The Firbank Grammar School Log 2021

2021

THE FIRBANK

THE YEAR OF

LOG

CURIOSITY

2021 THE YEAR OF

THE FIRBANK LOG 2021

CURIOSITY

Artwork: 2020, Artists: Jenae Tipiloura, Jodie Palipuaminni and Sarai Atkinson, Indigenous Mentor and the Student Reconciliation Group of 2020.

Acknowledgement of Country We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land, the people of the Kulin Nation, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters and thank them for protecting this coastline and its ecosystems since time immemorial.

The Kulin Nation consists of the five language groups who are the Traditional Owners and lived in the area that is currently known as the Port Phillip region. The language groups are connected through shared moieties (divided groups) – the Bunjil (wedge-tailed eagle) and the Waa (crow). Bunjil is the creation spirit of the Kulin and Waa the protector of the waterways.

The five language groups are: Boonwurrung (Boon-wur-rung), Dja Dja Wurrung (Jar-Jar-Wur-rung), Taungurung (Tung-ger-rung) Wathaurung (Wath-er-rung) Woiwurrung (Woy-wur-rung), commonly known as Wurundjeri.

CONTENTS

FROM THE

Principal Director of Learning Deputy Principal School Board Senior School Captains Student Leaders Student Representative Council Social Justice League Student Wellbeing Debating Chapel Environmental Action Group Sport Rowing Awards Rowing Netball Languages Competition Results Music Dance Colours Dance Drama Outdoor Education Award Programs Helen Murphy Prize Writing Info Hub Visual Arts

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 21 22 23 24 27 28 30 31 34 36 40 41 42 45 46

SENIOR SCHOOL

Boarding House Year 12 VCE Results Year 11 Year 10 Year 9 Year 8 Year 7 Houses: Aylwin Cameron Hancock Crowther Sheppard Tyson Tonkin Clarke Pockets and Colours

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48 50 60 62 68 74 80 86 92 94 96 98 100

JUNIOR SCHOOL SANDRINGHAM

From the Head of Campus Leaders Results Year 6 Year 5 Year 4 Year 3 Year 2 Year 1 Prep Director of ELC ELC 4 ELC 3 Sport Performing Arts Visual Arts Mandarin Compass Science

110 111 111 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 132 134 136 138 140 142

JUNIOR SCHOOL BRIGHTON

From the Head of Campus Leaders Results Year 6 Year 5 Year 4 Year 3 Year 2 Year 1 Prep Director of ELC ELC 4 ELC 3 Sport Performing Arts Art Mandarin STEM Compass

146 147 147 148 150 152 154 156 158 160 162 164 166 168 170 172 174 175 176

Staff – Senior School Staff – Junior Schools Class of 2020

178 180 182

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FROM PRINCIPAL HUMAN SPIRIT IS THE ABILITY TO FACE THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE FUTURE WITH CURIOSITY AND OPTIMISM. IT IS THE BELIEF THAT PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED AND DIFFERENCES RESOLVED. IT IS A TYPE OF CONFIDENCE. 2021 has been Firbank’s Year of Curiosity, and I am so proud of how our staff, students and entire community have embraced this concept, exploring passions and excelling in and out of the classroom.

I am truly fortunate to serve as Principal of such an outstanding school that has overcome all the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and become even stronger as a result.

It is essential to recognise how fortunate we are to be here at Firbank. Our incredible teachers and staff work so hard to give our students the best future possible.

We strive to be continually curious and courageous, always taking new growth opportunities whenever they present themselves. These last two years have proven how true that is, as we have constantly adapted to an ever-changing environment.

I want to thank all students, parents and staff members for keeping the Firbank Learning Journey an enjoyable one for all involved. Our teachers, in particular, should be commended for keeping students engaged and positive even when leading a class from a screen.

Students at Firbank continue to achieve and conquer their learning, and we have our wonderful teachers to thank for that.

Across all three Firbank campuses, our students have thrived, grown and continued to develop into 4

remarkable young people with limitless potential. Indeed, the last two years have presented great adversity, but it never ceases to amaze me how our students have risen to the challenge.

For some of our younger students, all they have known from school is the turbulence shifting between at-home and on-campus learning. For others, their entire VCE journey has faced interruption. Some have had a start to their time at our Senior School that has been less than ideal due to the pandemic. Despite this, every single Firbank student should be filled with pride at how they have adapted and remained resilient.

Getting through the last two years hasn’t been about weathering the storm – it has been about finding a smile that lights the darkness and being stronger when we are together, even if we can’t be in the same physical space. The challenges we have faced only made us stronger, preparing us to conquer 2022 and beyond. In Firbank’s Year of Curiosity, our students have continued to find their passions and explore the world around them despite the challenges of learning from home.

Our students, staff, parents and everybody in our community make Firbank such a special place to be.

We have an incredible community of people who care about each other and our School. It has been an absolute pleasure to see everybody at Firbank grow over the last two years. I truly could not be prouder.

I would like to congratulate our Year 12 students for their unbelievable efforts to undertake their VCE studies over the past two years.

They are an exceptional cohort that regularly leaves me speechless with thier resilience, courage and compassion. They have worked so hard to reach the end of the learning journey at Firbank, and I hope they will remember the years they spent here with great fondness. They will always be Firbank students, and we can’t wait to hear all about their adventures in the years to come.

Thank you to everybody in our community for entrusting us to deliver the best in education. It is an honour to see our students flourish into such incredible young people.

We look forward to continuing the learning journey with you all in 2022.

Jenny Williams Principal

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING One of my favourite book series’ as a child (and then wonderfully again as a parent) was the Little Miss and Mr Men collections.

Little Miss Curious tells the story of a young person who “always wanted to know the how and why and what of everything”.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

– Nelson Mandela

The Firbank curriculum is deliberately crafted to provide a breadth of experiences, knowledge and skills that equip our students to be continuous conquerors of learning Kim Elith, Director of Learning and ready for life. 2021 has provided opportunities in countless ways to see this in action. Our teachers have been working together to implement the 7 Principles. Each of the principles encompasses high-quality teaching strategies. Teaching staff developed these in early 2020 and wonderful to see how collaborative tirelessly in 2021 to sustain these then focused on integrating them our students and teachers are. I relationships even when we into our written curriculum plans and witnessed peer mentoring in action weren’t physically on campus and programs. in maths classes of all levels, peer in classrooms together. During the feedback being provided on pitches long periods of time spent learning Throughout 2021, the 7 Principles in VCE Visual Communication Design remotely, we reminded students of were brought to life in the classroom and small groups brainstorming how important it is to be present, be and in online learning. Our Learning ideas in a Year 9 English problem positive and be kind. Each of these and Innovation Team has been solving project. It was evident that imperatives were drawn from the 7 leading the implementation through students consistently collaborate with Principles and provide the how of the development of resources and their teachers across all courses and learning at our best. strategies, with a specific focus on year groups as they worked together learning intentions and success to refine their understandings, In a clever use of irony, the author of criteria. These are shared with clarify key concepts and draft written Little Miss Curious, Roger Hargreaves, students so they are empowered to responses. finishes his book by having his know what they are learning and why. protagonist run off after her day out Such strategies also support students Again and again in 2021, asking countless questions, without through setting high expectations Firbank students sustained and telling the readers why. Of course, and modelling excellence. heightened their sense of curiosity we are left wondering “why?” just like – collaboratively with their teachers all lifelong learners should. We know Collaboration enhances learning in and with each other – because that our Firbank students certainly every context. When I first arrived relationships are at the heart of will in 2021 and beyond. at Firbank, I spent a number of learning. Firbank teachers worked days observing classes, and it was 5

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Our 2021 school year began with a sense of excitement – there were big smiles and no masks! After not being able to bring the whole Senior School together in one space for almost a year, many commented how we’d never take being able to assemble large groups for granted again.

Highlights of being back together at Firbank included Senior School Assemblies, Student Leadership Days, and the rescheduling rather than cancelling of our House Swimming Carnival. We continued to follow the philosophy of rescheduling wherever possible.

Term 1 progressed as planned; we had our first Senior School Consultation Group meeting with parents by the end of the first term, the Head of School Girls’ Rowing Carnival, International Women’s Day assembly and IWD Breakfast. We saw our Year 10 students embark upon their exciting Horizons Outdoor Education experience, and enjoyed our Athletics Carnival, Twilight Jazz Concert and Easter Service at St Andrew’s Cathedral.

Our combined FGS/BGS activities began well with our Year 9 students coming together for lunch at BGS and the kick-off

by Liz Dawes of our students working together for the RCD cause. Throw in our House CrossCountry competition, the practice

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GAT, and the wonderful Firbank Mother’s Day Luncheon.

We began Term 2 excited for our Senior School musical, ‘Mamma Mia’. It was just what our community needed after a year of lockdown – a spectacular, upbeat, uplifting and fun production that lifted everyone’s spirits! We were all on a high from this great community event when we were plunged into lockdown, and our much-anticipated Reconciliation Week and assembly went online – a beautiful celebration of our Indigenous people, so sensitively compiled by students and staff.

Throughout our COVID-19 challenges, we have remained steadfast and proud of our philosophy around re-thinking and rescheduling events wherever possible so that our community had important moments and traditions to look forward to. To this end, our online Presentation Evening, and ‘inperson’ Valedictory Celebrations and Year 12 Formal were all events of which to be proud.

Importantly, throughout the year, we continued offering all student leadership group meetings – SRC, EAG, Wellbeing and Social Justice and the Senior School Consultation Group (SSCG).

The Class of 2021 deserves special mention; their continuous focus and dedication over two VCE years of COVID-19 interruptions has been inspiring, as were their wonderful VCE results – we know they will achieve great things, and their lessons in resilience will hold them in good stead for the future. And a heartfelt thank you to our Firbank community – you all should be so proud of your efforts this year.

I am very much looking forward to a great 2022 and to working with our new leaders as they represent and support our community in their final year.

Leandra Turner Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

THE BOARD I would like to recognise the incredible efforts of everybody at Firbank in 2021. Students, staff and all in our community have come together to ensure that, despite challenges presented again by the COVID-19 pandemic, we had another successful year.

Shifting between school and homebased learning has not been easy for anyone, but the dedication and tenacity shown by all has been nothing short of outstanding.

Once again, Principal Jenny Williams and the Senior Executive Team have handled a trialling year with grace and excellence, ensuring that all students at Firbank have the opportunity to be curious and conquer learning. Our staff have shown the utmost care and enthusiasm, rising to the challenge of remote learning once again. Firbank continues to offer exceptional academic programs while keeping the wellbeing of our students at the forefront.

I would also like to offer a special thank you to the dedicated team at Firbank that has led the way in ensuring our students return to campus safely. Our rapid antigen testing program has been a huge success, and our HEPA filters have further ensured that our community remains safe. With vaccination numbers up and several precautions in place, we are looking forward to what will hopefully be an uninterrupted 2022 school year.

Each year, the Board and executives review Firbank’s Strategic Masterplan, ensuring that our facilities continue to meet the

future needs of our curriculum and extracurricular activities. While 2020 and 2021 have seen some projects slowed down, we are excited about the progress of the Senior School’s new arts precinct in the Louis Williams building. This project is on track to be completed early in 2022, giving our students a state-of-the-art space to find their passions and be curious.

makes us so proud.

We have also refreshed the CCA in 2021, added an exciting nature playground to Sandringham Campus and further developed our sports masterplan.

To the Deputy Chair Denice Pitt, Treasurer Frieda Yeo and fellow board members Andrew Cox, Wayne Gordon, Joanne Hannah, John Harris, Nick Stretch and Owen Smith, I extend my most sincere thanks for your contributions to the Board, Committees and the School.

It is essential that we continue to develop the facilities at Firbank, remaining the best when it comes to providing outstanding education for our students. These upgraded spaces allow our brilliant teachers to get the most out of their students, which is always our top priority as a school.

Of course, these projects would not be possible without the enormous generosity of the people in our community. Not only are we able to ensure our facilities remain the best, the generous families and contributors also support Firbank’s scholarships, the FOGA Fund and much more. Without these significant contributions – as well as many smaller ones – Firbank would not be able to deliver the top education that

Working with the outstanding members of the Firbank Board continues to be the greatest privilege. Like myself, the other members of our Board are dedicated and passionate about Firbank Grammar School. It is an absolute honour to be entrusted by them as Chair of the Board.

To our departing Year 12 students, your courage and resilience over your VCE journey has been an inspiration to everybody in the Firbank community. You have continually brought love and life to Firbank, and I wish you luck on your journey forward, wherever it takes you. We cannot wait to hear about all your achievements as you go on to conquer learning and life.

Thank you, all, for another fantastic year at Firbank.

Jennine Ross Chair of the Firbank Board

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FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS What an honour it has been to be the School Co-Captains of Firbank for 2021, the Year of Curiosity! Coming from 2020, we both had high hopes that our final year was going to be ‘normal’, and that we had dodged a bullet. Alas, we spent every term of our VCE schooling in some form of lockdown. However, we like to think that it didn’t stop us from achieving our goals.

At the beginning of the year, we posed the question “what were you deprived of in 2020, and how will you take it back in 2021?” to the School, to have staff and students be curious and try new things that they would have never thought to do. 2020 made us realise that the things we love can be taken away quickly, so one needs to take all the opportunities they can, while they can.

Many of our plans from the January break never saw the light of day this year, but new ideas were created through the challenges we faced because of our incredible Prefects.

All 21 of us collaborated to create two heart-warming videos to lift the spirits of the community during the second and fourth lockdowns of this year. Not only did this help unite Firbank, but also gave us something fun to do with the extra time we were given.

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It has also been a privilege to be involved in the launch of the new eco school uniform this year. The initiative, which Ms Williams and the School have undertaken, has been incredible to see unfold. Being a part of a photoshoot for the eco sports uniform was an honour, as we were able to understand the importance of each uniform piece we were wearing. We are lucky to have led a school that is taking vital steps in preserving the environment for future generations.

Finally, we would like to thank all the Firbank staff, in particular our teachers, for their dedication, adaptiveness and positivity throughout this constantly changing year. Not only did our teachers provide us with great preparation for our final exams, but their continuous care for our wellbeing was much appreciated. We could not have

completed this year, in all ways, without them.

2021 has been a wild ride, and we wish everyone in the School community the best for the future, especially our year level. We hope everyone stays safe and doesn’t forget all the valuable lessons of this year at Firbank: to be respectful of others and their beliefs, to be respectful to ourselves, to be courageous in the face of the unknown, to handle situations with integrity, always doing what is right rather than what is easy, to be compassionate and kind to others, and to be curious about the world around us. Never stop questioning and always seize opportunities when they present themselves.

Isabelle Escott and Kari Robinson 2021 Senior School Co-Captains

STUDENT LEADERS STUDENT LEADERS/PREFECTS

School Co-Captains - Isabelle Escott & Kari Robinson House Captains - Aylwin Cameron – Annabelle Paynter - Hancock Crowther – Bonnie Moorcraft - Sheppard Tyson – Eloise Bolton - Tonkin Clarke – Brooke Connell Boarding Captain - Mackenzy Muller Chapel Leader - Danielle Roode Dance Captain - Charli Bowers Drama Captain - Tara Booth Environment Co-Captains - Sophie Bolmat & Alexandra Thomas International Students Captain - Kiki Li Music Captain - Caitlin Smillie Social Justice Co-Captains - Kate Thomas & Georgie Bean Sports Captain - Lauren Pratt

Top Row: 3rd Row: 2nd Row: 1st Row:

STUDENT LEADERS/PREFECTS

Student Council Co-Captains - Charlotte Gibbs & Jessica Jiang Student Wellbeing Co-Captains - Audrey Pascoe & Brigitte Wallace STUDENT LEADERS

Captain of Boats - Ruby Wolfe Deputy House Captains – Aylwin Cameron – Grace Adair – Hancock Crowther – Hannah Schwarz – Sheppard Tyson – Grace Whitehouse – Tonkin Clarke – Isobel Low Deputy International Students Captain - Maia Kurth Deputy Music Captain - Iris Su Deputy Sports Captain - Xanthe Kakaras Outdoor Activities Captain - Sienna Stuart-William Visual Arts Captain - Matilda Vidotto Debating Captain - Catina Chen Library Captain - Emily Liddle

Audrey Pascoe, Mackenzy Muller, Caitlin Smillie Danielle Roode, Bibi Wallace, Sophie Bolmat, Lauren Pratt, Georgie Bean, Kate Thomas, Charlotte Gibbs Mrs Annette Davie-Smythe, Tara Booth, Jessica Jiang, Kiki Li, Alexandra Thomas, Charli Bowers, Mrs Leandra Turner Annabelle Paynter, Eloise Bolton, Isabelle Escott, Kari Robinson, Bonnie Moorcraft, Brooke Connell

FROM THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL 2021 has been a progressive and ambitious year for the Student Representative Council.

Despite alternating from online and inperson learning between lockdowns, we have worked incredibly hard to ensure the needs of our students remain valued and acknowledged.

Starting off the year, we held the SRC’s annual International Women’s Day Breakfast at School. We had the honour of having Dr Kate Robb, the Founding Director and Head of Research at the Marine Mammal Foundation, to speak to students, staff and parents. Dr Robb has over 20 years of experience as a marine mammalogist, with her PhD research leading to naming a new Australian species of dolphin, the Burrunan dolphin. Dr Robb’s fascinating presentation inspired our audience to introduce innovative habits into our lives to ensure our planet is sustainable for future generations.

Dr Robb’s environmental initiative ties in with Firbank’s new eco-friendly uniform, made entirely of recycled materials that would otherwise go to landfill.

To accompany the breakfast, we hosted SRC Week, where we organised a range of student-based activities. At our SRC Assembly, we heard from the inspiring Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, a consultant physician in infectious diseases and general medicine at the Alfred Hospital.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Ananda-Rajah co-founded Healthcare 10

Workers Australia, dedicated to improving the occupational safety of healthcare workers.

We spent Term 2 planning our annual Firbank’s Got Talent. From backstage to auditions and marketing, the SRC representatives organised the show’s logistics. Unfortunately, due to another lockdown, we had to shift our event into a virtual Firbank’s Got Talent with short notice.

Nevertheless, it was a great success, as our Year 11 representative, Paris Piccolo, assembled the magnificent online showcase!

Another focus of Term 2 was the initiative of the SRC Bench – promoting the importance of social interactions that we lacked during remote learning. It also exemplifies our appreciation for our community as we endured challenges together.

We collated values and qualities that we learnt from COVID-19, chosen by the students to be engraved on the bench. Although our progress for the bench this year was limited, it will continue as a project into the future.

Despite being online for most of Term 3, the SRC stayed true

to its purpose. We have actively contributed to the decision-making process and provided feedback on matters important to the students, as members of the Senior Leadership Team joined our meetings.

It has been a pleasure to work alongside an inspiring group of young leaders this year. Our SRC representatives have demonstrated the utmost compassion, diligence and resilience as we complete a fulfilling year of representing the diverse voices of our community. Of course, we could not have had such a successful year without the support of our SRC coordinator, Ms Willoughby, whose devotion to student voice has allowed us to flourish and prosper.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a driven group, and we can’t wait to see where the 2022 CoCaptains, Anneliese Christopoulos and Lucy Taliadoris, take the SRC! Charlotte Gibbs and Jessica Jiang 2021 SRC Co-Captains

SOCIAL JUSTICE LEAGUE What a socially just year it has been. We started our year back in Term 4 of 2020 with a bang – online at the time.

We didn’t let that get us down as we held our first fundraiser of the year on Halloween with a spooktacular $655 raised for the Les Twentyman Foundation. This foundation ensures that every young person, regardless of economic circumstances, race or gender, receives an equal opportunity in life, by assisting with education.

We took further action on the inclusivity survey, which we began working on in the previous leadership cycle. We aim to make Firbank the most welcoming environment it can be. As we moved into 2021, business was booming with the SJL’s iconic lolly bags. At House Swimming, we made a big splash, raising $500. At House Athletics, people raced to buy some sweet treats with another $500 raised.

The money was then split between Share the Dignity and the Fiji Book Drive. Share the Dignity is a not-for-profit whose aim is to end period poverty for everyone who menstruates, providing free period products for those in need. Fiji Book Drive is another not-for-profit that collects book donations and creates libraries which are shipped to schools

in Fiji that would otherwise have no books.

With the sudden April spike in COVID-19 cases in India, the Firbank community jumped into action with an urgent fundraiser put in place.

From this, we raised an outstanding $1700 in just a couple of days.

We then arrived at our first Annual Social Justice Week from May 24 to May 28, with many entertaining activities. Our lolly bags made a reappearance along with a food drive, raffle and refugee story every day. We also had Grey’s Anatomy showing with our exceptional guest, Derek Shepherd.

The week finished a day early – due to another lockdown – with our PJ days to raise money for the Pyjama Foundation, which works to support kids in foster care. Although we didn’t manage to finish all we had planned, we still raised $1200.

As we were thrust back online once again, we didn’t stop our hard work, advocating for making origami houses as a show of support for the Home for Everyone campaign.

We will both miss the SJL so much and are so proud of everything we have accomplished, especially given the trying few years we’ve had.

Kate Thomas and Georgie Bean 2021 Social Justice Co-Captains

“It has been an emotional farewell to Kate and Georgie. These two young people have met all of the challenges, twists and turns of the last 18 months in and out of lockdown with resilience, originality and importantly, good humour.

By the time they read this, I hope that they have dried their tears and are off to have those adventures we are all so keen to find out about.“ – Ms Cusack

FROM STUDENT WELLBEING This year, our primary goal was to break down the walls between year levels within the School, reducing any stigma around friendships across years. Incorporating combined year level lunches and Q&As held by those in senior years for the junior students were all actions we implemented to accelerate forming relationships across year levels.

We were excited about pursuing these goals as the Wellbeing Group, helped by a lack of COVID-19 lockdowns. However, when school moved back and forth online, we adapted to achieving these goals by moving to online platforms to break down these walls.

Each year, the Wellbeing Group celebrates Wellbeing Week. This year, we had a stellar week thanks to the dedication and commitment of the students within the group.

Beginning on Monday, we had music at the gates to lift everyone’s spirits.

To de-stress the cohort, we used balloon popping during Monday’s mentor group to let go of something that had been stressing us. Together, we wrote our stressors on balloons and, all at once, jumped on them to physically remind ourselves that we are stronger and more resilient than our toughest competition.

Next, we had chalk-drawing on the concrete, followed by a free bake sale. However, you were only allowed to take a treat once you wrote something you loved about yourself on a piece of paper. It was truly amazing seeing all the 12

lovely compliments the Firbank students gave themselves. Finally, we concluded the week with a wholeschool assembly based on wellbeing.

We were fortunate enough to have Taylor Fay (OG2011) speak to the Senior School about perseverance and bouncing back. The knowledge and optimism she shared with the students was inspiring and eyeopening.

Rather than having just one Wellbeing Week this year, we had two – the second celebrating R U OK Day, which we expanded to a whole week. This year, R U OK Day fell on Thursday, 9 September, during lockdown. We felt it was important to recognise the significance of this day. R U OK Day is a symbolic day that acts as a reminder that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?”. We decided to create a week celebrating the importance of this question and the mindset of checking in.

We centred our week around focusing on yourself and those surrounding you, so we created wellbeing activities for all interests and compiled them into a wellbeing booklet called How to Tackle Isolation. We also ran a Find Murphy Competition for some fun within the Firbank Community. We hoped to reach our broader community as we left positive affirmations around our neighbourhoods.

Ultimately, we are proud of the year we have had as a Wellbeing Group under the support and guidance of Mr. Tang. It has been an honour to lead a fantastic group of young leaders, and we look forward to what the future holds.

Audrey Pascoe and Brigitte Wallace 2021 Student Wellbeing CoCaptains

DEBATING The debating program at Firbank has always been an amazing opportunity for students from Year 7 to Year 12 to engage in a critical aspect of our school culture.

Debating has proven to be a clear indication of the importance of co-curricular activities.

Students who participate are able to develop and build on their reasoning, confidence, teamwork and so much more.

In contrast to the solitude that we all experienced during lockdowns, debating throughout the year has given students the opportunity to remotely participate in co-curricular activities as well as interact with students from other schools.

I always looked forward to our meetings, where everyone would eagerly exchange ideas about the upcoming debates. It was also heartwarming and encouraging to see the quality of collaboration that came from students across all year levels.

commitment, enthusiasm and effort that they have exhibited, despite the uncertainty of this year.

Finally, I would like to extend a massive thank you to our Debating Coordinator, Miss Fogliani, for all the hard work and dedication that she put into every part of this program, ensuring that everything ran as smoothly as possible. The amount of care and passion she has for debating is unparalleled, and I am so grateful to have had her support us all in our debating journey this year.

Catalina Chen As the Debating Captain, I loved working with everyone who joined in 2021 Debating Captain and was willing to give debating a try, even if it meant stepping outside of their comfort zone. I commend each and every debater this year for their

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FROM THE CHAPEL The work of God at Firbank has continued throughout 2021, although not always in the way it was expected.

Some of our major services, such as the Commencement and Anniversary services, traditionally held at St Andrew’s Church, were relocated to the CCA. Other important services, such as the Induction of a new Head of Turner House, as well as Easter services for Turner House and the Senior School, were able to be held in the Church. The ability to conduct these services in sacred spaces has been a blessing that we had previously taken for granted.

Due to restrictions on numbers and the mixing of groups, other important rituals of school life took on new forms. We inducted student leaders in their individual groups rather than all together. For example, the induction of the rowing captain also included the blessing of the new rowing shells in front of the PESC.

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The library committee was inducted surrounded by books, and the SRC was inducted by the suggestion box. Each service was special and sacred to the group for whom it was intended. Turner House has also created some interesting opportunities for students to explore their spirituality.

On-campus students attended chapel services fortnightly, where they began to learn about the rhythm, ritual and service of corporate worship. These rhythms and rituals were maintained through the opening prayer during the online assembly.

Year 3 students had a particularly special experience as they were able to speak with Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy from Perth, the first female Archbishop in Australia.

Archbishop Kay told us her story and answered our questions. We were so blessed by the time that she gave us.

Although this year has been challenging at times, I am reminded of Paul’s words in his second letter to the Corinthians. “God has been kind enough to trust us with this work...

The real power comes from God and not from us. We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.”

Rev. Christine Croft Chaplain/Head of Religious Education

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION GROUP In 2021, the Environmental Action Group (EAG) aimed to address and achieve a handful of short- and long-term goals from our Climate Action Plan that we presented to the senior leadership teams in 2020.

These goals covered a variety of topics and included: • Attending school climate strikes • Creating a native garden • Increasing our bin systems • Educating Firbank through informative assemblies and setting up clothing/book swaps Throughout Terms 2 and 3, we have encouraged the development of environmentally friendly habits with our weekly eco-tips. The purpose of these tips was to help students and staff understand how to live in harmony with the planet, one simple piece of advice at a time.

Port Phillip Sustainability Festival, we shared our stories about our Climate Action Plan with other schools in our community.

support and the abundance of time and effort she has dedicated to the EAG. Finally, a thank you to all members of the Firbank community, whether student, staff or parent, who have shown care for the environment this year.

Thank you to the EAG! We feel very lucky to have worked with a team as reliable, enthusiastic and considerate An exciting opportunity to protect the as the Environmental Action Group of Sophie Bolmat and Alexandra Earth arose in May when a group of 2021. We are proud of what we have Thomas students and teachers representing achieved this year. A sincere thank 2021 Environment Co-Captains the EAG and the School’s other you to Ms Lucas for her unwavering Leadership Committees attended the School Strike 4 Climate rally in Treasury Gardens. Alongside almost 20,000 students, we called for the Federal and State Governments to take immediate and effective action on climate change. Firbank was proud to contribute its voice to such an important message – one that we hope will benefit the future of the entire community.

