61 minute read
HEAD OF BAYVIEW | YEARS 5 & 6 | YEAR 7 YEAR 8 | DARE2DREAM
LANGUAGES
In a year that saw us all adapt quickly, there were still some shared highlights for our hardworking, dedicated Language students.
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Over the summer holidays 2019-2020, Mentone Grammar students Ryan Huang, Grace Laidlaw, Bella Marrier-d’Unienville and Akul Saigal visited our partner school the MarkgräfinWilhelmine-Gymnasium (MWG) in Bayreuth, Germany.
The exchange program is always a rewarding experience, with memories that last a lifetime, including Christmas in the snow and an insight into a different world of school.
The Mentone students’ exchange partners Milan Pausch, Feodore Kohlmeyer and Annika Angerer spent Term 1 with us, experiencing the tail end of an Australian summer.
Also adding some colour and personality to Year 10 was French exchange visitor Zou Schemmel, an elite sailor who took full advantage of the opportunity to immerse himself in Australian culture for Term 1, and Koji Ogura visited from our Japanese partner the Nagoya Boys’ High School.
It’s been a different year for everyone – the partner schools overseas have also had to adapt to the changing circumstances.
AARON RICHARD
HEAD OF LANGUAGES
GERMAN
EDUCATIONPERFECT STATE CHAMPIONS FOR GERMAN
After a week of spelling, reading and listening to new German words and phrases as well as revising learnt vocabulary, Year 8A German finished on top of the table and can call themselves STATE CHAMPIONS! Wunderbar, Klasse 8A! What an excellent display of their language skills and dedication!
GERMAN POETRY COMPETITION 2020
Congratulations to our amazing students of German who represented Mentone Grammar in the recent German Poetry Competition.
Poetry is an important part of German culture and is a wonderful way to embrace and experience German language in a creative, playful way. After another high-quality Poetry Competition, the following results were announced:
Year 7 FIRST PLACE Matthew K and FOURTH PLACE Edward H and Luca S
Year 8 FIRST PLACE Amelia L and James W and FOURTH PLACE Rosie M
Year 8 OPEN FIRST PLACE Amelie D and SECOND PLACE Moritz W
As the famous German writer, artist and politician Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) once said:
‘Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen.’
FRAU JESSIKA RABE
CHINESE IN EBLANA & BAYVIEW
A key word for this year’s Chinese learning has been: Adapt. Our Chinese language students have done an amazing job in doing so and should be proud of what they have achieved.
Our Chinese language students continued to grow in their understanding of the Chinese language and culture this year by participating in both face-to-face and online learning. It has been encouraging to see many students take up the opportunity to allow themselves to be more independent and organised in an online learning environment, despite not being able to have face-to-face learning with their teachers and classmates.
Some of the Highlights from online learning: • We loved seeing our professional dress ups for the Year 6
Weather reporter project. We have been blown away by the authentic pronunciation and intonation in their speaking. It was amazing to see students made full use of the resources they have from home such as borrowing parents’ suits for the speech. • Some amazing creativity and imagination from our Year 7 students using puppets to create family and pet introductions, with wonderful fluency. • We witnessed some powerful learning moments when some students took the opportunity to involve their younger siblings in the video speaking tasks, using the sentence structure they were learning.
In Term 4 we welcomed our Chinese students back to the classroom with more kinesthetic learning and speaking activities to further enrich their experiences. We were thrilled to see our Bayview Chinese students building strong cultural understandings through researching and presenting various cultural projects. Our Year 8s concluded the year with unforgettable videos showcasing all the knowledge they have accumulated since Year 7.
SONIA HU
TEACHER OF CHINESE
MATHS
In this COVID-19 year, the media outlets regularly referred to mathematical modelling, predictions and curves describing the impact of the virus within our communities. Interestingly, the mathematics used to investigate all aspects of the spread of a disease or virus has its foundation in the mathematics learnt in schools. As a special project, the Year 12 Specialist Mathematics groups looked at different models of the spread of a disease, applying many of the skills they have specifically covered throughout their many years at School. Their models investigated the proportion of candidates who were susceptible and infectious and how this impacted on their recovery.
This is just one of the many examples of how mathematics can be used in everyday life and reinforces the importance of the content knowledge acquired at the school education level. From Foundation to Year 12, each student is encouraged and supported in finding their unique pathway through the many options available in the Mathematics field.
With so much off site learning occurring this year, many of the competitions undertaken by students were cancelled. These included the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC).
MATHS TALENT QUEST VCE RESULTS
Participation in the Maths Talent Quest, run by the Mathematics Association of Victoria, did take place and 16 of our Primary level students submitted entries. The focus of the competition is to involve students in the methodology of project-based learning by allowing them to complete an inquiry based Mathematical investigation on a topic of their choice. Students who meet a list of success criteria when completing their project, which can be presented as a book, poster, model etc., are eligible to enter the Victorian competition. The projects are significant investigations which take a term to complete. We extend our congratulations to Henry Pryzchodzen from Year 6 who was awarded the ‘Jim Trotter Award’ for his Maths Talent Quest entry entitled ‘Square Pegs and Round Holes’. This prestigious award is presented to the best Upper Primary Entry in Victoria.
Of the other 15 entries in the Victorian competition, ten (10) received a High Distinction and five (5) received a Distinction. Congratulations to all students who entered and also to the staff who made this possible. With at least one Mathematics discipline being part of most student’s VCE program, the learning of Mathematics (like that mentioned in the introduction) is well supported by our students. The Mathematics Department congratulates each and every student on their performance. In 2019, 29% of Specialist Mathematics, 8% of Mathematical Methods and 21% of Further Mathematics students received raw study scores above 40 and special congratulations must go to Zixuan (Alan) Wang for achieving the maximum study score of 50 in Mathematical Methods.
The Mathematics staff continue to encourage and work with each individual student to ensure they approach Mathematics in a confident and positive manner to ultimately strive to ensure their best performances are achieved. Good luck with your ongoing Mathematical studies.
KEVIN MCMENAMIN
HEAD OF MATHEMATICS
SCIENCE With our now annual trip to Luna Park locked in at the start of the year, the Physics faculty kicked off a challenging and problematic year in the Science department.
The Unit 3 Physics students, led capably by Mrs Melanie Lane, Mr Trevor Stevens and Mr Luke Thompson, rode on and analysed the motion of every ride they could in preparation for their forthcoming Motion SAC. They probably were not aware at this stage that this would be only one of two major excursions undertaken by the Science department in 2020.
The other event held in 2020 was the annual Biology Incursion. In this activity senior biology students learn the key steps in biomanipulation of cells to create glow-in-the-dark bacteria. Held in the interim between lockdowns, students created some of the best glowing bacteria in years.
Probably the key words that sum up this year in the Science department would undoubtedly be: change and adaptation. Our Year 10 and senior biology students would be only too familiar with these words as they provide a foundation to the process of Evolution. Changes began in the latter half of 2019 when staff decided to adopt digitally based resources and began a movement away from the traditional text-book approach to teaching science. In 2020 a digital textbook was run parallel with Education Perfect, a fastdeveloping online platform combining teacher and student-centric resources with both formative and summative assessment.
Several staffing changes also altered the personality of the department throughout 2020. Mr Vic Djajamihardja (Chemistry) left us in Term 2 and began his international teaching career in Shenzhen China. Shortly after Ms Amanda Gluyas, our long serving Laboratory Manager, also left us. However, we welcomed into the department Ms Sharon Chance (Chemistry) and Ms Susan Hall to replace Mr Umut Ersezer who undertook some well-earned Long Service Leave during Term 4.
