All these initiatives have been developed to ‘walk alongside’ the curriculum, providing experiences that challenge students’ capacity to think and helping them to prepare for the world of the future.

As a school, we must respond to the curricular demands that are placed upon us but, to invoke one of my favourite expressions, it’s only by ‘giving something a crack’ that our young people can test their passion in a variety of disciplines. It is this interplay – between the formal, structured aspect of the school experience and the ‘valueadd’ initiatives – that really prepares students for a future of learning. In that space between what students must do and what they choose to do – this is where the magic happens.

Simon Le Plastrier Principal ELTHAM College

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CONNECTIONS

News

REIMAGINING OUR OBSERVATORY LOOKING TO THE STARS

Artist impression Throughout history, humankind has been drawn to look up to the stars and wonder why. Celebrated in literature, song and artworks, the beautiful and terrifying immenseness that is space has captivated scientists, farmers, philosophers and accountants alike.

The College committed to an Observatory in the early 1980s, with teaching staff regularly conducting 'star nights' at the school. Unfortunately, the Observatory was significantly damaged in the 2011 December storms and the repairs that were undertaken were not successful. With the decision to redevelop the College Observatory made earlier this year, the school is now well poised to further embrace the marvellous opportunities that looking upwards affords. From Chemistry to Physics, Mathematics to Poetry, the learning experiences are both rich and varied.

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Construction work on the building will commence over the coming summer break with work also scheduled to upgrade facilities like the Library Auditorium to support further learning in this area.

While the building will be reimagined, we must also embrace advancements in telescope technology.

To this end the College plans to install a researchgrade fully automated 17� telescope with the support of our community.

Community endeavour is what the College was built upon, and we will be asking all members of our community to participate in an appeal to raise funds for this amazing piece of equipment. This will take the form of a one-day crowdfunding exercise to be held on Thursday 28 March 2019. There is currently unprecedented interest and enthusiasm for astronomical endeavour, with the creation of an Australian Space Agency in June 2018 and ongoing

focus on STEAM education, and we are confident our community will get behind this aspirational undertaking to help our young people access these amazing opportunities.

Australia has for a long time played a significant role in multiple fields of astronomy research and our graduates are sought after world-wide. What an amazing time it is to be a budding astronomer in this country – and especially if you are a student at ELTHAM College!

So on 28 March 2019 we will ask you to look to the stars and think about the boundless possibilities you could help unlock for the next generation.

MARCH 2019

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TELESCOPE APPEAL

SAVE THE DATE 28 March 2019

About the scope

Photography by amateur astronomer Darcy Wenn

I am really excited to be able to look into deep space and study nebulae and other objects to capture their beauty through the lens … I love gazing at the stars and thinking, ‘What could be out there? And are we alone?’

The advancement in technology that has occurred since the early 1980s is such that telescopes can be accessed remotely, and programmed ahead of time. Images and data can then be analysed and viewed at a later time. While we still plan to be able to physically put our eye to a lens, this technology provides far more flexibility and accessibility for students.

Darcy Wenn, Year 8 For some rich historical details regarding our Observatory, please see the story on page 20 3

CONNECTIONS

News

PARTNERS IN LEARNING

For many children and families, the ELTHAM College Early Learning Centre (ELC) is the starting point of their educational journey at ELTHAM. We strive to provide a positive, nurturing and engaging environment where children’s love of learning is fostered.

Our curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which focuses on experiential learning and celebrates children’s many capabilities and forms of self-expression. We are also guided by the principles and learning outcomes of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.

Our unique setting, both within the wider College context and our exquisite natural environment, also plays a significant role in our curriculum.

We embrace opportunities to join in partnership with families and strive to develop collaborative and respectful relationships, acknowledging each family’s diverse perspectives, values, beliefs and aspirations for their children.

