SCG Magazine: Issue 3, July 2021

BONUS CONTENT INSIDE

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SCG STUDENTS SHINE IN THE SPOTLIGHT A NEW DAWN FOR SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR KEILEN'S BRAVERY INSPIRES ALL

LEARNING UNDER THE

SPOTLIGHT

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SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 3 • 1

Issue 3, June 2021

CONTENTS

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16 | A NEW DAWN FOR SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR

FEATURES

21 | FOUNDATION BUILDS CONFIDENCE 21 | AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM FOSTERS BRIGHT FUTURES 22 | HITTING THE TARGET IN YEAR 4

04 | SCG STUDENTS SHINE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

18 | KEILEN'S BRAVERY INSPIRES ALL

The Autumn Music Concert was a spectacular showcase of our students' high performance in Music.

Seven-year-old Keilen Galang gave our community a masterclass in bravery and skill as he performed for the first time in front of the school during our ANZAC Day Assembly.

14 | A BIG TERM FOR THE PFC

26 | CLASS OF 2021 LEADS THE WAY

With a night under the stars and a joyous Mother's Day Stall, our Parents and Friends Committee brought moments of joy and strengthened our connection as a community.

The Class of 2021 have embodied their role as student leaders within the school and in the wider community, as they prepare for successful futures beyond Southern Cross Grammar.

25 | LEADING BY EXAMPLE 30 | CLASS OF 2025 STAGE TAKEOVER 33 | MEDIA CHAMPIONS STUDENT VOICE 33 | LEADING FUTURE SCIENTISTS WITH PROFESSOR NEENA MITTER 34 | CLASS OF 2025 STAGE TAKEOVER 34 | MAKING CLEAN WATER ACCESSIBLE

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Southern Cross Grammar acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

The SCG students have really shone this semester with many opportunities to showcase their talents and skills developed through years of dedication.

For the audience at the Autumn Music Concert, the concept of Art for its own sake was really clear. The performances lifted everyone in the theatre and, for a time, the demands of day-to-day life were forgotten as the many outstanding performers took us to higher ground, as only beautiful music can!

However, like great dancers who demonstrate grace rather than the many hours of the physical and mental demands of their artform, all skilled artists have to be dedicated and hard-working to reach great levels of performance.

At SCG, music and high performance in the arts, more generally, is well supported and celebrated. This edition of the SCG magazine showcases a glimpse of the wider programs and many wonderful stories of courage, perseverance and truimph our staff and students experience as part of their regular learning.

Beyond the celebration of music for its own sake, the broader benefits of studying music are well evidenced.

From increased neural pathways to

strong social connections and improved mental health associated with being connected to ensembles and bands, there is much to be gained from taking on the joy and challenges music can offer.

At SCG, music and high performance in the arts, more generally, is well supported and celebrated.

This edition of the SCG magazine showcases a glimpse of the wider programs and many wonderful stories of courage, perseverance and truimph our staff and students experience as part of their regular learning.

When thinking about the outcomes of schooling, vocation is often a focus of discussions around successful outcomes for learning. Being able to do what you love, developing skills to impact others positively, and enjoying economic independence are all laudable goals to aspire to when motivating yourself to make the most of your time at school.

Having said this, it is likely you will enjoy many different jobs throughout your career. However your ability to manage yourself, to regulate your emotions, make good decisions, be courageous, and at times, delay gratification will all be an essential, enduring, transferable skill-set for a successful life for our graduates, both in work and life more broadly.

Anyone who has picked up a flute, or tried to play a trumpet will know that success in playing an instrument is not immediate! Rewards in music comes from consistent effort over time. The beautiful music played at our concerts and rehearsals, in our Year 2 strings programs or Year 5 Band, is so impressive. However, it is the sustained effort and the long-term reward from that effort, that ultimately impresses me when I sit to enjoy our young musicians performing.

So, whether your passion is in the Arts, Technology, Engineering or Writing, we take this opportunity to congratulate you and to encourage you to keep going; to build the skill of perseverance and sustained effort as you do the work to set yourself up for a joyous and highly successful future.

SCG STUDENTS SHINE IN THE SPOTLIGHT With diverse performances across our music program including our Strings Orchestra, Choirs, Wind Ensemble and Select Entry Music students, the Autumn Music Concert was a spectacular showcase of our students' high performance in Music.

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Our music students raised our community's spirits and shone bright under Darebin Arts Centre's spotlight during the Autumn Music Concert.

With performances by our ensemble groups, choirs, strings and VET students, the night was a spectacular showcase of our students' high performance in music, and their dedication to their craft under the guidance of our skilled music staff.

"It was an absolute privilege to be able to hold a concert for our community," Robert Graham, the Head of Music, said. "The last time we did a concert at Darebin Arts Centre [in 2016], we had 100 students. This time we had over 150 students."

Robert credited the growth of the music program to new bands and year level programs introduced this year as part of the school’s commitment to supporting students’ high performance in music and the creative arts.