EAG members attended events run by the Port Philip Eco Centre, such as the Tomorrow’s Leaders for Sustainability Program, where we gained a better understanding of surrounding climate issues and how we could make a change by taking action to our own goals. At the online

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SPORT

2021 was the year of redemption for Firbank sport. With last year being filled with prematurely ending seasons, cancellations and heartache, nothing was held back in Term 1, with our successes showing just that. Our year of triumphs began with the diligent rowers executing impressive results at the Head of School Girls’ Regatta.

The rowers came away with four A final medals, with the senior DIV 4 and inter DIV 1 coming home with the gold! The 60 students who woke up before the sun and completed the GSV triathlon should be commended as well.

The GSV Swimming and Diving carnival highlighted the talent of our divers, crowned champions for the 18th consecutive year. The swimmers finished off 3rd overall in a tough and fast division. Five students won individual medals at finals night, along with three relay teams. A notable performance was the Year 12 4x50m freestyle relay, where the students overcame the “unbeatable” favourites to win gold after five years of commitment and perseverance.

being involved with House Sports.

Before being in lockdown, softball, netball and handball were played, with the results of these sports being House Softball won by HC; House Swimming won by HC; House Diving won by TC; House Athletics won by AC; House Netball won by HC; House Handball won by HC; House Cross Country won by AC and – carrying over the results from Term 4 last year – House Indoor Cricket won by AC, and House Basketball won by TC.

In Term 2, Firbank won the cross country prelim carnival, placing us into the DIV 1 championship carnival.

It was then, when things almost seemed too good to be true, that we were placed back into lockdown, devastatingly missing out on the championship cross country and athletics season once again.

It was with curiosity, integrity and courage that lockdowns and restrictions did not stop us from keeping everybody engaged with sport at Firbank. We implemented a year level challenge, where staff and students were tasked with walking the furthest distance over a week, earning points for their year level.

This year, we added a twist to the challenge, where participants had to

Outside of GSV, students also loved 16

dress an allocated colour to their year level, earning extra points. Across the week, we had approximately 200 participants, with a combined total of 765.18 km walked! The staff took the win on this challenge, with a total of 243.37 km!

Despite these challenging circumstances, we were able to learn and concentrate on new ways to keep our bodies and minds happy and healthy. We value the determination and strength our community has displayed this year. We would like to thank the sports department and our Firbank community for your patience and participation, making sport the best it could be this year. Finally, we wish the greatest for the 2022 season of sport.

Lauren Pratt, 2021 Sports Captain and Xanthe Kakaras, 2021 Deputy Sports Captain

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ROWING AWARDS

Senior

Best Rower Most Improved Most Improved Best Club Person

Inter

Best Rower Most Improved Best Club Person

Inter

Chloe George Bella Edwards Lara Paroissien Miranda Edney

Giselle Buckley Alexandra Pels Angelica Woodroffe

Best Rower Most Improved Best Club Person

Frankie Dever Abby Escott Lucy Featherston

Best 1 km Ergo

Giselle Buckley

3:35.3

Best 2 km Ergo

Chloe George

7:32.6 19

ROWING

This season began unlike others we’ve had – in familiar territory for learning but not necessarily rowing, on Teams. However, this did not stop the Firbank Rowing Squad from making the most of our determination and hard work. Many crews proved their success across the season. Our Year 10 Division 1 Quad and Open Division 4 Quad took gold medals in the A final. Our Year 10 Division 4 Quad and Open Division 5 Quad secured a keen silver in the A final. It was through the support of our Firbank community, parents, coaches, coxswains and rowers that we were able to succeed this season.

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At the beginning of the season, I emphasised the camaraderie, which is so special to Firbank Rowing, and I truly believe this was shown throughout the season through our commitment to one another.

Rowing is not like many other sports. It is both a physical and mental challenge – but nevertheless, Firbank rowers and coxswains are the strongest girls I have ever met.

I was incredibly proud to finish this season, along with my fellow Year 12s, after an incredible four years as your Captain of Boats. Each and every girl, from Junior to Seniors, is an inspiration from the ‘attention,

go!’ to crossing the finish line. Keep your heads up high through all the challenges that you may face, whether you be rowing or throughout the rest of your lives. A huge congratulations to all of you!

Good luck to all the rowers, coxswains, coaches and parents for another brilliant season next year. A particular congratulations and best wishes to your new Captain of Boats for the 21/22 season, Elise Angus – you star! Thank you all for an amazing season. See you on the river!

Ruby Wolfe 2021 Captain of Boats

NETBALL

Close to 30 teams represented the Firbank Netball Club in the 2021 Sandringham District Netball Association (SDNA) competition. It was fantastic to see the teams back on court after the cancellation of the 2020 season due to COVID-19.

While the 2021 season was an interrupted one, the SDNA managed to get most of the season’s games completed. The Firbank Netball Club players showed great enthusiasm and relished the opportunities to be back playing sport with their friends.

Netball Club teams. We would like to thank the coaches, players and families for their commitment to the 2021 season.

Firbank Netball Club

While there were limited spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions, that didn’t stop the great atmosphere at the Hampton courts as the players and coaches supported the Firbank

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LANGUAGES FRENCH

We have had an incredible, eventful year of French in 2021. Whether it was in person or online, our experience was sensass!

This year, we had the honour of starting a new French Cub at Firbank where any students learning French can come practice conversation, watch French films and try French cuisine. We have started watching the French television show Réunion at the club. It is a great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in French culture.

The Berthe Mouchette competition was an amazing learning experience for all of us and gave us a chance to practice our speaking skills, as well as prepare for our oral exams. Although a bit scary, the experience was overall very rewarding.

Online, we used our kitchens at home and made crêpes! A bit like a MasterChef cooking class, but in French, we followed the steps demonstrated by our teacher, and with a few attempts, we got the perfectly cooked crêpe. We topped them with lemon and sugar or Nutella and strawberries, and they were delicieuses! Definitely a highlight of lockdown!

Libby Li and Sarah Williams, Year 11 CHINESE

Chinese this year has been so much fun. Through the numerous lockdowns, we’ve still managed to continue learning. Education Perfect One of the highlights of our year was and Kahoots have been highlights, as going to see the movie De Gaulle in well as doing the presentations. All the cinema as part of the French Film the students in Chinese have been so lovely, and the teacher has supported Festival. It was a historical film that us. I can’t wait to continue Chinese led to us doing a historical inquiry presentation. Topics included la Tour next year!

Eiffel, la Belle Époque and May 1968.

Bonnie Laycock, Year 8 Learning about French culture is always so interesting!

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This year, Chinese classes have been very enjoyable. Learning about making phone calls has been very fun, as it has felt like we were able to apply the vocabulary and grammar we have learnt to a common, real-world situation. Online classes have been equally as effective as in-person classes. Transitioning in and out of an online setting has been challenging in many classes, but I think Chinese has managed it very well, and lessons are still very engaging. I loved competing in the reading competition recently – it was a super fun night and a great experience. It was very exciting to see so many non-background kids learning Chinese!

Estella Harte, Year 9

GERMAN Year 7 German Poetry Task My poem was about a person who had seven souls! Each soul symbolized a different personality trait, some examples of this were one soul being shy and another hard working, but they all made up one person. Getting audio feedback on OneNote was extremely useful as I could easily improve my pronunciation with help from the teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed this activity as I was able to expand on my German vocabulary as well as learn about German literature.

Mary Lazar Year 11 German Strong Women Students researched a remarkable, Germanspeaking woman and shared her life story with the class as though they were her. These life stories were presented in chronological order and gave the students insight into recent German history.

Margarete Steiff was an inspiring toymaker.

She established the world-famous company Steiff – which is well-known for developing the first teddy bears – despite having polio and being partly paralysed from the age of four. This was quite remarkable because as a disabled woman living in 19th-century Germany, many people expected her to live her life in an asylum. Margarete had a heart-warming motto: Für Kinder ist nur das Beste gut genug! (For children, only the best is good enough!)

Lara Smith Leni Riefenstahl lived an exciting life. She was an actress, photographer, dancer and film producer. She is known for her propaganda work, as well as filming the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Later, she published two photobooks showcasing photos she took herself on underwater dives in tropical waters. She created many new techniques for modern filmmaking which are still being used today.

Sonja Sorokina

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LANGUAGES Elly Beinhorn is the German version of Amelia Earhart. She was a pilot who broke many world records, including the fastest solo flight over two continents. She even came to Australia on one of her flights. She lived through both world wars and the Cold War and had a very exciting life. She paved the way for many other women to pursue careers in aviation, and she passed away when she was 100 years old. Sie war eine sehr starke Frau!

Lulu Hollis Sophie Scholl was born in Germany in 1921. At age 20, while she was studying at the University of Munich, she and her brother Hans formed the White Rose. It was a small, anonymous group of university students who distributed leaflets and graffitied public spaces, in resistance to the Nazi regime. Both Sophie and her brother Hans were caught distributing flyers and were executed by guillotine. Sophie was just 21 years old.

Lili Mayer Angela Merkel has accomplished so much as federal chancellor of Germany. Australia has had six different prime ministers in the time that Merkel has served. She has been the chancellor since 2005 and has led Germany during many difficulties such as the financial, refugee and climate crises as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Sie ist ein Vorbild für uns. She is a role model for us because she shows that girls and women can reach the top.

Leticia Phillips

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COMPETITION RESULTS

Year 7 Credit: Mary Lazar

Year 9 Distinction: Eve Wang

Year 8 High Distinction Excellence (99th Percentile in Australia): YuanYuan Li

Credit: Claire Liu Jacinda Zhang Jennifer Fu

High Distinction: Kate Morrison

Year 11 Distinction: Ella Ross Luella Hollis

Distinction: Anne Liu Molly Welsh Olivia Smith Credit: Bridget Roe Hannah Lee

Year 12 Distinction: Charlotte Gibbs Emily Zhang Lauren Holmes Credit: Caitlin Smillie Emily Liddle Kiki Li Lucinda Mottram Tessa Zangalis

Credit: Abby McLachlan Cari Yang Charlotte Anson Ginny Murray Leticia Phillips Mia Eng Tiah Brown

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MUSIC From the beginning of the school year to where we are now has been a rollercoaster.

It has been a year of shifting dates, patiently waiting for updates and trying our hardest to be together to share our passion and creativity.

One of the key aspects of music at Firbank is collaboration and the communication of ideas, which is fostered through friendships formed across year levels and the vulnerability we share in the expression of ourselves and experimentation.

Despite the hardships of being apart, we have still been able to create a safe, warm space in which we’ve been able to support one another, grow, laugh and make melodies!

In March, we held our first-ever (hopefully annual) Music, Art and Media week with the idea of celebrating creativity at Firbank. In collaboration with the Visual Arts department, we planned out a jampacked five days of events for our students and staff. We held various performances, from choirs and Big Band, a student film night, photo booth, photography competition and our very own MAM assembly. The week was such fun and was widely enjoyed across the School – the

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perfect harmony of art and music to kick-start the year.

It is hard to believe that we managed to hold face-to-face performances at the start of the year. Twilight Jazz night was an exciting event; it was the first proper performance after a year of remote learning. The music we shared with friends and family in a packed CCA was spectacular. We also held some smaller recitals for the scholars, singers and instrumentalists, which gave students opportunities to improve their solo performance skills further.

Early in Term 2, Bel Canto took part in a recording and film project. The end product was beyond magnificent, with a huge thanks to the fabulous Dr Andrew Lee, Ms Jones, a dedicated crew of students, Mr Walles and the support of the Friends of Music.

It was so memorable for all who took part, especially for our Year 12 students who will be able to reflect

on this in years to come.

It was disappointing to have to move back to remote learning in Term 3, with the much-loved Choral Concert, High Tea and MRC Concert with Brighton Grammar being cancelled.

We held online events such as the Chat and Chill music meetup to check in with our music students – together, we dived into some archive hunting. We continued to make music online together, while apart!

We would not be able to do any of this without the support from our wonderful music staff and Friends of Music. We encourage everyone to keep at it and stay strong, responsibly see gigs and support musicians when possible and keep on singing, making sounds and smiling!

Caitlin Smillie, 2021 Music Captain and Iris Su, 2021 Deputy Music Captain

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DANCE COLOURS

Hannah Wolfe

Jessica Jiang

YEAR 10

Rebecca Chon Instrumental Georgina Hill Instrumental Judy Lin Instrumental

Rebecca Chon

YEAR 12

Georgie Bean Instrumental Charli Bowers Vocal Lauren Holmes Instrumental & Vocal Jessica Jiang Instrumental YEAR 11 Holly Jordan Instrumental & Vocal

Isabelle Mongey Vocal Josie Best Instrumental Kari Robinson Instrumental & Vocal Mia Ciciulla Vocal Arianna Russo Vocal Josephine Cook Vocal Caitlin Smillie Instrumental & Vocal Tia Davies Vocal Iris Su Instrumental & Vocal Mia Eng

Instrumental & Vocal Alexandra Thomas Vocal Celeste Hang Instrumental Tessa Zangalis Instrumental Rochelle Khodr Vocal Libby Li Instrumental & Vocal Lili Mayer Instrumental Ava Nicholson Instrumental Sofia Portelli Vocal Millie Raper Instrumental Ella Ross Instrumental & Vocal Kanoko Sainsbery Instrumental Elwood Schilling Vocal Pippa Torrens Vocal Hannah Wolfe Instrumental & Vocal Renee Xu Instrumental

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DANCE Dance at Firbank has been a life-changing experience that has allowed me to build my creativity, become more innovative, and create lifelong memories and friendships.

Dance has the ability to unite and bond people no matter their experience or skill, while creating a safe space to escape worries – in the crazy few years we have had, that is exactly what it has done.

This year, we have been lucky enough to create some amazing works of art showcased in Easter Service, Dance Troupe competitions and Dance Night, putting on show the incredible talent Firbank has to offer. Nothing has stopped us from dancing all year round. From weekly early morning rehearsals to seamlessly transitioning all rehearsals online, we continued to prepare for Dance Night and did not let anything stop us from performing. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we filmed Dance Night with an audience that consisted of the dancers involved in the show. This made for an intimate, supportive and fulfilling experience.

From a young, shaky and scared Year 8 auditioning for Dance Troupe, now a confident Year 12 Dance Captain, I have learnt to be a leader, a communicator and, above all, a mentor and friend to the younger years.

Dance has made my schooling an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful to the other Year 12 dancers, the younger years who are courageous, and Ms Direen, who has supported us, guided us and given us the energy to keep growing.

My goal for the year was to foster Thank you. an environment that made people want to give new things a go and be Charli Bowers fearless whilst doing so. Leaving, I 2021 Dance Captain feel I have accomplished exactly that as this year’s Dance Night had the highest number of participants we’ve ever seen.

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This year, I was a part of Dance Like No One is Watching. This was an amazing opportunity for me to get to know students from other grades and, of course, be able to enjoy dance at school. Even though many of our rehearsals were online, this was a way for me to move my body and take my mind off things during lockdown. I am so happy to have been a part of dance night and, even though we did not get a chance to perform live, I’m sure our dance video will be just as good.

Kira Mongey, Year 9 Being able to choreograph for Dance Like No One is Watching this year was so fun. It was great to be able to see my own ideas come to life on stage and develop friendships with those in the younger year levels.

I loved going to every rehearsal because I knew the other students were ready to have fun and create the best dance possible for Dance Night. This also gave me leadership skills to acquire for future tasks, and I loved every minute of this experience.

Olivia Fanning, Year 12 30

As a Year 7 student, I had no idea of what to expect when signing up for the Easter Service Dance and Dance Night. This experience was one of the most exciting activities of the year! I really enjoyed connecting with the older students and learning interesting dances choreographed by the Year 12s.

Mia Graham, Year 7 VCE DANCE UNITS 3/4 Dance at Firbank has formed such a special and important aspect of my schooling. I am so thankful I was able to celebrate this in my final year, particularly through choreographing and performing in Dance Night and competing with the Firbank Dance Troupe. The choreographic process throughout Dance Night is so rewarding as you watch the dances come from a few movements with students who may not know one another to a complete performance on the stage filled with energy and a close group of dancers.

I have cherished not only my final performances on the CCA stage but also being able to teach and create bonds with the younger students.

Dance at Firbank will be something I hold close to my heart for a long time!

Eloise Bolton, Year 12

Performing on the Melbourne Recital Centre stage was the most exhilarating experience but also a nerve-wracking one. It was always my goal to get into Top Class, although something that I knew was extremely difficult to achieve. Standing on that stage and performing a dance which I had put so much time, effort and love into was incredible, as I had achieved my dream. This was something I couldn’t have achieved without the support from my amazing peers and teacher, Ms Direen.

Lucinda Mottram, Year 12

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DRAMA Being part of the drama/theatre aspect of school for the past five years has taught me so much about who I am and what I present to the world. Being able to truly embrace my love of acting and performance with like-minded people has made this subject what it is.

From performance analysis and visits to Melbourne’s Arts Centre to becoming the mini directors of the school musical and building characters for our end-of-year monologue, Theatre Studies has given me so many wonderful opportunities.

Danielle Roode – Year 12, Theatre Studies Student and Mamma Mia! Cast Having the privilege to be a part of the School musical on multiple occasions has been an amazing experience. It is wonderful to be able to watch as the performance comes to life, supported by the hard work and determination of the cast and crew, whose individual inputs ensure the success of the show.

Mia Burgess – Year 10, Drama Student Being Stage Manager for Mary Poppins in 2019 and Mamma Mia! in 2021 assisted in the development of my leadership, teamwork and creative skills. The best feeling was when a student signed up for backstage again the following year, because it meant they felt part of the family – a family which is so important to me.

Kari Robinson Year 12, Mamma Mia! Stage Manager 32

The unity and enthusiasm amongst our performing arts community in 2021 have been stronger than ever – a clear highlight of this being in Terms 1 and 2, as performers across Years 10–12 collaborated to perform four spectacular shows of Mamma Mia!, partnered with our friends at Brighton Grammar.

Fridays and Sundays were quickly and continually a place of comfort for many. As the weeks of rehearsals progressed, the cast’s skills and relationships only grew stronger, with infectious laughter and the wonderful sounds of ABBA flooding the CCA. I found myself inspired by the commitment and willingness of each member all the way through to our final performances. The memories we share with one another are ones that, as a family, we hold so dearly to our hearts.

Tara Booth, Year 12, Theatre Studies Student, Drama Captain, Mamma Mia! Cast

OUTDOOR ED STUDENT REFLECTIONS Outdoor Education has always played a significant part in my Firbank experience. Even though I may be a little biased, it is definitely the best of Firbank’s extracurricular activities. With each year at Firbank, I had a new trip to look forward to – Mitchell River in Year 8, the Journey in Year 9, Kakadu in Year 10 and the ultimate trip of Summit to Sea in Year 11. These trips were some of the best times of my life so far. I encourage all future and current students to take every opportunity they get at Firbank, particularly within the Outdoor Education programs. The life lessons you will learn by overcoming different challenges will set you in good stead for your remaining school years and into the future.

Sienna Stuart-Williams – Outdoor Education Captain Year 7 Discovery Surf One of my favourite parts of the camp was creating a five-minute performance with my whole class for the Talent Show. It made everyone work together and become more comfortable around each other.

Sienna McPherson Year 10 Horizons Overland Track I was so blessed to embrace the beautiful, natural landscape of Tasmania. I got to have an incredible experience while spending time with an amazing group of people who made the journey that much better.

Alexandra Pels Mountain Bike Riding and Trail Running Having Jacqui Bell as our group leader and hearing about her experience as being the youngest person ever to run an ultra-marathon on all seven continents helped the 34

whole group so much, especially with all her tips and tricks.

Emily Gough Nature Art There are no limitations on what you choose to design and create during the program and especially no expectations or standards on your skill and abilities.

Anastasia Houridis Scuba Diving

I remember going down 16 metres, and one of my many favourite memories was when I was able to get up close and personal with an octopus. It was truly a phenomenal experience, and I will never forget it.

Holly Tomkins Surfing We had so much fun surfing every day in the best waves at two different beaches, as well as doing workouts, using the trampoline and skateboarding in our spare time.

Georgina Robinson

Sea Kayaking and Sailing We learnt how to sea kayak in pairs and were able to live on a sailing boat with five other students.

Elyssa Leon Sailing Driving the powerboats was new to me, and I would imagine for most.

It was very cool, fun and exciting. I loved standing up at the front of the keelboat and gazing afar, feeling the wind kiss my skin. We were also very lucky to see a great pod of dolphins.

Hannah Mu Multi-Activity From trail riding on horseback in the hills of Gelantipy to rafting down the Snowy River and everything in

between – such as abseiling down rock faces and flying down a giant zip line, way up in the trees – it has all been incredible. I will never forget camping one night under the stars on the banks of the Snowy River and seeing the most amazing stars without any light pollution.

Lara Jones

I was overwhelmed as I looked back and realised just how much I had achieved – abseiling the side of a tall rock face, making gnocchi for my peers, creating layers of soil from scratch and, most importantly, being part of something that mattered: learning to care for Earth.

Rebecca Moshidis

Year 10 Desert Program From Anangu to Arrernte country, we were immersed straight into the heart of Australia both physically and culturally, bathed in the overwhelming sense of inclusivity and spirituality in everything we did.

Veronika Cena-Bandosz Year 8 Earth Program Mittagundi

Wollangarra It was so rewarding when we hiked to the top of McMillian Mountain and were met with one the most amazing views I’ve ever seen.

Evie Burgess

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OUTDOOR ED Summit to Sea Congratulations to the Year 11 Summit to Sea students for completing their expedition, starting from the highest mountains in Victoria and finishing at the sea in Marlo. We are so impressed that almost half of the year level participated in this life-changing experience. We are very proud of each and every one of these brave and determined students. Well done to all!

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Year 9 Journey Expedition Well done to our Year 9 cohort for completing the Journey Expedition!

We are thrilled that we were able to deliver this experience after yet another challenging year for our students. They spent eight days exploring the Bogong High Plains and learning how to travel selfsufficiently in the outdoors. We are so impressed by how each student managed the experience and are amazed by their efforts, maturity and willingness to embrace this expedition, especially given their lack of previous outdoor learning opportunities.

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AWARD PROGRAMS COMPASS AWARD The Compass Award is a compulsory part of the Year 7 & 8 Curriculum and is designed to encourage students to try new activities and develop skills across four sections: Physical Activity, Hobbies, Volunteering and Exploration.

LEVEL 3 Through my participation in the Compass Award over the years, I’ve been able to explore and do things I’d never think of doing. As well as learning new things, I’ve also been given the opportunity to work on and develop activities that I am already involved in. I believe that the Compass Award is an important part of our learning because we’re able to enjoy doing our chosen activities while also helping in the community and making the world a better place.

Mary Lazar

LEVEL 4 Hobbies are a super fun element of the Award, as you can pursue what you love more often. My hobby was Aladdin, the BGS & FGS 2021 Junior Musical. I had so much fun playing the character of Iago and meeting so many new people from BGS, as well as meeting the older and younger students at Firbank.

With the second wave of COVID-19, Government policy changed. This meant I had to refilm and extend my video. A highlight of the experience was being acknowledged by the CEO of Berry Street for my work on the video and meeting so many intelligent individuals.

Eadie Spencer DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an internationally recognised program. There are three levels of Awards: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Each level requires an increased level of commitment and time. The Bronze Award is a compulsory part of the Year 9 curriculum. Students are encouraged to complete their Silver and Gold Awards in Years 10– 12. They create a unique program of activities over a set length of time across four different sections: Physical Recreation, Skills, Voluntary Service and Adventurous Journey.

BRONZE For the Award, I am doing guitar, cycling and volunteering for my Greek School. I am aiming to cycle four kilometres in thirty minutes. I am creating short videos and lesson plans for younger students.

Annie Roubos

Lucie Braddon created a gingerbread model of Hindley House and the entrance to Firbank.

She baked and built the Christmasthemed model to meet the requirements for the Skills section of her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Lucie built the model out of gingerbread, confectionery and lollipop sticks. The tile pattern on the veranda was identical to the tiles on the entrance of the building, as was the sculpture in front. The model was even fitted with lights.

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AWARD THE HELEN MURPHY PRIZE FOR CREATIVE WRITING The Helen Murphy Creative Writing Prize was established in 2006 following a generous gift to the School by Mr Frank Murphy. The Prize is named in honour of his wife, Helen, a past Firbank student, who loved to write. The prize is awarded annually and inspires our students to pursue their own passion for writing.

You, Earth There is a wet ache to the growth of things The fleshy blisters of mushrooms between the rot of corpses, mold on the crust of sourdough a bite taken out Lichen between teeth of charcoal The fat, gummy spread of leaves palming the air and reflecting green 550 wavelengths I can taste a thing between my teeth and pick out another body And it is food in the swallowing of the new forest I want the earth to forgive me for every stutter I’ve fumbled I want you, soil, to forgive me for every time I’ve fallen I want you, moss, to forgive me for tripping on a rock, for spilling a water cup, I want you, stone, to tell me your despairs, yours, I want to tell you mine, And I want to press nutrients into your soil as you have onto mine And taste every forgiveness we can muster, together, leaf, yours and mine I want to taste kiwis and clementine and hold you between my fingers and the folds of my brain and in my hands

I want to repent to you, my dear, I do not want to disturb the roots that I grab There is a sick sweet to the waking of things Do you think this is even my language?

My mouth, that is, or is it the churning of new earth between deft, ancient fingers Is it the way I become movement in your hands Is it the way organisms flit through my eyelashes And I flit through your mind?

I think of the earth as an eerie, indistinct thing Sweet and hazy and unfocused A memory from childhood confused with a dream But she is breathing and reverberating beneath me A jaw of urban loneliness The rib of the hill to sleep upon The high rise that trembles and the body that breathes

Does she, the sweet tangerine, forgive me if it can tell between the moment before ignition and the dust that settles if it can tell the distance between the sun on grey brown grass and the heat on laid tar I ask the earth if fat green leaves gleaming are heavier than oil on the tongues of sea foam I ask the earth how i forgive the soil for leaving its red between the cracks of dried blisters but cannot forgive myself for eating the whole meal I taste the same bile in my mouth that a fox must But mine is thick with gummy philosophy And his is fulfilled And the blood I can taste is my own.

(She must be between the ash.)

Between the sigh of old flames Between my bones Between my hand to your jaw Between the dried blisters in my feet Mia Knox Year 11

Forgiveness is the only way to breathe in between her rage

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WRITING

MARRIOTT STREET. This place has never looked so Beautiful.

I guess it’s true That you see the world Differently When you look at it with Eyes of gratitude.

I grab my Skateboard And ride out of My house.

I need a breather.

A break from screens A break from toxicity A break from reality The sky is too blue The leaves are too orange.

Time is running out.

We are moving too fast.

I keep skating down my street.

Apricot coloured leaves Crunching under the wheels.

One leaf flutters on top of my Bucket hat.

I see the playground In front of my house The one that did have Little kids Screaming Playing Laughing.

The one that now has Older kids Whispering Gossiping Sighing.

The wind exhales again Like a gentle creature Delicately guiding The leaf that was on my head Away.

I keep skating Down my street.

Past the neighbour Who I don’t know.

Who keeps changing.

I can’t stop time Nor can I pause it But I can savour it.

Yesterday it was a young couple.

Today it is a loud family.

Tomorrow it could be an elderly lady.

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I keep skating Down my street.

The wind Combing my hair.

The sun Caressing my face.

Nature is A cave of forgiveness.

My loyal friend Who will always Make me feel Better.

I sigh, Knowing that Marriott Street Has once again miraculously Calmed me.

So, I keep skating down my street.

Anne Liu, Year 8

DESERT CAMP My gaze is covered by complete darkness as my eyes rest closed. The world is still, motionless. Birds sing a chorus of tranquillity and peace as wind whistles through nearby trees. With each breath, pure air tinged with the dry taste of desert dust touches my tastebuds. This is what freedom tastes like. Wind sweeps past my face, and my hair dances with it. I hear a soft voice telling me to open my eyes. The light momentarily blinds me as my eyelids flutter open. They adjust to the serenity of the undulating, foreign desert landscape before me.