As educators, we see ourselves as advocates for the rights of the child – to provide children with respectful and authentic opportunities for their ideas and theories to be heard. We want children to develop dispositions to be caring people and effective learners, be able to contribute to the world and have successful relationships with others. In the ELC, children are empowered to be involved in decisions that affect them, such as setting classroom guidelines and designing their learning environment.

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We support children to be curious and inquisitive and to be resourceful in their own learning. This enables them to develop their own understanding of the world in which they live. Respecting this curiosity in children encourages them to develop skills for successful life-long learning. We believe children have a right to learn from educators who can marvel and wonder alongside them.

Kathryn Barclay Head of Early Learning Centre

Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river ow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning and how to learn.

Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy

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CONNECTIONS

News

CURIOUS MINDS EXPLORING SCIENTIFIC WONDERS We recently spoke to ELTHAM College’s Head of Mathematical and Scientific Thinking, Darren Smith, about how the Science program is a key aspect of ELTHAM College’s curriculum. The aim is to create world-ready students who are equipped with all they need to fulfil their passions. So what is the value of ELTHAM’s Science studies for students?

Put simply, the Science program at ELTHAM encourages kids to think. Out of all the subjects on the curriculum, Science makes students the most world-ready, as it prepares them for a world in which they will constantly encounter new technologies and need to develop new ways of thinking. It stimulates curiosity and asks students to make connections between science and society.

If I could name one thing the Science program gives to students, it would be power. Science is enabling and empowering. It gives students a voice and allows them to develop informed opinions about globally important problems – climate change, the use of medicines, our diets, why we should exercise, and the implications of gene technology, just to name a few.

On a broader level, I think it is crucial that our young people become scientifically literate. In this age of ‘alternative facts’ and the use and abuse of information, it’s important that our students enter society with a critical eye. Whether they end up going into law or economics, science teaches students to sift, to see patterns and to explore ‘why’.

Jenna Fehring at the #SheHacksGirls event, the first Australian all women hackathon 6

For most ELTHAM students, studying Science allows them to develop a greater understanding of how the world works. For a few students, they are inspired and enthused enough to dig a little deeper in the field. They recognise that there are creative opportunities available to them, and for those students Science can be literally life-changing – for

them and for the others in society who they go on to help during their careers.

One such student is ELTHAM alumnus Ryan Munnings from the Class of 2017. Ryan has gone on from his Science studies to secure the rare opportunity to join the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute as an undergraduate research scholar.

Ryan will conduct medical research in a worldclass research laboratory across two of his main fields of interest, immunology and genetics. This opportunity will allow Ryan to make a real-life contribution to the medical community while completing his university studies – an excellent example of the unique career paths that can open up for our students.

Jenna Fehring was ELTHAM’s STEM Leader this year and will perform the role again in 2019 along with that of School Vice-Captain. Among other activities, she has been involved in the F1 program, the redeveloped Observatory, Tech School and Go Girls IT, and helped to lead the College’s STEM Cell.

Jenna credits our Science program for helping her find her passion for science and technology – specifically programming and engineering – and commends the program’s hands-on environment for letting her try new things without fear of judgement. Jenna aims to study computer science and mechatronics in university before pursuing an engineering career, but says, “Even if I don’t pursue science, I will be able to transfer the skills I have learnt into any field.”

For the Science program at ELTHAM, some fascinating things are just around the corner. There is much growth and opportunity in the department, and we’re excited about the new directions in which our programs are being developed.

Darren Smith Head of Mathematical and Scientific Thinking

CHALLENGING CONVENTION

The study of art allows students to explore ideas and develop independent thinking. What makes ELTHAM College’s Visual Arts program unique is that it enables our young people to celebrate multiple artistic perspectives and work in their own individual ways.

At ELTHAM, students are offered the opportunity to make art from ELC right through to Year 12, building on their skills and experiences as they develop their confidence. Staff have this opportunity too and a range of learning facilities are available to all.

