Yalun Wanggaibah | Stories from our Sunlit Tallowwood Place | Winter 2023

WINTER 2023

YALUN WANGGAIBAH STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWWOOD PLACE

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ALUMNI REUNION Welcome Back Class of 2003 and 2013 .

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NATURE AND HISTORY Discovering the wonders of Coochiemudlo MAGIC OF MATTER Street Science with Year 5

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KINDY Fun with our Seedlings

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NIGHT OF MAGIC AND MUSIC Year 10 Dinner Dance

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BULLYING NO WAY! College Unites for National Day of Action

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FATHER’S DAY Honouring our Dads

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UNEARTHING ANCIENT WONDERS Senior Ancient History Excursion

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DANCE AND CHEER Capturing the Spotlight

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100 DAYS TILL GRADUATION Class of 2023 celebrates milestone

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TEAMWORK

Contents

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Primary Touch Teams score experience and success 11

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS Champions in the making

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, SUCCESS! Rivermount shines bright on The Today Show

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REAL WORLD INSIGHT Year 10 Work Experience Program

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LEARNING IN ACTION

Year 6 Science, Prep excursion & Duke of Ed Journey 16

BOOKWEEK MAGIC Bringing tales to life

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MUSIC SOIREE Celebrating our musical talent

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CAMP SUPERHEROES Prep to Year 3 Adventure

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WORLD VISION Pyjama Day Fundraiser

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RMC TOURS Senior Student Adventures

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 the continuation culture and - 2 -and emerging. We recognise and acknowledge RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | of WINTER 2023connection to land, sky and sea.

Alumni Reunion

2003 and 2013

The Alumni reunion for the Classes of 2003 and 2013 was a memorable celebration. Over 50 past students gathered to reminisce about their time at Rivermount and to share their journey post-graduation.

The nostalgic event, celebrating 10 and 20 years since graduation, was held at the Neville Bonner Centre with Alumni enjoying an evening of delicious food and beverages at the hospitality precinct and the opportunity to tour the campus at sunset.

Our past students hold a special place in our community, and it was a privilege to welcome our graduates back to the College. Thank you to all the attendees for taking the time to join us for this memorable event.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE | TERM 3, 2023

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NATURE AND HISTORY

Discovering the Wonders of Coochiemudlo Island with Year 4 Coinciding with their study on the connection between people and their environment, our Year 4 cohort recently enjoyed an excursion to Coochiemudlo Island. As one of several sites that has retained its Aboriginal place name, the island presented a great opportunity for students to explore its unique connection to the area’s Indigenous people and the significant bonds still evident on the island today.

Sunny weather and a beautiful sandy shoreline created a perfect backdrop for the adventure as the cohort discovered native flora, different shell varieties and learnt about historical explorer, Matthew Flinders.

To conclude their adventure, the students engaged in a fun sandcastle building competition before heading back to the College.

MAGIC

OF MATTER Street Science with Year 5 Colourful flames, liquid nitrogen and curious chemicals captivated students at the recent Year 5 Street Science Incursion. The entertaining showcase offered a range of highenergy displays that demonstrated the makeup of particles in matter around us.

During the experience, our Young Einsteins enjoyed using digital microscopes to gain close-up observations on a range of biological specimens and their various structural features.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | WINTER 2023

Little BUILDERS in training Kindy students from Golden Wattle recently participated in an exciting adventure as part of their focus on inquiry-based learning.

Accompanied by their teachers, and appropriately dressed in their hi vis safety gear, the enthusiastic students ventured to the College Maintenance precinct to learn more about the fascinating world of construction.

K

indy

The cohort swapped their playtime for an exploration of the various tools, materials and equipment used by our Maintenance team to create and complete projects around campus. Through their first-hand experience, the students gained valuable knowledge about the industry and the many processes and techniques used in construction.

Getting COZY for National Pyjama Day Dressed in their favourite sleepwear, our Kindy Seedlings transformed their classrooms into a cozy dreamland to celebrate The Pyjama Foundation’s National Pyjama Day. With an array of outfits from floral to superheros, beanies and fluffy socks, the students enjoyed a variety of fun activities before settling in for a special movie afternoon with popcorn.

The funds raised during this annual event help to enhance educational resources and provide stability for children living in foster care. The event serves as a shining example and reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE | TERM 3, 2023

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DANCE

YEAR 10 NIGHT OF MAGIC AND MUSIC

A picturesque golf course and beautiful sunset at Gainsborough Greens created the perfect backdrop for students from our Year 10 cohort as they arrived to the venue in style to celebrate their eagerlyawaited Dinner Dance.