Trees stand tall and shield me from rays of the scorching hot sun as they reach to the sky, hoping for rainfall to quench their thirst. Red mountains accessorised by green coverage are embedded in the distant outback, their peaks outstretching towards the clear sky bleached bright blue by the radiant sun.

Fragile markings in the mountains each tell their own stories like pictures in a novel, waiting to be deciphered by the next curious person to come across them. Rocks sit, submerged into oatmeal-coloured sand, neutralising the expansive landscape sleeping before my eager eyes. Dust particles from the sand dance in circular motions with each gust of wind that passes by.

Once my eyes have fully processed the captivating outback landscape of this sacred sight, all troubles and anxieties vanish from my mind, leaving not a trace – replaced with serenity. Everything feels different in this landscape, as if each ray of warm sunlight beaming onto my back is radiating composure through my dry skin.

I can only hope that this feeling never ends. I lift myself up from the rock, dusting its vibrant remnants off, and indulge in the lush landscape surrounding me. The mountains tower over me, creating an enormous, powerful, never-ending bowl shape, shielding my sight from the world that lies beyond them. I am left to immerse myself in the present moment – future worries do not exist in this place.

At the time, this tranquillity was so normal in this rare, undisturbed environment. But now, whenever I open my eyes, hoping to see its ancient, dusty forms, they’re gone. This natural landscape is incomparable to the grey weariness of daily city stresses. The serene feeling imparted by this unbound landscape is addictive. Maybe one day, I will feel it again. I wish it never had to change. but we are filled with greed,​so it’s only a matter of time.​ Estella Harte, Year 8

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WRITING

UNTITLED I have never felt so at peace with myself, alone but also content with my own company. Social isolation taught me many things about myself, using nature and animals to further understand humans and the way we behave.

The way the river flows and turns taught me to let life take me wherever it thinks I need to go, allowing people and situations to take their course. The way the banks hug the water, guiding it where it is supposed to twist and turn, shows us that our environment affects the path we end up taking in life.

Kookaburras laughing showed me joy and how to look at life through a brighter lens.

Watching trees sway and fall in the wind encouraged me to let people fall in and out of my life and be okay with that; the branches dropping away helped me see that I am supposed to change, and some parts of me are supposed to just slip away. In saying that, newer, healthier branches always grow back.

Flowers blossoming exhibited that I will not always feel so bad. Parts of the year, flowers and leaves fall and everything feels so dark and grey, but all the plants bloom and thrive in spring. This relieved my worries about whether I would always feel so sombre, as if I’m sinking.

The sounds of birds squawking and screaming at five in the morning taught me to let a little bit of chaos into my life. Cold swims in the river allowed me to thrive in uncomfortable situations and get through things because no matter how much it hurts or feels like it will not benefit me, it always does.

By using nature, I learnt to be one with myself.

I learnt to be comfortable with feeling alone and isolated from other people. Hurting is a major part of growing and developing as a person, and it may seem at the time like the most pointless and dark place to ever be – but leaping out of the dark place teaches you a lifetime of lessons.

Sharna Dominguez, Year 10

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INFO HUB

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING? 2021 has seen the introduction of a Library Committee to Firbank’s Senior School. Fourteen students have been active in running fun events and organising Book Week activities, along with creating and contributing to book recommendation newsletters.

Their purple Library Committee badges are being worn with pride.

The Library Captain, Emily Liddle, has been an inspiration in facilitating and leading discussions in our Firbank Book Clubs. Students have nominated and voted for their book club reads, with much lively debate taking place when the students met at school or online. Emily’s library treasure hunt activity leading into the Easter holiday was also hugely popular with so many students.

The Year 7 and 8 BGS/FGS Book Club has also had enthusiastic

participation this year. I am not sure if it’s the delicious spreads or the opportunity to chat about shared reads which is the cause of the excitement in both schools!

We were excited in Term 2 to welcome back to Firbank the author Zana Fraillon. Year 8 students had been studying her text, The Bone Sparrow, in English classes.

An incredibly interesting session was hosted by Year 8 Book Club members, with all students having the possibility of posing questions to this award-winning author.

Term 3 saw great interest and participation in the Book Week activities set up and run by the students of the Library Committee.

Online, we had a Book Parade during Mindful Reading, multiple quizzes, Kahoots at lunchtime and a video assembly connecting to the 2021 Book Week theme of Old Worlds, New Worlds and Other Worlds.

The very popular click & collect library book bag service for students has continued this year when needed. Our goal is to always make sure students are able to access print library books during off-site learning.

Happy reading!

Jocelyn Allen Teacher-Librarian

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VISUAL ARTS

Mia Knox, Year 11

Millie Raper, Year 11 44

Asher Thomas, Year 11

Teresa Wang, Year 12

Teresa Wang, Year 12

Teresa Wang, Year 12

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VISUAL ARTS

Isabella Kobelt, Year 7

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Chloe Stokes, Year 8

Kanoko Sainsbury, Year 11

Mia Knox, Year 11

Isabella Kobelt, Year 7 47

FROM THE BOARDING HOUSE Welcome to the Boarding House 2021! Who wouldn’t want to live here? Once again, this year, our boarding girls have shown their true colours – their struggles with homesickness, their inspiring resilience, their care of each other, their frustration, their love of fun, their cheeky sense of humour, their healthy appetites and not forgetting their dedication to study.

The Boarding House is a diverse community. It is called home to international students, students from regional areas in Australia, Indigenous Australians and even local students from suburban Melbourne. Each of the students bring their own personalities and cultures, and we learn as much from them as they do from us.

This year, we were blessed to welcome two more students who came to us from the Top End through MITS (Melbourne Indigenous Transition School), and the oldtimers welcomed them with open and excited arms. The energy the students bring to the Boarding House is wonderful.

I would also like to say farewell to Mackenzy Muller, our 2021 Captain of Boarding, and congratulate Nadia Iman as our incoming Captain for 2022.

Susan James, Head of Boarding Well, it’s safe to say that 2021 has been a little crazy for the Boarders!

I was honoured to be chosen as

Captain of Boarders for 2021, and with only a small number of girls in the house, it’s certainly a lot quieter than in previous years. However, we did our very best to stay positive and have fun!

In the first few weeks, we celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year with an outing to a dumpling restaurant (of course, we got ice cream too!), many red lanterns and decorations, and finally, a Chinese hot pot dinner.

While many fun events, such as the Scotch College and Wesley Boarding Socials, were cancelled, the boarders, as usual, made the most

out of the difficult and trying times that were presented to us with movie nights, crafting, games, swimming and house dinners.

The staff at Firbank were great, ensuring our online learning continued and providing as many distractions as possible.

I have been so grateful to live with so many amazing girls from all over Australia and the world. The boarding experience of 2021 is one that I will cherish forever!

Mackenzy Muller 2021 Captain of Boarders

Top Row: 1st Row:

Eva Mu, Peggy Martin, Sheronica Snowy, Orla McCarthy, Clodagh McCarthy, Paris Weller, Chloe Tsui, Nadia Imam Jodie Palipuaminni, Claire Mu, Mackenzy Muller, Mrs Carole Ward, Murphy The Dog, Kiki Li, Yvonne Liu, Jenae Tipiloura

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YEAR 12

Top Row: Holly Hart, Isobel Low, Ella Mactier, Eliza Casey, Miranda Edney, De-arne Baker, Jade Williams, Stephanie Bierenbroodspot, Alice Pfeiffer, Matilda Vidotto, India Vaughan, Catriona McMaster, Melanie Miao, Zoe Adam-Gedge, Ella Hamstead,Maggie Shannon, Mae Kabengele, Celia Low, Sienna Simpson, Siena Kennedy, Kiersten Sorensen, Megan Anscombe, Holly Jordan 5th Row: Maia Kurth, Maya Neagle, Chloe Watson, Isabella Skocic, Claudia Cox, Jasmine Konoroth, Ebony Wilson-Cohen, Lucia Buckley, Chloe Swanell, Claire Panaouris, Alara Tascioglu, Natasha Couttie, Chloe George, Lara Paroissien, Chloe Cochran, Olivia Fanning, Ruby Wolfe, Sophie Platt, Hannah Schwarz, Zaynab Alsabak, Mia Di Pietrantonio, Emily Liddle 4th Row: Yvonne Liu, Meaghan McDonald, Ashni Solanki, Lauren Kulesza, Sarah Tolhurst, Grace Bennett, Eleanor Hahn, Mimi Bartels, Georgie Broun, Carla Magri, Olivia Howie, Arianna Russo, Catina Chen, Tessa Zangalis,

Elissa Branson, Ruby Grosso, Sophia Gilmore, Madi Evans, Lottie Peel, Charlize Kelly, Ruby Wilcock, Sophie Beasley 3rd Row: Iris Su, Lily Yang, Fiona Tang, Isabelle Mongey, Teresa Wang, Bella McKenzie, Julie Zhu, Shuang Guo, Jacinta Stork, Lucinda Mottram, Grace Whitehouse, Amelia MitchellAdams, Daisy Klintberg, Emily Hu, Fran Wang, Claire Mu, Lauren Holmes, Evania Klintberg, Sophia Stoeckl, Adriana Otis, Chunting Wu, Catherine Zhang 2nd Row: Mrs Leandra Turner, Xinhui Shao, Bridget Ugazio, Estelle Sarris, Chloe Zheng, Rachel Farrelly, Sienna Stuart-Williams, Tilly Barker, Maddie Stokie, Madeleine Cook, Elise Puzsar, Stella Duggan, Yolanda Zhang, Katherine Pozo, Emily Zhang, Grace Adair, Lexie Ferguson, Xanthe Kakaras, Amy Keen, Olivia Gleeson, Madeleine De Lance, Cassie Orme, Ms Jenny Williams 1st Row: Kate Thomas, Georgie Bean, Caitlin Smillie, Charli Bowers, Tara Booth, Danielle Roode, Lauren Pratt, Sophie Bolmat, Annabelle Paynter, Eloise Bolton, Isabelle Escott, Mrs Annette Davie-Smythe, Kari Robinson, Bonnie Moorcraft, Brooke Connell, Bibi Wallace, Charlotte Gibbs, Jessica Jiang, Mackenzy Muller, Audrey Pascoe, Kiki Li, Alexandra Thomas, Murphy The Dog Absent: Ella Brown, Earn Ovuthithum, Doris Tian, Jenny Zhang

AC12

Top Row: Lauren Holmes, Chloe George, Siena Kennedy, Catriona McMaster, Eliza Casey, Lara Paroissien, Chloe Cochran 2nd Row: Julie Zhu, Shuang Guo, Jacinta Stork, Grace Bennett, Madi Evans, Lottie Peel 1st Row: Claire Mu, Sophia Stoeckl, Katherine Pozo, Isabelle Mongey, Ruby Wolfe, Grace Adair, Charli Bowers

Aylwin Cameron is a place we like to call home, From Year 7 to 12, it is where we have grown.

Our Year 7 selves could never imagine, The things we’ve achieved and what has happened.

From House Fest victories, trophies on the track and in the pool, It is a result of our teamwork and keeping our cool.

Reflecting on our time in Aylwin takes us down memory lane, To think back on all the time we’ve spent together again and again.

It started in Year 7 with our trip to Anglesea, From surfing to Trangias, we were in for a treat.

Year 8 saw us flying to Cairns, Snorkeling with turtles and quiz night questionnaires.

We flew the nest to Vietnam in Year 9, From the Ho Chi Minh tunnels to the markets at night.

Year 10 brought with it House spirit and glee, As we discovered, House Volleyball was our cup of tea.

In Year 11, we stepped up to the plate, As we watched our Year, 12 sisters walk out the gate.

Now we stand as Year 12s together, Hand in hand and with bonds forever.

Although our time is finished, one thing is for sure The Aylwin memories will live on in our hearts forevermore.

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Top Row: Georgie Bean, Holly Jordan, Caitlin Smillie, Mia Di Pietrantonio, Lauren Pratt, Holly Hart 2nd Row: Maia Kurth, Tessa Zangalis, Emily Liddle, Olivia Howie, Xinhui Shao 1st Row: Tara Booth, Tilly Barker, Catina Chen, Annabelle Paynter, Sarah Tolhurst, Meaghan McDonald

HC12

Top Row: Audrey Pascoe, Hannah Schwarz, Miranda Edney, Bonnie Moorcraft, Zoe Adam-Gedge, Ella Hamstead, Melanie Miao, Zaynab Alsabak 1st Row: Amy Keen, Iris Su, Chloe Swanell, Daisy Klintberg, Georgie Broun, Elise Puzsar, Rachel Farrelly Absent: Doris Tian, Ella Brown

Our Hancock journey!

We both started in Hancock, not knowing many people and being thrown in the deep end on Orientation Day. Looking back, both of us were incredibly naïve – we did not realise the large role Hancock would play in shaping us as people.

In Year 7, we were overwhelmed by the number of chants and the vivaciousness that the leaders displayed – the chanting was so loud and such fun! Year 7 was when we realised Hancock would become important to both of us.

Traveling to Vietnam was a major turning point in our Hancock journey. We came together as a group to experience so many new things in a completely different country. We learned many new skills and became a little Hancock family – one that will remain forever. We made up dances, which we performed for the locals and in the streets of Hanoi. We learned to be independent and resilient away from our families.

We learned an appreciation for other cultures and our own life. From trying bugs in the homestay to building toilet blocks for families in need. From mud fishing to museums. We experienced it as a Hancock family and will remember it for the rest of our lives.

Top Row: Jasmine Konoroth, Stephanie Bierenbroodspot, Sophie Bolmat, Alice Pfeiffer, Maya Neagle, Chloe Watson, Natasha Couttie 1st Row: Fran Wang, Lily Yang, Emily Hu, Maggie Shannon, Alara Tascioglu, Sienna Stuart-Williams, Estelle Sarris

team effort it would take not only to lead Hancock but also to support each other, especially through the hard times lockdown has brought. We both have learned from these hard times to always get involved because you never know when they will be taken away.

When we left Vietnam, our leader, Mel, stood us in a circle with our backs facing inwards and told us that we would never forget the feeling of warmth on our backs as we stood in this circle, as a symbol of the support we will always have from this group. This is something we have both held onto and will continue to remember later in life.

We would like to thank all the teachers who have made our journey so special, especially Mrs Simmonds and Frau Wagner-Hesse, who have shaped our Hancock.

To our Year 12 Hancockians, thank you for all the laughs and memories, all the wins and the losses – we could not have done it without you! Also, a huge thank you to Bonnie and Hannah for leading Hancock so well this year and representing our year level with pride.

Sienna and Miranda

Following on from Year 9, we had a renewed sense of house spirit and knew what it meant to be a “Hancockian.” We all wanted to participate in House events together. We never lost a game and were always competitive and hungry to win, often driving the other Houses to insanity. Whether it was coming to cheer or taking part, we were all in it together.

This year, it was our turn to become the leaders of the House and leave our mark on Hancock. The experiences we had along the way prepared us for the

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ST12

Top Row: Elissa Branson, Olivia Fanning, Kari Robinson, Eloise Bolton, De-arne Baker, Bibi Wallace, Sophie Beasley 1st Row: Chloe Zheng, Lexie Ferguson, Amelia Mitchell-Adams, Claudia Cox, Isabella Skocic, Carla Magri, Alexandra Thomas Absent: Earn Ovuthithum

Until looking back on it now, we hadn’t realised how much influence our Sheppard sisters had on our school journeys. We remember in Year 7 the nerves of walking up to the yellow banner on the right-hand side of the CCA and seeing all these new faces. We were given a yellow book to write down the names and phone numbers of the new friends we made that day. For many apprehensive, shy Year 7 Tysonites, it was empty save one name, but if we were to do it again now, we both think it would be bursting to the brim of all the girls we’ve met.

Meeting almost every day with the same girls for six years is no small feat. We remember when we had to be prompted to talk in our mentor group, but now our mentors can’t get us to be quiet!

The bond formed between the Sheppard Tyson girls has been one of the most memorable and valuable parts of life at Firbank. Through our many experiences together, both on campus and overseas, we have had opportunities to learn and form connections that we will treasure for years.

We have explored many parts of Australia together, including Cairns. However, our largest and most important bonding activity was our 2018 Vietnam trip.

We had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new culture while improving the lives of families in Mai Chau and Vinh Long. There is something quite special about traveling with your friends, especially when exploring a beautiful country like Vietnam.

We didn’t know some of the girls in our group before we hopped on the plane, but now we can testify that spending time with our Sheppard family was one of the 54

Top Row: Mimi Bartels, Matilda Vidotto, Sienna Simpson, Claire Panaouris, Ebony Wilson-Cohen 2nd Row: Madeleine Cook, Grace Whitehouse, Adriana Otis, Catherine Zhang, Yolanda Zhang, Danielle Roode 1st Row: Olivia Gleeson, Bridget Ugazio, Kiki Li, Xanthe Kakaras, Emily Zhang

most important things we could have done to foster friendships outside our circles.

Besides overseas trips, the House activities at Firbank have been just as important. We have always been a participation-heavy year level, which can be seen across all House events in the last six years. When you are in the moment, chanting and cheering your friends on, there is nothing better.

While our year of creating House Fest productions didn’t become the House Fest we had imagined for the previous four years, we all still contributed to creating a performance we should be proud of. Leading up to Year 11, we made many memories together on-stage and offstage. We all have fond memories where together we embraced the fun that House Fest has always entailed.

Our Sheppard sisters have provided a haven of stability and kindness whenever school gets too hectic. The guidance of Frau Mittermayr cannot be understated.

She is the mother hen our Sheppard family needs to stay strong, and we have her to thank for the lifelong connections and memories we’ve all made. There is no doubt that we will all miss the Sheppard family and atmosphere.

Lexie Ferguson and Adriana Otis

TC12

Top Row: Sophie Platt, Kate Thomas, Jade Williams, Isobel Low, Mackenzy Muller, Arianna Russo 2nd Row: Bella McKenzie, Eleanor Hahn, Isabelle Escott, Lucinda Mottram, Maddie Stokie 1st Row: Chunting Wu, Teresa Wang, Lucia Buckley, Charlize Kelly, Charlotte Gibbs, Stella Duggan Absent: Jenny Zhang

What a year it has been! While 2021 was filled with uncertainty, being part of the Year 12 Tonkin Clarke group has brought a sense of unity and strength to all of our lives. The bonds made within this close-knit group are something that we will cherish outside of the Firbank gates, with both our classmates and our mentors.

Top Row: Kiersten Sorensen, Celia Low, Megan Anscombe, Ella Mactier, Yvonne Liu 2nd Row: Madeleine De Lance, Mae Kabengele, India Vaughan, Cassie Orme, Brooke Connell, Ruby Grosso 1st Row: Lauren Kulesza, Ashni Solanki, Ruby Wilcock, Evania Klintberg, Fiona Tang, Sophia Gilmore, Jessica Jiang

Isi Escott, Jess Jiang, Isobel Low, Charlotte Gibbs, and Brooke Connell

From mentor groups to embarking on a journey to Vietnam, we have experienced so many highlights together. Tonkin has been a significant part of our time at Firbank from Orientation Day in Year 7, as we have helped each other through good times and bad, with the true Tonkin spirit. Over the years, we have seen each other grow from Year 7s with oversized blazers into the Year 12s we are today.

Coming from 2020, we were very excited to spend a normal last year together as a House. Alas, we spent more time apart from each other, but the times we did spend together as a Tonkin family have been incredible.

We ran, swum, danced and chanted alongside each other for six years, and that is something we will never forget.

It is a strange feeling to try and encapsulate what the past six years have taught us all – a feeling that, on paper, is difficult to capture. Each Year 12 Tonkin girl has contributed to a community of determined, passionate and resilient young ladies who inspire those around them. The footprint we leave behind is ready to be found by Tonkin’s younger generations, as they too follow the trail of an enthusiastic, inclusive, and loving House that genuinely values every individual. A trail of footprints will continue to be followed by some of the most inspiring, hardworking, and truly fabulous young individuals the world offers.

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YEAR 12 The Year 12 Experience of 2021 The Year of Curiosity – Madi Evans From the beginning of the year, having already been exposed to a year of lockdown life, it was uncertain if 2021 would be the same.

Determining how we could best support each other was the biggest challenge. Year 12 is known as a year of connectivity and closeness, and these challenges have made us even closer. Our curiosity has created a sense of growth in our abilities, potentially unexplored if not for these circumstances. With most of our time spent locked away in our rooms and learning from our laptops, the spirit, determination and gratitude that we uphold allow our final moments at Firbank to be everlasting. Our curious minds, alongside our developed resilience, set us up for an unbelievable future.

The Year of Lasts (Music/Drama) – Lara Paroissien This year there have been many fantastic opportunities to get involved in both Music and Drama.

Music and singing lessons provided a way to relieve the stress of Year 12 and build strong connections with music teachers and peers. The lessons completed on Teams allowed everyone to continue playing their instruments, giving all involved with music a sense of joy.

The combined Senior Brighton Grammar and Firbank Grammar Musical, Mamma Mia!, allowed the cast to meet many people and explore their acting, dancing and singing capabilities.

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Swimming Carnival

The Year of Lasts (Sport/House) – Celia Low I can confidently say that when the swimming and sports carnivals have rolled around for the past five years, I would always be reminded of how much I looked forward to my ‘year of lasts.’ However, I’m so grateful to say that both the swimming and athletics carnivals stand out as true highlights of my year.

These were our last official events in our House groups. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my final athletics carnival with any other group of friends. I was inspired by the House Captains’ leadership and the Year 12 efforts to get everyone involved. Both House events are such memorable lasts for the Year 12 cohort, and this year was no exception!

Wellbeing Retreat – Lexie Ferguson At the beginning of our Year 12 journey, we had the chance to head off to Lord Sommer camp for a wellbeing retreat. As our last camp at Firbank, it was essential that we had an immense amount of fun, and

that we did. We got the chance to sleep in bunk rooms with our closest friends, go on walks along the beach and learn about our learning habits through personality analysis, along with some impromptu performances and dancing in the aisles during dinner. We laughed and played games, ranging from flying paper planes to building towers made of shoes, and we watched as the staff made Grace a “birthday cake” in a wheelbarrow. It was one of the most relaxing ways to commence this year, and the free time we were given allowed for great bonding away from the stresses of schooling.

Essential Lessons from Year 12 – Mimi Bartels Year 12 is a year I am sure everyone is anxious to be in. All the stories from past students telling you, ‘ensure you read more’ and ‘don’t fall behind on work’ can be pretty daunting to your younger Year 7 self. Despite all that being true, the life lessons learned during Year 12 leave a much stronger mark than any maths formula or historical fact.

A significant aspect of Year 12 is ensuring you have a work and life balance, resilience, and an understanding that not everything always goes to plan. The importance of friends also played a significant role due to the isolation of COVID-19.

Overall, the lessons you learn in Year 12 are not just learned in the classroom, leaving an imprint on how your future self deals with challenging circumstances.

Hard Work/Studies – Sophie Platt Taking on Year 12 required hard work, determination and focus on keeping on top of studies and making the most of our final year of school. Our determination and perseverance have allowed us to make the most of all aspects of school life – whether that be studies, sports, creative arts or many others.

Despite the many challenges of Year 12, we have bounced back every time, stronger than before. With selfmotivation and the encouragement of friends, family and teachers, we have reached the end of our final year.

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YEAR 12

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VCE RESULTS They Who Conquered Class of 2021 VCE Results Congratulations to the Class of 2021 on their outstanding VCE results.

These students have achieved remarkable things in one of modern history’s most challenging learning environments, as they spent more time learning from home than in classrooms over the past two years.

Despite the challenges, their results reflect the hard work and effort put in – not just by the students and staff but also each of the families who have been there to offer encouragement and assistance.

Of the students who completed their VCE, 90 received a study score of 40 or above in at least one subject, putting them in the top nine per cent in that subject across Victoria. Among them are 58 students who received an ATAR of 90 and above. Illustrating our continued success in ensuring all students reach beyond their potential, the median ATAR across all students was 89.05.

Congratulations particularly to our Dux, Charlotte Gibbs, with an ATAR score of 99.7 and our Proxime, Catina Chen, with 99.25. Lucinda Mottram and Emily Zhang followed these top results with 99.2 and 98.95, respectively.

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

We look forward to watching them move on to a new chapter in their lives and welcoming them back as Firbank Grammar School alumni.

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Class of 2021 VCE Results Highlights: • 45% ATARs over 90 – Top 10% in Australia • 21% ATARs over 95 – Top 5% in Australia • Median ATAR: 89.05 • Seven perfect study scores (50) in Dance (VET), Geography, Health and Human Development, and Further Mathematics • 39% grades A or A+ • 18% study scores over 40 • 69% of students attained ATARs over 80 • Median study score: 34

AUSTRALIA’S MOST SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL 61

YEAR 11 Sofia Portelli The highlight of my time in Year 11 would most definitely be the opportunity to record with Bel Canto.

Despite the various lockdowns of 2022, this moment brought me so much joy, and I’ll forever be grateful.

German students

Katia Mizera What a year 2021 was for Social Justice, with protests across Australia about consent, women’s rights, climate change, refugees and more.

It has been hard to keep track of it all!

Sometimes it can feel as if nothing in the world is changing or progressing, but it is if you get out there. We must be resilient and strong this year as women and stand up for our beliefs and rights.

Hannah Wolfe I went into Year 11 with optimism, having just ended a year of lockdown. I thought that was all behind us! It’s easy to forget we still had the whole first half of this year. To think, we did a full musical between lockdowns! House Fest also took an unexpected turn, but it was a super rewarding experience nonetheless.

I’ve learned a lot from this year, starting VCE to becoming a student leader. Nothing could’ve prepared me for 2021, but 2021 has prepared me for anything.

Robbyn Tan The year 2021 was sure to be a roller coaster. Even though the lockdown took away many of our campus school days, we could still participate in engagements such as Leadership Day and the Your Future, Your Voice conference. These activities allowed us to thrive as the future graduates of Firbank, effectively strengthening our leadership abilities and enabling us to discover what qualities make a good leader. While remaining focused was still the

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HBM (Heart, Body, Mind elective) students

most challenging aspect of remote learning, we were accustomed to it by the end of last year. Hopefully, 2022 will be lockdown-free, and all of the fantastic Firbank activities will go down without a hitch!

Anastasia Scarpaci I am currently preparing for the Summit to Sea expedition. I cannot wait to leave Victoria and journey to Mount Kosciuszko. I cannot wait to be with my friends and embark on a life-changing journey. This whole year was filled with uncertainty and excitement as all the S2S students waited for those final updates. Now that they have arrived, I am sure we will all have the most fantastic time and meet incredible new people along the way and find out essential things about ourselves.

Renee Xu Leadership Day and the Your Future, Your Voice conference was a highlight for us Year 11s, as we got to meet many experienced guest speakers and entrepreneurs. We gained valuable advice from them and some Year 12s for our upcoming

student leadership position interviews. They were so helpful for knowing what to keep in mind, what to expect and how to prepare.

Also, the mock interviews Firbank organised were a unique experience because we were immersed in an authentic interview environment, and the feedback given back to us was constructive.

Unlike in 2020, this year we were lucky enough to have several performances, such as Twilight Jazz Night and the Mama Mia performance.

could lift spirits at Firbank. We tried different ways to bring everyone together through the screen and while we were face to face.

Nadia Imam During the whole year of on-andoff lockdowns in 2021, the Borders were faced with restrictions. The restrictions of having time limits out of campus, no visitors inside and no use of public transportation.

This didn’t stop us from trying to have fun while we could. The PE department tried their best, coming in every weekend to get us out of our rooms for activities involving the weights room, swimming pool and the whole PESC! My hoops improved!

Eloise Leonard I’m so looking forward to getting to know all the students in my group for Summit to Sea. I am ready to tackle the mental and physical challenge we have ahead, from the very top of Mount Kosciuszko to the sea. It will be Homesickness never got better, an exciting way to finish the year. but we were always there for one another. Lockdown brought lots of us During 2020, the SRC had weekly very close, and I could say that we all meetings where we brainstormed consider each other like sisters at this all different types of ways that we point.