We have a dedicated Junior Art Room and an amazing Senior Art Building for specialist wood, media, design and art classes. The L.E. Clarke Visual Arts Building has exhibition space, with regular exhibitions held throughout the year, including the VCE exhibition in Term 3. Because

Year 9 students are so comfortable moving around the city, excursions to galleries near our City Campus are easy. Meanwhile, ELTHAM’s nature reserve provides students with the unique opportunity to draw, paint and work in the natural environment.

Students choose from various modules at the Year 7 and 8 levels, and become more specialised in a particular field as they move towards VCE, in which Art, Studio Arts, Visual Communication, Creative Digital Media, and Media and Screen are all on offer.

In Year 8, students can elect to study a landscape module, in which they are explicitly taught how to paint a realistic landscape. By the time they reach Year 10, there is more focus on developing personal style, and students move into expressive subject matter. They explore new materials, take risks and learn that there is more than one solution to a challenge.

The students produce all sorts of work. In 2018 we have had woven wall installations, large expressive canvases, realistic drawing, digital manipulations,

tapestry, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, filmmaking and installations. We are always proud when ELTHAM students win prizes in local competitions such as the Warrandyte Art Show, exhibit work at the Nillumbik libraries, submit work for the Top Arts program, or take part in other real-world opportunities.

By participating in ELTHAM’s Visual Arts program, students learn to solve problems and face challenges, and succeed in unexpected ways. They search for meaning in their work and in the world, and they make comment on the world in which we live. Our young people learn to research deeply, exploring other artists’ work and producing a body of work that is often highly professional.

Joanna Ruchel Senior Art

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ALUMNI

News

ALUMNI NEWS It has been a great honour to preside over the ELTHAM College Alumni Committee during 2018. It has been another busy year for our association as we’ve worked to connect past students and staff with the College, to strengthen our community.

We exist to connect past students, staff and parents with the College, strengthening the College community by doing so. We represent around 7,000 past students and over 2,000 past staff.

Our Committee Our committee meets bi-monthly and comprises representatives from the past student and staff bodies, as well as the College executive and associated sporting clubs. In 2018, Kelly Peck (Class of 2013) stepped up as Vice President and I thank her for her assistance over these months, along with our secretary Nikola Shearer and Treasurer David Nicholson. Both Rachel Dere (Class of 1999) and Justin Littlefield (class of 1986) stepped aside to focus on their numerous other commitments after long and distinguished contributions to the committee. I thank them for their service and invite any interested alumni, parents or staff to attend a committee meeting in 2019.

Operations In 2018 we conducted six reunions, including the inaugural 40-year reunion and a staff reunion in addition to 1, 20 and 30 year reunions. We have also contributed to the College Open Day. With regards to our financial arrangements, we are grateful to the College for their ongoing support in allowing us to maintain an independent budget to support and connect our ever-growing alumni community.

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We have continued to support sporting groups related to the College, chiefly, Research-Eltham Collegians Cricket Club and Eltham Collegians Football Club (the Turtles). Both clubs have big plans for the immediate future (including new club rooms and a new league!) and I encourage you to consider joining.

Senior School students have been privy to VCE study and post-school transition advice sessions, spearheaded by Alumni Committee member, Naomi Taranto (Class of 2016). The Class of 2018 was welcomed to the alumni by Justin Littlefield at their valedictory dinner.

New Initiatives With regards to new initiatives, our committee has been working hard to establish an Alumni Music and Performing Arts group (ECAMP), following the success of College events such as the One Voice concert.

Our committee welcomes ideas and initiatives from you, our community. Please contact alumni@ elthamcollege.vic.edu.au if you would like to contribute to our committee in the future.

Alumni Music and Performing Arts Group (ECAMP) Exciting news for music and performing arts lovers! The ELTHAM College Alumni Committee is proud to launch ECAMP – the ELTHAM College Alumni Music and Performing Arts Group. This group is designed to provide opportunities for alumni to come together to rehearse, and make and perform pieces of music and theatre. We hope to see ECAMP at several College events throughout the year, as a stand-alone group and alongside current students. The group will also aim to organise workshops where alumni industry professionals can share their skills and collaborate with current students at the College. While we are a new group and are still developing our guidelines, we are also keen to hear from the community.