"The amount of extra year level programs that have been introduced to grow our brass and woodwind, percussion and strings offerings has provided more opportunities for our students and families to engage with the music program," Robert said.

This investment has opened new doors for students and seen a significant lift in students' entry and accessibility to our music program, with areas like the Year 5 Band—which sees the entire Class of

2028 learn a woodwind or percussion instrument for a year— grow from 26 students in 2020 to 40 students in 2021.

During the Concert, the Class of 2028 performed classical pieces including Claude Debussy's Au Clair De Lune, making it the first time a full cohort of students performed together on-stage.

The Autumn Music Concert was a spectacular showcase of students’ high performance in music and dedication to their craft under the guidance of our skilled music staff.

“The school's investment in the music program has been massive," Kerry Trounson, the Woodwind and Classroom Music Teacher, who also leads the Year 5 Band said.

"Being a music teacher is about being driven and having passion for what you teach," she said.

Highlights from the Concert included electrifying performances by our Advanced strings and the SCG String Orchestra, led by our Head of Strings: Samantha Calvert.

2021 Year 2 curriculum.

"An important part of growing our strings program has been keeping the lines of "The growth in students' self-belief since communication open with parents so they feel involved and able to help their the start of the year has been huge child excel." and to have them on the big stage, performing, is an experience every With most students starting strings in student should have in their schooling our middle years, the music department life." introduced the strings program to the

Having joined Southern Cross Grammar in 2014, Samantha has seen the Strings program grow from three students to 100 students: a testament, she says, to the strong connections she and the members of the strings team have formed with students’ parents.

"By introducing the program to students this year, we are developing students' music knowledge early, and giving them opportunities that they don't often get in other schools," Samantha said.

Vivian Saad praises the program for introducing her daughter, Alicia, to music. "The music program [has been] a fantastic part of Year 2 and has given Alicia the opportunity to try an instrument," she said.

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Whether onstage or backstage, we were proud of students' professionalism during the evening.

"Watching Alicia perform at the [Autumn] Music Concert was beautiful. Seeing how far she and her peers have come in such a short space of time with their instruments, and getting them into the stage environment was huge.

"Being part of the Year 2 program has now given us the opportunity to see whether it is something she wants to continue."

As our school continues to grow, so are the plans for the music program.

"The vision is to have an Orchestra," Robert Graham said. "Over the next couple of years we will be working to grow the lower strings, lower brass and lower woodwind instruments. For some of our other music areas, we're also planning on establishing and growing our chorale section, and expanding our guitar program."

^ Annie Huang plays the GuZheng as part of the Select Entry Music students' performance from the Chinese animated fantasy film, Big Fish & Begonia SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 3 • 8

As The Centauri Project continues to take shape on our campus, the music team are eager for the opportunities and possibilities it will bring to students and to the community.

"Being able to perform in the auditorium and being able to treat the space with the reverence it deserves, will be a massive boost for the students and school," Kerry said. "It sets an expectation that, at Southern Cross

Grammar, music is at the forefront of our mind. It's not an afterthought."

With plans to launch the building in 2022, Kerry and the team have their sights set on giving students more opportunities to perform outside school and in our community. "I want us to visit the old folks’ home and do our community service. I want us to go next door to the day-care centre and start the musical journey for those kids so that they want to come to our school."

Following the Select Entry Music’s students performance from Big Fish & Begonia at the concert, Robert is looking forward to giving them more opportunities to perform for our community: “The Select Entry Music students performed beautifully on the night having spent weeks pulling apart certain parts of the music’s arrangement for strings, guitar and voice,” he said.

“Having performed together as a group, students are currently working together on a performance in smaller groups and we look forward to giving them more opportunities to perform for our community.”

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^

With performances by our ensemble groups, choirs, strings and VET students, the night was a spectacular showcase of our students' high performance in music, and their dedication to their craft under the guidance of our skilled music staff.

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A BIG TERM FOR THE PFC With a night under the stars and a joyous Mother's Day Stall, our Parents and Friends Committee brought moments of joy and strengthened our connection as a community.

Term 2 has been one to remember for our Parents and Friends Committee with a joyous return to community events such as their Mother's Day Stall and Supper Under the Stars.

see them smiling and it was great to be a part of it at the Stall."

Stall. "[Southern Cross Grammar] has a whole community feel and I wanted to be a part of that," she said.

Several staff members also attended the event to share in the joys of having our families together again. Dr Amer Ibrahim Basha, the Head of Year 12

and VCE Biology teacher, attended the event with his family as part of their Lisa Willson, the PFC Treasurer, who was Eid celebrations. "Supper Under the also at the event said, "Seeing all of the Stars fell during Eid so my family and I chose to attend the event as one of our kids at the stall and having them being celebrative activities, and spend time To celebrate our mothers and all they do able to choose items for their mums, for our families and in our communities, and interact with one another was really with the community," he said. the PFC hosted their annual Mother's nice."

"We enjoyed all aspects of the evening Day stall early in the term to our including star gazing and the clay A week after the Mother's Day Stall, we students' joy and delight. welcomed families to our campus for the making workshop. Seeing families engage with one another during the From our Foundation students PFC's first on-site family event for the experiencing their first stall at Southern year: Supper Under the Stars. During the evening was a great way to spend the night."