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AC11 Top Row: Lily Smith, Bonnie Waller, Holly Fletcher, Indi Batchelor, Eliza Hacking, Bridie Hipwell, Rochelle Khodr, Holly Dow 1st Row: Anastasia Scarpaci, Alina Zhang, Eliza McEwan, Sarah Williams, Tiah Brown, Charlotte Anson, Chloe Cheng Absent: Cari Yang

Top Row: Eloise Leonard, Thalia Katinakis, Elise Angus, Robbyn Tan, Mia Knox, Lily Montgomery, Emily Duan 1st Row: Sophie La Fortezza, Elizabeth Gordon-Saker, Ava Karras, Ella Ross, Sophie Conlan, Charlotte Childs, Scarlett Dawson, Isabella Giggins Absent: Bella Wu

HC11 Top Row: Sofia Portelli, Chloe Weight, Stella Oldfield, Rosie Jackson, Bella Edwards, Sarah McConnell, Annabel Bentley 1st Row: Minnie Morley, Jessica Koczocik, Lily Green, Jessica Macfarlane, Lucy Taliadoros, Denika Giannatos, Nadia Imam, Madeleine Spanos Absent: Chanel Gordon

Top Row: Chloe Tsui, Paris Weller, Lili Mayer, Scarlett Moorcraft, Celeste Hang, Kanoko Sainsbery 2nd Row: Mia Eng, Olivia Blamires, Chloe Hiscock, Katia Mizera, Chloe Buscombe 1st Row: Gigi Adams, Georgia Baines, Pippa Torrens, Ashley Forbes, Lulu Hollis, Lucy Anderson

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ST11 Top Row: Stella Gall, Cara Moulang, Marlo Hearnden, Ginny Murray, Grace Kirkham 2nd Row: Erin Howie, Lola Cotton, Estella Wall, Izzy Jowett, Abby Fischer, Leticia Phillips 1st Row: Ann Tran, Holly Dema, Elwood Schilling, Olivia Liu, Renee Xu

Top Row: Summer Robinson, Hannah Wolfe, Liv Morgan, Alice Campbell, Isabel Lally, Flossy Grasby, Jamie Sutherland 1st Row: Charlotte Amies, Lara Smith, Remy Horrobin, Katie Rathmayr, Asher Thomas, Tia Davies Absent: Emily Guo

TC11 Top Row: Dominique Kelso, Sonja Sorokina, Scarlett Adams, Rylee Dugdale, Zoe White, Ava Nicholson, Lucy Young 1st Row: Libby Li, Stacey Lagoutatzis, Millie Anderson, Mimi Catalano, Jemimah Savage, Jemilla Kennard, Daisy Paxton-White Absent: Serena Chen, Paris Piccolo

Top Row: Millie Raper, Anika Liddle, Abby McLachlan, Charli Boyd, Penny Macdonald, Zoe Lehmann 1st Row: Chilli Rochanakij, Josie Best, Josie Cook, Mia Ciciulla, Leona Ji, Anneliese Christopoulos Absent: Mia Tang, Julia Zhang

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YEAR 11

HBM paddle boarding Year 11

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YEAR 10 REFLECTIONS OF THE YEAR Angelica Woodroffe The sunrise is painted across the sky; the southern swell has arrived, complimenting the brisk offshore winds.

We scramble over jagged and slippery rocks like mice, leading towards the vast and powerful wave lines. Surfers dance along the face of the waves, drawing undulating lines which appear effortless and light. The elegant and timeless maneuvers of the older locals capture my attention.

As I walk closer to the take-off rock, the magnetism of the ocean draws me in.

The sun is slowly lifting above the horizon line, kissing the ocean as it offers a warmth that is well needed in the middle of winter. The salty wind sweeps across my face as it blows a

quiet whistle. Waves colliding into rocks overpower the wind’s tune.

Reaching the take-off rock, I wait for the calmness in between sets, a waiting period. The surges of water slow to a mere ripple for a moment; the crashing of waves against the rocks turn into a polite greeting. The ocean goes quiet. Springing off the take-off rock, I land on my board.

A waft of fiberglass and a freshly waxed board lingers as I swiftly paddle out. Out the back, the ocean engulfs my thoughts. My mind is fixated on only one thing. Even though I converse with a few people, it seems to be all background noise.

I speak. They speak. We share some

laughs. My mouth is enunciating and continuing conversations; however, my consciousness is still enrapt in the ocean, waiting for a wave.

Finally, I see it. The blues of the water reflect the light, now high up in the sky. As the wave travels, it begins to stand up like a person going from a crouch to standing.

A peak begins to form as the wave transforms and steepens, the power continues to build. Turning my head, I see the old fella sitting next to me give me a flick of his hand indicating to go. “This one’s yours!” I turn around and begin to paddle.

Year 10 Desert Program - Outdoor Ed 68

Year 10 Desert Program - Outdoor Ed

Ava Jansen Regardless of where, Or when, We are all looking at the same sky.

The sky has no location, Nor no time, For it is only the sky.

A vast, compelling blanket, Drooped over us all.

Consumed by the sky, I gaze out my window.

Escaping the dim, yellow lights, In the motionless house of sleeping bodies.

Blurring away, Merging into the atmosphere.

I not so much as absorb the dark, allconsuming universe, As it absorbs me.

I am reminded of my minor and unimportant presence, In a space so big I cannot comprehend it.

Feelings of fear, admiration and hope, Are all projected above me.

Yet, for a minute, the sky becomes emotionless, Empty.

Sounds of rain twinkle, Into an orchestra of light thuds.

Gently descending, Falling slow and soft in staccato beats.

As footsteps would tread lightly, Down creaking stairs in a silent house, Barely disturbing the serenity of the night.

Crescendoing to become hard and heavy, Like steady drum beats ringing through the walls.

The sticky scent of rain, Earthy and thick, Pervades my senses.

Inhaling the biting wind and icy air, Stinging my nostrils in a pulsating motion, Making them vibrate with overwhelming freshness.

This smell, my favorite smell, Is the opposite of humid and stale, As if there is too much air And not enough space for it all.

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10 AC ALS

Top Row: Mietta Edwards, Ava Jansen, Holly McNamara, Scarlett Walch, Rosie Hacking, Georgina Hill, Sara Casey 1st Row: Millana Irons, Alannah Stark, Isabelle Hart, Charlotte Barker, Sophie Riordan, Charlotte Roe, Sarah Longmire

10 AC DC

Top Row: Emma Tweedie, Aviva Quick, Grace Harris, Sofia Scott, Charlotte Acheson 2nd Row: Mia Bayley, Annabelle Russell, Emily Hart, Harriet Bean, Sophie Pratt, Elyssa Leon 1st Row: Jacinda Hill, Amber Brown, Amber Augustini, Samantha Warner, Imogen Tomsic

10 HC GHS

Top Row: Sassie Hunt, Charlie Lyon-Camilleri, Mia Amarilli, Angelica Woodroffe, Fleur Berry 2nd Row: Alyssa Turner, Nicole Vassileff, Zo Mtenje, Silvia Zhou, Stefani Rentaris, Evie Cao 1st Row: Alexandra Gianna, Lara Jones, Joyce Jiao, Hannah Mu, Hannah Iitake-Wynne

10 HC NE

Top Row: Lila McNamara, Veronika Cena-Bandosz, Manshan Zhang, Anika Moller, Kiara Sharpe, Sienna Novak, Mattie Kremers De Boer 1st Row: Madeleine Graham, Serena Lopreiato, Sophia Khan, Anastasia Houridis, Judy Lin, Madi Stokes, Elejandra Penfold

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10 ST CDA

Top Row: Sharna Dominguez, Orla McCarthy, Frances Kelly, Suzanne Proper, Lily Lopez, Madeleine Quail 2nd Row: Georgia Ross, Georgina Robinson, Milla Wilson, Alexandra Pels, Charlotte Wormald 1st Row: Gisele Dimaria, Poppy Klose, Anabelle Klintberg, Sienna Howie, Indi Jarvis, Phoebe Kakaras

10 ST GD

Top Row: Rebecca Chon, Portia Giles, Anne-Lise Dromey, Alexandra Telford, Grace Henham, Sasha Bollen, Madeleine Jansz 1st Row: Alyssa Calcatjicos, Jodie Palipuaminni, Sayuri Sato, Wendy Zhou, Jenae Tipiloura, Romy Bendel, Alison Bennett

10 TC MDG

Top Row: Liv Gibbins, Lara Rumbens, Emily Gough, Georgia Tomkins, Giselle Buckley, Sophie Mladenovski, Eva Mu 1st Row: Marie-Helene Airoldi, Sharon Shen, Zoe Kerr, Darcie O’Dell, Nicola Sidiropoulos, Cindy Deng, Sidney Daniels

10 TC SJM

Top Row: Lara David, Holly Tomkins, Pippa Anscombe, Chloe Stone, Zoe Bilsborough 2nd Row: Natasha Rumbens, Jaime Lampard, Ava Coleman, Ella Jones, Holly Dark, Lauren Hermann 1st Row: Mia Burgess, Anna Weddell, Cindy Tran, Samantha Wilcock, Annelise Kulesza

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YEAR 10 Cady Tulloch Gunmetal grey clouds loomed overhead, devouring the vast sky. Violently swirling, the clouds brought wind that shook the trees and uprooted the fragile flowers. Shades of grey unevenly covered the sky creating an uneasy feeling for the plants that were about to endure the wrath of the storm. Billowing clouds generated bone-chilling shapes.

Hands appeared as if the storm was going to abduct the innocent dwellings of the paddock. Constantly moving, the clouds were everchanging, this hypnotised and disorientated anything trying to hide. The clouds created illusions as if they were going to swallow the paddock and everything in it. The iron-coloured clouds were metallic like a gun. The clouds awaited for the signal to start shooting down upon the land.

The trees sat ominously on the horizon like spectators of the devastating event. Their mangled and distorted figures stood in the distance, waiting for the storm to commence.

Fiercely swaying in the wind, they sharply extended their arms and reached for objects to snatch into their grasp.

They seized flowers and shrubs and ripped them from the soil, throwing them roughly into the air, dispersing the dirt into the wind. Rushing through the trees, the wind gained strength and started a battle between the group of oaks.

Branches struck each other and created a tumultuous banging. Belting, walloping, whacking. Barbarically they swung at each other, battling the trees lost limbs brutally. Their leaves thrashed viciously in the inviolable wind, the leaves created susurrations as if applauding the battle going on below.

A singular tree stood alone in the middle of the field. Evicted from the mass of violent branches and thick trunks, it was isolated from the group. Longingly, it stared at the line of distorted figures. Forlornly the outcast readied itself to face the storm alone.

Different species of wildflowers were scattered across the field like a busy marketplace. The myriad of colours distracted from the looming storm. Growing so thick, the flowers were a mask, concealing the earth beneath them. Bunches of white daisies grew together in abundance, so much that the field appeared to be covered in piles of icing sugar.

Each gust of wind threw dirt and leaves. It pulled flowers out of their place. It forced the flowers to bend at precarious angles and tore off their petals. The flowers were victimised by the winds, and they had to endure the bullying, but the real storm was still brewing, waiting for its moment to come.

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Year 10 Desert Program - Outdoor Ed

Year 10 Desert Program - Outdoor Ed Desert Camp – Anna Weddell The crunching of rocks underneath our feet was white noise as we took the winding path through the ceaseless valleys and gorges. The brown surroundings, filled with highlights of red, stretched endlessly, as far as you could see over the hills and plains that filled all the space up to the horizon. It just went on and on and on, making you feel insignificantly small amidst something so much bigger than yourself, a tiny speck of difference or disturbance among a featureless landscape. If you were to zoom in, though, there is colour in the remote surroundings. Walking along, there were hills sprinkled with the pale pink Mulla Mulla and Striped Spinifex. They provide relief and shelter for small animals from their bigger predators. It does the same for you. These colours take an edge off the indistinguishability of one metre from the next. They provide relief from the monotony and the feeling of insignificance. The path continues through the valleys, rising and then falling, turning and twisting through the landscape, eventually flattening at the crest of a hill like a wave frozen in time.

We stop, and then there are no crunching of rocks, sounds of footsteps, or voices. There is nothing.

You can’t hear the constant rush of cars here, nor the sound of notifications on electronics. People tell stories of when they go to remote places from the city; they cry because of the silence and because they have never heard the nothingness before. It is one of those things you can’t understand unless you experience it. At first, the silence feels deafening. It swallows you whole, making your ears strain for noises that aren’t there. It is that overwhelming feeling of not being able to breathe, taking breaths with no oxygen, and then the blinding feeling of panic that smothers you completely. Then after only seconds, the weight of that blanket is taken off, and slowly the ability to breathe comes back again, and it is a sense of relief and relived peace that floods your body. So used to constant background noise, hearing becomes like breathing, a necessity. To breathe constant noise and then, when it is taken away, we note just how much noise there really is in our daily lives.

Slowly, the silence became more comfortable, more peaceful. Like a bud flowering, something opens inside, letting the quiet stillness and clarity become a feeling of freedom.

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YEAR 9 FUN YEAR LEVEL ACTIVITIES TO GET US THROUGH...

Unfortunately, Year 9 students didn’t get to go on our much-anticipated Desert Program due to lockdown in 2021. However, we remained as positive as we could during lockdown with fun year-level activities.

Fun year level activities

Earlier in the year, while still at school, everyone enjoyed the PJ Day – Year 9 embraced coming to school in their Oodies on a freezing and wet day!

We had a Rubik’s Cube challenge where students got mentor group time to get dressed in every Rubik’s Cube color.

On Curiosity Day, the Pizza Face challenge involved students being creative and designing a face on pizza – congratulations to Hanna Graham.

She won with her pizza face, even donning a mask!

Mentor group v mentor group Firbank Trivia competition saw HC9MEH and AC9LS winning a pizza lunch. Daisy won Kraziest Hat, and Abi won Most Creative Hat in our Krazy Hat Kahoot competition.

Lockdown Bingo provided another memorable mentor v mentor challenge. Each mentor group was given a bingo board with 20 different dress-up themes on it – as a mentor group, you had to ensure that you had a photo of someone in your group dressed in each of the themes! Well done to AC9JWL for their creativity and high volume of entries!

German Cookies Vanillekipferl is a German cookie made in a crescent shape and coated in vanilla sugar. During remote learning, the Year 9 German classes made vanillekipferl, following video instructions in German. Not only did we learn new vocabulary and a new recipe – making vanillekipferl gave us a chance to take a break from looking at our screens and doing traditional classwork. We got to mess around

Year 9 Cross Country Competition

Fun year level activities

and have fun, experimenting with the recipe and accidentally burning half the biscuits. We learned a couple of vital things, such as not forgetting to add the egg, leaving the dough in the fridge too long makes it hard to shape, but – most importantly – we learned that vanillekipferl ist lecker (yummy)! Danke Frau Mittermayr for arranging the tutorial and offering our class such an enjoyable experience while online.

Thank you!

Lucie and Layla GSV Triathalon During Term 1, we signed up to participate in the GSV triathlon. It was our first time doing a triathlon, but we still did well – better than we ever expected. Ava completed the 300m swim, Indi completed the 10km bike ride, and Hannah completed the 2km run.

We had an early start to the day, seeing the sunrise over the water at Altona Beach. The weather was miserable, but we didn’t let that stop us. The waves were big, and the wind was strong, but we overcame the challenges we faced.

We enjoyed competing and will be coming back to do so again in 2022.

In the end, we were proud of what we achieved and had so much fun – we would recommend doing this fun experience.

Hannah, Indi, and Ava RCD Lunch On 5 May, Year 9 Firbank and Year 9 Brighton Grammar students came together to raise awareness for Connor’s Run. We heard from Liz Dawes, who runs the RCD Foundation and organises Connor’s Run, during lunch. She told us about how this initiative started and how it has grown. We also participated in Brain Bird, a quiz that helps raise money for the RCD Foundation and brain cancer research.

The Robert Connor Dawes Foundation helps support kids and families that are affected by the deadly disease that is brain cancer. It helps in areas of care, development, funding and research. Participating in this lunch allowed our cohort and BGS to raise awareness and be part of the larger battle against brain cancer.

Lucy Featherston and Matilda Nicholls 9M Cross Country In Term 3, I participated in the Year 9 House Cross Country competition.

The race started during lunchtime on a sunny afternoon. The course was three laps around Turner House.

In my opinion, it was a dizzy course, although I still went out there and tried my best, and that is all you can ask for.

Cross Country is not a sport for everyone, but I highly encourage all to get outside for at least five minutes a day and go for a walk or run. I also would encourage you to attend the House Cross Country competition next year.

Whether you come first or last, at least you have tried your best and given it a go.

Congratulations to everyone who competed this year – you all deserve a medal.

Holly Klose

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9 AC JLW

Top Row: Matilda Chard, Evie McDonald, Chiara Darby, Leni Fevola, Penny Begg, Jacqueline Nolan 1st Row: Elayna Evans, Sophie Paltoglou, Ella Harrowell, Kira Mongey, Lila Maher, Ashlea Box, Eve Duncan

9 AC LS

Top Row: Roey Wu, Sophia Brooks, Ava Montgomery, Lila Shenfield, Hanna Graham 1st Row: Yuka Nozu, Layla Heinze, Emma Williams, Kai Yin Goh, Miella Brown Absent: Jennifer Fu, Michelle Yuan

9 HC MEH

Top Row: Lucy Featherston, Sasha Hill, Daisy Flockart, Ruby Secatore, Cassandra Zissis, Lucy Oldfield 1st Row: Julia De Maria, Matilda Nicholls, Jacinda Zhang, Stefi Jackson, Alexandra Shepard, Charlotte Epstein, Ainsley Joy Absent: Elodie Gordon

9 HC RBH

Top Row: Charlotte Grooby, Samantha Di Tirro, Coco Williams, Maddie Doyle, Abi Bolmat, Liv Foster, Lisa Clark 1st Row: Pia Gorander, Grace Sharratt, Ava Livissianos, Summer Tsiampas Donald, Giselle Eng, Isabella Jin, Elly Meekin

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9 ST APJ

Top Row: Claire Liu, Alicia Fuller, Estella Harte, Sienna Morgan, Emily Mitchell, Rhian Lewis 1st Row: Maggie Chen, Lily Beasley, Katie McNamara, Jessica Harrison, Gracie Lynch Absent: Annie Sun

9 ST DK

Top Row: Georgie Quah, Summer Schilling, Isabella Hildebrand-Neumann, Ava Thomas, Eva Pantelopoulos, Sissi Zheng 2nd Row: Milla Hearnden, Nithali Jain, Alexandra Sutherland, Lucie Braddon, Anastasia Constance Roubos 1st Row: Bridget Unger, Lola Grosso, Eleanor Whitehouse, Molly Harridge, Maddy Bendel, Aurelia Fyfe

9 TC DN

Top Row: Charlotte Foley, Ruby Williams, Sarah Lawrence, Kaya Murphy, Eva McGorian, Abigail McMaster, Stephie Cella, Abby Escott 1st Row: Lillia Savage, Bridget Smyth, Grace Hooker-Williamson, Asha Anderson, Indi Dark, Ruby Arnheim, Hannah Gibbs Absent: Mietta Kennard

9 TC NJ

Top Row: Mya Page, Anna Bream, Frankie Dever, Emma Howard, Ava Larkin 2nd Row: Lulu Olesen-Phillips, Grace Lewis, Eve Wang, Anastasia Galinas, Madeleine Jones, Holly Klose 1st Row: Alessia Ferdinands, Sienna Cushen, Ava McLean, Eva de Boer, Isabella Watts

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YEAR 9

Year 9 Cross Country Competition

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German baking

GSV Triathlon

RCD Lunch 79

YEAR 8 ONLINE LEARNING

This year has been tumultuous but enjoyable.

I find I’ve made the most of it by enjoying the little things. Although we’ve spent most of the terms in lockdown, I still had events like GSV, the Earth Program (where I went to Mittagundi), Debating, House Fest and more.

Out of all of these, I think the Earth Program was the highlight.

I learnt so much there, developed friendships, hiked, cooked – overall, it was a fantastic camp. I think when I reflect on this year in the future, I will definitely appreciate what we still did despite the challenges presented.

Bonnie Lampard What a year it has been, from thinking this was the year back on campus doing the things we love, to becoming the city that has spent the most amount of time in lockdown throughout the world.

There have been some serious lows but some even more memorable highs that have come from the whole experience.

Sitting outside in the sun while writing notes in class. Having walks in the tenminute break and then realising what time it is and running back for your next class. Cooking together in Food Studies, dancing to all different types of songs in Music and laughing too hard in breakout rooms.

I know that everyone could list off huge amounts of things that they have missed, had postponed, or

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Year 8 Earth Program

cancelled. However, I think I could list off so many more amazing things that happened this year more than anything else.

Let’s see…

• Aladdin went ahead even without an audience • Jazz Night was a success • Lots of camps were snuck in between lockdowns • Dance Night premiered • Mamma Mia! was crazy good!

• House Fest trailers ended a tough term with smiles all around • Countless House lockdown challenges took place • We could travel throughout Australia freely for the Term 2 holidays • Anyone in regional Victoria had a couple of days out of lockdown • We all watched the beautiful Bel Canto video • We participated in the ‘Find Murphy Challenge’ during Wellbeing Week • Face Timing friends for so many hours • Going on walks with family every day in whatever weather • Just enjoying the little things in life!

Even though everyone has found this year tough, read the list above as many times as you want until you find a little bit of joy somewhere in

there. We are all here for each other in Year 8, and I am so thankful for all the teachers for making this year as amazing as possible. Remember to find the little things every day that make you smile!

Eadie Spencer Although we couldn’t travel to Cairns, we had the privilege of going on the Earth Program. The Earth Program covered activities that included farming, land care projects, food production and bushwalking.

I went on the camp Wollangarra – a camp that was fully off-grid. We went on hikes and did farm work.

This camp had its ups and downs, but it has helped me make so many new friendships and helped me to learn how to survive without any electricity (and go a week without washing my hair)!

This year, I really wanted to push myself and give things a go. I auditioned for the 7–9 production, Aladdin, and I got in! I also applied for SRC and got in. The production was awesome. It was awkward at first, but I made loads of new friends and had such a great time.

Online learning sure was very hard at times, but the past year has taught me to keep pushing through and make the most of everything.

Madi Luu

Year 8 Earth Program

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8 AC JYZ

Top Row: Sophia Lyons, Bridget Roe, Amelie Grace, Sienna Thomas, Ruby Rickards, Charlotte Alsop, Mia Louw, Garnet He 1st Row: Cindy Huang, Alea Ord, Sally He, Crystal Yannopoulos, Elizabeth Russell, Madison King, Sarah Warner

8 AC LT

Top Row: Isabella Richardson, Elyse Tiver, Charlotte Drummond, Ava Minovski, Anne Liu 2nd Row: Chloe Jones, Isabella Khodr, Amy FitzGerald, India Moore, Stephanie Leon, Lola Graham 1st Row: Stephanie York, Ruby Landry, Molly Welsh, Scarlett Bakker, Eva Cuthbertson

8 HC JC

Top Row: Sophie Anderson, Josephine Fahey, Martha Ickeringill, Maya Swinton, Hannah Fidock 2nd Row: Amelia Bennett- Couupe, Maggie Liu, Clara Feng, Holly Carney 1st Row: Catherine Froelicher, Chloe Stokes, Royce Chu, Bonnie Lampard, Isabella Lopreiato Absent: Ines Richard

8 HC VN

Top Row: Madeleine Issa, Hatty Wormald, Peggy Martin, YuanYuan Li, Sheronica Snowy, Alysha Handley, Taylor Turner, Olivia Smith 1st Row: Sienna Stavroulis, Sophie Chamberlin, Ruby Pollio, Bennet McKenna, April Tomas, Mika Loosschilder, Audrey Escott Absent: Lucy Liang

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8 ST FM

Top Row: Kate Morrison, Olivia Williams, Cara Sharpe, Chloe Gall, Eadie Spencer, Melody Bowen, Charlie Pordage 1st Row: Savannah Smith, Laila Morgan, Zoe Page, Tahli Behrendorff, Imogen Jackett-Simpson, Ivy Graham, Madison Luu

8 ST KAS

Top Row: Edie Nichol, Angelica Pafumi, Meg Nieuwenhuizen, Clodagh McCarthy, Grace Howie, Rachel Brown, Poppy Dalton-Morris, Jessie Jarvis 1st Row: Sophia Janoshalmi, Hannah Lee, Sarah Goss, Celia Blombery, Emilia Fode, Lexi Williams, Georgia Atkinson

8 TC DAC

Top Row: Abigail Bracken, Rebecca Moshidis, Eloise Escott, Peppa Vaughan, Niamh Arnold, Grace Edwards, Anais Dipietrantonio, Anastasia Gantzos 1st Row: Alessia Russo, Juliet Fulton, Heidi Mottram, Meg Noske, Skye Weddell, Annabelle Hartenstine, Trinity De Lance

8 TC JAL

Top Row: Helen Feng, Isabelle Furber, Celine Sorensen, Sophia David, Ella Bailey, Freya McGorian, Radha Di Pietro, Georgia Paterson 1st Row: Evie Burgess, Lillia Russo, Kyah Hunter, Charlotte Hermann, Juliet Moss, Laura Li, Caitlin Martin

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YEAR 8

Year 8 Earth Program

Year 8 sustainability and conservation programs across Victoria and NSW

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Firbank Grammar and Brighton Grammar Year 8 combined afternoon

Year 8 sustainability and conservation programs across Victoria and NSW

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YEAR 7 CLASS REFLECTIONS OF A VERY IMPORTANT YEAR Doris Du – Warm Smiles As an EAL (English as an Acquired Language) student, I joined Firbank in the first semester of Year 7. In this environment, there are many gentle and friendly students. I have seen different ways of education. The way the teacher teaches is lively and exciting, making me learn different things from all angles. In lockdown, we had a good attitude. We looked at the screen and passed on warm smiles to each other. We enjoy the same sky even if we don’t meet face to face; we can discuss this with each other in meetings. We are lucky.

Daisy Harridge, Sophie Penfold and Julia Zhu – Lockdown Lockdown was quite hard and different from what we were used to.

We tried to stay social and get out of the house as much as possible; we made this lockdown the best we could with what we had. Some things that have sustained us over this lockdown are cooking many treats and meals to keep us occupied.

Another thing is seeing our friends and staying in contact with the people who are important to us. We went for multiple walks and tried plenty of new things that we might not usually do. We managed the holidays by being productive and trying new things such as sports and activities. We stayed active and fit during the holidays. We did activities that we enjoyed and made us happy, and we learned many new skills that can be very important in the future.

Some skills we learned were painting, playing instruments, reading, drawing and more. We also did some simple and basic things that kept us motivated, such as cleaning our rooms and playing with pets.

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Year 7 Fieldwork

Olivia Mclean – Swim Sports It was the colours that surprised me the most. The utilisation of red, green, yellow, blue and white was astounding. It was unlike anything I had ever witnessed. The spirit and unconditional love everyone had for their Houses was contagious, and it was all anyone could do to keep a straight face. The crowd’s passion was reflected in the swimmers and there was a deafening roar each time someone touched the wall, whether it was first or last. House Swimming made me proud to be a Firbank girl.

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­­­­­Charley Robertson – Discovery Surf Camp Year 7 Surf Camp at Burnside, Anglesea – what a camp! I met new teachers, made so many new friends and got to know my classmates more.

We ended up being a close group of friends after camp. We were always helping each other along the way, especially setting up our tents and surfing. Our class chatted together, we laughed and we let out a few scared shrieks on the high ropes course. Most importantly, we helped each other. So, when we packed our bags and said goodbye to Anglesea, we were ready to start Year 7 together as friends at Firbank.

Bonnie Laycock – Zoom Activities Afternoon with BGS This year at Firbank, we’ve had numerous experiences to put

students out of their comfort zone.