Adaptation, initiated by the change in resources, was hastily necessitated by the significant pandemic challenges delivered by successive lockdowns in 2020. Fortunately, the earlier move to online resources meant that Science staff were able to provide an innovative online program across all levels. Staff created and shared resources, conducted and demonstrated experiments, provided assessments and used technology in ways that many staff have not done before, to facilitate student learning. Students also conducted experiments at home, engaged in online tuition and assessments and benefitted from the creative use of technology on offer by the staff. I commend the work accomplished by both Science staff and Science students to make the remote learning program offered by the Science Department the best it could be.
PETER WYNNE
HEAD OF SCIENCE
HEALTH & PE As students transitioned to online learning there was an emphasis on the importance of engaging in regular physical activity during COVID-19 and how it has a direct correlation upon an individual’s dimensions of health and wellbeing. Students explored the 24hour Movement Guidelines surrounding physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep, designed a physical activity planner using the specified guidelines and explored the barriers that people and communities face in relation to engaging in regular physical activity.
Unit 1 & 2 Health and Human Development coursework explores the function and food sources of major nutrients, the short and long-term consequences of nutritional imbalance during youth and food selection models and other tools used to promote healthy eating.
To complement this part of the Unit 1 HHD course the school invited a local and experienced dietician who specialises in nutrition for children and adult to facilitate an incursion. The presenter identified essential nutrients required during youth to optimise development and discussed how an imbalance in particular nutrients can impact on the physical, social and mental health and wellbeing of young people. She further used a range of supermarket food items to discuss how to read nutritional information panels to enable them to make more informed food choices.
Students used the information and knowledge gained from the dietician to plan a healthy lunch also using the Health Star Rating System. Some of the Year 11s then walked to Mentone Woolworths where they were allocated a budget to purchase items required to make their healthy lunch. Students then returned to school and in their small group constructed and shared their healthy lunch in the Greenways café.
The Year 12 HHD students carried buckets of water and weights around the school oval to replicate the life of women in low-income countries who often trek long distances in rugged terrain to collect water. They used this experience to understand the impacts a lack of resources can have on the overall health and wellbeing of different groups around the globe.
Whilst offsite our PE students have showed great endeavour and enthusiasm for various challenges they have been set. These included a class v class ‘Race around the World’ activity where km’s covered throughout their PE lessons were calculated and then the group with the most km’s came out as champions!
The Physical Education theory based subjects continue to grow in numbers which is especially pleasing. The Year 10 Sports Scientists have worked diligently and produced some of the finest Training programs we have seen from a cohort, setting themselves up brilliantly for future years. The Units 1 & 2 Physical Education group have been able to learn a lot of their content through practical activities whilst they were on site this year which has reinforced their knowledge on content like biomechanics and energy systems.
At the Units 3 & 4 level there are 64 students undertaking Physical Education and through diligence and hard work, they have demonstrated great knowledge on topics such as Biomechanics, Energy systems and Training programs throughout the year. In Term 1 the Units 3 & 4 cohort went on an excursion to Exercise Research Laboratory Australia where students undertook various fitness tests such as VO2 max, Lactate Inflection Point and the 30 second Wingate Test. Whilst the students would have enhanced their understanding of their school work in this practical environment, it was fantastic for them to see an example of the jobs that are available to them in the field of Sports Science, if that is something they wish to pursue.
MICHAEL WOOLHOUSE & JENNA OLIVER
HEADS OF HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
TECHNOLOGIES
This year has looked a little different due to working online, however, our students have demonstrated amazing resilience and determination throughout their studies.
Years 5 & 6 Technology is a year-long subject where students explore both digital and design technologies. This year, our Year 5 students began learning how to email and use MS Word and Excel. They then explored coding through game creation in Scratch and Code.Org and learned how to create their own Blog along with learning the importance of posting safely online and copyright.
In Year 6, students furthered their skills in MS Word and Excel and explored the importance of food nutrients by designing a healthy burger. They learned a little about robotics with Sphero and explored cybersafety as well as learning how to design and develop their own app.
In Years 8 & 9, Digital Technology and Animation are semester-long subjects. All students began the semester learning about cyber security and the importance of being safe online.
Students in Year 8 investigated website design and robotics, although with lockdown this was not an option for Semester 2, so students further explored website creation and furthered their programming skills, creating a multilevel game and exploring game genres.
In Year 9 Digital Technology, students began the semester by investigating web application security. They then explored game design development, following the project lifecycle though from conception to coding. They then created a website promoting their game in a text editor using HTML and CSS.
In Year 9 Digital Animation, students use Adobe Animate CC to create three types of animation, Stop Motion, Rotoscope and Lip Sync. Students began by learning the skills needed to create an animation in Animate CC. Students then learned the process of brainstorming for ideas, storytelling, storyboarding and creating an introduction and credits for their movies.
Applied Computing in Year 11 focused on four main subject areas: • data visualisation • software design and development • innovative solutions • network security.
Students further developed their programming and problemsolving skills, managing projects both collaboratively and individually. They examined real word problems in real world situations and demonstrated a dedicated approach to learning online. All students should be very proud of their efforts in such a challenging year.
WENDY GARDNER
TEACHER OF TECHNOLOGIES
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Off site learning brought many changes to the Design Technology area. Without the ability to do traditional practical work, students moved toward more contemporary methods of design production. Students continued to focus on the Design Processes including: Investigating, Generating, Producing and Evaluating. However, the Producing phase was achieved digitally, with students creating digital design for laser cutting manufacture.
Year 7s started by working on bag tags. There, they explored creative use of typography using Adobe Illustrator. They then designed slot toys utilising vector-created imagery with multiple components fitting together.
Year 9 produced some dynamic LED light designs using 3mm acrylic and plywood. Both the slot toys and LED light designs were developed through prior effective prototyping with cardboard models.
Year 10 focused on developing design solutions for an effective laser cut computer stand. They produced cardboard prototypes to help resolve concepts before creating digital designs for laser cut manufacture. The digital designs were cut to a smaller scale before making final adjustments for full size products.
Overall, the new direction resulted in the production of commendable work and the students are to be congratulated on their achievements, particularly given the difficult circumstances of 2020.
Senior students undertaking Creative Digital Media continued to maintain high standards. In Units 1 & 2 they developed their familiarity with a range of Adobe applications, whilst using a variety of Critical and Creative Thinking approaches. Our Units 3 & 4 students continued to develop course focused knowledge and used their previously developed skills on their three major SATs.
PETER ZERMAN
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
FOOD STUDIES
Food Studies in 2020 was an interdisciplinary approach to the exploration of food, extending students’ food knowledge and skills, from Year 8 to Year 12. Practical and theory classes are underpinned by the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.
Students in Years 8 and 9 have thoroughly enjoyed creating and responding to design briefs and taste testing and analysing their final products. Year 10 students explored nutrition and performance and how they both work together to improve health and wellbeing. This is the first year of Food Studies being offered in Year 12 and the second for Year 11 students. I am sure each one of these students would attest to the importance of learning about nutrition and food security on a global scale. Congratulations to all students for their efforts this year.
