Yalun Wanggaibah | Stories from our sunlit tallowood place

Yalun Wanggaibah AUTUMN 2023

Stories from our

SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE

Term Two

CONTENTS FOUNDATION DAY Celebrating 31 Years

03

RECONCILIATION WEEK 'Be a Voice for Generations'

04

ENVIRONMENT CLUB College green thumbs get dirty for World Environment Day

05

SPORTING SHOWDOWN Inaugural Almuni vs Year 12 challenge

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HANDS ON LEARNING Learning in action with Year 5

07

HELLO KINDY Munchkin League, Gardening and The Recycleman

08

BAND NIGHT Secondary School Rock 'n' Roll

09

SEASON OF CROSS COUNTRY RMC! The home of amazing cross country

10

BONFIRE EVENING Celebrating milestones and making memories

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BIGGEST MORNING TEA Silly socks and hats in support of the Cancer Council

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THANK YOU MUM Celebrating our amazing Mothers

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PARLIAMENT INSIGHT Experiencing politics with Year 6

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BURNING RUBBER At the F1 races with Year 10

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RISING STARS Celebrating student achievements

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GETTING MUDDY Year 8 embrace ANZAC challenges

SURVIVAL SKILLS

Duke of Edinburgh Award adventure

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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians whose cultures and customs have nurtured and continue to nurture the Land on which Rivermount College stands, Yugumbeh country, the country of many rivers.

We pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and acknowledge the continuation of culture and connection to land, sky and sea.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | AUTUMN 2023

Foundation

DAY

CELEBRATING 31 YEARS The annual Foundation Day festivities are an important tradition on the College calendar and this year we celebrated our 32nd anniversary and 31 years of operation. A special assembly was held to acknowledge the remarkable journey of the College and the unique spirit of the community that continues to flourish.

As part of the celebrations, we were treated to an entertaining panel interview hosted by Deputy Principal, Mr Ashley Thomas. A selection of Rivermount graduates who are now working at the College, shared their memories when they were students and talked passionately about the values of the College that are still evident today.

We also had the honour of recognising staff who have completed 10 and 20 years of dedicated service to the College community. The highlight of the event was a delicious sausage sizzle and fun activities on the College Green and, for our Prep to Year 3 students, it was the delight of blowing out candles on the College birthday cake.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE

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Reconciliation

WEEK

BE A VOICE FOR GENERATIONS The theme for Reconciliation Week 2023 was ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. This is an annual event staged by Reconciliation Australia in aid of strengthening the relationship between the broader Australian community and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through education and awareness.

The theme delivers a powerful message that encourages all Australians to be a voice for past and future generations, at home, where we work and where we socialise.

During the week, our students participated in an array of activities that explored the shared histories and cultures of Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians and how we can all contribute to reconciliation.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | AUTUMN 2023

Environment

CLUB

College green thumbs get dirty for World Environment Day In recognition of World Environment Day, Division 1 Councillor, Mark Hammel and the City of Gold Coast NaturallyGC team recently hosted their Green Day out along the banks of the Albert River. The location borders the College campus and is an extension of the Rivermount College Riverwalk Project. An enthusiastic team of students, teachers and community members proudly volunteered their time on the day, lending a hand to plant 6000 trees.

Following the event, our Year 5, 6, 7 and 9 cohorts dug in to help plant another 800 seedlings that were grown in-house by our Environment Club.

These initiatives were organised to improve the biodiversity of our local area with the ultimate goal to restore the Riverwalk and make the location more accessible to the College and wider community for education and recreation.

Thank you to Mrs Sylvia Constantin and the members of Gold Coast Landcare for your ongoing support of our environmental projects.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE

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Sporting

SHOWDOWN Inaugural Alumni vs Year 12 challenge

To finish Term 2 in true community spirit, students of our Year 12 cohort challenged RMC graduates to put their boots and sneakers on and head back to school for an afternoon of friendly sporting rivalry.

In a display of enthusiastic camaraderie, both sides flexed their skills in fast paced and highly competitive Touch Football and Netball games. The crowd cheered from the sidelines as current and past students jumped, ducked and weaved to snatch victory in this inaugural and historic showdown.

Congratulations to our Alumni for securing bragging rights as the 2023 sports champions in Touch and Netball.

