Connections - Summer 2011

SUMMER 2011

The Creativity Issue

An ELTHAM College Publication

CONNECTIONS

Info

ContENTS 3

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Encouraging creativity.

FEB 5

Welcome to Middle Years BBQ 1660 Main Rd, Research, 11.30am–2.30pm

JUN 15

People’s Choice Winner Exhibition Swipers Gully Restaurant, 7.30pm

ZOMG what an innovative idea.

FEB 6

Junior Years Welcome Morning Tea Swipers Gully Restaurant, 8.45–10.30am

JUN 16

Class of 2002 – 10 Year Reunion Swipers Gully Restaurant, 7pm

FEB 9

Welcome Evening (1st Senior Year) 1660 Main Rd, Research, 7–9pm

JUL 28

Class of 1992 – 20 Year Reunion Swipers Gully Restaurant, 7pm

FEB 10

Closing date for Academic Scholarship applications

AUG 1

Senior Years Information Night 1660 Main Rd, Research

FEB 14

Welcome Evening (2nd & Final Senior Years) 1660 Main Rd, Research 7–9pm

SEP 8

Class of 1997 – 15 Year Reunion Venue TBA

FEB 19

EJYA Welcome Picnic Diamond Valley Miniature Railway, 11am–2pm

FEB 24

ECCA New Parents Cocktail Party Swipers Gully Restaurant, 7.30pm

Camp America in her sights.

The life of birds.

Disney spectacular.

City in a box.

Creativity and community in the city.

Student voice on the airwaves.

Back to the future.

Living Passion.

FEB 25

Academic Scholarship Testing Year 5 & 7 1660 Main Rd, Research

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Class of ‘81 30 year reunion.

Class of ‘91 20 year reunion.

MAR 2

Class of 2011 – 1st Year Reunion Swipers Gully Restaurant, 7pm

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Class of ‘96 15 year reunion.

Our ExECS sporting clubs.

MAR 16

House Music The Plenary, Melb Conv Centre, 8–11pm

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Gingerbread festive train.

We put care into education.

MAR 24

Early & Junior Years Open Day 1660 Main Rd, Research, 10am–1pm

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ECCA parents supporting ELTHAM. Checking in with friends.

APR 28

Class of 1987 – 25 Year Reunion Venue TBA

MAY 10

Middle Years Information Night 1660 Main Rd, Research, 7pm

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CALENDAR

Fusing science with creativity.

COME AND SEE US IN ACTION AT ONE OF OUR SCHOOL TOURS ELTHAM In Action Tour Dates 1660 Main Road, Research 9.15am

February 24, March 9 & 27, April 26, May 18, June 5 & 22, July 27, August 9.

MCS In Action Tour Dates 121 King St, Melbourne 9.30am

February 14 & 29, March 6, 14, 20 & 28, April 18 & 24, May 2, 8, 16 & 29, June 6 & 19.

Calling all Ex ELTHAM Staff!

Planning is underway for an Ex Staff Reunion, a Mid Year Friday Lunch. Details are yet to be finalised, however you can email your interest to: execs@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au.

Check the website and facebook for updates!

CONNECTIONS

Editorial

ENCOURAGING CREATIVITY The theme of this edition of Connections is CREATIVITY. All learning institutions talk about creativity but few practice it. A school needs a culture that encourages creativity in all its endeavours as it gives meaning to the enabling skills of literacy and numeracy. For example, numeracy is at the very heart of music.

While thinking about creativity I was reminded of a cartoon where the employer is standing under his firm’s name, Creativity Corporation, pointing to an employee and saying “get back to your cubicle and start thinking outside the box.” It reminded me of the climate in many classrooms and why at ELTHAM we have transformed the learning culture and learning space to ensure that creativity can continue to grow and develop, at the same time as enhancing achievement in both the traditional and non-traditional areas of endeavor.

When I reflect on how ELTHAM stands out, creativity is a significant part of my thinking. At ELTHAM we recognise the importance of thinking about creativity strategically to ensure we develop a culture where creativity can grow, while also providing the direct opportunity for being creative through studies.

When I visit the different areas of the College I am able to feel, see and hear the tangible qualities of creativity. Teachers are not pointing at students saying get back to your desk and listen so I can teach you to be creative. This is the prescriptive schooling structure that most adults experienced and I worry so much that many of us

still want that same look and feel, the structure and discipline that stifles creativity. Even with the necessary structured nature of VCE requirements the College continues to provide outlets for young people’s creativity. The current importance placed on creativity and innovation, set against the backdrop of our resource dominated export market, is sadly lacking. We must strive to continue developing the creative and inspirational people that will succeed in our global knowledge economy. One of ELTHAM’s many contributions to schooling, and to a dynamic socio-economic environment, is in providing the freedom to learn and it is within this culture that creativity can flourish.