It was a memorable evening with amazing food and an atmosphere that allowed the students to enjoy time with their fellow classmates and teachers outside of their normal school routine. After formalities concluded on the night, there were plenty of laughs around the room and tunes that encouraged the students to enjoy a magical time on the dance floor. The annual Dinner Dance is a special opportunity for students to celebrate their success as a cohort and move towards another chapter of their schooling lives.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | WINTER 2023

BULLYING. NO WAY! College Unites for the National Day of Action against Bullying

As part of the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, our College community participated in an array of activities in support of the event’s annual theme; Bullying. No Way! In a display of camaraderie and fun competition, our students also enjoyed special House Assemblies, games and contests.

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FATHERS

Honouring our Dads: Father’s Day 2023

As a special tribute to the Dads in our community, our Primary students, staff and families celebrated Father’s Day with a week of specially curated activities. From craft and gift making to a Father’s Day Stall and an amazing Breakfast event hosted by our dedicated Family and Friends Association, our students enjoyed devoting time to their Dads.

UNEARTHING ANCIENT WONDERS Senior Ancient History Excursion

To expand their classroom studies, our Year 10 and Year 12 Ancient History students recently enjoyed an enriching journey to the University of Queensland’s Antiquities Museum. The captivating venue became their portal to Ancient Greece where the students explored the role of the military in the era, whilst enjoying an interactive display of Greek warfare and artefacts.

In this engaging introduction to the origins of Greek society, our students learnt about the courage, intelligence and resourcefulness of the Ancient Greeks and the impact their civilization had on shaping the world we know today.

Rounding off the day, our young historians toured the University’s grounds before visiting the Anthropology Museum. The venue showcased some amazing examples of alternative ways to study various cultures around the world and was a great way to finish the excursion.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | WINTER 2023

DANCE & CHEER Capturing the Spotlight

Once again, our Primary and Secondary Dance and Cheer teams have outdone themselves with a truly unforgettable season of competition.

Their electrifying performances have captured the hearts of audiences at local showcases and eisteddfods, where they secured an impressive number of top three places and commendations for the most memorable performance.

From the glittering Gold Coast to bustling Brisbane, our teams have represented the College with pride and professionalism. Their camaraderie, creativity, and energy are to be commended, and we are incredibly proud of all that they have achieved.

Together, our Dance and Cheer teams have demonstrated the magic that can happen when talent, hard work, and passion come together. Congratulations to every student who has participated in this unforgettable season of competition.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE | TERM 3, 2023

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Marking an official 100 days until their graduation, our Year 12 cohort recently gathered for a special luncheon to commemorate the milestone. Sporting infectious smiles, the students enjoyed an array of delicious treats and swapped stories as they turned their focus to their final weeks of school and the opportunities that await them after graduation.

Our students now embark on their final stretch, ready to make the most of their remaining time at Rivermount College.

Graduation may be on the horizon, but the memories, friendships, and experiences they have gained will last a lifetime.

We wish the Class of 2023 the very best for a successful Term 4.

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TEAMWORK

Days till Graduation

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Primary Touch Teams Score Experience and Success Our Upper Primary students participated in the Northern Gold Coast Touch Football Competition during Term 3. This friendly tournament serves as an excellent platform for our young athletes to boost their teamwork skills and to further develop their game-time experience.

Under the guidance and encouragement of our Primary Sports Coach, two teams of students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to compete in the local community competition.

Congratulations to our Primary Boys team for winning their division and to the Girls team for placing third.

RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | WINTER 2023

QUEENSLAND CHAMPIONS

Cross Country Success

NINJA

IN TRAINING Year 6 student, Connor Boyd is eager to make his mark at the upcoming Australian Ninja Games competition on the Sunshine Coast. The avid athlete has been working tirelessly on his strength, agility and speed to excel in the upcoming event, which tests the stamina and skills of participants through various obstacle courses.

Connor aims to finish in one of the top three positions at the Games to qualify for a shot at the Age Champion title, which follows at the world event. As well as training weekly with former Australian Ninja Warrior contestant Katie Thomas, Connor hones his skills on a personal four kilometre ninja course that has been set up in his own backyard!

Congratulations are in order for two of our talented runners who emerged victorious at the recent Queensland Schools Cross Country Championships, defeating tough competition from schools across the region. Year 10 student Caiden MacFarlane and Year 5 student Henry Chapman showed exceptional endurance and skills as they carved out a path of success on the cross country course.