As this group is still in its infancy, we are reaching out to the alumni community to gauge potential interest. Past students, past staff, past parents and grandparents – if you can sing, play an instrument, dance, act, etc. we would love to hear from you! If you are interested in ECAMP, please contact alumni@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au.

Onwards still striving (no matter how far).

Al Anderson (Class of 2009) President of the ELTHAM College Alumni Association December 2018

facebook.com/ElthamCollegeAlumni alumni@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au linkedin.com/in/elthamalumni

ALUMNI

News

ALUMNI REFLECTION

Lachlan McDonald, Andrew Crook and Andrew Stacey at Class of '98 20 Year Reunion

Lachlan McDonald – Class of 1998 I arrived at ELTHAM College in 1995 in Year 9 and graduated in 1998. Coming from a regimented all-boys school I was immediately struck by two things: how friendly the atmosphere was and the lack of school bells – students were simply trusted to get themselves to class on time! These initial impressions continue to resonate. Today, many of my close friends are still those whom I met in my first few days, while the high standards of personal responsibility that were set from an early age have served me well throughout my studies, my career and my life in general.

Upon leaving ELTHAM College, I completed undergraduate degrees in Commerce and Economics before a Masters in International Relations and then a PhD in Economics. I initially took on a graduate position as an economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia based in Sydney, though an opportunity to be seconded to the Central Bank in Vanuatu for a year confirmed to me that I wanted a career working in international development.

Since then, I’ve lived and worked in a number of countries across Asia and the Pacific, working for International NGOs, the World Health Organization and the World Bank. My current role with the World Bank focuses on strengthening Myanmar’s local governance institutions. This key to giving disaffected ethnic groups greater control over their own affairs, which is a precondition for bringing peace to the country.

I currently work remotely from Melbourne and balance my work commitments with looking after our 7-month-old daughter, Cora.

The skills I use today as an economist were first honed at ELTHAM College. Most fundamental are English and Maths, of which I had many excellent teachers throughout the years. In addition, the technical knowledge I learnt in my VCE economics and international studies subjects helped pique an interest in subject matters that would go on to shape both my career and my life. For these experiences, skills and knowledge, I am forever grateful.

FOUNDERS LUNCH On Wednesday 24 October the College held our annual Founders Lunch. The lunch acknowledges the founders of the College and their work in not only establishing the College, but also supporting the school through its early years. Families and staff that joined our community from 1973 to 1978 were invited to come and reminisce.

Those attending heard from our guest speaker Dr Lionel Ward, former parent and current member of the College’s Development Committee. There was significant interest in recent developments at the College, and a number of former parents, who are retired from science and business, expressed interest in assisting with the Amplify program that we wish to introduce in 2019. Amplify is an ELTHAM College learning initiative which seeks to find

passionate people, invest in their ideas and launch them to an authentic audience.

It was a delightful luncheon.

Simon Le Plastrier

Chris Yeomans, John Yeomans, Robert Edgley and Patricia Edgley

Ann Beck and Dr Vauchan Beck 9

ALUMNI

Reunions

CLASS OF ‘78 40 YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF ‘88 30 YEAR REUNION

Saturday 27 October 2018

Friday 12 October 2018

A. Rod Peterson, Andrew Curtain B. Virginia Fitzwater, Darren Edwards, Michelle Smith (Floyd), Tina Murray C. David Tan, Shane Watson D. Barbara Collins (Billett), Michelle Floyd (Smith), Darren Edwards, Tina Murray, Mark Pytellek, David Tan

B

A. Nadine Kemp (Ruegg), Krista Phillips B. Tanya Singelton, Philip Mullett, Simon Le Plastrier, Tanya Weddle (Perry), Amanda Horsburgh C. David Cox, Merinda Gallagher (Gray) D. Peter Sagar, Luke Littlefield