Being creative is central to the culture and curriculum at ELTHAM. Our ExECS and current students clearly demonstrate this in so many ways. Our Foundation turned to creative solutions and developed a child care business rather than just asking for money, and no one could overlook the creativity that goes into ECCA’s MASTERWORKS. Sir Ken Robinson argues that we are all born creative. ELTHAM’s commitment is that we will continue to grow it.

Dr David Warner Principal/CEO ELTHAM College

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ELTHAM COLLEGE

Middle Years students look after their fragile charges as part of a ZOMG challenge

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Feature

ZOMG What an innovative idea!

This unique and fun approach to learning was devised from similar concepts characteristic of online computer games like Dungeons and Dragons or World of Warcraft.

“Now we’re

learning what each other’s strengths are and we will use them in other school activities.

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- Olivia Rizzo

Online gaming is a phenomenon that has been with us in various forms for over 20 years. Some researchers estimate that 3 billion hours are spent each week by people playing online games around the globe. The term ZOMG derives from gamer-slang where the “Z” was a regular typing mistake made while attempting to hit the shift key and type “OMG” (an acronym for Oh My God).

ELTHAM College ZOMG is a project aimed at a group of 31 grade five students. It has transformed the term when used in the classroom into a real-life massively multiplayer role-playing game...a curriculum that is based on these online internet games.

In this design the staff are not Teachers, they are ‘Quest-Givers’; kids don’t pass tests or get grades, they complete ‘quests’ and earn ‘experience points’. The school is rigged with riddles, challenges and tasks. The nine week game is designed so that individuals need to interact and cooperate to achieve success. It has become something quite different to usual school: a phenomenon!

Students were able to choose from five different roles or characters; Archaeologist, Technologist, Environmentalist, Artist and Journalist. Within these roles different levels could be achieved; from Apprentice, Professional, and Expert through to Epic and Legendary levels. Quests could be carried out as an individual, in pairs or groups. Students could then complete their quest and were able to ‘level up’, unlocking real rewards around the school, such as movie

tickets, special privileges like getting straight to the front of the lunch queue....right up to the chance to design their own perfect day at school.

A typical sentence heard around the school might be, ‘OMG, Natasha’s a level 5 Journalist already, because she found the Harry Potter power-up the same day the quest was given and got her litter-bagger experience point before recess!’

As opposed to, “Natasha got 82% in the test; she’s pretty good at spelling.”

This teaching framework is engaging and exciting for students and encourages collaboration and innovation to undertake tasks that stimulate a desire to learn and actively participate in the experience.

Find out more about how our Middle Years program encourages creativity, innovation and risk taking by coming along to an ELTHAM in Action Tour. See the dates on page 2 or at elthamcollege.vic.edu.au

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ELTHAM COLLEGE

News

Camp America in her sights When in the US a few years ago Catia Rizio heard about a program called Camp America that placed foreigners on summer camp placements in the US. Her interest grew and resulted in her undertaking a rigorous application process.

Summer camps typically run for 4-8 weeks and allow American kids to have fun and make new friends.

So when the pressures of Year 12 and a desire to see the world kicked in around August of this year I looked up their website. Applications had just opened, the application fee was cheap and there was an information evening.

The application in itself was a lengthy process that involved limiting my answers to 125 characters, whilst including everything I’d ever done in my entire life! Finally, after an interview with a past camper my application was submitted.

Catia Rizio will share her amazing musical skills in the US

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In the space of a week and a half a camp called “French Woods Festival of the performing arts summer camp” emailed me requesting some audio clips of past performances and more information. The camp only employs speciality counsellors which means I had to prove the strength of my musical skills. Luckily throughout my years at ELTHAM I have been involved in many amazing performances, so was able to demonstrate my experience. Within three hours of replying I was accepted as a staff member!

Only then did I realise that I’d been accepted to one of the top performing arts camps in the US. I can’t wait to head off next year and enjoy the opportunity to work with creative people while having the summer of a lifetime!

THE LIFE OF BIRDS At the end of an exciting chicken hatching program, children from the Early Learning Centre began discussing birds and their homes. That weekend their teacher spied an old bird’s nest in the garden and decided to take it into class.

After examining the nest and noting that mud and dirt was used, some children decided to make their own nests out of clay. The teachers observed that once the children had completed the nests, they spoke about the nest belonging to a particular species of bird. Without direction the children had spontaneously conceptualised a particular bird’s need. Some made a nest for a magpie, some for a parrot and there was even one for a kookaburra complete with kookaburra eggs. From this the children then drew pictures of the birds that ‘belonged’ to their nest.