TESS MONDA
FOOD STUDIES
PERFORMING ARTS Undaunted by challenges experienced during remote learning, rehearsals and recordings, students involved in the Performing Arts are commended for adopting a positive approach throughout 2020. All scheduled live performances were transformed due to the various COVID restrictions, but for the most part they were successfully moved to video capture and online release. Our classroom teaching and learning activities were decisively moved to an online remote learning model, with our VCE students a priority for extra support.
In 2019, the Department implemented a new-look events structure and format for Performing Arts but following the many innovative, creative and transformational adaptations developed this year we will, once again, review our structures to include many of the successful innovations this year.
The first Singers Concert was our initial foray into video capture and online release, a ‘toe in the water’ so to speak. The concert style broadcast featured some of our most experienced performers including VCE students as well as some wonderful emerging singers. The concert was mostly captured on video in Thorold Theatre in the final weeks of Term 1, with some additional home recorded items. It was released to the School Community in July, attracting a viewing audience many times greater than the expected in-person attendance. The popularity of this new format may provide some inspiration for 2021. The second Singers Concert also featured a number of experienced and emerging performers. However, on this occasion it was captured entirely in a remote setting and edited together in a similar fashion to the first instalment.
This year Bayview students had the opportunity to be involved in two productions, a play and a musical. The play was an adaptation of the Jungle Book, created by Rudyard Kipling. The story follows Mowgli, an orphan raised by wolves and other friendly jungle creatures, who eventually escapes the murderous Shere Khan and re-joins human society. This production was captured on video in the Thorold Theatre in the manner of an enhanced stage production, complete with sets, costumes and stage lighting and released to the School Community in August.
The Bayview musical, ‘How Covidia stole Christmas’, is a work created especially for Bayview students with special consideration having been given to the process of rehearsal and the manner of capturing a performance. It is essentially a Christmas themed musical comedy incorporating some well-known Christmas songs, and a plot that gives a gentle nod to Dr Seuss. Our ‘three-peak’ live performance concert events held in and about the Thorold Theatre, Limelight, The Performing Arts Showcase and the Ensembles Concert, were unfortunately cancelled this year. However, all participating ensembles found performance options through various record and release projects undertaken by ensemble leaders. Froggers and Cat’s Meow completed 16 songs for the online Jazz Cabaret, and Concert Bands 1 and 2 and Orchestra 1 completed audio recordings of their concert scheduled for release during Term 4.
This year the Cre8tive Dance production was but a few weeks away from performance when the School closure occurred. However, with commendable determination and support the production moved to online rehearsals and home recordings. The production was themed around the classical Elements: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.
The drama and characterisation of the Elements were impressively interpreted through solo, duet, small group and large ensemble performances. More than 50 students received their costumes in the mail, with a set of instructions to ensure a cohesive production underpinning. The submitted video recordings were then edited into solo and ensemble collages in a creative manner, underscoring the elemental theme.
The annual Mt Gambier Generations in Jazz competition for jazz bands and choirs was cancelled this year, very much to the disappointment of all involved. Froggers, Cat’s Meow and a new group, Rocket Number 9, were all in the final stages of preparation as schools closed across the Victoria and South Australia. This year, Froggers would have been the 2019 defending champions, but as one student pointed out, Froggers gets keep their title for one extra year!
The Amadeus Opera Chorus and Orchestra have been working steadily behind the scenes to create a film adaptation of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. Vocal performances have been progressively captured throughout the year and set to a lush orchestral score. The stage production has been creatively reimagined as a film with substantial use of greenscreen and other cinematic techniques. The story is adapted from the famous Grimm brothers’ tale of two starving children sent out into the neighbouring forest in search of food, their clever defeat of an evil witch and rescue of the many children imprisoned by a magical curse. The ensemble is comprised of a small but dedicated group of performers, rehearsing throughout the year to tackle the challenging repertoire.
The annual Service of Lessons and Carols has been transformed into a broadcast style presentation featuring readings from the School and Community, congregational hymns, choir items, a solo item, Credo, choir and orchestra recordings and a special surprise that includes a collage of submitted video recordings from our School families for the final hymn, O Come All Ye Faithful. What a wonderful and uplifting way to close off an extremely challenging year.
GAVIN CORNISH
HEAD OF PERFORMING ARTS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
VISUAL ARTS
Visual Arts students have produced amazing artworks on and off site in 2020. This year has been one of needing to adjust to challenging circumstances, whilst still maintaining authentic learning. With that in mind, Visual Arts students have covered various themes and projects and a variety of media within our online learning platform. The Visual Arts team has taught a range of topics responding creatively to these circumstances and being resourceful and mindful of what materials and equipment were available to our students. Students have demonstrated tremendous resilience when adapting to these changes.
BAYVIEW
Year 5 students explored the magic of monster madness, researching, drawing and creating a unique setting for their robot monster off site, using materials found within their home. They selected activities from an activity board, including poster design, fairytale illustrations, drawing and photography.
Year 6 students experienced a range of activities that may have included a challenge to post photos of themselves recreating a famous artwork, delicate botanical flower paintings, watercolour studies of icy poles, and Rousseau inspired jungle drawings. Alternatively, they experienced primitive oil pastel portraits inspired by Sandra Silberzweig, insect drawings and a 3D sculpture based on the theme ‘insects from outer space’. They also trialled continuous portrait line drawings and explored the world of ‘type’ by using different drawing techniques as well as photography.
Years 7 and 8 students enjoyed a range of art tasks at School and online that may have included technical, observational and imaginative drawing. Photography was explored and skills developed and access to Adobe Creative Cloud allowed students to improve photographic and stop motion techniques. The artist, Archimboldo, inspired outstanding food sculptures that were created at home, while Barbara Gilhooley inspired balsa wood sculptures that were completed back in the classroom. The return to our studios allowed many students to experience printing, collage and mixed media.
GREENWAYS
Our four elective classes each experienced a unique approach to Visual Arts this year. iPhone photography was extremely popular with students learning how to control many features not previously mastered while learning off site. Projects were completed at School including textiles, etching and sculpture, while off site our curriculum was adapted to allow drawing, design, mixed media and collage to be completed at home using available materials.
FROGMORE
Learning about art within the context of a gallery is why we value the opportunity to take our students on excursions. In March, our Year 10 Art students were fortunate to attend an unprecedented, world premiere exhibition. The National Gallery of Victoria presented the work of two of the most significant and influential artists of the late 20th Century, in Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Once back at School, students responded to this visit by completing a major painting in the style of Basquiat.
While learning off site, our Year 10 students were provided with materials and tools that enabled them to complete a scraperboard drawing and a sculpture using polymer clay inspired by Patricia Piccinini. Year 10 Studio Photography students began the year by exploring the various DSLR camera settings and photography techniques before heading into our offsite learning and completing a range of tasks utilising their smartphones. During off site learning, students created surreal collages using Adobe Photoshop and explored topics including close ups, still life and light. In Year 10 Visual Communication Design elements and principles were introduced before students experimented with a variety of media, materials and methods. They also developed an understanding of the design process through their exploration of communication design and environmental design. In communication design, the students used the design process to create a logo and label for a beverage of their choice before then moving on to environmental design where they designed a small eco-lodge or cabin. Our key focus for Year 11 Visual Arts students is to encourage them to start to work more independently. The creative process is a journey of exploration and discovery inter-weaving thoughts and ideas with personal experiences. We encourage students to work towards and build their own approach to their practice. Whether they are designing, photographing or painting, an individual selfdriven approach to the process can help each student create and form unique ideas.