Cross Grammar to our secondary event, families enjoyed an evening of students visiting the stall at recess music, clay making, and a glimpse into For Taryn Paddle, the Vice President of to purchase presents, the stall was a night sky courtesy of the Astronomy of the PFC, her highlight from the night was joyous return to hosting PFC events in Victoria (ASV). seeing families form new relationships person after pivoting in 2020 to support "Seeing people on-site, happy and with one another. "It was incredible the school community. enjoying being in each other's presence watching people coming together.

Before the event, we had set out tables Nez Goc, a Year 2 parent, joined the was a lovely way to celebrate our first in groups of four. Going into the rooms Committee earlier this year after being event for the year," Sarah Payton, the and seeing that tables had been moved inspired by the Committee's passion PFC's President, said. "The night was together and people were forming their for our community and she thoroughly about our community, and that was own communities was really powerful." enjoyed witnessing students' joy at the tangible throughout the event."

"I wanted to be there with the kids, to SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 3 • 14

Steve Thurm (the Coordinator of the ASV's Astronomy for the People section) and volunteers from the Society facilitated telescope viewings, guiding

families as they explored the night sky from our oval.

"We had a look at some of the bright objects in the night sky and showed families where the Southern Cross sits.

We also showed them the objects that sit fairly close to the constellation such as the Jewel Box and Alpha Centauri," Steve said. "By the end of the night, we managed to get 150 people through the telescopes."

Vivian Saad's daughters, Alicia and Claire, looked through the telescopes during the evening, and learnt some tips on how to star gaze from home. "It was a fantastic experience," she said, "Alicia has a telescope at home so it was fantastic getting lots of tips from the ASV. The tips came in handy and we got to see the moon very clearly a few weeks ago when we had the eclipse."

For Amer, having grown up in the Northern Hemisphere, viewing the stars from our campus was a new experience.

"I grew up in the Northern Hemisphere and so, was raised with different star patterns compared to the Southern Hemisphere. It's amazing to see and learn how different communities around the world use them to navigate," he said.

"From a scientist's perspective, it was a great event to see people engaged with

the science. I think that as a school, one of our roles is to raise public awareness and understanding of science. It was wonderful to see how the PFC brought science and our community together."

Our secondary students and student leaders showed leadership as they volunteered their night to assist with the event. Lucas Lambous, a PFC volunteer and lead organiser for the event said, "Seeing students' engagement and passion for the school, especially as a parent with a young son, gave me joy that my child has someone like them to look up to."

As our community looks ahead to our tenth year and The Centauri Project's launch in 2022, the PFC are excited for the opportunities the new building will bring to continue fostering connections with our families and wider community.

"The Centauri Project brings with it an exciting opportunity for our families to collaborate and connect with one another, Taryn said.

"There will be spaces that lend itself to how we can engage with the broader community, and our school community.

We are excited to work, in collaboration with the school, to continue fostering the strong connections we have enjoyed at SCG."

^ The Astronomy Society of Victoria volunteered their time at Supper Under the Stars to give families a glimpse of our night sky.

Parents multipled the fun at the PFC's Mother's Day Stall.

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A NEW DAWN FOR SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR As The Centauri Project rises in front of the SCG Community’s eyes, there is undoubtedly a palpable excitement building along with the Project.

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In speaking to students, families and staff about what they are excited about in the building, it is clear that the increases in facilities and opportunities for students, staff and the wider community is something well understood by everyone.

Head of Music, Robert Graham, hot off the success of the Autumn Music Concert said, “The Centauri Project comes at an exciting time for the Music Department.

From the Alumni spaces to welcome back our graduates, through to the auditorium that will house audiences of 400, and the two libraries that will be utilised into the evening for tutoring and study, there are so many small and significant investments in student learning, staff capacity, facilities and community building.

level boasts rehersal spaces, sound and video recording studios, classrooms and a flexible, more intimate performance space.

As our program continues to grow, with plans to expand our ensemble programs Plans are already underway for not only and form an orchestra, I am excited the building, but for the learning and the to host concerts and performances in the auditorium for our families and community connections that will take place in the facility in 2022 and for many community." years to come.

The Performing Arts spaces on the third

Annie Huang's enthusiasm for the Project was contagious: “I’m excited to use the library, practise in the music rooms, and perform in the auditorium.

The construction looks incredible and I can’t wait to enter the building for the first time next year.”

“The new auditorium also gives our Sound and Production students new opportunities to build on their learning and practical experience, with more scope to facilitate organising the sound and programming at concerts and community events,” Robert said.

For Head Prefects, Aaryan Ram and Hannah Merry, having watched Southern Cross Grammar grow from a single building, The Centauri Project symbolises the school’s growth. “Every day as we pass by The Centauri Project, we are reminded of how much our Southern Cross community is growing,” they said.