Children and their birds

Next a wonderful parent shared with the group a soft toy bird she had constructed from felt and other materials. Everyone decided they wanted to make their own birds too. The children used their drawings to create a template and cut out their material to sew their own bird. With their birds complete, but so much more to discover, binoculars in hand, the children headed outside to do some bird watching. Activities included: counting birds; looking at the habitat; bird behaviour; and nutrition.

The children now have a unique understanding about birds that was obtained through creative and nurturing teaching techniques. Curiosity was stirred and teachers followed the journey, leading and challenging along the way.

Find out more about how our Early Learning Centre program encourages young people to follow their creative and curious natures by coming to an ELTHAM In Action tour. See the dates on page 2 or at elthamcollege.vic.edu.au

Disney Spectacular The ELTHAM College Music Department, under the direction of Strings Coordinator Brian Wallwork, has over the last 4 years embarked upon an innovative series of events that involve a huge cross section of the College community. Past productions have explored Irish Music, Beyond Our Shores, and Broadway and Beyond. This year we featured the music of Disney.

Hundreds of enthusiastic students from Junior, Middle and Senior years auditioned to be part of this year’s eagerly awaited Music Spectacular. Over 100 students were able to showcase their own individual creative talents across the Performing Arts including musicians, singers, dancers, choreographers, actors, artists as well as sound and lighting experts. This year’s four performances were a culmination of the hard work and skill of students from Years 3 to 12 as well as the

dedication of our amazing music and technical team.

Set beside a magnificent Disney castle and surrounded by pixie dust, a broad selection of Disney favourites from The Lion King, Aladdin, Jungle Book, Mulan, Mary Poppins, Tarzan, Hercules, Pinnochio, Aristocats, Anastasia, Hunchback Of Notre Dame & Pocahontas brought back many highlights and memories of the wonderful films of Disney.

Audiences were able to take a moment to relive that inner youth that Disney represents and many left the performance singing and humming along to the Mickey Mouse March with a smile on their face.

Find out more about ELTHAM’s unique music programs by contacting the College for a tour. For contact details go to elthamcollege.vic.edu.au

Our talented young people performing a piece from Hercules at the Disney Spectacular

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IN THE CITY

News

CITY IN A BOX Melbourne City School (MCS) recognises the importance of making learning fun and relevant.

We engage our young people in exciting and inspirational programs that encourage creativity and innovation to problem solve.

As part of a Maths inquiry titled “City in a box”, students were required to create an original cityscape that would fit into a cardboard box.

Creating the cityscape was the first step of a design brief that required students to generate an accurately measured architectural drawing from an original sketch. Using the architectural drawings donated by a parent as inspiration and participating in workshops on ruler and protractor usage, students laid out measurements for roads, parks and building sites on a board. After the drawing was completed, students applied for building permits. The building permit application required detailed information about the shape, size, base dimensions and colour of their desired buildings. Each architectural drawing was also required to adhere to strict road size guidelines with roads ranging in size from 1cm laneways to 5cm highways. To support the inquiry, students participated in targeted Maths workshops on 2D & 3D shape recognition, ruler and protractor practice, area, perimeter and line recognition.

Carrying out tasks that are easily translatable to real world situations enhances our young people’s understanding of their environment and encourages lifelong learning.

“I am most proud of the shops because of the building shapes and the signs on them. I learnt about 3D shapes, how to build 3D shapes using nets and how to use a ruler and protractor.”

- Lucy Cornelius

Lucy Cornelius with her city in a box

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Stay in touch with what’s happening at Melbourne City School by following us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/melbournecityschool

Creativity and community in the CBD

Vibrant boxes filled with friendship bands

Community values, innovation and integrity are just some of the principles that underpin this endeavour. After reading the book Mr. Nick’s Knitting about two friends, knitting on their train journey to the city, discussion began about the students own journeys. This led to the subject of homeless people observed on the streets. When challenged about what they could give to the city and our own school community, the students devised a patchwork blanket project. Emily, a grade one student, came to teach the Middle Years students finger knitting. This generated the idea of making friendship bands for the Junior Year’s students. Students then chose whether they wanted to learn to knit or crochet with needles.

Meanwhile donated jumpers were cut into squares and lively discussion was had about how they were to be arranged. Once the design was finalised each

student pinned, hand sewed, then machine sewed the squares. The friendship bands were made by creating twisted cords with beads.

Boxes were decorated for the friendship bands to complete the gift to the Junior Years students. The blanket will either be given to a homeless man that several students have seen, or to Melbourne’s Urban Seed organisation.

The creativity demonstrated throughout this project can be applied to many areas of learning and shows how our young people are active participants in their community.

Find out more about Melbourne City School at an MCS in Action Tour. Dates can be found on page 2 or at www.melbournecityschool.vic.edu.au

student voice on the airwaves Having a chance to produce an entire radio show gives our young people the opportunity to challenge themselves in a supportive, fun and very different environment. Over the course of this year, five students each term have produced an SYN (90.7FM) radio show. This involves writing, researching, preparing for and presenting a one hour radio program once a week for the entire term.