Caiden placed first and Henry placed third in their respective age divisions. Both runners are now set to compete at the upcoming Nationals event. We wish them the best of luck at the competition.

DREAM

BASKETBALL IN THE USA Kicking off his American basketball dream, Year 10 student Kulan May recently joined fellow competitors in the USA to play in the AAU Basketball World Championships. The event was held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disneyland, Florida. Kulan proudly competed as a Shooting Guard in the Division 1 competition.

During the event, Kulan gained invaluable game time experience and insights from American coaches and trainers. He hopes one day to attend college in the USA and continue his dream of playing basketball.

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SHOWCASE

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | WINTER 2023

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, SUCCESS Rivermount shines bright on The Today Show

Our community warmly welcomed television viewers from around the nation recently when we hosted Tim Davies and The Today Show weather team at the College. The morning started with birds chirping and the sun rising over our picturesque campus, as a lively crowd of students, parents, and teachers enthusiastically showcased our incredible facilities and unique atmosphere.

The live cross segments, with the exuberant Tim Davies, were filled with student and staff interactions and proudly showcased our extensive curriculum offerings and innovative resources. We are confident that the Channel 9 team had an enjoyable experience after exploring our hospitality precinct, taking a speedy go-kart ride and embarking on a memorable adventure on the flying fox.

The Financial Basics Foundation (FBF), in conjunction with Suncorp Bank, launched their national ESSI Money Challenge as part of The Today Show feature at the College. The challenge is a creative educational tool giving students the opportunity to practice personal finance skills in earning, saving, spending and investing.

Rivermount students have enjoyed a long association with the ESSI money challenge and in 2022, Year 10 student, Jensen Barclay Ford was crowned the Queensland Champion. Hosting the launch was a wonderful experience for the College community and we look forward to once again educating our students in financial literacy through participation in the challenge.

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REAL WORLD INSIGHT Year 10 Work Experience Program Our Year 10 students recently had the opportunity to complete a week-long work experience program enabling them to explore different industries, gain invaluable skills, and enrich their educational journey through an immersive learning experience.

Reflective of their career ambitions, the cohort explored their passions in fields such as childcare, hospitality, mechanics and much more. Acquiring a glimpse of what their future careers may look like, the students were able to achieve real world experience and identify their strengths and interests.

Developing workplace skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving also enabled them to gain confidence and independence.

The initiative forms part of Rivermount College’s Careers Program, which provides participants with a bridge between the classroom and the workplace. Through this opportunity, students achieve a clearer understanding of their future subject selections and study options to reflect their postschooling endeavours.

Thank you to the businesses and organisations that have partnered with us in providing these valuable experiences to our students. Together, we are helping to shape the future workforce and giving our students the tools, they need to succeed in an ever-evolving job market.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | WINTER 2023

Year 6 Buzz into the Electrifying World of

SCIENCE

BIKE JOURNEY DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Furthering their studies on energy sources and their uses, our Year 6 cohort recently enjoyed an interactive session that ignited their curiosity.

Hosted by Mad About Science, the interactive workshop involved working with lights, noise, and airborne propellers, as well as using various electrical components to construct and experiment with their own kits.

This captivating experience allowed the students to dive into the world of circuits and examine the factors influencing energy flow.

Duke of Edinburgh Award participants recently completed a mountain bike journey to prepare for their qualifying expedition on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The adventure provided the group an opportunity to learn basic mountain bike maintenance, how to navigate the route, how to ride safely as a group, and how to negotiate and identify hazards. The cyclists tackled elements of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and, on the final day, they completed a 48-kilometre return journey on the newly-opened Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

WALK ON THE

WILD SIDE

Over the Term, our Prep cohort enjoyed learning about various Australian animals by exploring their appearances, diets and habitats. At the completion of the unit, students compiled information reports and used these to create some fun Australiana artwork.

The smell of eucalyptus filled the air as the classroom walls were transformed into murals constructed of leaf collages and unique artworks. The students also enjoyed getting their hands dirty with some echidna-inspired clay work.

A highlight of their study was a captivating visit to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where students had the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of real-life Australian flora and fauna.

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BOOKWEEK MAGIC Bringing the wondrous tales of books to life through imagination and creativity, our Primary students and staff celebrated the magic of Book Week when they transformed into their favourite story characters for a day.