Rivermount is proud of the special traditions we foster, including the affiliation that our Alumni maintain with the College community. Thank you to all past students for visiting the campus; it was rewarding to see so many friendly faces and to witness the rapport with our current Year 12 cohort.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | AUTUMN 2023

Hands on

LEARNING

Learning in action with Year 5 With a focus on Design and Technology and an exploration into the world of Science, our Year 5 cohort have enjoyed an immersive learning experience this term.

In their unit on Design and Technology, students participated in an exciting Automata Toy Showcase that integrated problem solving methodology with user interfacing. They collaborated in teams throughout the process to construct innovative and creative solutions. Each team pitched their finished product to an audience of peers, teachers and parents, vying for the coveted title of ‘Best Automaton’.

The Solar System was the focus of the cohort's Science studies with students enjoying an excursion to the Queensland Museum and SparkLab. This visit to the Museum also provided a flipped learning opportunity for their upcoming educational unit on animal adaptations.

The students particularly enjoyed the opportunity to see the planets in our solar system via a threedimensional projection. They were also excited to explore the range and diversity of flora and fauna in our state through various displays at the venue.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE

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Hello

KINDY Munchkin League, Gardening and the Recycleman Rivermount Seedlings have enjoyed an action packed semester with an array of inquiry based learning experiences designed to build confidence, enhance fine and gross motor skills and of course the opportunity to learn through play.

As part of their Early Childhood Development Program, our youngest students were recruited by the Munchkin League in May. With a Rugby League Twist, students learnt about teamwork and communication as well as developing their ball skills.

Earlier in the year, the Kindy students had a special visit from an environmental superhero, The Recycleman. Bringing his educational show to the College, The Recycleman entertained and educated students on creating a sustainable environment, the importance of recycling and how the recycling system works.

Children were keen to get involved and learn about what they can do every day to help.

At the end of the semester, our Seedlings lived up to their name when representatives from Bunnings visited their classroom to provide an educational session on potting and caretaking for plants.

The Kindy students all enjoyed decorating their own pot before carefully choosing a flower to plant and nurture. All the children were looking forward to taking their creations home to continue caring for them and watching them grow.

This interactive initiative forms part of Bunning’s commitment to giving back to the community and the College’s philosophy and commitment to environmental connection and awareness

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | AUTUMN 2023

Band

NIGHT

Secondary School Rock'n'Roll

Talented musicians, concert stage effects, dancing shoes, and contagious fun all merged in spectacular fashion at our Secondary School Band Night as students from Year 7 to Year 12 showcased an impressive repertoire of live music. Temptation proved too much for our College staff band who also had their time on stage sharing a small playlist of songs.

The annual Band Night provides students with a unique opportunity to share their creative talents with a live and supportive audience, while their peers enjoy a fantastic night out.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE

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Season of

CROSS COUNTRY RMC! The home of amazing cross country

House spirit powered up with a ‘zoom’ and a ‘kapow’ as a barrage of footsteps pounded the grass in a dash to grab ever-important House points at our Superhero themed Interhouse Cross Country Carnival.

Boosted by their superpowers within, Magee House took out winning honours by a mere whisker over Bonner House, who finished in a very close second place. The Spirit Cup was awarded to Young House for their team morale and sportsmanship.

That was the beginning of another successful season of running at RMC. Rivermount College has become renowned as the home of cross country for schools located in the Gold Coast and wider Brisbane region. The course offers competitors a breathtaking backdrop set against distant mountains, a challenging course complete with gullies and hills running adjacent to the beautiful Albert River, excellent viewing points and the provision of outstanding catering and hospitality facilities.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | AUTUMN 2023

The 2023 Cross Country Season saw the College play host to the Beenleigh Zone, Pacific District and South Coast Championships.

It was an epic season with our students enjoying the privilege of competing on home turf. In what was an honour for the College, current National Cross Country Champion and Year 10 student Caiden MacFarlane, once again emerged as the regional champion.

Bonfire

EVENING

Celebrating milestones and making memories As the year draws closer to final exams and graduation, our Year 12 Class of 2023 took time out to enjoy a special BBQ and Bonfire evening with their Pastoral Care Teachers. With games, roasted marshmallows, music and dancing, the cohort reflected on their experiences and visions for the future, around the warm glow of the fire. This also was a great opportunity to present new Year 12 students with their senior jersey.

Along with an array of other activities planned for the cohort throughout the year, the event helped to create fond memories and commemorate a significant milestone for the students in their final year of school.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE

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Biggest

MORNING TEA

Silly Socks and Hats in support of the Cancer Council

The campus was buzzing with ‘silly socks’ and ‘silly hats’ as our community enthusiastically supported the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea event. Each year, the College hosts a uniform free day to raise awareness and funds for this very worthy cause.