We have been doing this with SYN for over 5 years, and it is possibly our most talked about program amongst students. For the last two years, listeners of the radio station have voted our kids’ show the ‘Best Student Program’. This is no mean feat as there are many schools that broadcast on SYN throughout the year. We are a contender to take out that prize again this year.

Creating audio magic

Students run the entire program themselves, from the on-air content, to the operation of all the

controls. There is qualified producer with them in case they need help. The show is live unless students have another school commitment, in which case they pre-record the show. The value of this experience lies in the student’s ownership of the whole process and their ability to learn new skills in different areas.

You can listen to our Year 9 student’s radio program by tuning into SYN (90.7FM) each Friday during term from 12-1pm

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EXECS

News Biographies

BACK TO THE FUTURE Prior to their 30 year reunion, a group of ExECS from the Class of 1981 and staff who had taught them, embarked on a tour of ELTHAM as it appears today.

Lead by the irrepressible Acting Principal, Greg King, stories of what was then, what is now and what will be in the future were exchanged in the evening sun. Changes we have taken for granted over the last 3 decades astonished the group that remembered the small progressive school they had experienced.

“I have fond memories of my years at ELTHAM and was eagerly anticipating seeing what had changed.

Only a handful were there for the tour, but that made for an intimate and personal experience of enlightenment and reflection.

I was delighted to see continued evidence of the commitment and dedication of the staff to the school and its community. The physical structures have developed immensely over the past thirty years, but it was reassuring to see how well the new has been blended with the old.

Eltham College was often referred to as ‘progressive’, and thirty years ago that meant recycling bins and the absence of a school bell! Today there continues to be a strong focus on developing the students’ autonomy and sense of responsibility in preparation for life beyond school. We all agreed that the café and its surrounds also play a significant role here!”

- Bronwen Lane, Class of ’81 As the group worked hard to reconcile remembered landmarks with the current school layout and buildings, talk progressed to the future of ELTHAM and education, and what a bright future it would be.

Staff and ExECS from the Class of 1981, on their recent tour of the College

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EXECS

Biographies

LIVING PASSION ELTHAM encourages life long learning so it’s wonderful to hear from some of our Ex ELTHAM Collegians and discover more about their life experiences.

Deborah Cassell (nee Jones) Class of 1981

After leaving ELTHAM College in 1981 I went to Melbourne University and did a Masters degree in coastal and maritime geography. In 1990 I moved to England and I’ve been happily living here ever since. The landscape and history attracts me to England. My husband and I married in 1996 at the Roman Baths in Bath where there are beautiful buildings from Jane Austen’s time.

I work for a national government conservation agency that gives me the opportunity to manage different environmental initiatives. Most recently I’ve been working on access to the countryside, resolving conflicts between farmers and recreational users. Walking in the countryside is a big pastime here but many landowners are wary of the impact walkers have on their farming interests. It’s a small island with many competing pressures but there are still some fantastic landscapes to visit.

My husband works for a charity, but in his spare time he’s interested in practically everything.

We have a daughter who started school this September. She loves it and was impressed to know that I used to see kangaroos not far from where I went to school.

WHAT’S YOUR PASSION? Tell us how you are living your passion by emailing execs@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au, connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn or uploading your bio to execs.org.au

I don’t get back to Australia much– my parents have moved to the UK and my brother Chris (Class of 1984) is living in San Francisco. I still keep in touch with friends from ELTHAM College including Carolyn Pratley nee Smith who also lives in the UK. Carolyn and I were sorry not to have been able to make it to the 30 year reunion but we’ve been having fun figuring out who’s who in the photos!

Kean Selway Class of 1984

In August this year, Kean was appointed to the position of Vice-President (Enterprise) at Deakin University. A member of Deakin University’s Executive since 2002, Kean has strategic and leadership responsibility for the development of Deakin University’s Enterprise Capital.

Prior to joining Deakin, Kean was Managing Director of the Synergy Management Group, a company he founded in 1995. During this time he built and led successful ventures in business consultancy, software development and contract management services. Kean’s early career was in the hospitality industry, working for national hotel groups in business development and general management roles.

After finishing year 12 at ELTHAM in 1984, he undertook a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) degree at Monash University’s David Syme Business School. He graduated in 1988 and was awarded the Nicholas Kiwi Prize. He completed a Graduate Diploma of Management at Victoria University in 1995 and became a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD) in 2003. He successfully completed the Senior Executive Programme at the London Business School in 2007.

Kean currently serves as Chair on the boards of Callista Software Services, Unilink Limited and the Bowater Trust. He is a board member of the Committee for Geelong and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce. He was a director of the Australian Human Resources Institute from 200106, as Chair from 2005-06. He was a member of the Judging Panel for the Geelong Business Excellence Awards from 1997-2004, as Chair from 2002-04.