For example, the BGS virtual zoom meeting was a nerve-racking experience for me. It wasn’t like it was scary, but it was the constant feeling of doubt and not wanting people to judge the way I looked or acted.

After I realised that most of these girls and boys were feeling the same self-doubt, I wanted to make friends.

Because of this experience, I’ve made friends from BGS and gotten closer with the boys I already knew.

Because Firbank pushed me out of my comfort zone, I made friends and gained a better feeling of confidence.

Isabella Tranter – First Day of Year 7 Before I came to Firbank, I was at Hampton Primary School. On my first day, I was incredibly nervous. What if I didn’t make a good friendship group? What if I got lost on campus?

What would it be like going to an all-girls school? When I was in school, I realised that I recognised some faces. Some people I knew from dance, netball or even primary school. That reassured me and gave me the confidence to reach out and talk to my peers. The rest of the day flew by, and when it was time to go home, I had a million things to tell my parents. I was so excited to go back the next day.

Xanthe Chard Year 7 has been pretty good allaround. However, I couldn’t pinpoint

Year 7 camp

one thing, so I decided to write about Year 7 in general. From making friends at camp to doing debating over Teams, it has been so much fun. I’ve been wishing it was the holidays every day, but looking back, it is incredible – all the things I have done. I’ve gone to Writers’ Club, Book Club and Debating Club, made new friends at school and on the train, joined the EAG, danced at Dance Night and participated in GSV. I can’t wait for all the excitement ahead in future years.

Isabella Kobelt Jazz Night long precedes the other performances of the year, but it is not forgotten. It is a single opportunity to mix with the sweeping community of musicians at Firbank. The music staff organise it all with impeccable calm and orderliness (which seems like a world away from the panicky buzz of the gathered students). Yet, in the end, no matter how many bows have been broken or how many mouthpieces have been lost, everyone pulls together and creates an unforgettable masterpiece of sound.

Year 7 camp

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7 AC MJA

Top Row: Talyssa Calabrese Toskov, Stella Kemp, Lyla Sherwood, Tilly Shenfield, Sienna McPherson, Olivia Marino, Poppy Pigott, Elle Stepcic 1st Row: Ayu Lu, Zara Reid, Jessica Zhu, Nikki Jian, Doris Du, Hayley Auden, Caitlyn Barwood

7 AC SMX

Top Row: Mia Suddes, Xanthe Chard, Olivia McLean, Clara Begg, Kate Montgomery, Siyan Bao 1st Row: Kyra Wu, Mia Graham, Gracie Xiao, Alexandra Pippis, Beatrix Scott, Izzy Chapple, Emily Arendsen

7 HC PG

Top Row: Isabella Telford, Elsa Sima, Madeleine Effeney, Sophie Penfold, Xanthia Adam-Gedge, Georgie Beggs, Iris Lee, Naomi Iitake-Wynne 1st Row: Poppy Heaselgrave, Claudia McNamara, Cecilia Bastos, Isabella Kobelt, Charlotte Elston, Tacy Kremers De Boer, Ruby Leibowitz

7 HC SN

Top Row: Chloe Rollason, Amelia Otto, Ella Spring, Mila Richey, Isabella Tranter, Kate Mordes, Sophie Nicholls, Jaime Spanos 1st Row: Amy Sommers, Priscilla Beynon, Sophie Lew, Willow Hunt, Samantha Inman, Sophie Barton, Erin Sharratt

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7 ST AFS

Top Row: Annabel Quail, Koharu Nishikawa, Angela Wang, Chloe Youl, Hannah Pordage, Celestine Jang, Lucy Norwood 1st Row: Dana Lee, CC Lynch, Zara Fyfe, Nicole Ding, Daisy Harridge, Lily Redpath, Mia Wood Absent: Jenny Qiu

7 ST PFR

Top Row: Stephanie Wang, Charley Robertson, Persia Assaad, Jorja Rao, Mary Lazar, Amy Gianatti, Piper Hallam, Amy Sun 1st Row: Isabelle Mitchell, Abigail Bligh, Millie Rodd, Ella Liu, Paige Foley, Selina Ding, Luna Scantamburlo Absent: Teresa Zhang

7 TC KBR

Top Row: Sienna Arrico-Dunn, Marit Everett, Hope Watson-Hook, Catherine Bloomfield, Amilla Meyer, Tashi Lehmann, Bonnie Laycock, Chelsea Luo 1st Row: Olivia Hermann, Milla Edwards, Siena Hampel, Claudia Sola Jimenez, Olivia Gillett, Amy Zhang, Amy Lau

7 TC LRD

Top Row: Houlin Zhu, Vegas Henry, Giselle Turnbull, Chloe Arabatzis, Cassandra Morales, Ella Zeng 1st Row: Jessica Collins, Morgan Thomas, Riyaa Indrawati Shrivastava, Amber Kemal, Anna Wu, Kiera Tyler Absent: Sophia Wu

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YEAR 7

Year 7 Humanities – Civic and Citizenship Unit

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Year 7 Fieldwork

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AYLWIN CAMERON

HOUSE STAR Georgette Bean Chloe George Isabelle Mongey Ruby Wolfe FULL HOUSE COLOURS Elise Angus Charlotte Anson Tiah Brown Sophie Conlan Scarlett Dawson Holly Dow Holly Fletcher Isabella Giggins Ava Karras Eloise Leonard Lily Montgomery Lara Paroissien Lauren Pratt Lily Smith HALF HOUSE COLOURS India Batchelor Harriet Bean Charlotte Childs Hanna Graham Rosamund Hacking Isabelle Hart Layla Heinze Jacinda Hill Elyssa Leon Sarah Longmire Ava Montgomery Sofia Scott Imogen Tomsic Emma Tweedie Ruoyu (Roey) Wu 92

After the events and mishaps of last year, 2021 brought a new lease of life to Aylwin Cameron. Although 2020 was tough, motivation, excitement and new ideas were at an all-time high as we entered what would be a year we could spend together face-to-face. The year was off to a racing start as our superheroes and crusaders took to the pool with our theme of Aylwin Avengers. Everyone stepped up to the challenge. The House spirit was out of this world, and we can’t thank all the girls enough for their participation in every race – not all heroes wear capes.

House Athletics resulted in a triumphant victory as we took home the winning trophy! We couldn’t be more proud of all our grannies and grandpas that raced on the track and competed in the field events, whether it was hobbling along with walkers in the 800m or using walking sticks for discus. The Aylwin at an Old Age army was back and better than ever.

House assemblies came to be so much more special, as we realised the privilege of spending time together instead of behind a screen.

Whether it was announcements, games, or Sister Group, the smiles on everyone’s faces just showed the happiness to be back together as an

Aylwin family.

Unfortunately, lockdown six saw us back behind our screens, but spirits were still high. Challenges such as house baking, the AC photo challenge and the art challenge kept us all sane, as everyone continued to participate in ways they could to stay connected as a house. The resilience in the Aylwin students gave us indescribable pride. The challenges faced with online learning are tough. But as we’ve all learned, we’re stronger together and a force to be reckoned with. Tears were shed when House Festival was moved from the stage to the screen, but we were all so excited to see what our amazing House Festival leaders Lily, Rochelle and Scarlett had put together.

Quick thinking and hard work ensured the House Festival spirit was still amidst us, even watching the performance with popcorn in our beds.

As the year comes to a close, we couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity we have had to lead Aylwin Cameron this year. Through the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the AC students have always pulled through and come out the other side better than ever. We are so sad to be leaving as our Firbank journey comes to a close, but we

know the House is in safe hands with Scarlett and Eloise. But even as we leave school, we say our goodbyes knowing we will continue to be a part of the Aylwin family. The bonds, friendships and memories made are something we will cherish forever, as the Aylwin legacy lives on in our hearts. Once a member of Aylwin Cameron, always a member of Aylwin Cameron.

Grace Adair & Annabelle Paynter

HANCOCK CROWTHER HOUSE STAR Hannah Schwarz Sienna Stuart-Williams FULL HOUSE COLOURS Miranda Edney Mia Eng Ella Hamstead Louella Hollis Liliana Mayer Bonnie Moorcraft Philippa Torrens Chloe Weight HALF HOUSE COLOURS Giselle Eng Lucy Featherston Daisy Flockart Mattie Kremers De Boer Serena Lopreiato Matilda Nicholls Lucy Oldfield Grace Sharratt Nicole Vassileff

We know it has been heard a thousand times before, but who would have thought after the Covid craziness of 2020 that we would be back in lockdown this year and fighting the same battles: staying motivated, staying positive, staying on top of our work and trying to find a way to earn House points! But, in true Hancock style, and with the help of some weird and wonderful games played at House Assembly, we have managed to overcome the challenges and remain as cohesive as ever – reminding us that we truly are a family.

House Assembly is always a highlight of the week, but we have enjoyed being able to celebrate the incredible talents of our Hancock friends.

We stole the show with the House Art Challenge, winning all the sections – and who could forget the ‘Who Am I?’ quiz where Murphy the dog was mistaken for an actual person! We will never forget the laughs that we 94

have shared!

Hancock started the year on a high note, making a clean sweep at the House Swimming Carnival. We won the Swimming Cup with an awesome display of talent in the pool and the Spirit Cup by displaying the usual Hancock comradery in the stands.

We also had an incredible run mid-year in the lunchtime sports competitions and were never short of participants, highlighting the sheer enthusiasm and love for our House.

The performance of the Year 9s on the netball court was a highlight!

We are so proud of every one of the Hancockians who have made our final year as Captains and high school students as memorable as possible.

We will carry the red and the blue in our hearts forever. We hope our love and dedication to Hancock Crowther has rubbed off on you all and that you strive to make our House more welcoming, more exciting and more collaborative every single year.

We want to congratulate Stella Oldfield and Pippa Torrens, who will be leading Hancock in 2022!

We know Hancock is in safe hands.

From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank all our amazing mentors who have helped us over the years, especially in our final year of school. Your continuous support and encouragement mean the world to us, and we are so grateful to have had you by our sides throughout this journey. To Mrs Simmonds, we could not have asked for a better House Coordinator! Your absolute devotion and love for this House are unmatched. Thank you for all the support and help you have offered us along the way – this experience would not have been as unique and memorable without you!

Bonnie Moorcraft and Hannah Schwarz

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SHEPPARD TYSON HOUSE STAR De-arne Baker Eloise Bolton Elissa Branson Amelia Mitchell-Adams Kari Robinson Grace Whitehouse FULL HOUSE COLOURS Olivia Fanning Isabel Lally Cara Moulang Lara Smith HALF HOUSE COLOURS Charlotte Amies Lucie Braddon Marlo Hearnden Remy Horrobin Xanthe Kakaras Olivia Liu Emily Mitchell Olivia Morgan Leticia Phillips Summer Robinson Contrary to all our hopes for a COVID-free year, 2021 became close to a repeat of 2020. However, as the Sheppard Tyson House Captains, we were blown away by the perseverance and spirit of our Tysonites. Continuously thrown in and out of lockdown, we were forced to adjust to the uncertainty of whether or not House events would occur as usual. The delay of House Swimming, running House Assemblies online, and coordinating the in-person assemblies to be COVID safe posed a few challenges. Nevertheless, both staff and students within Sheppard remained connected and consistently strived for success.

Starting the year with House Swimming as Sheppard ‘Under the Sea,’ we were genuinely impressed by the dedication and efforts everybody showed with their costumes, swimming, and cheering, with many 96

younger years getting involved. We also achieved a close 2nd, falling only a few points short. We were then lucky enough to hold House Athletics as ‘Sheppard Superheros.’ Despite some problems with the participation lists, our Tysonites rose to the challenge of attempting events they hadn’t picked, showing the true spirit of Sheppard.

We couldn’t have been more proud.

It was a challenge to maintain an interactive discussion with the Tysonites throughout the in-person house assemblies earlier in the year.

However, with the implementation of various concepts, such as ‘Sheppard

of the Week,’ the students became more engaged, and we noticed a more robust integration between the different year levels. This provided a strong foundation for our online assemblies, allowing us to remain interactive with students even at home. We implemented various lockdown challenges such as ‘Show us Your Mood in Lockdown’, House Baking, a scavenger hunt within our assembly, and a ‘Spring into Holidays’ challenge, encouraging Tysonites to stay creative and involved in house activities throughout this challenging time.

We are unbelievably proud of our whole Sheppard family for their involvement, spirit and optimism, evidently expressed over the year. We feel so privileged to have led such a supportive house, and we know that Hannah and Grace will continue to encourage this into 2022. We are so thankful for the memories and lifelong bonds we have created during our time in Sheppard, and although we are sad to say goodbye, we know Sheppard Tyson will continue to be the fantastic House we know and love.

Eloise Bolton and Grace Whitehouse 97

TONKIN CLARKE HOUSE STAR Brooke Connell Isabelle Escott Charlotte Gibbs Mae Kabengele Isobel Low Lucinda Mottram FULL HOUSE COLOURS Millie Anderson Anneliese Christopoulos Rylee Dugdale Zoe Lehmann Abby McLachlan Daisy Paxton-White HALF HOUSE COLOURS Pippa Anscombe Mia Ciciulla Sienna Cushen Abigail Escott Hannah Gibbs Lauren Hermann Dominique Kelso Abigail McMaster Lulu Olesen-Phillips Bridget Smyth Sonja Sorokina Isabella Watts

Many things in high school define your experiences and make you who you are; leading Tonkin Clarke has been one of these. It has taught us many lessons. Lessons about leadership and organisation, guidance, and what being a role model indeed looks like. However, these lessons are incomparable to the experiences and memories that cannot be taught but rather are learned and achieved through passion, empathy and human connection – experiences that this position has given us.

The year began with House Swimming. Despite coming home empty-handed, a sense of unity and 98

pride was born from that day. The passion and enthusiasm displayed in the swimming stand excited us for what was ahead. It was there that we knew we were in for a fantastic year. As we sat together on the bus ride home, we quickly realised how incredible this journey would be.

The feelings that we first experienced at House Swimming quickly flourished as Tonkin tackled the athletics track.

The hard work that so many girls put into chanting at House Swimming had finally seemed to pay off, with Tonkin taking home not only the House Spirit

Award for the first time in six years but coming second in athletics and taking home the Ball Game’s Trophy.

However, Tonkin’s winning streak, including another House Diving championship, was met with anticipation as we plummeted into another lockdown and returned to our screens. While the dream of an uninterrupted school year slipped away, Tonkin’s spirit had never been stronger. We are so proud of the fantastic efforts of our House Festival managers, who, through thick and thin, continued to put in their all! The participation online continued to blow

us away as the devotion to Tonkin was reaffirmed.

Despite another interrupted year, Tonkin Clarke remained strong, unified, and determined as the Tonkin community flourished. The legacy we leave behind is now filled by another generation of hardworking, independent people. We go proud, knowing that we will always have a home away from home.

Brooke Connell and Isobel Low

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POCKETS AND COLOURS CROSS COUNTRY POCKETS

AFL POCKETS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Stephanie Bierens Chloe George Brigitte Wallace Scarlett Adams Chloe Buscombe Charlotte Childs Rylee Dugdale Isabel Lally Olivia Morgan Romy Bendel

12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10

Sophie Bolmat Chloe George Charlotte Gibbs Xanthe Kakaras Grace Whitehouse Elise Angus Tiah Brown Sophie Conlan Isabel Lally Eloise Leonard Stella Oldfield Lara Smith Zoe White Lucy Young Zoe Bilsborough Emily Gough Mattie Kremers De Boer Serena Lopreiato Sofia Scott Nicole Vassileff

12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10

INDOOR CRICKET POCKETS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Chloe Cochrane Olivia Fanning Lucinda Mottram Mackenzy Muller Grace Whitehouse Lily Green Lucy Taliadoros Mia Amarilli Grace Harris

12 12 12 12 12 11 11 10 10

HOCKEY POCKETS NAME Alexandra Ferguson Ella Hamstead Olivia Howie Mackenzy Muller Estelle Sarris Maggie Shannon Kate Thomas Nadia Imam Sophie La Fortezza Fleur Berry Lauren Hermann Sophie Mladenovski Anna Weddell

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YEAR LEVEL 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 10 10 10 10

DEBATING POCKETS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Claire Panaouris Sophie Conlan Marlo Hearnden Luella Hollis Anika Liddle Abby McLachlan Sarah Williams

12 11 11 11 11 11 11

DIVING POCKETS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Zoe Adam-Gedge Xanthe Kakaras Grace Whitehouse Millie Anderson

12 12 12 11

DRAMA POCKETS

DRAMA POCKETS

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

NAME

Tilly Barker Tara Booth Charlotte Bowers Isabelle Escott Olivia Fanning Holly Hart Emily Liddle Isabella McKenzie Isabelle Mongey Lara Paroissien Kari Robinson Danielle Roode Caitlin Smillie Sienna Stuart-Williams Bridget Ugazio India Vaughan Mia Ciciulla Josephine Cook Tia Davies Emily Duan Mia Eng Elizabeth Gordon-Saker Lily Green Chloe Hiscock Erin Howie Grace Kirkham Jessica Macfarlane Ava Nicholson Paris Piccolo Lily Smith Philippa Torrens Chloe Weight Sarah Williams Mia Amarilli Pippa Anscombe Harriet Bean Mia Burgess Ava Coleman Rosamund Hacking Sienna Howie Madeleine Jansz Sarah Longmire Aviva Quick Georgina Robinson Charlotte Roe Emma Tweedie Samantha Warner

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Eloise Bolton Meaghan McDonald Florence Grasby Elizabeth Jowett Rochelle Khodr Minnie Morley Daisy Paxton-White Hannah Wolfe Marie-Helene Airoldi Charlotte Barker Mietta Edwards Portia Giles Grace Harris Hannah Iitake-Wynne Alexandra Pels Sayuri Sato Holly Tomkins

YEAR LEVEL 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

DANCE POCKETS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Eloise Bolton Denika Giannatos Tara Booth Charli Bowers Olivia Fanning Charlize Kelly Amelia Mitchell-Adams Lucinda Mottram Sienna Stuart-Williams Charlotte Anson India Batchelor Tiah Brown Mia Ciciulla Lily Green Grace Kirkham Sonja Sorokina Philippa Torrens Chloe Weight Jacinda Hill Sophie Mladenovski Georgina Robinson YunWen (Wendy) Zhou

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 101

POCKETS AND COLOURS MUSIC: INSTRUMENTAL COLOURS

NETBALL POCKETS

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Georgette Bean Lauren Holmes Jessica Jiang Holly Jordan Kari Robinson Caitlin Smillie Kewen (Iris) Su Tessa Zangalis Josephine Best Tia Davies Emily Duan Mia Eng Yun (Celeste) Hang Chloe Hiscock Zhixiao (Libby) Li Liliana Mayer Abby McLachlan Ava Nicholson Amelia Raper Ella Ross Kanoko Sainsbery Hannah Wolfe Renee Xu Harriet Bean Yifei (Evie) Cao Rebecca Chon Lara David Lauren Hermann Georgina Hill Hannah Iitake-Wynne Shiwen (Joyce) Jiao Jiaxin (Judy) Lin Orla McCarthy Alexandra Pels Sayuri Sato

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Isabelle Escott Charlotte Gibbs Jessica Jiang Lara Paroissien Grace Whitehouse Ruby Wolfe Elise Angus Sophie Conlan Holly Fletcher Marlo Hearnden Luella Hollis Cara Moulang Sonja Sorokina Sarah Williams Lucy Young Mia Amarilli Pippa Anscombe Zoe Bilsborough Sasha Bollen Amber Brown Mia Burgess Sara Casey Holly Dark Emily Gough Emily Hart Isabelle Hart Millana Irons Ella Jones Serena Lopreiato Lila McNamara Elejandra Penfold Sophie Pratt Madeleine Quail Sofia Scott Kiara Sharpe Emma Tweedie

12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

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CROSS COUNTRY COLOURS

DRAMA COLOURS

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Sophie Bolmat

12

Tilly Barker Eloise Bolton Tara Booth Charli Bowers Isabelle Escott Olivia Fanning Holly Hart Emily Liddle Isabella McKenzie Isabelle Mongey Lara Paroissien Kari Robinson Caitlin Smillie Sienna Stuart-Williams Bridget Ugazio Mia Ciciulla Josephine Cook Tia Davies Mia Eng Elizabeth Gordon-Saker Florence Grasby Lily Green Erin Howie Rochelle Khodr Jessica Macfarlane Minnie Morley Daisy Paxton-White Paris Piccolo Lily Smith Philippa Torrens Chloe Weight Sarah Williams Hannah Wolfe

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

DANCE COLOURS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Eloise Bolton Tara Booth Charli Bowers Olivia Fanning Charlize Kelly Amelia Mitchell-Adams Lucinda Mottram Sienna Stuart-Williams Charlotte Anson India Batchelor Tiah Brown Grace Kirkham Sonja Sorokina Chloe Weight

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11

DEBATING COLOURS NAME Georgette Bean Catina Chen Holly Jordan Emily Liddle Arianna Russo Bridget Ugazio

YEAR LEVEL 12 12 12 12 12 12

DIVING COLOURS NAME Zoe Adam-Gedge Xanthe Kakaras Millie Anderson

YEAR LEVEL 12 12 11

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POCKETS AND COLOURS ROWING POCKETS

ROWING POCKETS

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Grace Adair Grace Bennett Miranda Edney Chloe George Eleanor Hahn Xanthe Kakaras Isobel Low Bonnie Moorcraft Lara Paroissien Lauren Pratt India Vaughan Ruby Wolfe Elise Angus Rylee Dugdale Isabella Edwards Ashley Forbes Marlo Hearnden Rose Jackson Ava Karras Grace Kirkham Zoe Lehmann Jemimah Savage Philippa Torrens Zoe White Lucy Young Pippa Anscombe Amber Augustini Giselle Buckley Alyssa Calcatjicos Holly Dark Emily Gough Saskia Hunt Ava Jansen Phoebe Kakaras Annelise Kulesza Jaime Lampard Holly McNamara Alexandra Pels Sophie Pratt Aviva Quick Georgia Ross Annabelle Russell Sofia Scott Emma Tweedie Samantha Warner Samantha Wilcock Angelica Woodroffe

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Sophie Conlan Isabella Giggins Sonja Sorokina Mia Bayley Sidney Daniels Mietta Edwards Georgina Hill Millana Irons Orla McCarthy

11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10

SAILING POCKETS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Veronika Cena-Bandosz Georgia Ross Scarlett Walch Charlotte Wormald

10 10 10 10

SOFTBALL POCKETS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Isabelle Escott Alexandra Ferguson Charlotte Gibbs Ella Hamstead Olivia Howie Arianna Russo Maggie Shannon Scarlett Adams Erin Howie Nadia Imam Romy Bendel Yifei (Evie) Cao Sara Casey Olivia Gibbins Sienna Howie Mattie Kremers De Boer Elejandra Penfold Sophie Pratt Madeleine Quail Alyssa Turner

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

SWIMMING POCKETS

MUSIC: VOCAL POCKETS

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Mackenzy Muller Grace Whitehouse Lola Cotton Elizabeth Hacking Jessica Koczocik Stella Oldfield Pui Long Chloe Tsui Serena Lopreiato Lila McNamara Sophie Mladenovski Zokondweretsa (Zo) Mtenje Anna Weddell

12 12 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10

Georgette Bean Charlotte Bowers Catina Chen Isabelle Escott Rachel Farrelly Lauren Holmes Holly Jordan Emily Liddle Isabelle Mongey Kari Robinson Arianna Russo Caitlin Smillie Kewen (Iris) Su Alexandra Thomas Mia Ciciulla Josephine Cook Tia Davies Mia Eng Elizabeth Gordon-Saker Lily Green Rochelle Khodr Zhixiao (Libby) Li Sofia Portelli Ella Ross Elwood Schilling Lily Smith Philippa Torrens Hannah Wolfe Marie-Helene Airoldi Charlotte Barker Yifei (Evie) Cao Rebecca Chon Ava Coleman Holly Dark Rosamund Hacking Lauren Hermann Madeleine Jansz Sarah Longmire Alexandra Pels Aviva Quick Georgina Robinson Samantha Warner YunWen (Wendy) Zhou

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

TENNIS POCKETS NAME Emily Liddle Anneliese Christopoulos Leticia Phillips Charlotte Amies Gigi Adams Jamie Sutherland Liliana Mayer Holly Fletcher Abby McLachlan Abigail Fischer Isabel Lally Luella Hollis Tessa Zangalis Lily Smith Summer Robinson Dominique Kelso Cara Moulang

YEAR LEVEL 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 11 11 11 11

SAILING COLOURS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Georgia Ross Charlotte Wormald Scarlett Walch Veronika Cena-Bandosz

10 10 10 10

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POCKETS AND COLOURS ROWING HALF COLOURS

HOCKEY COLOURS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Alexandra Ferguson Olivia Howie

12 12

Grace Adair Grace Bennett Miranda Edney Chloe George Eleanor Hahn Xanthe Kakaras Isobel Low Bonnie Moorcraft Lara Paroissien Lauren Pratt Ruby Wolfe Elise Angus Isabella Giggins Grace Kirkham Zoe Lehmann Sonja Sorokina Zoe White Lucy Young

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

MUSIC: INSTRUMENTAL COLOURS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Georgette Bean Lauren Holmes Jessica Jiang Holly Jordan Kari Robinson Caitlin Smillie Kewen (Iris) Su Tessa Zangalis Josephine Best Mia Eng Yun (Celeste) Hang Zhixiao (Libby) Li Liliana Mayer Ava Nicholson Amelia Raper Ella Ross Kanoko Sainsbery Hannah Wolfe Renee Xu Rebecca Chon Georgina Hill Jiaxin (Judy) Lin

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10

ROWING COLOURS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Ruby Wolfe

12

SWIMMING COLOURS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Mackenzy Muller Grace Whitehouse

12 12

106

SOFTBALL COLOURS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Ella Hamstead

12

MUSIC: VOCAL COLOURS NAME

YEAR LEVEL

Charlotte Bowers Lauren Holmes Holly Jordan Isabelle Mongey Kari Robinson Arianna Russo Caitlin Smillie Kewen (Iris) Su Alexandra Thomas Mia Ciciulla Josephine Cook Tia Davies Mia Eng Rochelle Khodr Zhixiao (Libby) Li Sofia Portelli Ella Ross Elwood Schilling Philippa Torrens Hannah Wolfe

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

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SANDRINGHAM JUNIOR CAMPUS

FROM HEAD OF CAMPUS Just when we thought life was returning to normal, Covid-19 with its new Delta variant created further and more intense challenges, but the perseverance of staff, resilience of students and gratitude from parents shone throughout 2021.

The teaching staff, again, excelled in their preparedness to adapt to changing timetables as well as cancellations of excursions and camps. Throughout the year, we reflected on Firbank’s 7 Principles to help guide our teaching and learning.

On the return to face-to-face learning in Term 4, the principle of ‘impact and joy’ was one that the staff and students connected with the most.

SANDRINGHAM SCHOOL CAPTAINS L to R: Callum Brown, Mr Brad Nelsen, Madeleine Gillett

We embraced this principle with impactful lessons, often outside, that were also joyous and allowed students to reconnect. We are very grateful to the parent community throughout virtual learning, supporting our teaching and learning programs. The parents of Sandringham Campus have been an incredible source of positivity for their children.

Despite the difficulties and challenges, our Sandringham Campus is built upon mutual trust and respect. Everyone has shown remarkable resilience, and the positive partnerships between the School and home made an enormous difference in how our students developed throughout the year.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TEAM L to R: Olivia Cooper, Anbo Wang, Lillian Mackenzie, Kewen Zheng, Audrey Mayer-Burstall, Gabriel Link, Audrey Hanson, Caelan Kelly Foran

110

Sandringham Campus community to forge strongly into the future.

At the start of the year, we were fortunate to have had the House Swimming Carnival and the Year 5 and 6 camp to Phillip Island. The students thoroughly enjoyed sleeping in tents, outdoor education experiences and beach environment studies.