What an amazing effort our Year 12 students undertaking Art, Studio Arts or Visual Communication Design made during 2020. These classes, more than any other, provided the Visual Arts team with the greatest challenge. At Mentone Grammar we were extremely fortunate to be able to provide complete DSLR camera kits to each Studio Arts student for the entire year. Visual Communication Design students were provided with professional graphic materials and Art students became the greatest challenge as each student worked individually. Our art supply companies managed to deliver materials to students at home and members of our Mentone Community delivered equipment and materials from Black Rock to Mount Eliza, working within COVID restrictions. Once we returned to School, we continued with a traditional approach to exam preparation with the addition of a virtual darkroom experience to replace an excursion opportunity. Instead of heading to The Fox Gallery and Darkroom, we brought a virtual darkroom to them in our very own light studio. Students were able to see a darkroom in action in this alternative way, ask questions and have a hands-on experience to assist with their final year examination.
KIM WOOTTON
CADETS
Leading into the new year of Cadets, the Cadet Leadership team held the JNCO (Junior Non-Commissioned Officers) and SNCO (Senior Non-Commissioned Officers) Promotions courses for students in Years 9 and 10 wishing to continue Cadets in leadership positions. The three-day course, held at School, and the four-day course at Shoreham both yielded high results and a promising batch of future leaders and were both deemed a huge success by all involved.
The new school year rolled around and our first training day held at Mentone Grammar saw over 400 Cadets undergo their first experience in their new positions as either leaders or trainees, developing the necessary skills for camping out at Puckapunyal in September.
At the news of a Stage 3 COVID lockdown, the Cadets team all banded together to ensure that an online training day was made possible. Materials were produced; PowerPoints were created and lesson plans for an online setting were all mapped out. Our first ever online training day was held over Microsoft Teams and saw every single student adapting to a completely new setting – and it was a complete success. Despite a few bumps here and there, the online training day accomplished what it needed to and proved that Mentone Cadets can overcome any obstacle.
Disappointingly, we were unable to attend our annual camp at Puckapunyal but, overall, a lot was gained from the year.
HARRISON DART RSM
YEAR 12
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
2020 The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognised award that acknowledges the amazing things that young people can do. The requirements of the Award are for students to commit for 3, 6 or 12 months of Physical Recreation, Skills Development, Service to the Community and to complete an Adventurous Journey. Currently, Mentone Grammar has 43 students actively participating in the program across the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
Students have been involved in an enormous range of ongoing activities which is really exciting to see. Physical Recreation activities range from Karate to Surfing as well as the traditional school sports. The Skills component has largely involved languages or music but also included learner driver skills and the VCAL students have also been listing their Work Skills components of their course. Service to the Community is another area with an impressive range of diversity – from volunteering at the Sacred Heart Mission ‘Op Shop’ in St Kilda, being a youth leader at their local church or scout group, and, of course, patrolling the beach as a volunteer Lifesaver.
This year, some of the activities have been delayed due to the pandemic – which means there should be a surge in certificate completions next year.
Congratulations to the following students who, despite this year’s limitations, have completed their Duke of Edinburgh awards:
BRONZE AWARD
Carter Staggs, Olivia Lea, Maddison Moore, Jessica Dunkerley and Alannah Marriot.
SILVER AWARD
Alannah Marriot and Ulyana Kondratova.
GOLD AWARD
Congratulations to Jeremy Campbell for achieving his Gold Award.
Jeremy has been diligently working his way to this award and hopes to use it to assist in his application to the ADFA for 2021. It’s worth noting that Alannah completed her Bronze Certificate after the Mentonian went to print last year and started her Silver Level during the summer holiday break. She has also been active in attending online seminars conducted by the Duke of Edinburgh Victorian Award Office.
A reminder for all participants – these Awards are recognised by La Trobe University’s Aspire Program which grants early entry into University courses before exams are completed.
Candidates have until the age of 24 to complete their certificates so if they have ‘deprioritised’ their award during Year 12 or such, they can still complete it. A reminder to contact Mr Kiss for more information at: hak@mentonegrammar.net
HENRY KISS
DUKE OF EDINBURGH COORDINATOR
WELLBEING
BETTER TOGETHER
With a challenging mix of both on site and off site learning, the highlight of 2020 became the connections we made with one another. If this year has taught us anything, it is how important it is to take care of ourselves and one another. We are better together. Students, staff and our wider community have all championed to support, care for and guide one another through the changes to our everyday lifestyle. The lengths that students and our community have gone to, to remain connected, is impressive.
The school days may have looked different, but the routines and connections remained the same. Roll calls occurred each morning, with the focus being on small group check-ins. Mentor sessions continued to develop students’ skills in areas such as empathy, resilience, organisation, effective communication and self-care. In Eblana and Bayview, students developed the skills outlined in the RULER Program. Greenways students were introduced to the Open Parachute Program, an online practical mental health skill-building program, and Frogmore explored empathy, mindfulness and gratitude through the Resilience Project. The main focus of all the mentor programs was to build connections, provide support, encourage self-care and bring one another together. Wellbeing at Mentone Grammar continues to be at the centre of every lesson, every day, in every location.
The online world for our community became bigger than it has ever been and, thus, an MG Wellbeing Directory was created and launched on our website under: MY MENTONE>MYWELLBEING/STUDENT WELLBEING.
This is a user-friendly, one-stop-shop that directs users where go for support, and offers a range of resources, information, self-help programs and local community contacts.
Students, parents and our community’s wellbeing was further supported through a range of initiatives, including webinars, fun activities, student led programs and specialist speakers. These included:
• student wellbeing sessions including: tea tasting, mindful colouring/drawing, mask making, lunchtime yoga and exercise sessions • supportive video messages (how to stay connected, stay motivated, remain active during off site learning, RUOK?) • online, at home, ‘Keeping Active’ challenges • creating healthy habits for positive wellbeing • creation and craft sessions • mindfulness and yoga sessions • Spoonville creations (fostering creativity to improve mental health) • group/year level/House Spotify playlists to help with motivation • positive footpath messages • bookclubs and reviews • friendship cooking sessions • dress up challenges • letters to local aged care homes • Teammates (Year 5 and Year 12 mentoring) • building connections (Years 12 and Bayview sessions) • Year 8 attendance at ‘The Biggest Assembly’ online (Project Rockit) • student initiated and led online exercise sessions • engaging online together (playing games, face time, group chats) • Stretch and Prepare sessions (Thanks to Ms Nimorakiotakis and Ms White)
Specialist Presenters: • Jonny Shannon (cybersafety) • Project Rockit (online safety and digital footprints) • Dr Justin Coulson (parenting expert, guiding children sensitively though tough times) • Darren Pereira (leadership skills)
We would like to thank our community of students, parents/carers and staff who prioritised their own and others’ mental health and wellbeing throughout 2020, leaving us more resilient and cohesive than ever.
WELLBEING TEAM
BRIDGITTE ROBERTS
HEAD OF STUDENT WELLBEING – STUDENT SUPPORT
TERRY MATTHEW
HEAD OF STUDENT WELLBEING – PROGRAMS
This year will be one that we can be proud of and one we can look back on that highlights our resilience building, the connections we made, the simple life we led and the challenges we faced. We develop the most when we face challenges. What are the memories you created in 2020 that you will continue to share with the future generations?