Kean is married with three children and lives in Ocean Grove, Victoria.

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ExECS

Reunions

Class of ‘81 30 year reunion We all gathered with some nervousness and trepidation at Swipers Gully on a balmy Saturday evening in November...some 30 years after we had bid farewell to Eltham College.

Wow 30 years!! The College was less than 10 years old when we left…. it didn’t have a ‘D. D. Davey Library’, the sports fields over the road was bush used for orienteering and there certainly wasn’t a city campus.

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The night was filled with stories of each other’s travels, family, employment, and children, however by the end of the evening, the room was filled with memories of our years at the College and reminding the teachers what ‘perfect’ students we all were! Of course the girls green PE uniform, the 3 rubbish bins and Mr Davey’s fire truck were all remembered with a laugh.

In reality, some of us had changed a little (and some a lot), but the stories flowed like we had all been together just yesterday. A great turn out of Ex ELTHAM students attended, considering it has been such a long time, and it was also fantastic to see a large number of ex staff and teachers... who amazed us by remembering so many of us and incredible details about our year group. Mrs Hewitt even made the trip from Sorrento and eventually arrived 2 hours late after her car broke down along the way... such commitment to do a role call after all these years!

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30 Year Reunion A. Athalie Haydon, Richard Hayes, Romney Bishop (nee Spence) B. Meg Hooton (nee Garvey) & Glynis Cheston (nee Darling) C. Lynne Lawson (nee Jones), Mike Brouwer, Lee Kennedy D. Ian Tennant, Mike Brouwer, David Baxter, Hamish Hunt E. Gavin Gray, Libby Glover (nee Basset-Smith), Damain Bishop, Kate Donaldson (nee Hammond) F. Daniel McGee (Partner), Beryl Nichols, Bronwen Lane, Chris Livingstone.

Class of ‘91 20 year reunion What a trip down memory lane. Can it really be 20 years since we were last here...?

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A wonderful night was had by all at the recent Class of 1991 – 20 year reunion. After the usual questioning looks and inquisitive ‘I think I recognise that face’ gazes, confirmation of names via name tags led to lots of hugs and kisses as well as ‘you haven’t changed a bit’ announcements.

Some were taken on a tour of the school prior to the event, which raised many memories such as “I remember climbing those” and “I fell over there” as well as lots of wide-eyed “oh look at the new facilities”.

Many enjoyed the night so much that there was even talk of a 21st catch up, I think for many the night flew by and was loads of fun.

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DONT MISS YOUR NEXT REUNION Find out what’s happening within the ExECS community at www.execs.org.au or facebook.com/execs

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30 Year Reunion A. Alison Knuckey (Partner), Damien Knuckey, Nicholas Maurer, Mark Kottman, Samuel Marston B. Christian Sim, Mark McLaughlin, Guy Pelling, Adam Brooks C. Fiona McPherson, Samantha Sicuro (nee Donovan), Jodi Deipenau D. James Higgins, Chris Reynolds, Aristea Porfiri, Mandy Strates E. Melanie Sumpter (nee Ritter), Samantha Thwaites (nee Howman), John Brenan, Alison Aggett, Natasha Meagher F. Tasha Brown, Regan Sterry, Joanna Strybosch (nee Hespe).

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ExECS

Reunions

Class of ‘96 15 year reunion After receiving my invitation to the Class of 199615 year reunion, I looked through the student list and thought, “not a bad group, I should make the effort to attend”. When I noticed that it was at the Geebung Polo Club I thought “why not?” my daughter always said it was an OK place , so off I went, to see what influence I had managed to have on some of the greatest minds ELTHAM had produced.

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On entering I was met by Yvette Hurst who immediately offered me a drink, a good start to the night. I eventually found Melati Box, now a teacher herself, and had an amazing conversation confirming primary teaching is still a great career.

This was a great reunion! I enjoyed catching up with the Class of ‘96 and concluded the world may be safe if this is the next generation. I give them all a 5, which is the highest grading in our middle school assessment system at the moment.

Thanks to all those who attended and to Ann P for her usual superb organisation.

Written by Peter Duffell , current ELTHAM College staff member

WANT TO SEE MORE? To view the entire gallery of past reunion photos go to www.execs.org.au or the ExECS Facebook page

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15 Year Reunion A. Janet Shelley, Georgia McCorkill, Melati Box B. Julia Dwyer, Andrea Stefanile (nee Panayiotis), Kate Trench-Thiedman C. Kasey Gibson, Nat Jenkin, Tania Mathias D. Michael Amos, Chris Putnam, Janet Shelley, Drew Norgate E. Michael Amos, Chris Putnam F. Penny McCormack, Dannielle Holland.