In a lively parade on the Primary Green, our Kindergarten to Year 3 students and staff joyfully danced and skipped, showcasing their impressive costumes to an enthusiastic crowd of families and peers. Meanwhile, our Year 4 to Year 6 cohorts contributed to the vibrant atmosphere as they proudly exhibited their own character creations.

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | WINTER 2023

MUSIC SOIREE

In celebration of our musical talent, the College hosted an entertaining soiree that saw plenty of feet tapping and hands clapping. Featuring stellar performances by our student musicians, College staff, choirs and solo vocalists, the event cleverly exhibited the diversity and richness of the skills being fostered within our Performing Arts Tuition program and the dynamic culture that thrives within our College.

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE | TERM 3, 2023

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Camp Superheroes!

PREP TO YEAR 3 ADVENTURE

Our Prep to Year 3 cohorts were full of smiles in the last week of term as they enjoyed an action-packed adventure at our College campground, located on the banks of the Albert River.

Over two days, our happy campers enjoyed a range of fun activities, interactive displays and team building challenges that focussed on strengthening friendships and participating in new experiences outside the classroom.

From an inflatable obstacle course to the College flying fox, sports activities, craft, music, dancing, and science experiments, the superhero themed camp was an amazing experience for everyone involved.

Thank you to our dedicated staff in the Lower Primary School and the wonderful parents who volunteered to make this year’s camp a tremendous success.

CAMP

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | WINTER 2023

WO R L D V I S I O N

Pyjama Day

FUNDRAISER

STORIES FROM OUR SUNLIT TALLOWOOD PLACE | TERM 3, 2023

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RMC TOURS

YEAR 9

Exploring the wonders of the Capricorn Coast

Carnarvon Gorge ,Toowoomba, Dalby, Roma and Injune Longreach via Emerald Barcaldine , Rockhampton, Kinka Beach

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RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE | WINTER 2023

Konnichiwa, Japan!

There is nothing quite like the vibrant culture, friendly people, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering food that Japan has to offer. Our recent senior tour to Japan was an unforgettable experience for the 15 Year 12 students that visited this amazing country and spent time at our sister school, Nichidai Fujisawa.

From exploring ancient temples in Kyoto, admiring the vibrant charm and culture of Asakusa, Shibuya and Harajuku to embracing the bustling city life of Tokyo, the group of students and staff immersed themselves in the rich heritage and modern marvels of this incredible country. Visiting the Imperial Palace, Universal Studios, Hiroshima and engaging in traditional activities including Karaoke, Judo, Karate, kendo, and calligraphy were among the many highlights.

Experiencing authentic Japanese family life through homestay and attending school with their new friends enabled our students to create lifelong memories to cherish.

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND Nature and Culture Entwine

The Far North Queensland (FNQ) Tour is an incredible experience for senior students . This year 19 eager participants from Year 10 to Year 12 embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. Their destination: the Wujal Wujal Community in far North Queensland. It was an opportunity to not only explore the breathtaking sights of this region but also build meaningful connections with the local Indigenous community.

The tour was designed with a focus on service and gratitude, aiming to foster a sense of unity and appreciation within the group.

The journey started where the rainforest meets the sea, providing the eager travellers with the opportunity to explore Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, Black Mountain, Cooktown, Black Rock, Shipton Flats and Izabella Falls. Each stop offered a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the area.

After spending time in the Wujal Wujal community, learning about local traditions, history and aspirations, the group ventured to Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef.

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POETRY Meaning and Connection with Year 7

Year 7 students recently wrote about the meaning and connections they hold with specific places. After observing the College grounds for inspiration, the students used poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor and alliteration to capture their experiences.

Once their poems were compiled, the students translated their work to the Yugambeh Language, acknowledging and paying respect to the traditional language speakers of this land.

TALLOWWOOD Children chatting cheerfully Feel the flowers swish in winds Children chatting happily Jimbelungare (Friendship) Bareibunn Yarga Chagun (Dream, Wind, Earth) Ngulli Bugoram (We, Wonderful)

By Charlie G SWEET SOUNDS The swaying trees, Calm water, The birds are chirping sweetly Nyangai bugoram (Family, Wonderful) Tallei yarga yarga (Wood, Many Winds) Jungun dirun (Clouds, Snake)

By Ellie H BIG TREES Lots of tall green trees, Green grass is so soft and wet, Little birds chirping Buggeiri Tallei (Open Country Wood) Ijun Chagun Durungul (Grass, Ground, Calm) Nyombil Bareibunn (Bird Dream)

By Noah K

RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE www.rivermount.net YATALA | QUEENSLAND