Staff and students proudly donated a gold coin to become involved in the event, as well as purchasing tasty treats at the delicious Bake Sale for Year 3 to Year 12 students and yummy Zooper Doopers for our Kindy to Year 2 cohorts.

All proceeds from the event are donated to the Cancer Council in support of their research, prevention and support services. Thank you to our wonderful community for your generous support.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | AUTUMN 2023

Thank you

MUM

Celebrating our amazing Mothers To celebrate all our amazing Mum’s, students from Kindy to Year 6 have enjoyed taking part in an array of memorable activities in the lead up to Mother’s Day. Kicking off with a special Assembly, the students enthusiastically paid tribute to the wonderful Mums in our community with musical performances and heartfelt messages.

The annual Families and Friends Association Mother’s Day Stall was a tremendous success with students eager to purchase a special gift from the range of beautifully curated treasures.

Celebrations culminated with a special Mother’s Day Breakfast on the College Green, prepared and cooked by the Families and Friends Association, along with staff and a group of very helpful Secondary School students.

As part of the festivities, the Association prepared a massive hamper of goodies to raffle. Congratulations to our winner, we know you will enjoy the treats.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE

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Parliament

INSIGHT

Experiencing politics with Year 6 The students of Year 6A were immersed in debate recently when their classroom was transformed into a replica of the House of Representatives. This transformation coincided with their studies on the Queensland Parliamentary system. Students were each given a role in their mock parliamentary sitting, putting forward interesting views from both sides of the table as they discussed a bill for proposed new Queensland school hours.

A highlight for the cohort was a visit by current Queensland Parliamentary Member, Mr Michael Crandon. After learning about his role in government, the Year 6 students were eager to quiz Mr Crandon in an open question and answer session where they welcomed his views on the current housing crisis, koalas affected by development, and youth crime.

This was a great experience for the students to meet an active Member of Parliament and to understand more about how new laws are proposed and passed in our State.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | AUTUMN 2023

Burning

RUBBER At the F1 races with Year 10 As part of their Technology studies, our Year 10 students brought the races to the classroom when they designed and manufactured miniature 3D printed F1 racing cars.

Zooming down the custom-made track, their cars were put to the ultimate test as students raced their speedsters against their classmates’ creations.

The activity challenged the creativity, design and planning skills of students in a fun and interactive experience.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE

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Rising

STARS

Jack dives into Champion status at the 2023 Australian Diving Nationals Year 8 Rivermount student, Jack Van Dam, recently competed at the Australian Diving Nationals in Sydney. The competition was one the largest of its kind with 236 divers from Australia and New Zealand competing across all disciplines.

Edison Richard Year 11 | Violin

Edison plays violin in the Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra and is currently working towards exceeding his Grade 8 AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) level.

Jack made some impressive waves in his 12/13 year age group including gold in the 3 metre Springboard with a personal best score of over 200 points, bronze in the 1 metre Springboard also with a personal best, fourth and a personal best in the 5 metre Platform event and fifth in the 3 metre Springboard synchronised event With his impressive results and competition points, Jack was crowned the 2023 Australian Diving Age Champion for his division.

Henry ChapmanYear 5 | Athlete Cross Country Champion in 3 km for South Coast, Beenleigh Zone and Regionals.

Fastest District qualifier for 1500 & 800 metres.

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Ellie Leneham Year 6 | Athlete Queensland State Champion and record holder in Under 13 Hammer Throw and placed 2nd at Nationals for this event. State competitor for discus and shotput.

Caiden MacFarlane Year 10 | Athlete

Billy Chapman Year 3 | Athlete

Cayden Hodge Year 7 | Basketball

National Cross Country Champion and holder of 4 Australian Championship titles including 800 and 1500 metres. Winner of the 2022 Gold Coast Marathon (4km).

Queensland Cross Country Champion for 1 km. Third place at Nationals and the fastest qualifier for 1500 & 800 metres at Districts.

Member of the South Coast 10-12 Years Boys Basketball team.

This team recently won the School State Championships.

RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | AUTUMN 2023

Performing Arts star Esme Wyer sets the scene with centre stage skills!

It is lights, camera, action for budding actress and Year 10 student, Esme Wyer, who will star in Beenleigh Theatre Group's production of Jasper Jones. Playing the leading role about a 14 year-old boy in the summer of 1969, Esme says she loves that acting gives anybody the chance to be anything they want.