ExECS

Sport

our EXECS sporting clubs Find out what our Football and Cricket clubs have been up to.

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GET IN CONTACT Research - Eltham Collegians Cricket Club tony.jenkins@researchcc.com.au ELTHAM Collegians Amateur Football Club www.elthamcollegiansfc.com

SUMMER OF CRICKET

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

With summer approaching it’s time to tape up a tennis ball, roll out the wheelie bin and dust off the cricket bat. If you are a cricketing tragic with no team, all is not lost. Try donning a headband and limbering up in the middle of your street, Merv Hughes style. This is sure to draw out other cricket enthusiasts. Or, convince your partner to play some backyard cricket. Often difficult, as a passion for cricket possessed by one partner usually translates into the opposite for the other.

Repeatedly breaking windows doesn’t help.

The 2011 season was remarkable for the ELTHAM Collegians Amateur Football Club. The expectations at the start of the season were pretty low given the lack of numbers on the training track. However, as the season progressed, all expectations were exceeded. The seniors completed an outstanding season and made it to the Division 2 finals for the first time in the club’s history.

However, the best way of rustling up a game is to introduce your kids to the game of cricket.

The Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club (RECCC) can help with opportunities to get kids involved and learn the game. The club runs Milo cricket programs for 4-8 year olds, Joeys for under 10s, as well as Under 12’s, 14’s and 16’s sides. The Milo cricket program is run on Sunday mornings 10-11:30 at the main College oval from early November to the end of February.

For more information about RECCC junior cricket please contact Nancy Cummane 0403290481 or email cummane@hotmail.com. Open to all children in the community, everyone is welcome.

A. Learning new skills at a Milo cricket program.

B. ELTHAM Collegians AFC.

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New Senior Coach, Alan Sutherland was a revelation bringing knowledge, experience and commitment to the role. Sam Richardson continued to be one of the finest footballers in Division 2 and won the Tucker Cup Best and Fairest. The reserves’ season was highlighted by back-to-back wins to start the season and two narrow victories over Old Westbourne Grammar at home and away. Ross Love was a clear winner of the Bell Cup as Best and Fairest.

With our growing relationship with the ExECS and the significant ongoing support of ELTHAM College and the wider community, the future certainly looks bright. We invite any member of the ELTHAM College Community, past or present, to join our club for the 2012 season and be part of a positive club environment on and off the field.

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SWIPER’S GULLY

Contacts Recipe

GINGERBREAD FESTIVE TRAIN What an exciting way to celebrate the festive season.You could create this scrumptious train with your children as a holiday project, or make a few as wonderful gifts. This recipe features in the ABC’s of Cooking Kids classes that are held at Swipers throughout the year.

ROYAL ICING INGREDIENTS (Royal Icing must be kept covered at all times as it will dry out and crust) 1 egg white

GINGERBREAD INGREDIENTS (Makes 1 train)

GINGERBREAD METHOD

75 g softened butter

Heat oven to 160ºC (fan forced) or 180ºC (conventional).

50 g caster augar

I cup of pure icing sugar

½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

½ tsp lemon juice

50 g golden syrup

Add bicarb soda, golden syrup and egg yolk/s.

1 egg yolk

Sift flour and spices into a bowl and ensure they are mixed well

ROYAL ICING METHOD Sift Icing sugar to remove lumps. Strain lemon Juice.

Place egg white in a clean mixing bowl and beat until just stiff.

230 g plain flour

Stir flour through butter mix until it forms a ball and knead lightly until it is smooth.

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes prior to using.

Add Icing sugar gradually beating well.

Roll Gingerbread out to a thickness of approx 2-3 mm. The bread has to be reasonably thick for the biscuits so that they won’t break. Roll between 2 sheets of glad bake

Add lemon juice and beat Icing until it will hold in stiff peaks.

Cover immediately.

Carefully cut out your shapes using a template or biscuits cutter and transfer onto lined baking trays. Templates can be found on the ELTHAM College website. Simply click on the “ECTS Short Courses” link on the homepage (look for the strawberry)!

Cook for approx 10 - 12 minutes until slightly risen and golden.

Cool Gingerbread pieces completely before icing & decorating. Use your imagination when decorating with all your favourite lollies.

All aboard for creative fun!

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Treat Yourself at Swipers Gully Restaurant For a great night and excellent value phone 9437 2222 for bookings.

ELTHAM COLLEGE KIDS

Advice

We PUT CARE INTO

EDUCATION ELTHAM College Kids Child Care centres across Victoria lead the way in providing young children with a quality educational program perfectly balanced with exceptional care.

We understand that children come to us with prior knowledge and we respect and build on this knowledge by providing facilitated learning through a range of activities, coupled with a nurturing environment, all delivered by our qualified and experienced educators. Together with the principles of the Early Learning Years Framework, our educational philosophy is to nurture and promote each child and their developing talents from baby to preschool.