“With one of us joining in Year 7, and the other in Year 3 when SCG was no more than a single building and a handful of students, The Centauri Project represents the growth of Southern

Cross Grammar into a blossoming community. We are honoured to be part of the school during its dynamic growth phase. We look forward to enjoying the building as Alumni.”

Excitement about The Centauri Project has also been evident in groups like the Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV) who enjoyed speaking to our Principal and PFC members about sharing the facility for the benefit of the wider community in Caroline Springs and surrounding areas, to take evening lectures and cultural events.

The time-lapses and photos shared with our families and the wider community show the pace and the progress of the building. In July and August, the building will begin to transform as the remaining structures start to outline the shape and impressive volume of the facility.

Services from electrical, audio visual, plumbing and climate control are all well underway and have been staged to maximise the efficiency of the build to launch in 2022.

The Centauri Project represents a new dawn for Southern Cross Grammar as we mark our tenth anniversary together.

This impressive resource will not only serve the school well, but will also provide a significant venue for the wider community and the surrounding area.

We are excited to welcome students, parents and the community into the building in 2022.

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KEILEN'S BRAVERY INSPIRES ALL Seven-year-old Keilen Galang gave our community a masterclass in bravery and skill as he performed for the first time in front of the school during our ANZAC Day Assembly.

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A skilled pianist with a growing list of accolades to his name, including receiving Honours in his Grade 2 AMEB exam and winning the SCG’s Got Talent Junior School category in 2020, Keilen had only performed for his teacher and parents, and on his YouTube channel.

Mozart's Sonata in C Major - Allegro (1st Movement) with flair.

After the Assembly, senior students left their classrooms to congratulate Keilen on his performance. “The encouragement Keilen received from the students, especially the senior “Keilen has always been shy, so we tried students, boosted his confidence,” his to boost his confidence a little by getting father, Gerson, said. “When he came him to perform in front of people.” his home, he was so proud.” mother, Li Sarn, said.

As Keilen’s confidence continues to The ANZAC Day Assembly took place with families, including Keilen’s parents, watching via livestream. While they could not be there in person to watch him perform, they were touched by the support and encouragement Keilen received from staff and students.

grow, he has also taken inspiration from our senior soloists. Gerson said, “After the Autumn Music Concert, I asked [Keilen] if he could see himself playing on stage like [the older students] one day, and he said, ‘I think so. I’m not that scared anymore.’”

“We were relying on everyone [at school] to calm his nerves down so he’d be brave to perform, and the support from the music faculty, Mr Graham and Mr Dodd gave him the push he needed to get on stage,” Li Sarn said.

Keilen’s courage and drive to expand his music knowledge has also led him to join the Junior School Choir.

In a tender moment before the Assembly, Mr Dodd spent time with Keilen to share words of wisdom and comfort as he prepared to take to the stage. “It was nice for Mr Dodd to spend time with Keilen,” Li Sarn said, “and to find out later that the reason Mr Dodd sat [on stage] was to back [Keilen] up meant so much to us and Keilen.”

For his performance, Keilen played

said, "It was wonderful to see Keilen overcome his initial nerves and gather the courage to present a performance at such an important occasion. I was impressed with his musical talent and am excited about his involvement in the future of our music program."

Keilen is preparing to sit his Grade 4 AMEB exam later this year, and Li Sarn and Gerson are excited to see his confidence grow. They are also looking forward to one day seeing him perform in The Centuri Project’s auditorium.

“We can’t wait for the new building to be ready, and to watch all the performances there. Maybe one day, Keilen will play the piano onstage.”

As part of the choir he performed at the PFC’s Supper Under the Stars event and at the Autumn Music Concert.

“Seeing him up on stage, and being able to watch him live brought tears to my eyes,” Li Sarn said.

“It’s so different watching [music performances] remotely, and being there to watch him perform was a very nice feeling.”

When speaking of Keilen's courage Robert Graham, the Head of Music, SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 3 • 19

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FOUNDATION BUILDS CONFIDENCE In their first event for 2021, our Foundation students hosted their parents for the annual Foundation Breakfast and Parent Morning.

During the event the Class of 2033 shared breakfast with their families, toured them around their classroom and showcased the skills they have learnt this year, before reading books together in the autumn sun.

The Breakfast was a proud moment for Suzan Kibar and Cindy Thlimenos, having worked closely with the Class of 2033 and their families to lay strong foundations for students to excel in their first year at Southern Cross Grammar, and beyond.

"The first year of school is especially significant for families, so [the Breakfast] was a nice way for parents to see their children in the classroom and see how settled they are with their school routines and learning," Cindy Thlimenos said. "The pride students felt when sharing what they have been learning in Foundation so far with their parents was also a massive highlight."

Term 2 also brought more exciting leaps for students as they embarked on their first excursion to Tiny Chef in Essendon in Week 4. "From kneading dough to smelling foods and tasting them, the excursion was all about linking our learning about our five senses in the classroom and exploring it further," Cindy said. "The students did really well as it was their first excursion.”

The Class of 2033 and their teachers are currently counting down to their 100 Days of Foundation next term.