C

A 10

D

A

CLASS OF ‘17 1 YEAR REUNION Friday 16 November 2018

B

A. Alec Watt, Sena Mai B. Ben Feher, Verity Adams C. Adrian Roberts, Will Graze, Koray Demir, Adam Josevski D. Will Lewis, Emily Chapman, Olivia Reichert

C

C

D

B

A

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ALUMNI

Notices

COMMUNITY NEWS NOTICES CONGRATULATIONS

VALE – Richard Hayes 19 January 1937 – 20 September 2018

Congratulations to Elyse Villani (Class of 2007), a member of the Australian women’s cricket team, which recently won against England at the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.

Rachael Lynch (Class of 2004) and her Hockeyroos teammates won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games this year on the Gold Coast.

Congratulations Rachael!

Recent graduate William McKenna (Class of 2018) will star as Scorpius Malfoy in the Australian production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

We look forward to seeing a lot more of William in the future.

Evelyn Mae Stratford, born 5 July 2018, daughter of Catherine and Scott Stratford (Class of 2001)

Richard Lewis Hayes (Dick) was appointed by Des Davey as Head of Mathematics in 1977 and when he retired in 2003 he had given 27 years of devoted service to ELTHAM College.

Dick’s educational philosophy was student-centred as he helped each individual in his classroom to achieve to their full capacity.

Over the years Dick also took on many administrative roles such as Timetabler and Daily Organiser. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Outdoor Education program and participated in staff drama and choral productions.

Richard will be remembered by his students and colleagues as – a cheerful bloke; a problem solver; an advocate for kids; a renaissance man; and most importantly – one of nature’s gentlemen.

Our sincere condolences to Dick’s wife, Irene, and his three ELTHAM alumni children, Briony, Andrew and Ben.

Roman Colling-Semmens born 11 October 2018 in Providence, USA, son of Will Semmens and Michael Colling (past staff member), brother of Maya.

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Keep up in the loop! Please email us at alumni@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au if you have recently welcomed a new baby, celebrated a loved one or have a story to share.

ALUMNI

Sport

ALUMNI SPORTING CLUBS

Life members and guests at a selection evening

The Turtles training

TURTLES NEWS

RECCC NEWS

2019 marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for our football club, affectionately known as The Turtles. After 30 years competing in the Amateurs Competition, we have made a much-publicised move to the Northern Football and Netball League. We have a rejuvenated board and committee who have done a magnificent job spearheading our transition. It has been an enormous job, but has so far has been as smooth as possible. We have a great mix of current and past players on our committee, and multiple College aumni.

Throughout the course of the year, the Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club hosts our sponsors at selection evenings that provide contact with our club community, and the opportunity for our club members to meet and interact with our key supporters.

Preseason training has begun, and we have had incredible numbers on the track; almost 60 people attended our first session, and we have averaged over 40 since. There is a fantastic vibe as we’ve welcomed over 20 new players and their families to the club.

As part of our transition we have welcomed many ex-Collegians back into the fold; engaging alumni was a major driving force in our decision, and has so far been justified. Other than the obvious sporting opportunities (both footballers and netballers), in 2019 we also have openings for aspiring graphic designers, journalists, photographers and events coordinators. We would love to fill these positions with students or alumni looking to bolster their resume and gain experience.

We’re looking forward to a successful season on field and off field, as we work with the College to grow into the community club we aspire to be.

Shells on.

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

Old Eltham Collegians Football Club | Contact Bryan Galvin at elthamturtle@gmail.com or visit elthamcollegiansfc.com

On Thursday 22 November, the RECCC hosted ELTHAM College Principal, Simon Le Plastrier, and Business Manager, David Nicholson, at a special selection night. Following dinner, Simon joined our Club President, Brad Purvis, to present the first batch of specially made life member badges, which were presented to seven of our life members: Anthony McCormack, Juanita Hardy, Stuart Sutcliffe, Nancy Cummane, Geoff Crisp, Michael Cahill and Sebastian Fitzpatrick.