Care at the highest level allows a child the opportunity to engage in learning. Simple quality assurance in care routines for children (like being clean, dry and adequately nourished) translate to a child who is comfortable and happy. When children are settled and content they are more receptive to an educational program supportive of their stage of development.

At ELTHAM College Kids we observe developmental milestones reached by an infant with shared amazement, we admire toddlers practising their independence, and marvel at the preschooler building on their knowledge.

We put education into care and care into education.

To find out more about how ELTHAM College Kids can provide quality care and education for your child go to elthamcollegekids.com.au

Developing talents from baby to preschool

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ECCA

Roundup

ECCA parents supporting ELTHAM MASTERWORKS in the Vineyard 2011 contemporary art exhibition was held in October at Swipers Gully Restaurant.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD Guests attending the exhibition Opening Night were asked to vote for their favourite 2D and 3D artworks.

The two artists with the highest number of votes receive the opportunity to hold a joint exhibition at Swipers Gully Restaurant in 2012.

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BEST IN SHOW AWARD

Hosted by ECCA, this biennial exhibition showcased a wonderful and diverse range of artwork by thirty local and interstate artists.

Works on display included sculpture in bronze, glass, wood, ceramic and metal, a range of jewellery and a variety of hanging works in oils, acrylic, charcoal, etchings, linocut and watercolour.

The 2011 Judging Panel had an extremely difficult task in selecting a winner for this award, resulting in a split decision with the prize shared by two artists.

Works are still available for viewing and purchase at the MASTERWORKS online gallery at www.masterworks.com.au.

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CELEBRATING MASTERWORKS 2011

The Opening Night event was enhanced by the musical accompaniment of very talented ELTHAM students who were part of a jazz ensemble, coordinated by James Bradley

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The winners of the 2011 People’s Choice Award were Christine Wrest-Smith for her charcoal work “Habitat 26” and Andrew Potocnik, who exhibited a delicate wood sculpture “Eucalyptus Pods”. We look forward to the exhibition of these two local artists, which will be held in June 2012.

A. Deborah Halperns mosaic sculpture Cheeky Monkey.

B. People’s Choice Winner Andrew Potocnik- Eucalyptus Pods.

C. Penelope Aitken, joint winner of the Best In Show award.

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The Judging Panel consisted of: Sigmund Jorgensen – Montsalvat Chris Heysen - ELTHAM College Board Chairman Grace Longato- Nillumbik Shire Arts & Culture Shane Pugh -Dunmoochin Foundation.

Shane, who is a College parent and Director of the foundation established by his father Clifton Pugh, officially opened the exhibition as the Opening Night guest speaker,sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise.

Congratulations to Deborah Halpern and Penelope Aitken (past ELTHAM student). As joint winners of the Best in Show award for 2011, Deborah and Penelope will share the $1000 cash prize.

ECCA

“Friends of” Groups

Checking in with friends Find out more about the great activities our Friends of Groups have been involved in recently.

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SNOWSPORTS @ ELTHAM

ENJOYING MUSIC TOGETHER

KAYAKING ON THE GOULBURN RIVER

ELTHAM Snowsports has seen another fantastic year of action both during the Victorian Interschool’s Competition at Mt. Buller and the annual Ski Camp at Mt. Hotham.

“Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit.”

– John Denver

Early in November, members of the ELTHAM College Canoe Club and Friends of Kayaking enjoyed a weekend of coaching at the Canoe Slalom Course on the Goulburn River near Eildon.

The Snowcamp is open to students of any age and has become a highlight of the year for all participants. Each student gets to ski or snowboard all day with ability based lessons offered each morning. This leads to a huge increase in confidence, ability and enjoyment by the end of the week. The evenings back at the lodge are also fun with movie nights, games and even night skiing!!

The vision of Friends of Music (FoM) is simply “families nurturing music” because music is for sharing, connecting and enjoying – together.

Time on the river on Saturday was dedicated to coaching in groups of just 4 or 5 paddlers at a time, and Sunday’s river sessions included some friendly competition against paddlers from other clubs.

Thank you to all the parents who supported the students and coordinators during the year. We hope to see you next year on the slopes.

A. Marcus Pelly, snowboarding thrills at Snowcamp.

B. Members of the 2011 Singapore Tour Choir practising with Katy Abbott. C. Matt Owen testing his kayaking skills.

Friends of Music have funded the commissioning of an original composition by Katy Abbott, which the ELTHAM choir will perform at the 2011 Singapore Choir Tour. The choir consists of 23 students from Years 7 – 12, who will tour Singapore in December, including a Chamber Choir performance at Raffles Hotel.

ELTHAM College paddlers will return to the Goulburn River for the final race in the Victorian Country Series, and again on the last weekend of November for the Victorian State Championships.