The celebration signifies much more than their first hundred days of school; it signifies the growth they have experienced during that period as they look ahead to the many milestones they'll achieve at Southern Cross Grammar, and as students over the next twelve years.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM FOSTERS BRIGHT FUTURES The six-week after-school program is opening students to new ways of learning.

From coding and programming to designing art from popular culture, our after-school co-curricular program is equipping primary school students for bright futures. Run by a group of teachers, the six-week program has expanded students' skillsets in the Arts and STEM, and opening them to new ways of learning.

"Coding helps the development of problem-solving skills, computational thinking, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and language," Nissa Caldwell, the Year 4 teacher who heads the coding and computing session said. ^ Nissa Caldwell explores coding solutions with students in the afterschool program.

Nissa joined Southern Cross Grammar in 2020 having taught computing and hosting coding clubs at her previous school in London.

During the computing session, students write code for their Sphero

^ At their Tiny Chef excursion, students baked pizza and cupcakes, and made milkshakes.

robot to navigate a maze. "It’s rewarding to see how excited students are when they write successful code," Nissa said. "That ‘a-ha!’ moment when something clicks for a student has to been one of the best aspects of being an educator."

Benjamin (Ben) Hearn's life-long passion for the arts and popular culture lies at the heart of his session, with students building and designing their own wands from scratch while Harry Potter plays in the background.

Wand making goes beyond painting and designing. It introduces students to manufacturing skills such as sanding and using a hot glue gun. "If we think about the arts and creative subjects, you will not find a better industry to develop students' critical thinking in a way that is transferrable to other fields," Ben said.

The multi-faceted nature of the afterschool program speaks to the school's commitment to personalised learning and finding new ways to cater to students' interests. "Not every school offers what we do," Ben said, "so we are doing well in offering personalised learning opportunities for students to partake in, from such a young age."

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HITTING THE TARGET IN YEAR 4 The Class of 2029 were all smiles and excitement as they journeyed to Anglesea in the first week of Term 2 for their Year 4 Camp.

The 2021 Year 4 Camp was especially significant for the Class of 2029 as it marked their first overnight camping trip outside Southern Cross Grammar after an adapted Year 3/4 Day Camp at Bacchus Marsh last year.

In true Southern Cross Grammar spirit, students leapt into their adventure at Anglesea with enthusiasm, challenging themselves as they conquered the rockclimbing wall, built rafts using recyclable materials, and solved cryptic clues around the camp site.

Krishika Sharma's highlight from the camp was successfully rock-climbing for the first time and challenging herself during the canoeing activity. "Rock climbing was so awesome because I touched the red top, twice," she said.

"Canoeing was scary at first, but we got used to it and I got more confident. Then we even played games while working in small teams in the canoes."

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also strengthened students' connections and relationships with their peers and teachers. "The Camp helped students foster an understanding of collective responsibility, which has been a very visible outcome from the group once we returned to school," Romina Pimpini, the Head of Junior School, said.

As leaders of the Junior School, the Class of 2029 have settled into the school year and embraced their role as role-models to younger students.

"We have been grateful for our camp being so early in the year, as it has really galvanised [the Class of 2029] including the new students to our 2021 cohort,” Romina said.

“The students have shown a renewed appreciation for each other, which is great to see, as many have known each other since Foundation at Southern Cross Grammar."

^ During the Year 4 Camp, students partook in activities including yabby fishing, canoeing, and archery.

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LEADING BY EXAMPLE Iman Balla has been awarded the Bachar Houli Foundation's community award for her work in its Girls' Leadership Program and in the wider Muslim community.

Staff member, Iman Balla, has been awarded the Bachar Houli Foundation's community award for her work in its Girls' Leadership Program and in the wider Muslim community.

Having grown up in a home where volunteering was the norm, Iman followed in her father's footsteps from a young age, volunteering her time within her community.

"My dad has always been involved in the community and so I've always been, whether it’s running school holiday programs for youth, doing some advocacy work in the mental health space or just trying to create a more cohesive and inclusive Victoria," she said.

Her willingness to give her time to help others and her love for teaching through stories and art, led to her being asked to volunteer at the Islamic Museum of Australia. She has been a tour guide for six years.

Two years ago she crossed paths with the Bachar Houli Foundation, having volunteered to assist with one of the girls' workshop about identity. Following the workshop, she was subsequently asked to be a mentor in the girls' program. "The Foundation asked me to help out because they knew I have a background in sports (athletics), had done well in school, and was spending time trying to create a sense of togetherness within Victoria, through cross-cultural experiences. So they thought I could be a good mentor to the girls."

Iman inherited her love for sports from her family. However, it was her prep teacher, Ms Sera, who suggested to her father that she join a little athletics club.

From there, Iman has been the recipient of accomplishments including the winning gold at Australian Junior Track and Field Championships, and training at the Australian Institute of Sports.

As a mentor at the Bachar Houli Foundation, Iman and a team of three women facilitate workshops about wellbeing, leadership, and identity. She has also spearheaded updates to the

Program to further cater to the needs of young women, while encouraging girls to participate in sport.