No one could have anticipated a year like 2020. When Kieran and I considered applying for this captaincy, we had imagined the different activities, awareness days and events that could be held, but never considered that this year would throw so many curve balls. The Wellbeing team had to get creative in 2020 as none of our normal initiatives were possible. We were determined to try and keep the Mentone Grammar Community engaged, motivated and connected throughout isolation.
In the early part of the year, several Year 12 students came together to create and share a video about how they were staying socially connected and academically driven, in the hope of inspiring and encouraging younger students and their fellow year level. In our short time back on campus this year, the Wellbeing team organised several different activities during Thursday lunchtimes. These included Uno and Connect-four tournaments, knitting, tea tasting, boardgames, mask making and free-time in the art rooms. It was a great way to safely bring students back together after remote learning. More recently, RUOK? Day served as a good reminder to check in on friends and family, especially during these testing times, which prompted the creation of another student-led video.
The challenges faced by the students of 2020 are incredibly unique and we’re not alone in feeling proud to have overcome them. The obstacles of this year have undoubtedly built incredible resilience and courage within each student and staff member alike. I am proud to have been part of an enthusiastic team that was dedicated to overcoming the difficulties of 2020. This would not have been possible without Bridgitte Roberts, Madeline Armstrong and Terry Matthew. Given remote learning and rollercoaster that was 2020, the role of Wellbeing Captain has been far more fulfilling then either of us could have anticipated.
ANNIKA CHALLICE & KIERAN DYER
WELLBEING CAPTAINS 2020
CAREERS
In this unusual year of change and uncertainty the Careers department had to adapt and be creative in the way information was delivered to students and parents. Individual counselling sessions continued online for Years 10, 11 and 12 students. A large number of our Careers events were cancelled and replaced with online information in the form of webinars, University and TAFE virtual open days, podcasts and online Careers Expos. Many students took advantage of these events and were able to gain valuable information to help them make the important decisions about the direction they want to take in 2021. The versatility, resilience, and ability of our students to adapt to this new way of learning will stand them in good stead for the future.
Disseminating information to students and parents was achieved via our weekly Careers newsletter and our VTAC and VET student and parent information evenings were run remotely as live Teams events. This proved very successful as attendance at these meetings was excellent, with families preferring to participate in the comfort of their own homes. A big thanks to Ric Arnold our AV and Theatre Technician who enabled these events to run so smoothly.
Year 9 students were introduced to aspects of Career Planning as a formal part of their Year 9 transition to Frogmore, over a sixweek period. Once again, our expert guest speakers delivered their messages about goal setting, financial literacy and interview skills remotely via Teams. Students were also engaged in a career assessment activity called MyCareerMatch and resume writing activities facilitated by Careers staff and mentors.
MAX MARROW AND SUE CAREY
CAREERS COUNSELLORS
PUBLIC SPEAKING & DEBATING
Public Speaking is, by its very definition, an activity that requires a public and an audience to communicate and engage with. Thus, when our world was tilted on its head in early March with restrictions, it appeared that the Debating and Public Speaking season was over before it had even started!
However, our 104 dedicated Public Speaking and Debating students were not going to give up without a fight! Thanks to their agility, determination, resilience and hard work, Debating and Public Speaking has not just survived this year, it has well and truly thrived!
This year saw the launch of our Years 5 and 6 Debating and Public Speaking Club. This club, comprised of 40 students, met on Fridays before-school in Terms 3 and 4. The students engaged in a series of fun and engaging activities designed to improve their public speaking skills and heard from guest presenters including Principal Mal Cater, Head Prefect Hannah Schmidt and Year 11 student Harrison Huber. Members of this club participated in a series of inter-school debates against schools such as Brighton Grammar, Geelong Grammar and St Catherine’s. They also participated in the Debater’s Association of Victoria (DAV): Public Speaking competition which required them to produce a 3-4 minute persuasive speech on a topic of their choice. The students all did a fantastic job in these respective competitions and we were particular thrilled when Curtis Murphy and Zahra Jacobs (Year 6) were shortlisted in the Top 13 in the State for the DAV Primary Public Speaking Competition, earning them places in the State Finals!
Our Junior Debating Program, involving students in Years 7 & 8, has also grown in strength this year. We were able register five teams in the DAV Debating Competition, that were each mentored by Frogmore Debaters throughout the season. I am incredibly proud of the students who participated in this program, which was conducted entirely online! The students worked tirelessly; researching, writing speeches, collaborating in teams and participating in inter-school debates, all done entirely remotely! We were very proud to have two of our teams finish the season undefeated, which is a significant achievement and just reward for their hard work and resilience!
We also saw success in our three Year 9 and Year 10 Debating teams, that completed fantastic seasons of online debates. Ulyana Kondratova, Jake Newman, Victoria Gelbak (Year 10) and Jennifer Boddinar, Ava Gibbons and Marieke Roest (Year 9) all did a sensational job representing Mentone Grammar, whilst completing a week-long Online Debate Camp, run by the Debater’s Association of Victoria.
We have also had some fantastic results in Public Speaking this year! Miranda McLean (Year 9), Ulyana Kondratova (Year 10), Will Currey and Hannah Schmidt (Year 12) also participated in the DAV Public Speaking Competition and received some of the highest scores in the State for their fantastic speeches! I would also like to sincerely congratulate Lauren Malby-Luke (Year 12) who won the Sandringham Region of the Lions Youth of the Year Competition and Kosta Osianlis (Year 12) who won the Noble Park-Dingley Rotary Public Speaking Competition; both remarkable accomplishments!
A new innovation this year was the launch of the Mentone Grammar: Sharing Ideas Initiative. This program was designed to showcase the incredible skills of our Debating and Public Speaking students and provide them with a platform to share their ideas, passions and dreams with the Mentone Grammar Community. These speeches have been posted weekly on our social media sites and have included incredibly diverse topics such as ‘The Joys of Pigeon Racing’, ‘Why we should all become vegetarian’, ‘The importance of protecting our oceans from pollution’ and ‘How to defeat our internal bully and look after our mental wellbeing’. I sincerely thank all the students who have submitted speeches as part of this new initiative.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of all of Year 12 Debaters, led superbly by Captains Will Currey and Sarthak Singh. They have worked INCREDIBLY hard this year. They have participated in training sessions with expert coaches including: the Curator of TedX Melbourne, a professional Public Speaking Coach, a barrister, a Negational Skills Lecturer from Melbourne Law School, a Professional Theatre Director, professional Debating Adjudicators and a political speechwriter. They also forged connections with Debating Alumni by participating in a mentoring session with the 1990 Premiership team comprised of Justin Graham, Leath Nicholson and Stephen Foreshew and competed in a Mock Debate against the 2018 Debating Team comprising Meg and Alex Siedle, Brandon Demura, Angus Goodwin and Imogen Schwartz. Their sheer hard work and determination resulted in both Year 12 Teams progressing to the Octo-Finals and being ranked in the Top 16 teams in the state! Additionally, Akul Saigal was awarded the prestigious Swannie Award by the DAV, recognising him as one of the Top 5 Debaters in all of Victoria. I am extremely proud of all of our Year 12 Debaters, not only for these incredible achievements, but more importantly for their resilience, hard-work and positive attitudes throughout the season.
I strongly believe that if you can speak, you can influence, and if you can influence, you can change lives. Our Year 12 Debaters have all grown into such empathetic and articulate communicators throughout their journey at Mentone Grammar. I wish them all the very best and cannot wait to see how they use their incredible public speaking and communication skills to create positive change in our world.