I would like to thank the Sandringham House Parents Association (SHPA), which has been wonderfully led by Nina Nolle and Stacey Small, for all their support and for keeping the community engaged throughout the year. In particular, I thank SHPA for their enormous financial generosity in funding our new Nature Playground at the Victoria St end of the campus.

This has been thoroughly enjoyed by our students since the end of Term 2. We will be expanding the Nature Playground from November–January, anticipating that it will be ready for Term 1, 2022.

Year 6 students have shown resilience, positivity and care toward others and they have continued to find ways to raise funds and awareness for those less fortunate than ourselves, We were able to create some fantastic particularly through the Year 6 remote learning opportunities for the Leadership Program linked to Rotary’s students, including during Science EarlyAct Program. I wish the Year Week, Book Week and Footy/Sports 6 students the very best for their Day. The importance of connection, secondary education and thank them relationships and collaboration will for their commitment to excellence provide the strength for the whole this year.

SCHOOL SERVICE TEAM L to R: Aoife Shackcloth, Lily Williams, Clementine Thom, Scarlett Marchant, Lucy Shannon, Ruby Small, Shanya Farahi Far, Katherine Hrysoudis

SCHOOL HOUSE CAPTAINS L to R: Caelan Kelly Foran, Ruby Small, Audrey Mayer-Burstall, Lillian Mackenzie, Louis McIlveney

COMMUNITY SERVICE TEAM L to R: Jack Pollio, Leo Curwen, Louis McIlveney, Charlie Wang, Claire Li, Lisa Gu, Shuhei Nomoto, Emmanuel Baranger, Jack Tan, William Taylor

We farewelled Mrs Ann Short at the end of Term 2, after 25 years of service to Firbank Grammar School.

The following staff members leave our campus at the conclusion of this year: Miss Kate Davy (moving to Junior School – Brighton Campus), Miss Laura Champion de Crespigny, Miss Jenna Wynd, Mrs Jane Lukaitis, Mrs Rebecca Saunders, Miss Natalie Cross, Mrs Joanne Harris and Miss Emily Bull. I would like to thank all of these wonderful staff members for their service to Sandringham Campus and Firbank Grammar School and wish them well for their future endeavours.

I would like to thank all the teaching and non-teaching staff for their commitment to Sandringham Campus and the students. Thank you to Jenny Williams for her incredible leadership as Principal of Firbank, and thank you to the Senior Leadership Team for their wisdom and guidance throughout the year.

ART LEADERS L to R: Emmanuel Baranger, Clementine Thom, Claire Li, Jack Tan

RESULTS MATHS TALENT QUEST: HIGH DISTINCTION Thomas Volpe – Year 1​ Using Maths at Mt Buller​ Gigi Bordier-Thorley – Year 3​ Figure Skating Maths​ Grace Jackson – Year 2​ Dog Quest Maths​ Annabelle Sime – Year 5​ Jelly Bean Maths​ AUSTRALIAN MATHS COMPETITION: HIGH DISTINCTION ​ Andrew Lew – Year 4 Iris Qian – Year 5 Charlie Wang – Year 6 William Taylor – Year 6 111

YEAR 6

6C Top Row: Louis McIlveney, Claire Li, Scarlett Marchant, Lucy Shannon, Charlie Wang, Ms Laura Champion de Crespigny 2nd Row: Jack Tan, Katherine Hrysoudis, Lillian Mackenzie, Gabriel Link 1st Row: William Taylor, Shanya Farahi Far, Aoife Shackcloth, Madeleine Gillett, Caelan Kelly Foran

Despite the challenges and setbacks, we made sure we had a fantastic Year 6. We found laughs, fun and freedom wherever we could.

We will definitely look back on our last year of primary school with pride and amazement at just how much we were able to achieve!

STUDENT REFLECTIONS Leadership may seem to come naturally to some, but it doesn’t.

Leadership isn’t about doing whatever comes to your head first; it’s about thinking and deciding on behalf of others, then yourself.

Leadership seems so overwhelming when everyone is looking at you, but if you make the right decision, they won’t be looking – they will be applauding.

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6M Top Row: Shuhei Nomoto, Lisa Gu, Lily Williams, Audrey Mayer-Burstall, Kewen Zheng 2nd Row: Emmanuel Baranger, Ruby Small, Clementine Thom, Anbo Wang, Ms Cathy Macdonald 1st Row: Jack Pollio, Audrey Hanson, Callum Brown, Olivia Cooper, Leo Curwen

In the begining of the year, we received our yellow leadership hats and helped the junior students in the playground by behaving like role models.

Leo Curwen I loved this experience because I knew that I was helping others and that I was trying to make the world a better place. This activity encouraged us to share our own thoughts and to cooperate with our teammates.

Claire Li

I loved the Phillip Island camp because we had so much free time to spend with our friends. I loved pitching a tent and sleeping in it; I’ll never forget how afraid I was that it would collapse! Rafting was definitely the best, though!

Aoife Shackcloth While we were at school, we had a great time getting to know our Prep buddies. We ran a Mothers’ Day and Reconciliation Day assembly with them. We are very lucky to have the Preps as our buddies for this year!

We have done many fun activities together, such as playing out in the schoolyard, reading to them inside and playing games and giving them things that they will never forget.

Jack Pollio

We were so lucky to have been able to attend Phillip Island Adventure Resort for camp in week three of Term 1. Some of the highlights were a koala prowl at night, Laser Strike, A Maze’N Things, low ropes, raft building, archery, Cape Woolamai walk and free time with our friends. The food was We participated in quite a few House also delicious – woodfired pizzas were sports this year. Some of us managed a favourite! to get involved in regional sports. We Jack Tan even got to play against the staff in a volleyball match. Sadly, we lost that one, but we won in soccer.

Callum Brown

If there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s learn online. When we moved into online learning in Term 3, we took to it like ducks to water. We worked on mathematical projects, such as making educational games, building 3D robots and graphing using Cartesian planes.

I have really enjoyed how fun the teachers made online learning! We got to play so many games like the Emoji Game, scavenger hunts and Kahoots – it always put me in a good mood!

Audrey Hanson

We even got to participate in the Year 6 Virtual Olympics. We met with our House in breakout rooms, practised our chants and created the Olympic events. A favourite event for all was the wheelie bin race!

Lisa Gu

As different and lonely as it is, games and activities have made online learning a blast! During our Teams sessions, we play games such as the Emoji Game, where we guess what movie/song the emojis mean, and some games where we have to grab items in our house as fast as we can.

During online school, we had the chance to go on a meeting call with our Prep buddies and read them all a story or two. In return, they read their favourite book back to us. I think it was very important that, even though in lockdown, we were still able to talk and play with each other through the screens.

Lily Williams

Sometimes the occasional pets come into camera view as well! Even if we have a chat delay or glitches, it’s nice to have a small break from work to play, and we are all extremely grateful for our teachers who make online learning fun!

Audrey Mayer-Burstall 113

YEAR 5 PERSUASIVE WRITING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING As part of the Public Speaking Program, students undertook special inquiries into migration, refugees and examples of conflict, allowing them to discover how other children live around the world.

Through an awareness of international mindedness, empathy and a desire to have a voice, students wrote and delivered persuasive speeches to highlight the violation of rights that continue to occur globally.

Top Row: Margaux Dicker, Angus Youl, Madison Christie, Yixuan (Iris) Qian, Nayan Kailash Shrivastava, Annabelle Sime 2nd Row: Mizuki Tawada, Matthew McIntyre, Emerald Harte, Oliver Graham, Isabella Gorman, Ms Sharon Sami 1st Row: Phoebe Curwen, Amelia Nolle, Anderson Lee, Clark Xue, Ella Weber, Ashley Keil

Year 5 students have demonstrated leadership and curiosity through many opportunities. This year, they promoted a sense of community by acting with integrity, showing commitment to learning and expressing kindness towards others.

CAMP Year 5 camp at Phillip Island was a great way to kick off the year together! Challenging outdoor activities, such as raft building, allowed students to become risktakers and show resilience in a new environment. It was also a lot of fun building tents with friends and playing laser tag. Students enjoyed working in 114

a team to build communication skills, social skills and decision-making skills.

ECO WARRIORS The Year 5 students took on the role of school Eco Warriors. They implemented many ideas such as teaching others about the school recycling program, managing the compost program and introducing new initiatives such as the Nude Food Lunch competition. They also gave presentations at assemblies and taught lessons to other year groups.

BUDDIES Year 5 students made special connections with their ELC 4 buddies.

Year 5 students took the responsibility of being big buddies seriously and showed empathy and care when connecting with their younger buddies.

STUDENT REFLECTIONS When I was working with my partner, we had to show our communication skills because we needed to listen to each other’s idea.

Angus Youl I found the brain dissection an interesting experience that allowed me to open up and challenge myself. Emerald Harte During lots of presentations, I was able to present them in a meaningful manner and improve my communication skills.

Matthew McIntyre I was really nervous standing up in front of the class during the Public Speaking Program. In the end, I think I got my point across about child labour.

Madi Christie I enjoyed all the partner activities because it really developed our friendships by listening to each other’s opinions, discussing the topic we were given and sometimes acting out the scenes.

Yixuan (Iris) Qian

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YEAR 4

DELICIOUS MATHS As part of our investigations into location and directional language, the students developed a set of instructions that would send a partner on a journey through the school in search of a hidden chocolate treasure. The students used compass points, coordinates and known landmarks to direct their partners.

Top Row: Braedan Shepard, Linda Gu, Halden Burgess, Charlie Wang, Mr Joseph Kenny 2nd Row: Max Hawke, Lara Peace, Coco Huang, Kitty Pan, Andrew Lew 1st Row: Amelia Quiney, Alisha Xie, Lillian Dicker, Eliza Hemingway, Annabel Hanson, Claire Brown

In a year of feeling confined, our Year 4 students were encouraged to think outside the box and their environments to explore their world.

SUSTAINABILITY The Year 4 students are charged with the responsibility of maintaining and improving the Sustainability Garden and the chicken coop. Every week, the students complete a range of activities, including weeding, planting, propagating, pruning, pest management (poison-free) and harvesting. Produce from the garden is utilised in the kitchen during a cooking session to create delicious meals to share. These sessions give the students a great opportunity to develop social skills, communication skills and self-management skills.

This program offers the students a 116

wonderful insight into the importance of healthy foods and the joy and satisfaction that can be gained in gardening and cooking. It also fosters positive relationships and provides the students with an opportunity to develop life skills that will assist them in the future, as well as giving them an appreciation of our natural world.

The students all look forward to this time, and the social and emotional benefits it has offered have been highly evident.

EASTER CELEBRATIONS This year, the Year 4 students participated in the annual Easter Service. Their involvement in the service was to perform the Easter story for our community. This was a great opportunity for the students to communicate their understanding of the story through drama, and it helped the younger students understand the story as it was brought to life.

We used Smarties to help us understand fractions and how data is represented. Each student was given a box of Smarties and had to predict what was in their box. How many?

What colours? Students represented their predictions using fractions.

Students then opened their boxes and discovered how accurate their predictions were. Students then graphed their results.

CAMP Camp provides students with a great opportunity to develop their social skills and test themselves as they step out of their comfort zone.

This year, the students visited Camp Arrabri for their three-day/two-night camp. It was wonderful to see the students test themselves, and each showed their own form of courage, teamwork and curiosity. The giant swing, group initiatives, cooking and the flying fox were all highlights for the students. Once again, the students impressed with their level of engagement and willingness to participate in all activities, as well as their empathy as they encouraged each other to achieve success.

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YEAR 3 ‘Indigenous peoples express their ideas, feelings and cultures through stories’. Students also participated in a fantastic incursion at the start of our unit, where they learnt a lot about Indigenous culture through storytelling and symbols.

Top Row: Georgia Stark, Zara Madanayake, Annabel Gorman, Finn McKenna, Yijia Li, Olivia Isard, Madeline Volpe, Ms Jane Braithwaite 2nd Row: Tingshan Yu, George Nolle, Mimi Small, Matilda Williams, William Shen, Ava Puig 1st Row: Saffron Winchester, Lola Ainley, Paris Kozbanis, Samuel Trickett, William Cerecer, Mila Shatkhin, Gigi Bordier-Thorley

YEAR 3 STUDENTS MADE THE MOST OF THEIR LEARNING TIME WITH A SERIES OF CHALLENGES AND INQUIRIES. BUDDIES The Year 3 students have ELC Buddies and love working with them. They are able to develop their leadership skills in preparation for Years 5 and 6 and help their buddies with their learning and social skills.

MATHS 3D SOLID INQUIRY The students in Year 3 completed a 3D solid inquiry. They chose a 3D solid that they were unfamiliar with to inquire into and find out a range of things such as how many vertices, edges and faces it has, different nets and where their solid can be found in real-life situations. The Year 3 students learnt a lot about the features of 118

3D solids and how to present their information clearly so that it is eyecatching. Reflection journals and discussions around positive coping strategies maintained our wellbeing.

UNIT OF INQUIRY – HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES When introducing our new unit of inquiry, students were presented with a range of images that were all connected, and the students completed a ‘bus stop’ rotation, looking at each image and documenting what they could see, think and wonder. The students tried to make connections between the images and wondered what our next unit of inquiry was all about. They then completed their own ‘see, think, wonder’ routine in their books, and there was rich discussion around what the images represented. After shared discussion, the students were able to draw out connections between Indigenous people, art, music, dance and culture. Our new central idea was

TALK4WRITING - THE MAGIC BOX Students in Year 3 participated in a Talk4Writing poetry unit. The model text was the Magic Box by Kit Wright, and after reading the poem, students were asked to identify the marvellous sights, smells, sounds and tastes that the writer put into the box. The students all brought something special and unique to them into school to share with their peers as a way of showing each other a part of their identity.

Students were able to analyse the poem and inquire into features such as alliteration, nouns, verbs, adjectives, similes and the structure of the poem. Students then created their own individual Magic Box poems using poetic sentences based on personal or imagined experiences.

MINTIES MATHS CHALLENGE We combined lots of maths and thinking into our Minties Challenge and tried to create the longest wrapper by tearing it carefully.

Then in groups of three, students completed the maths together, measuring their wrapper accurately in cm, converting this to mm, finding the longest wrapper and shortest wrapper in their group, ordering them from longest to shortest, working out the total length of all three wrappers and finally working out the difference between the longest and shortest wrapper. One group even worked out the average wrapper length. Of course, eating the Mintie was the best part!

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YEAR 2

2R Top Row: Audrey Hogan, Sam D’Orazio, James Adams, Grace Jackson, Mrs Lauren Ross 2nd Row: Sophia Sime, Hugo Donovan, Kennedy Hawke 1st Row: Adam Reyes, Hugh Nolle, Franklin McHugh, Harrison Keil

2W Top Row: Mrs Kylie Jopp, Alexander Lew, Anyi Wang, Jessica Gronow-Terrill, Theodore Winchester, Miss Jenna Wynd 2nd Row: Harper Gehrig, Harrison Behera, Olivia Touzell 1st Row: Sean Gallagher, Zuzanna Surmacz, Celine Jang, Oliver Martinson

In our Year of Curiosity, Year 2 students have made many discoveries by questioning, listening, observing and researching.

they participated in a guided tour of the mansion. They also explored the servants’ chores and learned to wash clothes using a washboard and wringer, listen to and guess the different bells from around the mansion and carry trays of filled glasses in a hurry!

HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES Students explored the ways in which people share their beliefs and values through traditions and celebrations.

Students gained an understanding of different cultures within the Year 2 class as their peers shared celebrations that were important to their families.

HOW WE ORGANISE OURSELVES We learned about the importance of being sustainable in order to protect our environment. Students explored the choices they make and the impact these choices have locally and globally. Students identified ways they can take action and make sustainable choices, such as bringing their own shopping bags, having nude food at school and starting a compost heap. Student learning was further enhanced with a virtual excursion to CERES, a sustainability centre and urban farm.

WHERE WE ARE IN PLACE AND TIME By visiting the historic home, Como House, students learned about the lives of the Armytage family as 120

HANDS-ON INQUIRIES Using maths games, cooking and science experiments, the students developed social, communication and thinking skills. They enjoyed Science Week, where they chose experiments that captured their interest. Cooking experiences were a highlight, both in the classroom and virtually, TALK4WRITING Through the Talk4Writing program, students embraced creating their own instructional text based on the model text How to Catch a Dragon.

This year, our Year 2 students have been engaged, motivated and innovative. They showed flexibility and resilience in response to the ongoing changes between oncampus and at-home learning.

They should be proud of their many achievements this year.

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YEAR 1

1B Top Row: Ellie Martin, Nicholas Sun, Hector Gorman, Grace Volpe, Mrs Tania Begg 2nd Row: Rio Cerecer, Aiden Li, Alessandro Canepa 1st Row: Thomas Volpe, Mia Trickett, Mabel Shatkhin, Alexander Chew

1H Top Row: Henry Jackson, Isabela Sterling, Arisa Tawada, Rishaan Patel, Ms Nicole Hardman 2nd Row: Everett McKenna, Liliana Surmacz, Finn Shackcloth 1st Row: Alex Kozbanis, Sophie Robertson, Sid Sparks, Jacob Martin

Year 1 is a year of growth and builds significantly on all the foundational skills from Prep. It is a time where the students develop socially and emotionally, demonstrating 122

greater independence and responsibility for their learning.

the colours represented feelings.

The students participated in yoga sessions, practising poses and breathing as a calming technique.

They take great pride in their work and the ability to complete tasks for themselves. Learning to work together and collaborate has been a focus. The ability to converse, listen, negotiate and problem solve are all important skills when working as a group.

Learning about the past was a highlight for many students. An excursion to Como House was used as a provocation to evoke the Year 1s thinking about life 100 years ago.

They enjoyed touring the mansion and observing how the family lived, participating in the servants’ work, including using the washboards and listening to the bells used for summoning the servants to different rooms in the house. Much fun was also had on the Old-Fashioned School Day. The Year 1s dressed in olden-day clothing, participated in schoolwork from 100 years ago and played old-fashioned games. Mrs Sargood,

For the unit ‘Who we are’, the Year 1 students inquired into how personal choices can influence their development and wellbeing. They learned about their physical, social and emotional health and strategies to assist them in maintaining their wellbeing. Connections were made to the Zones of Regulation and how

based on a real person who lived at Rippon Lea in the late 19th century, also taught the students about the past. The students were fascinated, comparing their life today with life in previous centuries.

It seems unbelievable that the Year 1 students have not had one full term at school in the past two years.

They have seesawed between oncampus and online learning every term in 2020 and 2021. Despite all the challenges the Year 1s have faced, they have made impressive progress in all areas. Their ability to adapt to change and remain resilient is admirable for students so young.

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PREP

Top Row: Leo Sharma, Henry Sparks, Eden Sharpe, William Jones, Xavier Kotov, Mrs Lisa O’Donnell 2nd Row: Joseph Reyes, Matilda Ekberg-Weiss, Jack Youl, Lachlan Touzell, Jalah Roe, Ryan Sami 1st Row: William Isard, Maximus Olabountou, Xavier Salvo, Oscar Milikouros, Kexin Hu Absent: Adam Mejri

The Prep students have displayed curiosity, commitment and resilience throughout their first year of school. The group’s vibrant and varied personalities created an enthusiastic and fun learning environment.

As learners, they took risks, were prepared to have a go and celebrated each other’s efforts and achievements.

LANGUAGE This year we introduced our new phonics approach, Sounds Write. The students have embraced the program, 124

and it was a pleasure to observe their confidence in reading and writing flourish throughout the year. In our language units, the Prep students thoroughly enjoyed our fiction stories of Baby Mouse and the Kiss that Missed. The hooks that launched our language units were a highlight for many of the students, including a hunt to find our stolen class pet and a series of pixie pranks hidden around Campus for us to uncover and solve.

UNIT OF INQUIRY Our ‘How we express ourselves’ unit of inquiry provided an opportunity for the Prep students to develop their understanding of the different emotions we experience. They discovered a variety of ways to express their ideas and feelings.

Throughout this unit, the students developed their understanding of communication skills. The Preps presented in the Mother’s Day and Reconciliation Week assembly.

Through their experience of presenting to large and small audiences, they reflected upon and sought to improve their communication skills.

100 DAYS OF PREP We were very fortunate to celebrate reaching the momentous milestone of 100 Days of Prep while we were learning on campus. The Preps planned a range of experiences to celebrate the achievement, so many in fact, that we had to extend to two days of celebrations. Ms Bashfield carried out their sport ideas of running 100 laps of the oval, and Mrs Tweedie helped the Preps to transport themselves into the future and create 100-year-old selfportraits. The Preps planned their dream menus and also wrote recipes to create celebration cupcakes. It was the perfect celebration for a well-deserving group of learners.

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FROM DIRECTOR OF ELC The year 2021 was deemed the Year of Curiosity for Firbank Grammar. We all know that curiosity is a natural trait of our young learners.

However, our ELC adults, both staff and parents, have also embraced their curiosity as we navigated the year.

Many of our new families had not been able to take an onsite tour of our campus last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. They were curious to see our beautiful ELC classrooms and grounds, curious to see how their youngsters would respond to their new learning environment and curious to know how their children would fair without them as they embarked on the start of their educational journey.

This year has seen growth and change in our Early Learning Centre at Sandringham Campus. The year began with the completion of our ELC 4 renovated rooms that saw an additional space created. With five full classrooms, new and innovative staff supported by our long-standing team and wonderful new families joining our Sandy House experience, I was curious about how all these changes would play out.

These new combinations led to wonderful developments and innovations in the way we plan our programs. Our passionate staff shared ideas and collaborated in order to devise innovative systems that focus on providing a thorough understanding of our students.

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The children have been part of such an inspiring and curiosity-enhancing program.

again, and you will have to go inside without me.” Her son shrugged his shoulders and simply said, “Okay.”

For the second year in a row, we watched with curiosity and awe as our young students showed their resilience and adaptability as they managed the changes to routines.

They danced in the street to the morning playlist (together with their mums and dads) and independently walked through the ELC doors without any qualms.

The magical years in the ELC have again proven strong when faced with adversity and challenges. The integrity of our programs, philosophy and goals have not faltered.

After a fairly long gap between lockdowns, I overheard one of our parents tell their child, “It looks like all the parents have to stay outside

We conclude the Year of Curiosity feeling confident that our students, families and staff have had a sense of being, belonging and becoming.

Friendships have formed, skills have advanced, confidence has developed as we nurtured the values we hold dearly.

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ELC 4

LEMON MYRTLE: Top Row: Ms Charli Kline, Shay Dragovic, Elio Sproson, Charles Elliot, Luka Sarkis, Charlotte Parsey, Ms Jenny Canty 2nd Row: Oliver Hills, Pippa Howell, Jack Davies, Lachlan Cameron, Sienna Cronin, Nate Loftus 1st Row: Francesco Canepa, Annabelle Lew, Winter Boot, Hanna Schwanbeck, Alexander Ackerman Absent: Harry Thompson

The Year of Curiosity was fostered through our units of inquiry in 2021.

ELC 4 students were curious inquirers as they investigated and unpacked a range of topics. The classes identified different communities and posed important questions about the ways in which belonging to these can enhance wellbeing. Being part of a family unit, for example, enriches our social and emotional identity, providing us with security, purpose and connection.

“I can draw my family community, but I don’t know how to draw my dogs. I can have a try. There’s Mum, Dad, my sisters, the dogs and me. I belong at my home community.” – Ash Investigating and unpacking our creative storytelling unit allowed students to focus on familiar stories.

Learners also looked at stories and the different ways in which they can be expressed. Students’ Indigenous 128

LILLY PILLY Top Row: Mrs Christine Tanner, Mrs Tori Chatt, Dasheng Li, Madison Parker, Jireh Roe, Grayson Lethlean, Remy Schnetzler, Luca Matta, Ms Natalie Cross 2nd Row: Florence Richardson, Thomas Woodcock, TJ Samasoni, Matilda Goold, Hugh Clarke, William Gloury, Alice Jones 1st Row: Shiina Sakata, Sophia Mazur, Adryan Farahi Far, Arthur Jones, Loa Colegrave, Gemma Comerford

learnings were facilitated as they learnt about symbolism in Aboriginal culture as a meaningful and rich form of storytelling. At the end of the inquiry, students were given choices about how to tell their own stories using the knowledge they had built over the term. Learners set up small worlds, drew paintings and drawings, built block constructions, made books and conducted puppet shows.

Student reflections on their structures:

ELC 4’s investigation into materials and design allowed students to think about the ways in which buildings are created. Learners explored and created various structures, discovering that different materials offer different strengths. Key materials explored included wood, plastic, metal, glass and fabric. Throughout this unit, children were challenged to design various buildings for different purposes. They built structures in small groups and individually to house toys, reach heights, offer shelter and more. When adding metal to the structure, the children twisted wire and threaded wooden and plastic beads.

”A structure is something that is built.” – Charlie

“If it didn’t have a roof, it might get wet when it rains.” – Pippa “The little blocks are not heavy enough to balance it.” – Will “Using the blocks which can actually hold the car makes it stable.” – Loa

“The foundation is at the bottom of the house when it’s built. You build it first.” – Harry “Bricks are strong, connected to each other, and they are hard.” – Annabelle “Bricks are heavy.” – Nate “The metal is warm and smooth when it’s in the sun.” – Jack

PINK HEATH Top Row: Ms Gina Nixon, Ash MacIntyre, Phillip Gallagher, Cian Crawley, Noah Sterling, Eva Ackerman, Ms Kate Davy 2nd Row : Willow Williams, Millie Crittenden, Archie Chamberlain, Ethan SmeatonMcManus, Fleur Storey, Harper Ring 1st Row: Antonio Brum, Annika Sissons, Wilfred Bell, Penelope Matta, Rain Jiang, Anya Rajal, Joni Weigall

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ELC 3

BANKSIA Top Row: Ms Kacie Cummings, Abby Bajurny-Lyall, Ellie Wilkie, Lachlan Mirams, Harper Van Dort, Ms Stephanie Denton 2nd Row: Noah Van Dort, Amelia Shaw, Jacob Tan, Ella Shannon, Aaron Xu 1st Row: Ollie Chamberlain, Oswald van der Sluys, Aliya Puig, Grace Fisher, Robert Chew, Archie Broomhall Absent: Lenny Anderson- Backholer, Dusty Broomhall, Elise Canner, Lucy Diamond, Olivia Hall, Summer Hewison, Opal Hyland, Pim Zuban-Smith

JOY IN ELC

Early learning is a time of joy, exploration and discovery. We feel privileged to be given the opportunity to enrich the lives of our youngest learners – sparking joy and inspiring curiosity.

With the challenges faced by us all in 2021, two of Firbank’s principles, ‘impact and joy’ as well as ‘be there’, have been so important. For the children of ELC 3, it has been a place of consistency where they have come to continue their learning with peers amongst a world of change.

“Being recognises the significance of the here and now in children’s lives. It is about the present and them knowing themselves, building and maintaining relationships with others, engaging with life’s joys and complexities, and meeting challenges in everyday life.” (From the Early Years 130

WATTLE Top Row: Mrs Ann Short, Jack McLindon, Huckleberry Davoren, Lucy Francis, Rufus Winchest er, Mrs Emily Littlehales 2nd Row: Niamh Bakker, Isabella Howard, Emily Dalins, Izabela Lane, William Magee 1st Row: Harvey Connelly, Genevieve Peters, Esi Dumedah, Charlie Martin Absent: Harvey Hamill, Georgia Isard, Iylah Williams

Learning Framework.)

Moments of joy and discovery are celebrated daily in the ELC 3 environment. Some of these capture the joy of a simple moment, while others are events that engage the whole community. As there have been significant restrictions this year, every effort has been made to ensure that there are wonderful opportunities for learning experiences outdoors in the Junior School nature playground.

JOY IS...