The club then heard of the exploits of three of our junior club members. These anecdotes are presented after each game to recognise special achievements in the previous week’s game, as an introduction to the senior club for both players and families, and to provide a sense of welcome and familiarity as our juniors progress through to playing in our senior teams.

Simon then addressed the club community, imparting his own thoughts with regards to the benefits and expectations pertaining not just to RECCC, but to all community sporting clubs generally.

It was a great night for all. Special thanks to Simon and David for their attendance, which showed once again the wonderful support that ELTHAM College provides to the Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club.

Sebastian Fitzpatrick (Class of 1985) Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club (RECCC) | Contact Brad Purvis on 0409 499 751or visit researchelthamcollegians.vic.cricket.com.au 13

SWIPERS GULLY

Recipe

EASY SODA FOCACCIA BREAD RECIPE Ingredients 450g plain flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 3 sprigs rosemary, chopped 400ml buttermilk extra flour for dusting 60 – 75ml virgin olive oil 5g sea salt extra olive oil for serving balsamic vinegar for serving Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 7. Line your baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Sift the dry ingredients into a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Add half of the chopped rosemary and pour most of the buttermilk in at once and, using one hand with your fingers outstretched like a claw, mix in the flour from the sides of bowl, adding more buttermilk if necessary.

3. The dough should be soft, but not too wet and sticky.

4. When the dough all comes together, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin to 2.5cm thickness in a rectangle shape to fit on your baking tray.

5. Make dimples with your fingertips or a wooden spoon all over the top of the dough.

6. Drizzle the olive oil, and sprinkle the remainder of the chopped rosemary and the sea salt.

7. Bake the dough in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the bread is nice and golden on the top and bottom.

8. If the bread is a strong golden colour and you don't want it to darken any more during cooking, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/gas mark 5 and bake for the remaining specified time.

9. When the focaccia is cooked and still hot, drizzle just a little more olive oil over the top and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

10. Serve with some good virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

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We use this recipe at Swipers Gully Training restaurant each night during service, so our students requested that we feature it in this edition of Connections magazine. Freshly baked bread makes a hearty accompaniment to any Christmas meal, making it the perfect addition to your festive menu.

This is an easy recipe to make, as there is no proofing required. The buttermilk, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda react to create carbon dioxide that makes the bread rise. It is well worth a try. Bon appétit!

Serves 10 people.

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 NEWS LITTLE FLYERS .

The Eltham College Foundation is proud to have the provision of financial support for ELTHAM College as its primary objective. In pursuit of this, the Foundation operates six Child Care and Early Learning Centres across Melbourne.

The Eltham College Foundation is also proud to announce that it has once again achieved its goal of providing the College its targeted donation for 2018.

Iain Cowan Eltham College Foundation CEO

While we acknowledge we can never compete financially with the larger operators in this sector, our goal has been to provide the highest standard of care and education possible for the children in our care. In Victoria, our industry is governed by the Department of Education and Training, and is regulated by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

On a regular basis, ACECQA spends a number of days at each Centre assessing and ultimately rating each operation as ‘Working Towards’, ‘Meeting’ or ‘Exceeding’ the National Quality Standard. To achieve an overall ‘Exceeding’ rating, the Centre must be assessed as ‘Exceeding’ in each of seven areas – Educational Program and Practice, Children’s Health and Safety, Physical Environment, Staffing, Relationships with Children, Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities, and Governance and Leadership.

Our Little Flyers Centre at Eltham North was assessed in October this year and I am delighted to report that the Centre was rated as ‘Exceeding’ the National Quality Standard, and received extremely high praise for its practices. Congratulations go to the Centre Director and educational team at Eltham North Child Care and Kindergarten.