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ELTHAM COLLEGE

Development Office

FUSING SCIENCE WITH

CReativity We live in an increasingly knowledge rich world, which presents us with bigger and more complex issues that need to be explored.

“ Practical learning fits hand

in hand with exploring the world... you need to understand data and make conclusions.

“

- Professor Doug Hilton

Thinking creatively is often not something people consider in terms of science, however creativity in science can foster great discovery and innovation.

Professor Doug Hilton, a parent of two children who attend ELTHAM College, would certainly agree with this statement and can attest to the importance of young people being encouraged in the scientific fields. As well as being a passionate parent Professor Hilton is the Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. He is an experienced researcher and recently received the 2011 Research Australia Leadership and Innovation Award.

Professor Hilton believes that our youth should be sceptical learners, and not necessarily accept or believe everything at face value. Instead they need to examine the evidence and make their own conclusions. Part of medical research is also making mistakes and learning from them, not seeing them as failures but part of the discovery.

Science curriculum has traditionally been about reconfirming the facts as already established.

Whilst it is important to understand procedural methods and proven theories, just learning the facts that someone else discovered is not very exciting. The experiential and investigative side of science discovery is where our focus needs to be directed, especially when it comes to the younger generation.

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Our philosophy at ELTHAM is that young people need to be given the freedom to learn, to become active and innovative contributors in society. This concept is certainly close to Professor Hilton’s heart as it is the children who are questioning and inspired learners today that will potentially become the scientific researchers of tomorrow.

Our scientific minds at ELTHAM will certainly be given room to be creative when the new science building, set to begin construction over the 2011 Christmas break, opens in early 2012.

This area aims to provide so much more than the conventional offerings of a science laboratory.

The new building will create an identity and presence for the sciences acting as an entry point to the biology, chemistry, and physics rooms that will directly adjoin the new space.

A new common learning area will promote an holistic approach to teaching allowing for possibilities in cross education between the sciences and opportunities to promote science to the wider ELTHAM College community and visiting public.

This new facility is wonderful for science at ELTHAM and for the future. With amazing new facilities like this, the opportunity to thoroughly investigate 21st century scientific issues like stem cell research, climate change and GM foods can be explored so much further.

Promoting creative thought in the sciences ensures that the youth of today will have the skills to be able to take an idea and investigate it, without always having to follow a prescribed method. As one of the most celebrated and influential scientists in history, Albert Einstein, once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge”.

Petra Robertson, Professor Doug Hilton and Julie Marshall discussing the plans for the new science building

Look out for more information about ongoing development at ELTHAM College in 2012

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CONNECTIONS

Contacts Supported by

It’s worth swiping.

At Swipers Gully we make a range of classic Yarra Valley wines that occasionally inspire a little cheekiness.

Maybe it’s because they’re full of character and life. Or perhaps it’s because we keep a close eye on their quality and only release limited batches of our best wines at any given time. Either way, if you do get your hands on a bottle of Swipers Gully Wine, we suggest you keep your eyes on it. Available at www.swipersgully.com.au

Give your child so much more than just child care.

Visit www.elthamcollegekids.com.au for more information or to book your personal tour today C

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Looking for a family holiday?

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barpiccolo 2a Luck St ELTHAM 9431 0057 info@barpiccolo.com.au

fine beer & wine cocktails light meals functions

Advertise in Connections magazine Support us and reach over 7000 households in the ELTHAM College community.

Contact ELTHAM College Community Relations Office on 9437 1421 for details.

Owner: Mark Gasparotto - Class of ‘93

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GET CONNECTED ELTHAM COLLEGE Enrolments and Tours: 03 9437 1421 registrar@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Development Department: 03 9433 9867 jmarshall@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Swipers Gully Restaurant: 03 9437 2222 www.elthamcollege.vic.edu.au MELBOURNE CITY SCHOOL Enrolments and Tours: 03 9433 9973 enrolments@mcs.vic.edu.au www.mcs.vic.edu.au ExECS Enquiries 03 9433 9959 execs@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au www.execs.org.au ECCA Enquiries 03 9433 9920 ecca@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au ELTHAM COLLEGE FOUNDATION Enquiries 03 9437 1421 icowan@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au ELTHAM COLLEGE KIDS Eltham North 03 9431 4947 Laurimar 03 9717 3741 Melbourne City 03 9614 3011 Wallan 03 5783 2698 www.elthamcollegekids.com.au FRIENDS OF...

EC Waves Swimming presidentecwaves@gmail.com EJYA ejya@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Equestrian friendsofequestrian@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Football friendsoffootball@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au Great Victorian Bike Ride r.smedley@optusnet.com.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

1660 Main Road Research Tel: 03 9437 1421 elthamcollege.vic.edu.au