SAM PONSFORD
PUBLIC SPEAKING AND DEBATING MENTOR
COURAGEOUS ANDERSON
The origins of the word ‘courage’ are from the French words ‘coeur’ and ‘rage’ meaning heart and to rage – a furious heart if you like. This I believe captures the way the Anderson Army of Year 10s, Year 11s and Year 12s took on 2020, a year like no other.
Of course, it began in its usual way with Anderson’s reliable and resounding House spirit at the Summer Sport competitions, followed by House Swimming and, earlier this year, House Athletics. With the shift to online learning, roll calls, mentor sessions and the opportunity for some inter-mentor rivalry were sorely missed. What emerged, however, was a stoic and united response as students rallied to support each other and their teachers in this very different environment. House Captains, Akul and Teagan are commended for the examples they set for the House – always willing to share their tips and tricks for coping and thriving. Equally, members of the Anderson Leadership Team were also appreciated for their willingness to get involved and to continue to generate House spirit and support their Anderson peers in any way they could.
PRUE RICHARDS
ANDERSON HOUSE COORDINATOR 2020
FROM THE CAPTAINS
House Athletics kicked the year off with some not so friendly weather and yet even as the rain spilled, patches of red could be seen running, skipping and jumping. The triumphant House spirit, synonymous with the Anderson Army, was burning just as bright as ever.
Not long after our prowess on the track and field, planning and preparation for 2020 House Music was underway. The Reds channelled their inner green booming Smashmouth’s All Star. Sadly, afters hours of practising (and convincing some of the more reluctant singers to actually move their lips), 2020 had other ideas. But looking back, we have no doubt that 2020 House Music would have had Anderson’s name written all over it.
While the Anderson Army has been challenged through this rollercoaster of a year, our House spirit has lived on through Zoom calls and Kahoots! Despite the challenges of online learning, Anderson might have been battle weary, but we still managed to stay connected and united as one House. Nothing beats seeing each other every morning, yet our weekly catch-ups in roll calls and mentor periods allowed us to be greeted with everyone’s friendly faces and laughs once again - and the occasional guitar solo from our mentors.
We are so proud of each one of you for coming out on the other side. It has been a great honour to lead you through it all and we know Anderson Army’s flame will continue to burn bright.
AKUL SAIGAL & TEAGAN GILLIGAN
ANDERSON HOUSE CAPTAINS 2020
Andrew Abelnica Annika Angerer Emma Bennett Madison Brown Anna Calvi Justin Grant Timur Kaan Guneysu
Ella James Theodore Karageorgiou Mitchell King Grace Laidlaw Summer Leonard Xianghan (Julie) Liu Lola Murphy Abbey Naffine
Koji Ogura Ethan Riach Ellie Rosaia Jared Ruberu Sienna Salisbury Matt Scherger Tess Shilson-Josling Sijia (Marco) Sun Enrico Tirta Jevons Wang Xixuan (Vic) Zhang Yicheng (Peter) Zhu
YEAR 11
Denie Bellamy Theodore Bountroukas Jayde Boyd
Jack Caughey Samuel Dyer Will Garbelotto Olivia Hargreaves Dylan Hinton Isaac Jacques Damon Leffler Guoxiang (Mike) Ma
Luis McLaren Ella McNair Brooke McNamara Angus Murphy Cassandra Newman James O’Day Fangqi (Drake) Ouyang Angus Reark
Oscar Robinson Yani Ryan Abbey Samild Marcus Silove Megan Smith Kevin Sun Oscar Tulloch James Villanti
Ella Wearne Jiaqi (Jack) Yu
YEAR 12
Adam Brigo William Currey Tilly Deeks Kieren Dyer Dougal Etheridge
Teagan Gilligan Mathew Goedheer Jessica Grant Alex Jones Jay Long Meg Magennis Lauren Malby-Luke Benjamin Murphy
Madeline Rickard Lottie Roberts Akul Saigal William Skinner Ben Stephenson Oliver Straw Finn Wheeler Alexander Zhu
Prue Richards
HOUSE COORDINATOR
MENTORS
Nizam Abdallah Melinda Allsop Amanda Barnhoorn Mathew Cohn Henry Kiss Liat Neuenschwander
This year has thrown us many challenges. If we were told at the start of the year we wouldn’t play our final season of Saturday Sport or socialise with friends or engage in the activities that have created the lifelong bonds with our peers, we wouldn’t have believed it. But it happened. Here is what we learned along the way.
Although not the year we expected, Deighton Devils made the most of every opportunity. An absolute highlight was when all of Deighton came together to practise the cheers for House Sport (we knew we would have won if given the chance!) and also the encouragement given to all members of the House who participated in events. There is nothing better than seeing a House come together and engender House spirit, unparalleled in recent years. Although cancelled in the end, the House Dance, ably led by Taya, Mrs Johnson and other House leaders was incredible! No doubt the House is in good hands [or feet] for 2021 House Music.
Shortly after these joyous times came an obstacle that overwhelmed Deighton House, Frogmore Campus, the School … and the world. Despite everything, the students in Deighton House triumphed over the restrictions imposed on our lifestyles better than most and built upon existing resilience to cope with the new troubles we faced. We built strongly on the Deighton mentality of overcoming adversity when we banded together in the creation of the COVID mini clips where students were tasked with being creative in devising a video that saw a toilet roll as the feature of their mini film. Only in 2020, right?!
With constant drive and an optimistic mentality, Deightonians focused on what we can learn and take with, from the current situation, into next year, and for that, the Captains, Leadership Team and Coordinators applaud their efforts. Given the conditions we were subject to this year, I doubt that one could find a better group of individuals that collectively characterise the positivity and discipline this group has, ably led by an amazing group of Mentors: Mr Pate, Mr Woolhouse, Ms Snell, Ms Edmondson and Mr McCarney. A truly resilient and stellar bunch of humans who embody the Deighton spirit.
Go Deighton.
CHLOE GARIFALAKIS & ADAM HEGARTY-LAWS
DEIGHTON CAPTAINS 2020
VANESSA JOHNSTON & KATE FRAZER
DEIGHTON HOUSE COORDINATORS 2020
Summer Albiston Vien Cao Sebastian Culley Noah Davis Ethan Esakson Benjamin Fenech Charli Glanville
Lachlan Harrington Lucas Ioannou Thomas Jackson Joshua Khoo Dylan Kluge Daisy Laws Elizabeth Leahy Ryan Lewis
Amelia Luca Evie Mitchell Tao Morgan Lily Opie Hayley Parr Amelia Pritchard Yushan (Julie) Shi Tiana Skafte Jayde Temby Jacob Whitehouse Shudong (Tony) Zhang
YEAR 11
Daniel Althoff-Dowell Fynn Baxter Taya Brooks Singtong Chan
Thomas Charles Emma Chubb Zane Cooper Christian Fowler William Frost Connor Hewlett Sam Howell Chanel Kilpady
Karson Kilpady Samuel Leahy Jack Littleford Ebony McCarthy Emma McCulloch Andreas Michael Aaron Pickering Lucia Taitoko
Jinyuan (Peter) Tian Teah Vassiliadis Tianqi (Stephen) Wang Cooper Wigley Megan Wrightson
YEAR 12
Daniel Alston Drew Barclay
Adam Carnegie Bodie Carter Skye Carter Douglas Corden Joshua Culley Sam Davie Chloe Garifalakis Ruby Gonis
Adam Hegarty-Laws Ruolin Huang Joshua Jackson Rachael Kernahan Logan Kwan Sitao Li Adam Marrow Jake O’Brien
Jack Pavlidis Sarah Pontifex Jade Rechner Joel Rotar Ying (Ryan) Ruan Kira Walters Haihan (Jason) Yu Zining (Olivia) Zhou
Kate Frazer
HOUSE COORDINATOR Vanessa Johnston
HOUSE COORDINATOR
MENTORS
Michelle Edmondson Jamie McCarney Andrew Pate Catherine Snell Michael Woolhouse
A Drinan Dragon’s spirit is strong. When faced with challenges, they are met head-on with strength and determination, to push through any adversity.