“I love playing with the rocket ship.” – Emily, Wattle Group “Finding Gruffalos on PJ Day brings me happy; it feels me joy!” – William Magee, Wattle Group “The mud kitchen, I like to cook things like spaghetti, and the mud feels soft.” – Esi, Wattle Group “I am joy when drawing and playing

with all the different things that I don’t have at home.” – Archer, Wattle Group “I feel happy when I play with my friends.” – Jacob Tan, Banksia Group “I am happy at school.” – Aaron Xu, Banksia Group “I like playing outside, playing hide and seek.” – Elise Canner, Banksia Group “I like finding the Gruffalo.” – Lachlan Mirams, Banksia Group “I like that we can climb on the things that have ropes.” – Robert Chew, Banksia Group “I love painting.” – Frankie Goold “I feel happy when I play with my friends.” – Noah Van Dort

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SPORT We eagerly started our sporting year with the swimming season. Trentham House won the House Swimming Carnival, with McKie winning the House Spirit Trophy. Congratulations to the year level champions: Mimi Small and Finn McKenna (Year 3), Claire Brown and Halden Burgess (Year 4), Phoebe Curwen and Angus Youl (Year 5) and Audrey MayerBurstall and Kewen Zheng (Year 6).

We brought home the Winning Population trophy at the Balaclava District Swimming Carnival and had strong performances at the Beachside Division Swimming Carnival. The Division Team included Aoife Shackcloth, Audrey MayerBurstall, Ruby Small, Olivia Cooper, Phoebe Curwen, Kewen Zheng, Louis McIlveny, Isabella Gorman, Claire Brown and Eliza Hemingway.

In Term 1, the District Summer Round Robin went ahead as planned with basketball, cricket and volleystars. Our volleystars were sensational, winning all their games.

House Cross Country Carnival was in Term 2. Atherstone was the winning House, and McKie again won the House Spirit Trophy. Congratulations to the year level champions: Georgia Stark and Sam Trickett (Year 3), Claire Brown and Halden Burgess (Year 4), Phoebe Curwen and Gus Youl (Year 5) and Aoife Shackcloth and Callum Brown (Year 6).

Sandringham Campus won the District Cross Country Carnival Population Runners-Up Trophy and Phoebe Curwen won her age group with an outstanding performance. We look forward with excitement to a very sporty 2022.

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CARNIVAL AWARDS Phyllis Bryant Trophy for Swimming: Trentham Lyn Parton Trophy for Cross Country: Atherstone House Spirit Trophy: McKie BALACLAVA DISTRICT SWIMMING CARNIVAL: Population Winners BALACLAVA DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL: Population Runners-Up SANDY HOUSE SUPER STARS Year 6 House Swimming Champions: Audrey Mayer-Burstall and Kewen Zheng Year 6 Cross-Country Champions: Aoife Shackcloth and Callum Brown 14-Day Family Fitness Challenge: Emerald Harte

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PERFORMING ARTS At Sandringham Campus, we have an arts-rich education from an early age to develop individual creativity and selfexpression. It increases learners’ confidence and motivation, academic outcomes and the wellbeing and life skills of children and young people.

CLASS MUSIC AND ONLINE LESSONS Students participate in weekly class music, choir and JIP lessons. They develop their singing, playing, listening and collaborative skills.

During Science Week, the Prep to Year 2 students created musical instruments from materials that were recycled. They explored the properties of sound and experimented with materials.

AFRICAN DRUMMING INCURSION An African Drumming workshop was held in Term 1 for all Prep to Year 6 students. African Drumming is a cocurricular activity at Sandringham Campus, and playing involves several techniques which require coordination and concentration. Students have enjoyed developing their teamwork skills this year.

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VISUAL ARTS

Throughout 2021, the students explored classic and contemporary art genres. They experimented with a variety of materials and techniques. They approached their learning with enthusiasm, curiosity and persistence both at school and remotely in the virtual classroom. Here are some highlights: YEAR 2 Construction with an emphasis on accurate proportion; Jean-Michel Basquiat inspired artwork; papier mache crowns; Pablo Picasso inspired charcoal portraits; Claude Monet inspired watercolour paintings; night and day colourful drawings; imaginative window art; nature fairies and faces; whole-school Harmony Day installation.

YEARS 3 AND 4 Oil pastel and acrylic creative animalthemed artworks; My Coastlinethemed ink paintings, inspired

by Australian artist Elaine Su-Hui; geometric value painting; tea and rosemary mixed media artworks; weaving art; treehouse design and construction; object tracing using primary and secondary colours; fantasy shoe designs; paintings inspired by the artwork of Sarah Whitebread; whole-school Harmony Day installation.

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YEARS 5 AND 6 Object and self-portrait drawings inspired by the genre of pop art; appropriation paintings inspired by well-known artists; Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko resist paintings using spray paint; Paul Klee-inspired grid paintings; coil pots inspired by the Hermannsburg Potters; fairy-tale drawing and painting; whole-school Harmony Day installation.

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MANDARIN

PREP Prep students learnt how to make Zongzi – glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves – a specific food for the Dragon Boat Festival.

YEAR 1 Year 1 students had a lion and dragon dance and a parade at the beginning of the year.

YEAR 2 Year 2 students had an animal race role-play and practised saying the festival activities in Chinese.

YEAR 3 Year 3 students had a Toy Animal Sports Carnival and practised saying Chinese instructions in every game.

They also played the Chinese version of What’s the Time, Mr Wolf? Some of the Year 3 students also learnt how to make dumplings.

YEAR 4 Year 4 students learnt about Chinese zodiac signs and how stories represent culture and performed the Great Race at assembly. They learnt about great inventions of ancient China and how to name different rooms in the school.

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YEAR 5 CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS Year 5 students made lanterns to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

YEAR 5 AND 6 Year 5 and 6 students investigated the history of the Chinese community in Australia and addressed the contribution of the Chinese community to Australian history and culture.

Year 5 and 6 students learnt about new waste sorting rules in Shanghai, as they connected to the classroom theme, ‘How the world works’. They made connections to how global sustainability is impacted by the human use of energy.

2021 EP LANGUAGES CHAMPIONSHIPS EP-1: Mizuki Tawada (Bronze), Nayan Kailash Shrivastava (Bronze), Jack Tan (Emerald), Leo Curwen (Silver), Jack Pollio (Bronze), Kewen Zheng (Silver), Callum Brown (Bronze) EP-2: Madeleine Gillett (Bronze) and Lillian Mackenzie (Gold) EP-3: Emerald Harte (Credit) and Amelia Nolle (Credit)

WHOLE-SCHOOL PUPPET SHOW On Wednesday, 5 May, the whole school watched the puppet show, the Forest Prince, which is an adaptation of the Jungle Book.

The performance is a mixture of Mandarin and English. It is especially crafted for school students learning Mandarin. The students all loved the show and were engaged throughout it. The opportunity to meet the puppets and learn how they work was fabulous.

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COMPASS The Compass Award fosters positive attitudes toward learning while complementing the curriculum. It builds an environment for positive engagement and interaction between the students, staff and family members.

Participants undertaking the Compass Award are given the opportunity to try new things, learn new skills and develop initiative and commitment, becoming more responsible and motivated young people.

Across Years 5 and 6, we had one student complete Level 3, 15 students complete Level 2 and 12 students complete Level 1.

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With many weeks of COVID-19 restrictions, some students were unable to fully immerse themselves and get out and about into the community. However, all students must be commended for showing adaptability and resilience in challenging times as they still managed to make a positive impact in their local community and environments.

They achieved volunteering goals, including local beach clean-ups, raising money for various charities, volunteering in aged care facilities and local kinder programs, charity and fundraising events, as well as tutoring for their families and neighbours.

They explored places such as Karunda, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Mt Hotham, local riding tracks, the Bayside historical trail, Queen Victoria Markets and even experienced diving with sharks!

The Year 5 and 6 students tried baking, beekeeping, knitting, horseback riding, fine arts, model making, pottery, learned to play new instruments and more.

We congratulate all students for their extraordinary efforts and their commitment.

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SCIENCE THINKING LIKE A SCIENTIST During science and science literacy this year, our students have further developed their knowledge and understanding through scientific inquiries into biological, chemical and physical sciences, as well as Earth and space sciences, linked in with their inquiry units.

They have developed many new scientific skills and improved their scientific language. They have learnt how to think like a scientist. They have questioned how science and technology shape their daily lives while conducting fair tests and experiments.

We have provided many hands-on experiences both at school and in their homes to develop their scientific explanations and conceptual understandings. The students have learnt about variables in experiments and how to predict and represent their understanding through diagrams, data tables and reports.

SCIENCE WEEK ONLINE – FOOD BY DESIGN The theme Food by Design resulted in an open-ended task for all students to engage in. The task was to create a plate of food to be shared at home and to explain the science behind the food.

We uploaded many different handson experiments on the Science Week Firefly page. Students could select as many experiments as they wanted and enjoyed discovering and sharing their results.

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As part of the Physical Science unit, the students were learning all about different forms of renewable energy.

In science, we created solar-powered cars. The materials came in a kit with instructions. When we completed the builds we would wait for the sun to shine and would quickly race outside with our cars and were excited to see them come to life.

The students also learnt all about circuits and switches. We decided to use the Little Bits (Lego modules that connect together to form circuits) to support their learning.

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BRIGHTON JUNIOR CAMPUS

FROM HEAD OF CAMPUS With the COVID-19 global pandemic still influencing our decisions and impacting our daily lives, 2021 posed challenges that required our curiosity and creativity. As always, our resilient and optimistic community rose to the challenge and confirmed that 2021 had been appropriately labeled Firbank’s Year of Curiosity.

Throughout Term 1, we appreciated every moment together and vowed not to take our experiences for granted as we reflected on the disrupted year that was 2020. The House Swimming Carnival in Week 3 provided an opportunity for us all to celebrate, and students cheered loudly in support of their Houses.

We were also thrilled that our Year 5 students could participate in the outdoor adventure experience at Philip Island.

A dream came true for me as I formally accepted the role of Head of Campus during the Commissioning Service held at St Andrew’s Church.

Term 1 then concluded with an Easter Picnic organised by our

dedicated Parents Association of Turner House (PATH). Our PATH Co-Presidents, Sally McLean and Anna Beynon, have led a dynamic team throughout 2021, facilitating events that have played a vital role in maintaining a connected Turner House community. We thank this passionate team of parents for all that they do, with a special mention to Sally McLean, who will step down as President at the end of the year.

The Year 6 production of Fame Jr. was a highlight of the year, with our innovative and competent students taking responsibility for all aspects of the show, including set design, front of the house and stage management.

The performance highlighted the collaborative skills of our students

and showcased the strength of the performing arts.

At the end of Term 2, we farewelled our Deputy Head of Campus, Jon Kemp, who semi-retired after almost 20 years at Turner House.

Jon’s contribution to Turner House has been extraordinary – teaching, influencing and inspiring hundreds of students.

Our new Deputy Head of Campus, Kristy Hamshare, joined in Term 2, just in time to enjoy the House Athletics Carnival. We all felt very fortunate to have enjoyed the athletics, as it was only a matter of days later when we entered the lockdown that extended into well into Term 4.

Throughout Term 3, students participated in virtual incursions, guest speaker sessions, Book Week, Science Week, Curiosity Day, Olympic Day, Camp and our two-day Action Kindness Conference.

Our Year 6 students continued to explore this idea, culminating in the presentation of the Year 6 Exhibition in Term 4. We wish our graduating class of 2021 every success as they transition into senior school.

School Captains L to R: Emily Harris, Pippa Featherston, Mr Jon Kemp, Mrs Melanie Smith, Casey Chen, Lara Tan

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I am grateful for the dedicated team of teaching and non-teaching staff at Turner House, as well as the campus and senior leadership teams for their ongoing support and dedication.

Mel Smith, Head of Campus

House Captains Top Row: Lily Whitehouse, Daisy Welsh, Madeleine Smith 1st Row: Millie Barras, Isabel Horton, Rosie Kelly, Lucy Ashcroft Absent: Mia Gray

Junior School Leadership Top Row: Yuchen Tang, Mali Lui, Fangfei Ge 1st Row: Zara Excell, Vivi Li, Alexandra York, Olivia Speck

Junior School Council Top Row: Mrs Jodie Fernandez, Sienna Yannopoulos, Sophie Jukes, Pippa Morgan, Lauren Box, Mr Jon Kemp, Mrs Melanie Smith 1st Row: Charlize Suszko, Rebecca Davis, Kaitlin Ord, Julia Sola Jimenez, Isabella (Bella) Black

RESULTS Maths Talent Quest: High Distinction Year 2: Isabella Smith Year 6: Issy Fox Distinction Year 4: Rebecca Davis Science Talent Search: Distinction Year 2: Isabella Smith Year 4: April MacDonald Merit Year 2: Sienna Giannarelli Year 4: Rebecca Davis Year 5: Grace McLean Year 5: Olivia Lu & Emily Wu Acknowledgement Year 6: Rosie Kelly & Lauren Box Year 6: Candace Chu & Yuchen Tang

Audrey Johns Sophie Jukes Evie Khoo Tiger Li Trinidad Schmidt Maths Olympiad: Year 6 Equal 1st – Vivi Li and Ritty Wang Equal 2nd – Issy Fox and Ivy Chen Equal 3rd – Pippa Morgan and Yuchen Tang Year 5 1st – Sienna Yannopolous 2nd – Grace McLean 3rd – Cara Nguyen APSMO Outstanding Team Achievement Vivi Li, Ritty Wang, Mia Gray, Ivy Chen, Pippa Morgan, Yuchen Tang, Fangfei Ge, Emily Harris, Mi Zhou, Casey Chen, Grace McLean, Lara Tan, Amy Zhang, Kitty Liu, Kaitlin Ord, Chloe Liang

Write a Book in a Day: Casey Chen Miya Chen Isabel Cubelic Pippa Featherston Arabella Forbes

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YEAR 6

6F Top Row: Yi Tong (Miya) Chen, Evangeline (Evie) Khoo, Yuchen Tang, Mali Lui, Fangfei Ge, Lucy Evans 2nd Row: Maya Alfredson, Skye Wilson, Millie Barras, Pippa Morgan, Alexandra York, Daisy Welsh, Matilda MacFarlane, Mrs Jodie Fernandez 1st Row: Leni Thorpe, Jinglin (Megan) Chen, Lucy Ashcroft, Amy Walters, Isobel Angus, Madeleine Smith

In 2021, our Year 6 students have embraced the Firbank Principle of ‘Action Kindness’, with the completion of their Primary Years culminating in the PYP Exhibition.

6G Top Row: Zoe Sangster, Mantong (Amy) Zhao, Yue (Joanna) Guo, YuChen (Candace) Chu 2nd Row: Casey Chen, Vivi Li, Isabelle (Issy) Fox, Lulu Fevola, Olivia Speck, Mrs Rebecca Golden 1st Row: Lauren Box, Rosie Kelly, Ella Rose (Ella) McMullen, Ritty Wang, Jianing (Kitty) Liu, Scarlett Bilsborough Absent: Laiyan (Lily) Cao, Mia Gray

World Works guided a diverse range of inquiries.

In a year of uncertainty with lockdowns and virtual learning, Science lessons continued as a weekly highlight. Students explored the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the natural world, and the relationships between them.

Students participated in the process The 2021 Exhibition was adapted of experimentation, hypothesising, to suit the virtual classroom, with predicting and observing to make students proudly utilising their sense of the world. Students knowledge and skills to positively communicated their understanding impact the community. The central through lab reports and will, no idea for the 2021 Exhibition was: doubt, remember their experiences ‘Communities are strengthened when with exploding Coke, mouldy bread, individuals action kindness’. Students water filtration and the creation of were encouraged to think globally tsunamis. but act locally. Students explored their interests and passions and The Year 6 Musical Fame Jr. gave conducted inquiries into concepts every student the opportunity to such as health, equality and culture. become involved in a collaborative Transdisciplinary themes such as How project. Students analysed their We Express Ourselves and How the strengths and interests and then 148

divided into teams to produce a musical. The cast and ensemble spent time rehearsing, supported by the student choreographers and stage managers. The design teams took charge of sets, costumes and make up, with the marketing team effectively promoting the show to our community. The producers and backstage crew guided the whole process and everyone proudly took to the stage to showcase the talents and hard work of the entire cohort.

“Slowly and softly, I step out onto the stage. I search the room for my family.

I take a deep breath out. Amongst the sea of people, I spot them. I give them a wave with my eyes. Nerve rackingly, I walk into the blinding spotlight. Here we go…I’m gonna live forever! I’m gonna learn how to fly high!”

6K Top Row: Arly Hunter, Ivy Chen, ShiYan (Amy) Zhang, Emily Harris, Lara Tan 2nd Row: Mrs Kim Cartwright, Zara Excell, Alexandra (Ally) Wallis, Danielle Harrison, Mi Zhou, Kaitlin Ord, Kaiyan (Jaja) Cao, Mr Jon Kemp 1st Row: Ava Stewart, Arabella Forbes, Lily Whitehouse, Lilli Jones, Pippa Featherston, Isabel Horton, Brooke Di Tirro Absent: Kai Qi (Cindy) Yang

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YEAR 5

5C Top Row: Grace McLean, Zhen (Emily) Wu, Valentina Quick, Alannah Zissis, Tia Botha, Matilda Quill, Mr Todd Cummins 2nd Row: Isabel Cubelic, Gongzi (Joy) Chang, Chloe Chau, Lola Thomson, Yitong (Tiger) Li 1st Row: Georgia Spence, Milla Buchanan, Sienna Yannopoulos, Georgia Naughton, Zi Yue (Luna) Chen, Elizabeth (Libby) Eng

Year 5 students have camped, zoomed and challenged themselves throught the year.

5D Top Row: Chelsea Chau, Claudia Overend-Stevens, Audrey Johns, Mulei (Apple) Liu, Trinidad Schmidt 2nd Row: Sofia Ktori, Chloe Liang, Sophie Jukes, Cara Nguyen, Tegan-Rose Nethercott, Chloe Beynon, Ms Julia Di Pietrantonio 1st Row: Lucie Papadopoulos, Olivia Stani, Bridget O’Sullivan, Alice Bailey, Olivia Lu, Cecilia Tian, Pearl Russell

our enthusiastic teachers to playing games in our tent, it was a wonderful experience.

– Sophie Jukes, 5D

House Sporting Events: Despite much of the year spent in lockdown, Camp: The year kicked off with the Year 5 camp to Philip Island. We were the students participated in several House sporting events, such as lucky to get away and spend some swimming, cross country and quality time with each other. The students thoroughly enjoyed pitching athletics. It was wonderful to see the students striving to achieve their tents and sleeping under the stars. personal bests in trying conditions One highlight was the annual raft while supporting each other along building contest by the lake. But the standout event was, without question, the way. Rain, hail or sunshine! the Quad Flying Fox. The students Science Symposium: The virtual were so excited to be the first Turner classroom made a comeback in 2021, House cohort to fly down the course and the students approached the at high speeds, overlooking a challenge with immense positivity. beautiful sunset.

Our unit of inquiry, “How the world works”, required the students to The best bit about my year was investigate the changeable physical definitely camp as it was so amazing and chemical properties of matter. spending three days with my new Each student worked tirelessly friends, laughing and having so on creating a question to answer, much fun. From all the activities with developing a hypothesis and carrying 150

out an experiment to present as a video to class online. The students used their exemplary technology skills to communicate their scientific understanding effectively to their audience.

Virtual Cooking: A highlight during the extended lockdown was online cooking as a Year 5 cohort. We made fluffy scones, mouth-watering chocolate slice, delicious jam drop biscuits, zucchini slice, vanilla cupcakes and even made our own fresh orecchiette pasta!

My family has loved being the beneficiaries of my new cooking skills, especially when I make them treats while they are working. It’s hard not to feel lonely sometimes when we are all locked away, but Friday afternoons were a highlight of my week as I cooked away with my friends, feeling like we were back in the classroom. Bon appetite!

– Isabel Cubelic 5C

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YEAR 4

4C Top Row: April MacDonald, Willow Davie, Mia Lord, Milla Oemcke, Mr Paul Ciempka 2nd Row: Zixuan (Judy) Zhu, Georgina (Georgie) Parrish, Ruby Murch, Amitie Uglow, Lucinda Fletcher 1st Row: Alyssia Jiang, Gisele Sorataworn, Teagan Calabrese Toskov, Maho Ogawa, Charlotte Kelly, Charlize Suszko Absent: Brea Weaver, Lauren Dimech

ORGANISING THE ENVIRONMENT As part of the year-long “How we organise ourselves” unit of inquiry, the students investigated the roles and responsibilities of different organisations. They looked at the independence and the interdependence between different departments and used this understanding to decide on the roles and responsibilities within their own Environmental Organisation.

Every Thursday afternoon, the students took care of their vegetable gardens and worm farms and collected the fruit and vegetable composting buckets from each classroom. These food scraps were used to feed the worms, with any excess being used to form new compost for our gardens. The worm juice was collected and used to add nutrients to the soil in the garden, and the vegetables were harvested for class cooking projects or sold at the Sustainability Market.

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4N Top Row: Rebecca Davis, Mia Lui, Isabella Murray, Isla Beggs, Ms Eleisha Neilson 2nd Row: Holly Harper, Cleopatra (Cleo) Mannock, Mei Ho Lai, Sophie Crewdson, Lily Brookshaw 1st Row: Xixi (Sissi) Ma, Chloe Lukman, Olivia Vautin, Sophia Villanti, Charlotte Howison, Summer-Rose Chapman

All environmental initiatives were promoted during assembly by the presentation group.

During Term 2, we completed a unit on how persuasion can influence the choices we make. We examined the techniques advertisers use and how popular culture can influence our decision making. We utilised our parent community by welcoming them into our virtual classroom as guest speakers and experts. As a culminating task, the students designed and created a unique product and generated an advertising campaign around this.

They produced a logo, tagline, product outline, jingle and television commercial that they presented to the year group. 4N and 4C also went to visit the Year 4 students at Brighton Grammar in Term 2. They had an enjoyable morning getting to know each other.

Our “Sharing the planet” unit of inquiry during Term 3 explored

how changes to the Earth’s surface impact living things. The students formed expert groups in our virtual classroom, researching different geological processes, weather events, natural disasters and human impacts. They were able to answer wonder wall questions recorded at the beginning of the unit, and each expert group member created an explanation text presentation to share their knowledge with peers.

The Year 4 students demonstrated their resilience and adaptability, attending Virtual Camp during Term 3. This was a two-day event with Year 3 and included activities such as camp making, campfire creation, room inspections, damper making, a nature scavenger hunt, nature artwork, minute challenges, teacher trivia, dinner breakout rooms and a disco. The students and teachers all had a wonderful time and shared many laughs throughout this virtual experience.

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YEAR 3

3M Top Row: Stephanie Qi, Emma Raftis, Lily Kabengele, Isabelle Thornborrow, Liling Jiang, Miss Belle Malbon 2nd Row: Qiu (Lora) Yang, Alice Norwood, Isabella (Bella) Black, Frankie Brougham 1st Row: Annika Buchanan, Jiaxi (Jessie) Dai, Mia Casboult, Hannah Nethercote, Stella Lu Absent: Elizabeth Walter

NEW WAVE CAMPING AND MENTORING – IT’S BEEN A CURIOUS YEAR Junior Mentors This year, the students stepped up to become junior mentors. With this came lots of responsibility, such as writing and presenting the Welcome to Country and prayers for assemblies each week. They also become maths mentors for the Prep and Year 1 students, meeting weekly to play maths games and build their leadership skills alongside their mathematical understanding. They also met with their ELC 4 buddies for lunch and play activities.

Virtual Camp Unfortunately, the students missed going away to Waratah Bay for camp.

However, they were able to attend an amazing virtual camp. This camp was a wonderful experience for both students and staff as we boarded the 154

3R Top Row: Erika Andersson, Xiaoying (Jessica) Wu, Isabella (Issy) Aspinall, Julia Sola Jimenez, Mrs Sue Riley 2nd Row: Annabel Bartlett, Camilla Gordon, Sophie Longley, Lillian Goudie, Zoe Kersting 1st Row: Grete Kardis, Olivia Deicke, Liqian (Teresa) Zeng, Keen (Iris) Cui, Lila Forkes, Gongyi (Sunny) Chang

virtual bus, set up tents, got creative with scavenger hunt art, baked damper and played fun games. No camp is complete without a campfire, dinner, talent show and disco – all of which were a massive hit with the students. It was delightful to see the students be so incredibly flexible and participate with such enthusiasm.

The joy they expressed was heartwarming during such an uncertain time.

House Activities This year, the students participated in the House Swimming Carnival, Cross Country and Athletics Carnival for the first time. Even though they were nervous about participating, each time they blew us away with their eagerness to compete and demonstrated immense House spirit, cheering on their teammates at every opportunity.

Units of Inquiry Over the year, the students inquired into community involvement, types of communication, trailblazing women, chemical reactions, animal classification and creating a product. Some highlights from these inquiries included the Museum of Communication, which included learning “I Can Sing a Rainbow” in Auslan and presenting research in a variety of ways. The students made a video recording for a Living Museum of Trailblazing Women and interviewed Australia’s first female Archbishop! They also took part in a Harry Potter Day, complete with potion class and Sphero Quidditch.

Finishing the year with their Business Expo, they designed and created a business.

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YEAR 2

2W Top Row: Mia Maier, Yve Zeneldin, Yiran (Cathy) Chen, Megan Jones, Ms Nicole Waycott 2nd Row: Ruby Russell, Isabella Smith, Ruby Fox, Isabel Mannock, Gemma Villanti 1st Row: Anna Zheng, Sienna Giannarelli, Alisha Sareen, Ava Deicke, Frankie Dolan, Alexandra Sheppard Absent: Emily Dimech

“Teamwork makes the dream work” is a quote that is often heard within the Year 2 classroom, both on-campus and virtually. The students embarked on a journey of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of how teamwork is an important aspect of their social and emotional wellbeing.

Learning to work within a team is a life skill.

Now, more than ever before, our Year 2s understand that teamwork allows them to communicate with others effectively, helping them achieve a common goal. The students demonstrated innovative ways to collaborate in the virtual classroom.

When examining what makes a successful team, the students identified that respect sits at the centre of their communication with each other.

Common phrases heard in our classroom include, “I really respect 156

your opinion” and “Well done, you were such a risk-taker”. Our online learning experiences built on the teamwork established in Term 1.

This investigation has allowed the students to identify the characteristics of a successful team and how they have an individual responsibility within a team.

Throughout Term 2, the students explored the concept of curiosity, commencing their investigation into past civilisations.

As young archaeologists, they intricately worked together on an archaeological dig site located on the Turner House campus. They used their tools with precision and carefully unearthed and discovered pieces of the past. Examining each piece, they made careful observations and created detailed diagrams, wondering how their findings connected to the real world.

They were curious to know and understand how past civilisations shaped present-day systems and technologies.

As the year progressed, the students transitioned from the classroom to the virtual classroom with ease. They delved deeply into their learning online and continued to respectfully communicate and interact with each other. Working in small, differentiated teams online, they developed their self-management and organisational skills. Their investigation into how places around the world provide opportunities to share resources further developed their curiosity and their international mindedness. Many connections were made at a local and global level, which led students to form their own generalisations and understandings around water scarcity and future sustainability.

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YEAR 1

1S Top Row: April Donaldson, Eva Oemcke, Zita Zhou, Shiqi (Amber) Li, Lucy Nethercote, Mrs Mary Beth Strandlie 2nd Row: Ke Ling (Victoria) Ding, Anna Arnold, Edie Cliff, Estella Berwick-Hernandez, Isabelle Redman, Angel Liu 1st Row: Elise Jane Bonk, Christine Jiang, Alexandra (Alex) Whelan, Edlynn Qi, Emma Garland

In Year 1, we are deep thinkers. We know what we are learning and what it means to have learned it. Some things are learned on the surface level, others at a deep level. Other knowledge and skills are transferred to new situations. Each of these surface, deep and transfer levels of learning are important.

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We usually experience surface learning, which is more factual, before we experience deep learning.

