Contributors Andrew Barr Mike Howell Jennifer Chiu Nicole Roache Con Lannan Chelsea Matheson Sam McIntosh Joyce Taylor Jassie Salveson Angus Wylie Tim Edwards Adrian Camm Joan Gill Christine Shannon Sally Wynter Helen Plumridge Kevin Jess Coral Turner Leanne McCartney Orazio Galluccio Andrew McKie Joshua Skuza Jemima Hutchins Rebecca Bath Sophie Clark Andrew Goldsack Sam Porter Roger Smith Gareth Gilby Ben Robbins Greg Smith Carolyn Matthews Gracie Wootton Tansy Pereira Dave Curnow Chris Dinneen Shannyn Leach Andrea McGucken Leanne Russell Phil Taylor Tim Parkes Michael Betts David Waterhouse John Bailey Bella Anderson James Ratcliffe Photography Mike Howell Nicole Roache Jennifer Chiu Coral Turner Helen Plumridge Peter Lemon Trevor Cooke Photography Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Paralympic Committee Geelong College staff and archives
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2 AD ASTRA ISSUE NO 127
FROM THE EDITOR This issue of Ad Astra looks back at the year gone by and reflects on some of the College’s many initiatives, such as the installation of new Chaplain Rev Tim Edwards (page 8-9), the Centre for Learning, Research and Innovation’s inaugural program (page 14-15) and the exciting developments within the TripleR wellbeing program across the College (page 12-13). At one of the CLRI evening lectures last year, Master of Ormond College at the University of Melbourne, Associate Professor Rufus Black came to speak at the College. He said educators and parents were “merchants of hope” in their work with children, and spoke of their important role in encouraging students to develop their passions. He also spoke of the importance of creativity, curiosity and imagination in learning, alongside problem-solving skills and resilience. These dimensions are core to the College’s vision for learning; education is about taking greater responsibility for your own learning. Immersion and project-based experiences such as the Cre8 program in Year 8 (page 18-19) lead to better learning by motivating students through passion and challenge. The Allegro program (page 17) introduces children to the many benefits of playing an instrument, while new curriculum initiatives such as Designing the Future (page 10) engage students in invention and developing a passion for new ideas. The 2014 Co-captains reflect on their Year 12 experience on pages 6 and 7, and we wish our newest Old Collegians every success as they enter the world of continued education and
learning experiences. We also aim for each Geelong College student to develop a sense of true belonging in the community, fostered through active service to others during their final years of school. Turn to pages 22, 23 and 29 to read about some of the worthwhile causes our students undertook in 2014. With this year being the centenary of the First World War Gallipoli campaign, the College Archivist takes a look back and reflects on the Great War’s impact on the College (page 46-47). Of the 185 Collegians who served in the First World War, 96 are known to have died directly from their experience of war. James Affleck’s book, “Geelong Collegians at the Great War”, includes letters from Gallipoli survivors and those fighting in the Somme for those interested in reading more on this topic. We hope you also enjoy the two illuminating interviews with Old Collegians Neil Everist and Emma Norman (pages 38-41) – two graduates who have followed their passions and worked hard to find success in life. As we enter 2015, we look forward to another busy and exciting year. In particular, the College will celebrate the important milestone of 40 years of coeducation (page 34-35). A series of events to mark this anniversary will be publicised over the course of the year.
Mike Howell Director of Community Relations
Vision The Geelong College is an innovative and caring community of learners committed to making a positive difference to an ever changing world. Mission The Geelong College is a Uniting Church co-educational day and boarding school that creates outstanding opportunities for its community of students, encouraging and inspiring all to be positive contributors to our world.