“It’s such a wonderful feeling to not have to be yourself in the moment. And you get to experience life through someone else’s eyes, even if only for two hours.”

Having studied Drama at Rivermount College for three years, Esme says that the art has enhanced many skills for her personally.

“I have become a lot more confident and I have really enjoyed learning different techniques to express myself. I understand now that the way you say something is often just as important as the words themselves.”

Esme recommends acting for its inclusiveness and feeling of community, especially through her experience at Rivermount.

She believes that people are there for the art and there is no judgement for getting up and giving it a go.

“Acting truly is magical,” she says.

Alumni

HOLLY HUDSON

Since graduating the College in 2021, Holly Hudson, has made some impressive contributions to the community to assist the homeless and other young vulnerable people. As part of a family that experienced housing insecurity in her past, Holly has used her lived experience and passion as motivation for creating change.

Holly was a frontline voice for homeless youths to aid in the development and media launch of the Queensland Government’s Towards Ending Homelessness for Young Queenslanders strategy.

Lending her time to several other community organisations and charities, including the QFCC, Bravehearts, the ANCHDA, participation with advisory councils and youth parliament, Holly has also been involved with the local Junior Chamber of Commerce. During this tenure, she founded the Beenleigh Beats community event which was part of an initiative to introduce local talent into the community.

In the midst of a double degree in Business and Justice, Holly has a QUT scholarship that will help advance her social enterprise centred on sexual consent and reproductive health education. Her goal is to gather a team of expert practitioners who will work together to deliver educational content.

As Rivermount College Captain in 2021, Dramatist of the Year, and a Beenleigh Yatala Chamber of Commerce executive team member, Holly demonstrated plenty of future potential. We are proud of her amazing journey and passion for working towards making the community a great place.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE

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Getting

MUDDY

Year 8 embrace ANZAC challenges Our Year 8 cohort enjoyed an incredible, and sometimes muddy, experience at the Emu Gully Adventure Camp at Helidon, near Toowoomba. The ANZAC-inspired venue is centred on the motto of Shaping Great Australians and is designed to challenge students to develop their leadership, resilience and teamwork skills.

Students and staff participated in a range of activities including immersive ANZAC stories and physical and mental challenges named after training activities and pursuits, such as Commando Cable Crossing, Tunnel Rats of Vietnam, Bridge over the River Kwai, Siege of Tobruk and Western Front.

Embracing challenges as a united group, the students bonded as a cohort, building a strong foundation of confidence and determination and created lasting memories of their adventure.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | AUTUMN 2023

Survival

SKILLS

Duke of Edinburgh Award adventure The Duke of Edinburgh program at Rivermount College provides students with the opportunity to develop essential life skills whilst exploring their potential through passion and purpose. The award is a leading youth development program and each year, our Secondary students are able to engage in a myriad of unique adventures.

The Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh participants recently put their survival skills to the test in a Bronze Award Practice Journey over two days in the Mount Tamborine hinterland.

During the event, students engaged in first aid training, teambuilding activities, journey planning and bushwalking. As per

the award criteria, participants needed to be self-sufficient by cooking for themselves, organising their own camping and hiking equipment, and being valuable team members.

The weather and conditions were perfect for their journey, even on day two when the group woke to a cool 6 degrees. Without hesitation, they completed a 16-kilometre bushwalk where they were rewarded with picturesque views over the mountain.

The group will complete their Bronze Award qualifying journey at Carnarvon Gorge, as part of our Year 9 Capricorn Tour in August.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE

YATALA | QUEENSLAND | WWW.RIVERMOUNT.NET

Exploring WHAT MAKES QUEENSLAND GREAT The environment is clean, littering is very mean.

Planting more trees, the air we use to breathe.

People make Queensland great, because we are all mates.

All wildlife is calm, but not to harm.

The creative writing competition, ‘Girl Scribes!’, requires entrants to devise a poem under the theme of ‘What makes Queensland great’. Kensi’s entry focuses on the environmental aspect of our state and the mateship of the people who are connected to our community.

Judged by the Girl Guides Queensland State Commissioner, Kensi was selected for a Highly Commended award in her 5 to 9 years age division.

We all live in peace, because of meet and greet.

All the great people and places, all of the lovely faces.

We all feel happy because of each other.

Written by Kensi Lamprecht Year 5