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ECCA

News

WELCOME, CONNECT, SUPPORT THE ECCA WAY

Much has been written in recent times about the role schools can play as community hubs; places where parents, grandparents, young people, educators and the general public can come together to learn, socialise and connect.

ECCA aims to provide a host of opportunities for members of our community to come together the variety of opportunities reflecting the range of personalities that make up our community.

Sometimes these opportunities take the form of major events such as the recent MASTERWORKS Art Exhibition in the vines or celebratory dinners.

Jacqui Ward (ECCA President) with ELTHAM College alumnus Dianne Collins (Class of 1980) holding the beautiful handcrafted plates made by Dianne and gifted to our Year 12 families by ECCA.

Another way we can come together as a community is by volunteering.

Whether you have an hour every week or an hour once a year, volunteering is a great way to feel connected and part of the ELTHAM community.

We are constantly on the lookout for volunteers to: • help welcome new families at ELTHAM in Action school tours • prepare gifts such as our annual Christmas books for the ELC • join committees to help plan events and consider issues • become an ECCA Social Rep for your child's year level • flip some burgers at our welcome BBQs

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If you would like to find out more about volunteering at ELTHAM or if you have ideas about other ways you'd like to connect or socialise, please send an email to ecca@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au.

Sadly, one of our most anticipated opportunities to come together – the Twilight Market in the Vines – had to be cancelled this year due to Melbourne's wild weather.

Thank you to all those people who worked so hard to prepare for the market, which will be back next year – bigger and better than ever!

On behalf of the ECCA committee, we would like to wish our exiting Year 12 families all the best for the future. Have a restful and happy summer holiday and we look forward to seeing you around ELTHAM in 2019.

Jacqui Ward ECCA President

ECCA

News

MASTERWORKS Art Exhibition in the Vines The long awaited return of the MASTERWORKS Art Exhibition in the Vines, organised by the ELTHAM College Community Association (ECCA), was held from Friday 12 October to Sunday 21 October at Swipers Gully Training Centre, and showcased the work of 34 renowned artists. Overall, 170 pieces of art from a diverse range of mediums – including oils, print, ceramics, wood, metal, glass, sculpture and jewellery – were on display throughout the event.

Our Opening Night Gala on Thursday 11 October was fun-filled, with 80 guests taking the opportunity to come along to meet and greet with our artists over a glass of champagne. During the following fortnight, there were 478 visitors to MASTERWORKS. Open Cellars also attracted a number of visitors, with 178 guests coming through the doors during the Open Cellars weekend.

Twenty-eight pieces of artwork were sold during the exhibition, with funds raised totalling $20,564.

Funds will go to a range of projects in 2019 including the ELTHAM College Observatory.

Sincere thanks to all those who exhibited artwork, helped to organise the event, volunteered and, last but not least, to all who supported the exhibition by attending.

We also extend our enormous gratitude to the MASTERWORKS Organising Committee, Simone Houlihan, Cherry Demir, Ruth Bailey and Nancy Cummane, who spent countless hours ensuring this exhibition was a success.

Some of the beautiful artworks on display at MASTERWORKS

Want to Help Out? Would you like to find out more about ECCA, share some ideas, get involved in planning our events or help out on the day? We’d love to hear from you.

Email ecca@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au with your details.

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BOUNDLESS POTENTIAL IN OUR NATIONAL CAPTIAL The ANU’s Tuckwell Scholarship Program assists highly talented and motivated school leavers, with a strong focus on nurturing Scholars to give back to Australia by fulfilling their community ambitions while completing an undergraduate degree.

One of the benefits of studying at ELTHAM College is its rigorous curriculum.

By the time they reach the VCE program, students have the opportunity to combine academic and vocational courses, thus developing a breadth of new skills and the chance to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.