In deep learning, we extend our ideas and apply our knowledge and skills in creative and different ways.

We use learning intentions and success criteria to help us with our learning.

When learning about measurement, our intention was to understand it. Our success criteria for surface learning was to define and describe measurement. Our success criteria for deeper learning was to compare and apply different types of measurement.

These Year 1 students have had an incredible journey and have shown a remarkable amount of resilience and enthusiasm throughout this entire time of lockdown. Their love of learning has not wavered, and

each morning they have begun their day with smiles, kindness and compassion toward one another.

“I know what measuring is. When you share things with someone, you should get the same.” – Edie “When I was making my playground for my panda, it was too big for the things I made. It was just the right size for my doll.” – Lucy “It was a bit hard making my playground for my bunny because everything had to be the right size.

Making the swing was a bit tricky, but it was fun!” – Victoria “When I was measuring how tall my dad was, I had to stand on the chair!”

– Christine “I can measure everything!” – Isabelle

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PREP

Top Row: Mrs Kathy Chapman, Yunxi (Grace) Zhang, Alison Li, Emilia Villanti, Olivia Santamaria, Mrs Chantelle Cella 2nd Row: Charlotte Mannock, Aiyla Akram, Liyang Jiang, Aubrey Witnish, Grace Baldwin 1st Row: Grace Casboult, Evie Pitard, Victoria Lantseva, Portia Marks, Elizabeth Shumsky

Our fabulous five- and six-year-olds are a brilliant bunch filled with awe, anticipation and heart.

Throughout the year, they proved themselves eager to learn more, develop theories and connect with one another. They cared for each other, worked to build collective understanding and celebrated each other’s successes.

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We set high expectations for our Preps, and they rose to every challenge. As we reflect on their year, we feel very proud of how they built their skills and understanding. They have become scientific experts – able to draw and label diagrams – and mathematical whizzes, transferring their knowledge of number and measurement concepts to reasoning challenges. All have built a love of reading and storytelling, first establishing their awareness of letters and sounds and now capturing their thoughts in writing. They became skilled technology users as they navigated iPad apps and adapted to online learning with maturity and ease.

Prep inquiries provided opportunities for the students to deepen their understanding. They sought to make sense of the world around

them, asking ‘why’ while building social, communication and self-management skills. They investigated the five senses. When testing sound vibration, highlights included making old-fashioned string telephones and elastic band string guitars. The students were fascinated by rainbows and discovered that light travels in a straight line, but objects in its path can cause it to bend or refract. The morning sun shining through our glass terrace walls provided many opportunities to test our theories.

Later, when we investigated living things, students learned about growth and lifecycles. They grew seedlings from seeds gathered from their apples and were especially interested in learning about habitats and what different living things need to survive. Their habitat models were outstanding examples of their creativity and enthusiasm for applying their knowledge.

While adults around the world debate the impact of lockdowns, our Prep students took the changes in their stride. This is their experience.

They adapted to online learning with skill, determination, resilience and a love of homemade, gourmet lunches. But nothing could beat the smiles that came our way each time we returned to our classrooms. Our Prep students are curious, engaged learners, active in the learning process. And importantly, they are fun, kind and brilliant young people.

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FROM DIRECTOR OF ELC This year, 75 eager three- and fouryear-olds began their educational journey at our Firbank Early Learning Centre in Brighton. In these early years, each step taken establishes important social, emotional, physical, cognitive and linguistic foundations from which the building blocks for life and learning develop and flourish.

IB’s transdisciplinary themes inform this development – who we are, where we are in place and time, how the world works and how we express ourselves.

We recognise that children begin school with a wealth of knowledge.

Growing from their own curiosity about their world, our children are on a developmental adventure in which they become more confident and resourceful with the acquisition of skills and knowledge. Our specialist educators are experts in recognising the uniqueness of these life experiences, catering for individual needs and interests in our Long Day and Standard Day programs.

They play a vital role in the lives of the children and, each day, witness steady growth. As children learn how to be part of a group, they play together, take turns when speaking and listening, form friendships, share resources, take risks, face challenges and overcome their fears. In this Year of Curiosity, each small achievement is a reason to celebrate.

Highlighted during the year is the importance of maintaining connections with each other. Parent and family involvement is crucial for smooth home/school transitions and the development of positive home/school relationships. During the year, we were able to provide opportunities for PMP helpers, Mystery Readers, host a Mothers and Significant Others sharing morning, and hold an online Father’s Day STEM activity challenge.

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The online provision and live daily offerings were another way we could continue making that connection.

Heightened by the pandemic, the importance of the natural environment is greater than ever.

Nature holds its own richness and is a valuable tool for supporting all areas of development for children.

We are very fortunate to have the use of many play spaces at Turner House, which support our indoor/outdoor program.

After what has been a year of challenges, accomplishments and achievements, the resilience of our children, their parents, our educators and the wider community has never been more evident. The question “Where to next” is a fitting one in this Year of Curiosity.

Sarah Wallace Director, ELC

“An understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only great curiosity but great fulfilment.”

David Attenborough

Top Row: Gemma Sullivan, Virginia Bardoel, Natalie Hayne, Helen Jorgensen, Charlotte Baranger 1st Row: Olivia Let, Pamela Fernando, Maddie Clark, Lisa Dobson, Sandra Lenon, Sarah Wallace Absent: Tahlia Irvine, Juliet Mainwaring, Neela Rahman, Grace Dobson

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ELC 4

4G Top Row: Ms Pamela Fernando, Londyn Hansen, Olivia Ciabattoni, Rosalind MacDonald, Pip Hassall, Cece French 3rd Row: Mrs Helen Jorgensen, Harper Markovic, Willow Brettingham-Moore, Amelie Lowe, Ms Gemma Sullivan 2nd Row: Anne Zheng, Emily Hou, Georgie Lie, Stephanie Sulfaro, Nava Masoudi 1st Row: Ellery Mullert, Maya Singh

4G Top Row: Ms Pamela Fernando, Eva Kirby, Elle Scarff, Allegra Barnett, Lulu Healy, Mrs Natalie Hayne 2nd Row: Ms Charlotte Baranger, Florence Lesage, Charlotte Lane, Jona Rack 1st Row: Mackenzie Edwards, Isla Boston, Daisy van Dieren, Eleanor Goodwin, Lily Gandolfo, Rosie Carrington Absent: Macy Reynolds

From the Atelier with Mrs M Throughout the year, the children have used both indoor and outdoor environments as ateliers. That is, studios or places of research, invention and expression while exploring varied materials. These atelier experiences have been genuinely linked to classroom units of inquiry to help deepen understanding of concepts and encourage the children to make

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connections with others and the world around them.

During this time in the atelier, the children engaged in building relationships with each other as well as myself. Through the manipulation of materials, children have been exploring their ideas and theories using imagination, creativity and play.

The children have participated in sensory and exploratory experiences

with both natural and processed materials. They have been introduced to appropriate tools, technologies and media along with the skills and knowledge to use them.

Most importantly, throughout the year the children have had time to be inquisitive and have fun, using a wide variety of materials.

4S Top Row: Ms Sandra Lenon, Miyana Sorataworn, Francesca Abernethy, Annie Birch, Amelia Reddin, Charlie Hegerty 2nd Row: Olivia Leaman, Louise Smith, Melanie Wang, Martina Santamaria Alamo, Mia Mathieson, Tristyn Calabrese Toskov, Monica Fan, Heidi He 1st Row: Evelyn Whelan, Grace Hansen, Grace Bounas, Audrey Zhu

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ELC 3 So, what really makes the start of our Firbank ELC journey so special?

It is a place where our youngest inquirers take flight ….

Top Row: Olivia Sheppard, Sienna Smarrelli, Maggie Taffard-Phillips, Willow Lewis, Mrs Virginia Bardoel 3rd Row: Ms Olivia Let, Lola Vlanes, Matilda Mackay, Zoe Kirkby, Bea Giddings, Lian Gani, Monique Zancanaro, Eliza Ryde, Chenwei He, Ruby Malone, Ms Lisa Dobson 2nd Row: Indie Brice, Ruby Jensz, Grace Kent, Sienna Sulfaro, Charlotte Downey, Chloe Pitard, Grace Carlston, Billie Spriggs, Grace Arthur 1st Row: Frankie Fisher, Florence Feehan Absent: Harper Guerini, Sophie Hassett, Imogen Perrett

Each child’s sense of belonging is fostered. Smooth home/school transitions are given time along with posiOnce on-site learning resumed, the tive relationship development and energy and excitement felt by all, recognition of each child’s uniquewas electric. Our community showed ness and personal context. resilience and adaptability through challenging times and the return to This year, our ELC became more daily routines, familiar environments flexible and responsive to the needs of the community and the pandemic. and missed friends, saw the days in Flexible additional days were offered, ELC 3 quickly return to normal. providing greater support for our children and their families. Our online learning provision has brought the classroom into the home. Daily meetings and specialist offerings from our Campus Leadership Team, Atelierista, Sports, Library, Music, and Mandarin Teachers allowed for school connections to continue.

Whilst away from school, many of our young shared with us their home experiences. This short-term way of living through Covid only increased our children’s awareness and appreciation of their natural world “I saw doggies at the beach and ducks at the lake. I went to Brighton Beach and another beach. The weather was a little bit sunny”.

Florence “I went to the park, and I saw a duckling and it was yellow and fluffy. It has to be yellow. This is where the baby nest can be, it has orange spots. This is where the baby chick eggs could be. The little green grass is to keep them safe”.

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Within our environment, the indoor and outdoor spaces hold equal importance when teaching and learning. How materials are selected for their multi-purpose use and how they are arranged in an inviting, meaningful, and accessible way are all considered. Places for quiet reflection as well as interaction and collaboration are created throughout the year with assistance from the children. The ELC 3 learning spaces are places of opportunity, surprise, and joyfulness.

The cycle of planning begins with observation of the children’s play and representation. Documentation, anecdotal records, photos, and the children’s work are used to evaluate and extend. Modifications and revisiting the learning, the provocations and the materials is ongoing. So too, the creation of an environment which is, in the language of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, rich and provocative, is continuously being reviewed.

Teachers have worked together to plan meaningful experiences that are relevant and consider the individual needs of each child. The development of social skills and respectful relationships has been an ongoing focus throughout our year. There have many opportunities to grow in the group environment; when coming together for meetings, mealtimes, outdoor play, and combined experiences with ELC 4 or when engaging with our Buddies. A highlight of the year was the school coming together to celebrate Book Week. The topic, Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds saw us dressing up, discussing favourite books from home, reading with a focus on the theme and exploring how stories were made.

Features of stories including the roles of characters and plot structures formed a new line of inquiry for us.

This year, the children and their educators have been on a developmental adventure. They have become more confident and resourceful with the acquisition of skills and knowledge growing from their own base of curiosity about their world.

“When I grow up, I want to grow up to be a leader” Willow

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SPORT 2021 has unfortunately seen another year of interruptions due to COVID-19, with some sporting events cancelled altogether. However, the students still demonstrated grit, determination and fantastic House spirit in many events.

In Semester 1, the highlights are always the competitive House events.

The winning Houses were: House Swimming – BRAILSFORD House Cross Country – RYAN House Athletics – BRAILSFORD There were some exceptional individual and team performances and results. The Year 6 swimming relay squad consisting of Lilli Jones, Kaitlin Ord, Lucy Ashcroft, Lily Whitehouse and Lara Tan excelled, winning the 4x100m freestyle and medley relay at State Championships.

The Year 4/5 swimming team consisting of Charlotte Kelly, Holly Harper, April MacDonald and TeganRose Nethercott also swam superbly, placing 2nd in the 4x100m freestyle relay at State Championships.

Firbank Grammar School won the Armadale District Swimming competition, which was an immense achievement.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, many pathway sporting events for cross country and athletics were cancelled.

In Term 2, the Year 6s competed in the weekly inter-school competition.

The students relished playing team sports such as Australian football, netball, soccer, cricket, tee-ball and handball. Camaraderie and team spirit was shown in abundance!

The weekly run club sessions continued in Terms 1, 2 and 4. A big thank you to those parents who assisted and supported this fun program.

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Swim squad was also a popular program for Year 4–6 students who wanted to improve their stroke technique and fitness. The Health and Wellbeing program was embraced by all Year 3–6 students. The program focused on physical, emotional and mental health development across various stages of the lifespan.

Students discussed the promotion of health for individuals and the community.

“Over the whole of this year, in and out of COVID, everyone has shown perseverance, commitment, courage and kindness to themselves and to each other. As House Captains, we are undeniably proud of everyone’s efforts and hard work.”

Rosie Kelly – Year 6, Stephens House Captain

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PERFORMING ARTS What a year for Music at Turner House! In lessons, rehearsals and performances, our love for music and creative expression continue to grow.

Years 3 and 4 students enjoyed some highlights, including the Year 4 Easter Service Performance and the Year 3 inquiry into significant female musicians.

With a focus on performance, Our budding young musicians in ELC Year 3 students rehearsed have had a wonderful year exploring Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious with fervour and Year 4 students concepts of pitch, rhythm, tone rehearsed a super-secret flash mob colour and expression by learning performance of We’re All In This songs, playing music games and Together. listening to musical stories. Student favourites include Leo the Lion and With a focus on technology and Jelly on a Plate. composing, Years 5 and 6 students used their time in music lessons Prep to Year 2 students dove into to explore a plethora of music learning about rhythm, beat and technologies, including Incredibox, pitch by singing new songs and playing games. Apple Tree continues Chome Music Lab and Soundtrap.

Such technologies allowed students to be the most preferred activity.

While learning online, students used to fully immerse themselves in the skills of arranging, composing their knowledge of beat, rhythm and listening while exploring the and pitch to notate the song Star elements of music.

Light, Star Bright, using pictures and traditional notation – this is no small achievement!

The focus for music lessons across all year levels was to investigate the elements of music through composition, performance and listening activities.

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In Term 2, Year 6 students produced the musical Fame Jr. – a huge success. Students were involved in all aspects of producing a musical and approached the process with positivity and curiosity. Their hard work really paid off.

“Fame has been a long and exhilarating journey! I have enjoyed every part of it, and it is an experience I will never forget!”

– Emily Harris, Year 6 Whenever it was possible, the Turner House Choir, Orchestra and String Ensemble worked hard at rehearsals.

All members should be proud of their commitment, and rewards will no doubt be received when we are able to perform again!

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ART In 2021, the students are to be commended on their positive mindset and resilience, adapting to the ever-changing world around them.

Whether the students were creating art in the Turner House art room or in their virtual art space during online learning, imagination and creativity was always evident.

While linking with classroom units of inquiry is a natural part of oncampus art lessons, making authentic connections was still possible during virtual learning, as well as including art theory and exploration through a variety of creative experiences.

During both online and face-to-face learning, every student embraced the joy of artmaking, producing an amazing variety of 2D and 3D pieces.

Prep – Exploring the five senses through art, texture collages, musical instruments, colour mixing, textiles and self-portraits.

Year 1 – Sewing felt birds, hammering lagerphones and learning the colour wheel.

Year 2 – Rosalie Gasgoine-inspired collages, clay tablet artefacts and felt doughnuts.

Year 5 – Complementary colour name paintings, science-focused art, optical illusions and drawing on recycled material.

Year 3 – Frida Kahlo artist study culminating in elaborate mixed-media headbands, symmetrical warm and cool colour paintings and forced perspective photography.

Year 6 – Photography skills, Gwyneth Leech artist study ‘1001 Coffee Cup Stories’, QR codes and choose-yourown-adventure art experiences.

Year 4 – Colour value silhouettes, pop art 3D words, element and principle theory.

“Creativity takes courage.”

– Henri Matisse

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Emily Ramsden Visual Art Teacher

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MANDARIN

Our students have brought energy and creativity to the learning of Mandarin this year, both at school and through remote learning.

A wide range of activities, games and role-plays have engaged their curiosity and motivated them to build their skills in all areas: listening, speaking, reading, writing and presenting.

Year 5 and 6 students flexed their research skills to produce exciting presentations of newly acquired vocabulary themes, particularly enjoying the topics My Wardrobe and Traditional Chinese Costumes (Year 5) and My Family and My House (Year 6). Chinese-background students enthusiastically took up the opportunity to create presentations entitled My Parents’ Hometown.

Year 4 students fired up their imaginations to hold a simulated house auction and produce travel plans to different countries. Year 3 students enjoyed dancing and singing, particularly the Tang poem, 174 174

the Song of the Goose. Playing What’s the Time, Mr Wolf? in Mandarin turned an old favourite game into a new adventure. Students were keen to talk about sports in preparation for their toy animal sports carnival.

Classroom games and toys are ideal ways to encourage lively student use of language, keeping the students of Years 1, 2 and Prep motivated and engaged as they explore new vocabulary. Year 1 students built their knowledge of colours, stationery, countries and nationalities while Prep learned to use names of animals and family members and sang nursery rhymes. Year 2 students put their knowledge of hobbies and clothes to use in a virtual Favourite Dress show.

On campus together, we played a fishing game, a fly swatter game, four-colour card and match-up games together. Students steadily developed their character recognition and, as well as role-play, participated in storytelling along with art and craft activities. In our live virtual classroom, they worked with iPad PPT games, Kahoot and Quizlet. These provided an ideal environment for students to explore language in different

contexts and levels. They also served as a natural transdisciplinary link for students to make connections with a wide range of experiences.

Overall, our students have completed a most productive and enjoyable year in Mandarin.

STEM STEM (Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics) education comprises the specific knowledge, understanding and skills in each of these learning areas as well as the interrelationship between them. STEM education acknowledges that there are opportunities for learning to be delivered in an integrated manner. This enables an authentic approach to skills such as critical and creative thinking, collaboration and communication.

Children are growing up in a very different world than that of their parents. Mobile phones, computers, YouTube, Netflix and online gaming are embedded in their daily lives.

Even toys are digital, and many are now programmable.

It is one thing to know how to use these technologies. It’s another, however, to understand the logic behind them. When learning to program, children understand and tinker with the digital world they inhabit. Coding draws back the magic of technology so they can truly understand the logic and science that controls it – a discovery that is all the more magical.

Our reliance on technology will only increase. The students of today must be able to not only passively consume this technology but also understand and control it, becoming an active part of the digital shift.

In the younger years, the students are introduced to coding, using programmable robots called BeeBots. Students learn directional words to describe movement and develop programming skills to direct a robot to move in different directions. At this level, the students also use programmable robots called Ozobots that can perform different actions according to patterns of colours.

As the students move up through the middle years, they use WeDo kits, using Lego to design and create simple machines, programming them to perform specific actions using an app and Bluetooth on the iPad. In the higher levels, students are introduced to the Mindstorm robotic solution, where they can build on their designing and programming skills, using a more sophisticated coding app to program their designs to simulate real-life scenarios.

In the senior levels, we introduced a coding application, Scratch, that allows students to create animated stories and design games for others to play.

In Year 5, the students were introduced to the AutoCAD program, allowing them to bring their designs to life in the form of a 3D object and print them using the 3D printer.

The students are taught throughout their years at Turner House to only use technology if it allows them to do something that couldn’t be done using more traditional means.

To support them with this, they need to be aware of the capabilities of the many excellent apps they are required to download onto their devices. If they understand the capabilities of the app, they can then make appropriate choices as to whether technology will add value to what they are doing.

To help build awareness, the students select an app and create an activity related to a concept learnt this year and at the same time showcase the many features the app has to offer.

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COMPASS The Compass Award fosters positive attitudes toward learning while complementing the curriculum.

It builds an environment for positive engagement and interaction between the student, staff and family members.

Participants undertaking the Compass Award are given the opportunity to try new things, learn new skills and, in the process, develop initiative and commitment, becoming more responsible and motivated young people.

In Year 6, one student completed

Participants Level 1 Alannah Zissis Alice Bailey Apple Liu Audrey Johns Bridget O’Sullivan Cara Nguyen Cecilia Tian Chelsea Chau Chloe Beynon Chloe Liang Chloe Chau Claudia Overend-Stevens Emily Wu Georgia Spence Georgia Naughton Grace McLean Isabel Cubelic Joy Chang Libby Eng Lola Thomson Luna Chen Matilda Quill Milla Buchanan Olivia Stani

Level Four, and 46 students completed Level Two. In Year 5, 34 students completed Level One. This is a total of over 90 students, which is fantastic! With a year like no other, COVID-19 restrictions meant that students were unable to fully immerse themselves and get out and about into the community.

They achieved volunteering goals through local beach cleanups, sewing toys for children’s hospitals, writing letters for the elderly, raising money for various charities, running fitness, wellbeing and meditation classes for their communities, as well as cooking for their families and neighbours.

They explored places such as Olivia Lu Pearl Russell Sienna Yannopoulos Sofia Ktoria Sophie Dukes Tegan-Rose Nethercott Tia Botha Tiger Li Trinidad Schmidt Valentina Quick Level 1 & 2 Ally Wallis Amy Zhang Arabella Forbes Arly Hunter Candace Chu Ivy Chen Mali Lui Mi Zhou Mia Gray Ritty Wang Scarlett Bilsborough Tammy Tang

Phillip Island, Canberra, Mt Hotham, Sherbrooke Forest, local riding tracks, the Bayside historical trail, museums and even camped out in their own backyards.

The Year 5 and 6 students tried photography, baking, fine arts, crocheting, origami, knitting, dog training, woodwork, surf life saving, martial arts, learned to play new instruments and more.

We congratulate all students for their extraordinary efforts, and we look forward to another big year of Compass in 2022.

– Simon McKean and Jodie Fernandez, Compass Coordinators and Junior School Community Service Leaders

Level 2 Alexa York Amy Walters Ava Stewart Brooke Di Tirro Casey Chen Daisy Welsh Emily Harris Fangfei Ge Isabel Horton Isobel Angus Joanna Guo Kaitlin Ord Kitty Liu Lara Tan Lauren Box Leni Thorpe Lilli Jones Lily Whitehouse Lucy Ashcroft Lucy Evans Maddie Smith Maya Alfredson Megan Chen Millie Barras Olivia Speck Pippa Featherston

Pippa Morgan Rosie Kelly Skye Wilson Vivi Li Zara Excell Zoe Sangster Level 4 Issy Fox

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STAFF SENIOR SCHOOL

Top Row: Gliki Kyrou, Frances Mittermayr, Sophie Savage, Georgia Hartman-Smith, Robert Harrod, Simon Marsden, Bree Gardner-Vaughan, David Cugley, Roland Koenig, Tamzine Dalidakis, Katalin Smythe, Spyros Stasi, Tim Keys, Fiona Simmonds, Lachlan Whitley, Andy Mair, Yu Tang, Bree Ramanauskas, Maddison Grange, Paul Glaubitz, Jess Cracknell, Jason Zhao, Adrian Peacock 3rd Row: Christine Smillie, Janine Konoroth, Helen Wood, Jennie Willoughby, Julie Ferres, Philippa Jones, Christelle Duchossois-Allen, Stacy Pianko, Jodie Fox, Tracy Parsons, Cate Robertson, Annette Wagner-Hesse, Dina Tsipos, Xuejing (Chen) Chen, Catalina Tale, Jenni Maloni, Michelle Goss, Gill Crawford, Helena Li, Katja Hesse, Bernie Mills, Andrew Johansen, Alexander Skobtchenko, Steven Venturin, Graeme Cooper

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2nd Row: Sally Davis, Annette Davie-Smythe, Melanie Marwick, Carole Ward, Juliet Anstee, Nicole Elliott, Lisa Shalders, Mary-Ellen Johnson, David Oldham, Maria Hawley, Ella Reid, Jacqui Cusack, Vanessa Cherney, Elizabeth North, Robyn Salisbury, Lauren Timmins, Penny Featherstone, Lucy Weddell, Peter Russo, Naomi Fogliani, Merryn Anstee, Lillian Direen, Verity Whinnerah, Virginia Norton, Sara Mahdavian 1st Row: Nazrine La Fortezza, Nalini Ekanayake, Ruth Willis, Jan May, Wendy Gray, Christine Croft, Joanne Thompson, Hayley Blumenthal, Le Lu, Leandra Turner, Jenny Williams, Murphy the Dog, Scott Feehan, Jenny Peters, Wendy Grant, Ayles Llewellyn, Amanda Webster, Louise Roberts, Ling Zhu, Denise King, Hanni Alston, Jennifer Slattery, Sue Diamataris Absent: Jocelyn Allen, Sarai Atkinson, Lisa Barton, Anastasia Baryshnikova, Matthew Baulch, Kriss Brenners, Jane Britten, Denise Carriere, Jason Cooper, Sybil Curtis, Priscilla De Maria, Romeo De Maria, Joanne De Vries, Greg Di Natale, Andrew Dobbyn, Antoinette Domoney, Taylor Douglas, Hongsheng Fang, Naomi Fogliani, Richard Freestone, Sally Gorton, Kristy Griffin, Sara Groves, Bernadette Harrison, Xufang Heinze, Jenni Hill, Trea Hindley, Rob Hoich, Gay Hosie, Mark Jackson, Susan James, Julie Jansz, Sumali Jayaweera, Cristina Isabel Jimenez Garcia, Christian Johns, Nishi Jungbahadur, Leigh-Ann Kelly, Milton Kennard, Richard Knurek, Sharon Leibowitz, Julia Lucas, Danny Lucin, Carolyn Marshall, Travis McCourtie, Niall McGinley, David McGrath, Sanjeev Meston, Kim Morley, Sophie Murphy, Sharon Namour, Deborah Noonan, Tom O’Connor, Lauren Palmer, Kate Perkins, Brendan Phillips, Nadine Preston, Alf Salgo, Sarah Saunders, Jen Shakespeare, Anna Simmonds, Rosanna Simonetta, Clive Simpson, Harjinder Singh, Kerry Slater, Alexander Storrs, Ajay Talwar, Brooke Taylor, Andrea Thompson, Nicholas Tsiavos, Ayesha Usoof, Jennifer Vincent-Green, Richard Walker, Jerome Walles, Yilin Wang, Rishan Wickramasuriya, Tao Xiao, Han Zhang

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STAFF SANDRINGHAM JUNIOR CAMPUS

Top Row: Jane Braithwaite, Kate Davy, Stephanie Denton, Kimberley Versteden, Lauren Ross, Jane Tweedie, Natalie Cross, Laura Champion de Crespigny 3rd Row: Jo Harris, Jenna Wynd, Cathy Macdonald, Vicki Phillips, Kathy Bashfield, Emily Bull, Jenny Canty 2nd Row: Charli Kline, Gina Nixon, Tori Chatt, Nicole Hardman, Lisa O’Donnell, Bettina Mendel, Kacie Cummings, Sharon Sami 1st Row: Ann Short, Christine Tanner, Robyn Licenblat, Karen Chandler, Brad Nelsen, Joseph Kenny, Linlin Lu, Tania Begg, Nina Sofo Absent: Jennifer Abbott, Victoria Ainley, Andrew Dobbyn, Renee Ferris, Cindy Fidele, Kylie Jopp, Nadine Laubser, Emily Littlehales, Christine Liu, Gillian McIlroy, Vasanthi Michael, Lyndal Phillips, Kate Rushen, Yvonne Smith

BRIGHTON JUNIOR CAMPUS

Top Row: Tania La Fontaine, Belle Malbon, Paul Ciempka, Simon McKean, Glenn Fitzpatrick, Eleisha Neilson, Todd Cummins, Georgia Love 2nd Row: Rebecca Golden, Fran Procter, Teisha King, Julia Di Pietrantonio, Tania Powell, Chantelle Cella, Jodie Fernandez, Mary Beth Strandlie, Sue Riley 1st Row: Amber Dowd, Kim Cartwright, Lisa Drum, Jon Kemp, Melanie Smith, Michelle Worth, Kathy Chapman, Nicole Waycott Absent: Kate Blaich, Andrew Dobbyn, Penny Featherstone, Christine Liu, Gillian McIllroy, Emily Ramsden, Belinda Roberts Scholes

CLASS OF 2021

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CLASS OF 2021

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CLASS OF 2021

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