Equally, when times are tough and a Dragon needs help, there is always another to reach out with a helping hand. Well done Drinan Dragons for your perseverance, your flexibility and your support of each other. You have risen to the challenge and your spirit remained strong.
Thank you to Jeremy and Tayla for your leadership and to all the Year 12 Dragons, thank you for all your contributions over the years and we wish you all the very best. Keep your spirit strong and breathe fire on your new journey.
MRS TURNER
DRINAN HOUSE COORDINATOR Drinan in 2020 was a whirlwind and a half! There was so much going on and so many adjustments to be made when we moved to online learning. One thing we did manage to do before isolation was House Swimming. Drinan is notorious for being a ‘swimming House’ and this year we planned to keep it that way! Having won in 2018 and 2019, we were going for the ‘three-peat’ and we had something to prove! The emphasis this year for all Houses was participation and showing up on the day, which is always a challenge for an event such as House Swimming. Drinan really came together that day, and we got everyone to show up and participate – and ended up with our third consecutive win!
It has been a really tough year to be in a leadership position, but I am so grateful for the House and every opportunity given to me to share the leadership with Jeremy.
TAYLA FOX
DRINAN HOUSE CAPTAIN 2020
The privilege to lead Drinan this year was great personal honour. My favourite event was Athletics, coming off the strong win at House Swimming, Drinan powered ahead early and managed to clutch victory through adversity. However, the true identity of a House lies in the culmination of both its performance and its House spirit. Personally, one of the defining moments of House Spirit was in one of the final swimming relays, critical to our victory. We only had one relay team for two relay races. To the credit of our Year 10 Boys’ Relay team, the entire team chose to swim in two back-to-back relay races. Unfortunately, they were disqualified in the second race due to a technicality, but it was a valiant effort and the true embodiment of the Dragon spirit.
I am very appreciative to my peers, Mrs Turner and Tayla for all their effort and unwavering support throughout this unconventional year.
JEREMY CAMPBELL
DRINAN HOUSE CAPTAIN 2020
HOUSE MEMBERS
Louis Ainley Ryan Aligianis Mia Collins Georgia Constantinou Oscar Constantinou Charly Donchos Emily Fitt
Molly Frankland Ashleigh Horton Ulyana Kondratova Olivia Lea Tom Madden Henry Mentiplay Gabrielle O’Sullivan Clement Prebble
Joshua Rabak Kai Reed Lily Riley Byron Shim Carter Staggs Darcy Tadich Scarlett Tibb Zoe Turnbull
Charlie Turner Thomas Van Ameyden Holly Wale
YEAR 11
Douglas Allan Andrew Archibald Lucy Bond Kate Bowcock Caitlin Burke Xuanshuo (Lee) Chen Natasha Devers Max Fraser Luke Gold Toby Hore Ryan Hornibrook Nicky Layton
Thomas Lewis Aarya Mudholkar Bailey Oregan Peter Papadopoulos Daniel Pate Ethan Pate Angus Perkins Andrew Poll
Thomas Riley Elly Sfameni Joseph Shim Guy Studley Georgie Terry Issie Terry Rory Thomas George Tryfonopoulos
Jenna Wale
YEAR 12
Micah Banyu Jeremy Campbell Senyuan (Bill) Chen Jessica Dunkerley Annabelle Eustice Alexander Fennessy
Tayla Fox Michael Giannioglou Tom Grant Christopher Green Alyssa Hardy Cassidy Hardy William Hibbs Isabelle Leonidas
Joshua Madden Thomas Meldrum James Mooney Mitch Olschyna Callum Prior Bailey Reed Hannah Schmidt Spencer Smith
Sam Tucker Jake Turnbull Frankie Varsamis Blake Williams Yuyang (Josef) Wu Lisa Turner
HOUSE COORDINATOR
MENTORS
Wendy Gardner Shelley Muir Jenna Oliver Tracey Pate Heath Tregea Not pictured John Dermott
136 THE MENTONIAN 2020FINLAY ANDERSON HOUSE Though this year did not play out as initially expected, it was a memorable one nonetheless. As always, the House had some great moments and made memories to be fondly remembered. As a Finlay Anderson House Captain, it was amazing to see the House put their all into each event. In particular, our sport days were met with great participation by all. Summer sport was a day full of fun and laughs for many - I know for myself and the girls who played Volleyball, we had an amazing day playing together, despite not finishing on top of the ladder. We were so fortunate to be able to maintain House activities in mentor sessions during online learning, giving us opportunities to maintain connections within the House. These sessions were refreshing and uplifting, and a great reminder to us of the power of our House spirit. I believe that in many ways, 2020 has come as a blessing in disguise. It gave us time to realise how impactful other people are in our lives, and how much joy we get from being surrounded by friends. I know that next year the Finlay Anderson House spirit will be stronger than ever, as this year has emphasised the importance of peer support and pride. I wish all the best to the House and hope that next year is another year of successes and fun! LUCIE KENT AND CHARLIE WEBSTER FINLAY ANDERSON HOUSE CAPTAINS 2020 KIRSTY PETSCHEL FINLAY ANDERSON HOUSE COORDINATOR 2020
HOUSE MEMBERS
Charles Anderson Camille Brewer Ginger Brodie Rhianne Brown Hudson Bucci Matthew Chambers Charlie Daddo
Georgia Griffin Chris Hirst Will Jeffery Feodore Kohlmeyer Jordan Kurta Matthew Mairs Bella Marrier D’Unienville Tully McKinnon
Jack McNamara Lulu Moore Jake Newman Madeleine O’Hara Riley Spence Akshay Taneja Dennis Tezay Coen Ursprung
Ashley van Rooyen Hannah Watkins Hayley Zakic Jed Zammit
YEAR 11
Liam Beach Luke Bouwmeester Milana Cherney Ethan Dallas Jake Dickson Sebastian Dobbs Keivon Faizi Katie Goakes Matthew Hayes Qinyan (Danny) Huang Kate Jeoffreys
Brayden Johnson Mitchell Kershaw Daniel Matthew Owen McGindle Brayden Miller Daniel Nikolayevsky Grace Oliver Mitch Owens
Xuan Cheng (Alan) Pan Ted Phillips Maddy Preston Aneshka Procter Maeve Spargo Simon Stevens Emily Windram Kai (Kevin) Yu
Monique Zakic Harrison Zammit
YEAR 12
Jingxuan (Edison) Ben Lily Bowles Ace Brodie Aibing (Jessica) Chen Bella Davies
Will Durston Beau Forster Alejandro Garza-Lainez Ryan Hammer Kevin Helmerson Jamieson Howe Ruidi (Francis) Jin Alex Joynson
Lucie Kent Marcus Le Gear Lachlan Leason Ella Mairs Georgia Povah Dougal Rann Tighe Taylor Samuel Ursprung
Yifan (Charles) Wang Charlie Webster Ziwen Yu
Adrian Payne Peter Zerman Kirsty Petschel
HOUSE COORDINATOR
MENTORS
Dimity Hughes Yan Ma Rohan Murphy
The Jones Jags started their illustrious campaign at the end of 2019, where the aquatic operators took centre stage and stood up for the House at House Swimming.