"Being a Muslim woman, I don't see enough young women who look like me doing athletics or participating in local sporting clubs," Iman said. "When I wonder why, I think it’s because Muslim girls and women don't always feel included and so don’t end up joining.

“By being present, I'm not only pursuing my passion but also trying to diversify spaces where diversity isn't the norm, and you feel like you stand out."

Iman's presence at the Foundation as a high performing athlete is making an impact in the lives of young women, as she empowers them to stand strong in their identity and pursue sports, either recreationally or professionally.

There is power in being visible, not only to Muslim girls and women in sports, but to people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. "I've been wearing the hijab for the last few years [...] so now that I'm training for competitions, I've noticed that there are currently no options for competition apparel items like a long sleeve top or a headscarf,” Iman said.

huge. So, by being there, I can change the conversation. Whereas if I'm not there, those conversations are probably never going to be had."

Iman's drive to make a difference in the lives of young people and women led her to pursuing teaching; something she thoroughly enjoys. "Part of the reason I am a teacher is because of my passion for empowering young people—girls and boys alike—to understand their potential and empower them to reach it.

"Whether it is in the classroom or in the [Bachar Houli Foundation] Program, it's about creating the space for young people to grow self-awareness of their strengths, be challenged in a supportive environment, and gain the knowledge and skills to ultimately become a person who can authentically give back to their local and wider community."

One of the highlights from Iman’s time so far at the Foundation took place after a public speaking workshop: "A lot of the girls at the workshop were very shy and during the session we gave them some skills and methods to confidently present and get their message across in a way that was impactful and meaningful.

"By the end, a lot of girls in the program stepped up into positions of leading other girls, encouraging [them] to use their voice to create change."

“By being present, hopefully, I can make sporting bodies more aware that we need more options with [sportswear] if people are going to feel like they're included.”

Iman's stance and visibility comes as we reach a reckoning in our zeitgeist with local and international brands diversifying their sportswear lines and making spaces for all women regardless of faith, size, ethnicity and ability.

"If a young girl looks at me and says, I want to do athletics, or any sport for that matter, because I don’t have to choose between my values and my passion, I can have both…then that would be

‹ Iman Balla (left) was awarded the Bachar Houli Foundation's community award by Bachar Houli (right) at the Foundation's annual Ramadan Iftar.

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SCG CRICKET TEAM HISTORY IN THE MAKING

CLASS OF 2021 LEADS THE WAY The Class of 2021 have embodied their role as OUR YEAR 7 CRICKET TEAM student leaders within the COMPETED FOR THE FIRST TIME ATschool and in the FAIRBURN PARK ON MONDAY 22 wider community, as they prepare for successful MARCH AND DEFEATED CREEKSIDE futures beyond Southern Cross Grammar.

COLLEGE AND BRAYBROOK SECONDARY COLLEGE TO SECURE THE TITLE.

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From leading the House spirit at the 2021 Swimming Carnival to exemplifying excellence in their academic and cocurricular endeavours, the Class of 2021 have come into their own as leaders in their own right.

Students have also taken charge of their future as they look ahead to the next chapter of their lives beyond Southern Cross Grammar. Earlier in Term 2, students attended the 2021 VCE and Careers Expo at the Melbourne Showgrounds to network with universities and pathway providers.

“The event was a great opportunity for students to explore their pathways for the future, especially seeing all the universities in one place” Dr Amer Ibrahim Basha, the Head of Year 12, said.

“Some students realised that there are more options available to them than they first realised, and other students kept their options open as they spoke to university representatives.”

From leading the House spirit at the 2021 Swimming Carnival to exemplifying excellence in their academic and cocurricular endeavours, the Class of 2021 have come into their own as leaders in their own right.

The Class of 2021 marked another milestone together with the donning of their Year 12 Jumper.

Designed by Head Prefects, Hannah Merry and Aaryan Ram, in collaboration with staff and their peers, the Jumper symbolises their journey so far as Southern Cross Grammar students and esteemed members of our community.

“Designing the Year 12 [Jumper] was an honour but also a great responsibility to make everyone happy with their jumper without feeling undervalued or disregarded,” Hannah and Aaryan said.

“The atmosphere amongst the Year 12s was full of excitement with students trying on their jumpers and taking lots of photos.

“We aspire to help next year's prefects with designing and [creating] their jumpers. [It’s] a tradition that we hope is passed throughout the school each year, to symbolise the handing down of responsibility and leadership as each cohort enters Year 12.”

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The Class of 2021 have come into their own as leaders of our school community over the past semester.

As Head Prefects, Hannah and Aaryan have led their cohort and our student community with poise and confidence, volunteering their time to assist with school events such as the PFC’s Supper Under the Stars evening and leading whole-school assemblies including our ANZAC Assembly.

Southern Cross Grammar prides itself in being part of a strong and diverse community in Caroline Springs.

In a year where we could go beyond our driveways to pay our respects to those who served our country, Aaryan and Hannah represented our school at the Caroline Springs RSL Sub Branch’s Dawn Service.