A student who truly embodies ELTHAM’s commitment to scholastic excellence is outgoing Year 12 student and 2018 ELTHAM College Captain, Wyatt Raynal. It was recently announced that Wyatt has been awarded a 2019 Tuckwell Scholarship from the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, ACT. In 2019, Wyatt will be one of just 25 Tuckwell Scholars in Australia, having been selected from 682 applicants from across all four corners of the country. This coveted achievement speaks to Wyatt’s commitment to his studies and his capacity for working hard to achieve his goals.

At ANU, Wyatt intends to take up the chance to interact with some of the leading minds in Australia on subjects of interest – specifically, the arts and the humanities. He hopes to embark on an ambitious double degree: a Bachelor of Politics,

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Philosophy and Economics and a Bachelor of Arts, possibly with majors in literature and history. While Wyatt is not yet certain which area he will pursue for his career, he is interested in the possibility of further study, potentially through an Honours or Masters program.

In considering the benefits of the Tuckwell Scholarship, Wyatt is particularly interested in the opportunity to give back to the community, and to form connections with other scholars through academic programs. Early in the university year, the 25 Tuckwell Scholars go camping as a cohort, and enjoy regular social events and recreational programs.

Wyatt cites the staff at ELTHAM as having helped to diversify his interests prior to winning the scholarship. In Wyatt’s words: ‘From the day I first arrived at ELTHAM to the present, I have been supported by a cast too large to individually enumerate. I have been supported by teachers who have given me the knowledge, confidence and, most importantly, passion, to work at my interests and give anything a crack – be it sports, public speaking or, in this case, scholarships.’

We here at ELTHAM will be watching with great interest as Wyatt embarks upon this most exciting new chapter in his scholastic journey. Good luck, Wyatt.

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THE OBSERVATORY FROM THE ARCHIVES

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These evocative photographs and blueprints show the humble origins of the original ELTHAM College Observatory, from conception through to construction.

Early construction of the Observatory kicked off in August 1982 with the creation of a concrete footing, and strength-testing soon followed to ensure that the foundation could safely support the weight of the telescope and dome. Contracts were signed in 1983, and a range of factors affecting construction of the dome then required consideration – ensuring it could turn reliably on a circular track, weatherproofing and the necessity of a windshield, to name just a few.

Initially, the telescope was loaned to ELTHAM for five years, with the possibility of a five-year extension. It had previously resided at La Trobe

University. The telescope is a 12.5 aperture Newtonian Cassegrain model, which came with eight eye-pieces, maps, mirrors and other miscellany.

giving an overview of the night sky, naming some of the major stars and describing the immensity of space and how our earth is such a tiny part of it all, will always be one of life’s really valuable lessons.

Approval for opening was received from the Health Commission in October 1984, with the project’s final costs totalling $8000. Construction was completed in time for the viewing of Halley’s Comet in early 1986, an internationally significant astronomical event. Dr Bob Ross recalls that at that time John McCallum was the Science staff member who was most knowledgeable about astronomy, closely followed by Keith McKechnie. The telescope was quite a powerful one, so it was possible to clearly see the coloured bands and the four largest moons of Jupiter, the Orion nebula, and the craters on the moon. The staff-run star nights were an important part of the school curriculum. Listening to John McCallum, Keith McKechnie or Terry Huddy

In 1994, ELTHAM agreed to purchase the telescope, dome and all other chattels owned by George Wilhelm Haertel – Chief Technical Officer, Department of Physical Chemistry at La Trobe University –for the modest sum of $2300, following Haertel’s death. The College agreed to name the Observatory ‘The G.W. Haertel Observatory’ that same year, and a small opening ceremony took place in July 1994 during the College’s 20-year celebrations.

Many thanks to Archivist Esmae Boutros for unearthing these artefacts, which illustrate this fabulous aspect of ELTHAM’s varied history and to past teacher Dr Bob Ross, for sharing his memories of the Observatory.

Photo captions 1 Observatory blueprint section A 1982 | 2 Observatory construction Oct 1983 | 3 A picture from the Observatory | 4 Observatory 2018 | 5 Observatory construction Oct 1983 | 6 Observatory construction Oct 1983

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