Prominent swimmers included Harrison Dart (Year 12), Luke Matthew (Year 12), Monique Zahra (Year 10), Kane Wilson (Year 11) and Beth Bratuskins (Year 11). These students set the example for everyone else as they powered through the water in multiple events, culminating in an overall result of 4th for the carnival, which was the exact position we came last year for this event.
Swimming is always a good event to start with, as it shows how people are willing to come out of their comfort zone, in support of the House leaders. We were incredibly proud of our House members who jumped into the pool to fill events, despite swimming not being their forte. Unbeknown to everyone, this would in fact be one of the few House events to go ahead this year. But, as a House leadership team, we were very content with the way we performed. Next came House Summer Sport, where we had some outstanding performances in Cricket, Tennis, Basketball and Softball. Yet again, the House leaders were very pleased with the result and felt that the Jags were positioned well for the future events. The House Athletics day out was a good measure of the resilience and House spirit of the Jaguars. Due to a bus delay, we did not arrive at the Athletics until an hour after the other Houses. The whole House then put their hearts and souls into ensuring that they placed well in every event, with the relays at the end of the day being a particular highlight for the Jaguars.
House events aside, we would like to commend all Jones students on the way in which they have conducted themselves during the year. This year is a true testament to everyone’s character, with a particular emphasis on Year 10 students, who have had minimal school time this year. We would also like to thank our fellow Year 12 students, who mentored the younger students throughout the pandemic with compassion and kindness, ensuring that the connections to the House remained as strong as possible and that support was given to students as often as needed.
We hope 2021 is a much better year for the upcoming Year 12 students, and we will be keeping our eyes on the leader board to see the Jags up top again. #BounceBack
SALLY SMITH
JONES HOUSE COORDINATOR 2020
MADELEINE JOHNSON & THOMAS SPENCER
JONES HOUSE CAPTAINS 2020
HOUSE MEMBERS
Bill Barden Emma Burton Mason Cartwright Brayden Christie Peri Dart Presley Evans Ethan Gorringe
Emily Growdon Ella Heidecker Breanna Hill Kerui (Ryan) Huang Ava Ivanov Yucheng (Kevin) Jin Amelia Johnson Jazmine Kruss
Zoe Leaver Angus Marcombe Eliza Matthews Martine New Atticus O’Brien Jamieson Papagiannis Harry Rowan Joshua Simmons Monique Zahra
YEAR 11
Joshua Beynon NaRae Bok Bethany Bratuskins Elliott Carruthers Sammy Cartwright Nicholas Casa
Jack Doulgeridis Cooper Eckert Jacob Farrow Lachlan Jones Jayke Kiriakou Yang (Alston) Li Hugo Marcombe Jordan Michell
Jess Nenke Adam Persic Nic Plevritis Aidan Scott Livinia Stockdale Maya ThilakMathew Marcus van Straaten Kane Wilson
Ellie Wright Fan Xia Xiaojun (Aaron) Xue Xiaomin (Alex) Xue
YEAR 12
Matilda Appel Jason Bartonek James Bull
Harrison Dart Dhishni de Silva Lyle Dickons William Filer Will Gentle Lilyana Gorringe Jack Heaven Lachlan Howard
Haoyu (John) Jiang Madeleine Johnson Lawson Jones Emily Kerr Timothy Koulouris Max Leaver Luke Matthews Abbi Moloney
Carson Mumford Thomas Mutton Blake Sharp Sarthak Singh Thomas Spencer Koby Thomson Huiyuan (Kristy) Yin Seb Zahra
Sally Smith
HOUSE COORDINATOR
MENTORS
Kara Baxter Josh Cukierman Robyn Fuerst Lidia Mancini Tess Monda Michael Wilton
DIFFICULT ROADS OFTEN LEAD TO BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS
In late 2019, we welcomed the Year 10 cubs into the den and began to form new connections. Before we headed into our well-earned Christmas holidays, the Lions dressed to impress in our colours of green and gold.
We showed immense House spirit at House Swimming, especially by Serena Zhang and Aquaman himself, Tom Dale. Lions aren’t necessarily known to be good swimmers, however, we supported each other across the water and rose to the challenge. Following House Swimming, we felt accomplished and had a great base to build upon in 2020. In Term 1, we welcomed Ms White as House Coordinator as Mr Best took some well-deserved long-service leave. We launched into the first House activity for 2020, House Athletics, full of energy. The Lionel Large flag flew high as Years 5 to 12 came together to compete with courage, determination and speed in what was a true highlight for the Lions. We had outstanding performances from every member of Lionel Large, everyone put in a huge amount of effort to earn the House some points, including amazing skills shown by Will Robertson.
Luckily, the 2020 Prefects’ Ball took place the night before COVID-19 struck. All of the Lions arrived in style and radiated class. Years 11 and 12 were lucky enough to have Lachlan Sallabank perform during the formal.
Seeing everyone on the dancefloor added to the many memories of an unforgettable night! Back at School, Ava Castle and Lachlan Sallabank then lead Lionel in preparation for the House Music - ‘Life Is A Highway’ from the famous movie Cars - only to be cancelled as we went on remote learning. Sadly, it turned out that life really is ‘a highway’ and you never know what’s around the corner.
When learning off site, Lionel displayed exceptional resilience as we adapted and learned to lean on each other. We remained connected and powered through the challenges that were thrown at us. The Lionel Large Leadership Team developed numerous activities to ensure Lionel remained motivated and hardworking. We communicated extremely well to produce a motivational video that promoted connectivity in the House that was driven by the likes of Thomas Hughes, Harry Officer and Sophie Porter. After the Lions braved the first lockdown and Mr Best arrived back refreshed, we headed into the second lockdown just as motivated as ever.
A family program was established where Year 12 students had weekly chats to the Year 10 cubs who had been stuck at home for over 12 weeks. The Years 12 and 10 students relished these moments and these relationships provided new meaningful connections. Towards the end of Term 3, to keep everyone active, we saw a team including Tom Dale implement Zoom Fitness Sessions. Students could participate in a supportive environment to do some exercise and have some fun. Throughout the year, the students, mentors and House Coordinators of Lionel Large developed strong connections. Everyone recognised their capabilities when dealing with adverse situations that they will value in the years to come. Although not in person, we can still hear the roar of the lions across suburbs knowing that we will come back together to finish off this crazy year.
From around the world throughout this pandemic, we have all seen what good leadership and bad leadership looks like. In 2020, Lionel was lucky enough to have Beth Bridge and Trent Meakins lead us through exceptional times. Both Beth and Trent stood tall and provided the strength of character required in trying times. From them, we learnt a lot about leadership and about ourselves. They led us on this year’s journey, and we’ve ended up at an amazing destination.
CRAIG BEST
LIONEL LARGE HOUSE COORDINATOR 2020
BETHANIE BRIDGE & TRENT MEAKINS
HOUSE CAPTAINS 2020