"It was a pleasure to be involved in the wider community and have a part in something bigger than Southern Cross Grammar,” Aaryan and Hannah said.

“Witnessing soldiers commemorate the sacrifice of their fallen comrades provided us with a greater insight into the significance of ANZAC Day. “Meeting the Mayor truly capped off the momentous occasion, representing the importance of taking time to acknowledge and remember those who served our country. Overall it was an event we will always cherish and are grateful to have been a part of.”

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As Head Prefects, Hannah Merry and Aaryan Ram have led their cohort and our student community with poise and confidence, volunteering their time to assist with school events such as the PFC’s Supper Under the Stars evening and representing Southern Cross Grammar in the wider community.

When speaking about the Class of 2021’s achievements, Amer remarked on their successes with pride, saying, “When a student succeeds, we all succeed.

"So, to see students' success, especially in their leadership has filled me with pride, and is a reflection of the whole school. It shows that we are not building learning machines; we are building young and capable young adults who have pride in themselves and their school.”

› Head Prefects, Hannah Merry and Aaryan Ram stand with Junior School students DeAndre Jong and Maria Astrakhantsev at our ANZAC Day Assembly.

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CLASS OF 2025 STAGE TAKEOVER Year 8 Theatre Technical students took to the stage in an outstanding debut of their studentled, produced and directed musicals, The Fridge and Scars.

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‹ Students perform and manage technical aspects from the night.

It began with a question of what students could create when given multiple theatre production roles. The answer was a stunning production of student-led musicals, The Fridge and Scars. The Fridge is a political commentary on our present media landscape and Scars focuses on the story of a daughter as she follows in her father's footsteps to compete in Stock Car Auto Racing.

True to the full theatre production experience, students were designated a production role such as assistant director, scriptwriter, lead actor or lighting designer.

"The best way to learn is to do," Toly Sawenko, the Year 8 Theatre Technical teacher said. "By students doing the roles found in musical and theatre spaces, it not only gave them an understanding of the background work that goes into producing a musical but also gave them a level of ownership to their assigned work and role."

The task also connected students with skills and areas they were passionate about to not only maximise their learning, but challenge them to learn new skills.

"A musical seemed an appropriate form for the task as students who also had an interest [in music] could also use their skills in the production and in class," Toly said.

Hannah Marasigan composed the music for The Fridge using piano chords to signal shifts in scenes. Select Entry students Jacob Stark (Music), Lucas Wojton (STEM), and Maddy SalomonBest (STEM) composed the music for Scars, with vocal performances from actors on the night.

As well as applying knowledge from their areas of interest, students also learnt new skills relating to theatre such as script writing, sound mixing, production design, stage management, and promotional marketing.

Rhianna Tasevska learnt to sew and designed vintage costumes for Scars. Madison Mackenzie-Ross and Mackenzie Morgan Leheny sourced and acquired the correct clothing and apparel for actors in The Fridge.

online tools,” he said. “However, the biggest challenge for me personally was figuring out how to use Photoshop. The tool was very new to me and I watched videos day until I was able to figure my way around the app. Because of this, I was then able to help my peers with their programs.”

Also assisting with production on the night was our student media team, who recorded the musicals for families unable to attend the event due to restrictions.

"Filming the productions allowed parents the appreciation of the production, and future students the ability to learn about what students did in the past," Toly said. "It also gave our media production crew another opportunity to refine their media production skills.

"There was a strong sense of community on the night, which again re-iterates the Arts' ability to unite people and give them a common purpose."

Yash Padmawar used Photoshop for the first time to create the poster for The Fridge as part of the promotion team.

"I chose to create the poster because I have a very good understanding of SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 3 • 31

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MEDIA CHAMPIONS STUDENT VOICE Our newly formed student media team has added another element to student voice and agency at Southern Cross Grammar.

Having been formed in term 2, following the school's investment in industry leading media and visual equipment as part of the 2021 upgrades, students have been quick to take charge of the co-curricular offering.

Whether it is capturing moments that bring our community together to filming tender moments between students, the program and (equipment) has had a positive impact on how students engage with media.

"It's fantastic to see the imagery and quality of the videos students are producing, especially working in 4K," Media teacher, Toly Sawenko, said. "It's the standard expectation we have when consuming media and other streaming services, and so, to see it in a school setting really lifts the quality of students' work and the pride in what they make.

"Being part of the media team, students

feel part of a greater community of storytellers currently here in Australia and around the world."

At Southern Cross Grammar, we are passionate about opening new doors and avenues for students to try something new and expand their skillset.

The co-curricular media program has accomplished that with some students participating in videography for the first time. "[As part of the program] students have have learnt a lot about how cameras work and how to operate them. They know how to set up a tripod, and are using industry up-to-date videography equipment," Toly said.

"By equipping students with industry equipment, the message we send to students is that [they] are not just students; they are leaders and can be leaders in the film and media industry."

^ Alexander Fu and Toly Sawenko check their media equipment before a school event.

avocado farmers, thereby keeping up with the demand for the fruit.

Professor Mitter has been generous with her time, intellect and experience in offering to work with our teachers and students to design and develop skills, and experiences for our school that are only found in the domain of universities.

Connecting with universities and industry partners is an important part of our learning strategy at SCG: bringing authentic and contemporary research to our students, and providing industryleading mentors for students wanting to extend themselves by making a difference though science.

LEADING FUTURE SCIENTISTS WITH PROFESSOR NEENA MITTER We are privileged to be collaborating with Professor Neena Mitter and her incredible team from the University of Queensland to design a plant tissue and stem cell lab as part of our 2022 Science and Technology upgrades.

Professor Mitter and her team made headlines in June 2021 after successfully completing the world-first restock trial which sees 500 avocado trees created from a single millimetre cutting.

The upgrades will be completed in time for The Centauri Project's launch in 2022.

The ground breaking innovation could transform the avocado industry and beyond by reducing wait times for

Next year at Southern Cross Grammar, as students, staff and families walk through the STEM precinct, they will be greeted by the pink glow of our new plant tissue and stem cell lab, including the cutting edge learning it will be supporting.

We are excited to be leading the next generation of scientists at Southern Cross Grammar.

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PERSONAL PROJECT A SUCCESS FOR STUDENTS Southern Cross Grammar’s history of connecting students with their passions has led to their success both at home and in their communities.

Sienna Kostadinovic and Zeina Rauf volunteered at Arcare Sydenham Aged Care to connect with older residents in their community.

“For our Personal Project we wanted to support the elderly, especially during COVID, because they were apart from their families and friends,” Sienna said.

“We began by getting in contact with an Arcare facility close to us, emailed back and forth, went in for tours and started volunteering at the centre.”

During their volunteering at Arcare, Sienna and Zeina decided to create care packages for the residents and communicated with external organisations including Commonwealth Bank to support their initiative.

Mackenzie Morgan Leheny demonstrates her AUSLAN skills to her peers during her Project presentation

Sienna and Zeina hope to add a small COVID pack and a personalised letter

Our Select Entry STEM students have built water filtration systems, with the Water Works Program, to make clean water accessible for communities in refugee camps.

A 2019 report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found that 1 in 3 people do not have access to safe drinking water, with some 2.2 billion people lacking access to safely managed drinking water services and 3 billion people lacking basic SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 3 • 34

“For our Personal Project we wanted to support the elderly, especially during COVID, because they were apart from their families and friends."

The Personal Project has also led to students’ personal development as they explored new skills and ways of learning.

Mackenzie Morgan Leheny learnt Auslan, having watched a show earlier in "We wanted the care packages to make the year about American sign language. [the residents] feel supported and “I thought it’d be interesting to learn comforted during that time," Sienna said.

Australian sign language, so I signed The care packs contain a pair of fluffy up for an online course that taught socks, a stress ball and hand cream. beginners level,” she said.

MAKING CLEAN WATER ACCESSIBLE

Students’ collaboration with Water Works comes as part of their investigations into Design Thinking and drive to tackle real world issues and find solutions using STEM.

from a Year 6 student to the package, before delivering it to Arcare once restrictions ease. “We want the residents to know that the community is thinking of them during this time,” Zeina said.

handwashing facilities.

Following her experience in the online course, Mackenzie can sign the

such as rock and dirt particles, and bacteria such as Cholera and Typhoid.

The filters students built filter out these particles, due to their ceramic filter. Year 7 Select Entry STEM students, Aaryan A, and Zayaan Tabish said, “The water filters use a ceramic filter which can filter our up to the micron (0.001 mm), which is the size of a bacterial cell.

"The water filters will be sent to the Rhino camp in Uganda and will save hundreds of lives.”

The Water Works program partners with people and organisations around the world to build and donate a water filtration system to increase the health and wellbeing of communities in need.

Building the water filters went beyond assembling parts. The project lent itself to many subject areas including Biology, Geography and the Arts as students learnt about water pollution and filtration techniques.

People’s lack of access to clean water often leads to them digging to find water, and drinking it straight from the ground. The impact of doing this has been devastating to communities with the consumption of physical objects

“The Water Works project went beyond building the filters. We also explored subject areas such as Biology and Geography to deepen students’ knowledge of the tasks at hand, and why the lack of access to clean water

^ Sienna Kostadinovic and Zeina Rauf talk about their care packages, created for the residents in Arcare Sydenham Aged Care. alphabet, greetings, everyday objects and more.

She hopes to be a teacher one day and credits having learnt Auslan to expanding ways of looking at communicating with others. “I hope to be a teacher but now that I’ve learned Auslan, I can expand on it further. It has opened more options for me to pursue.”

Watching students make a difference in their communities and build their knowledge in areas that interest them has been a joy for Personal Project Coordinator: Jade Panozzo. “It has

Matilda Merry, Ishika Parekh, Esha Grover and Krystal Tran created colourful and warm care blankets for their local animal shelter. During their Project presentation, their peers got a close look at their work.

been really pleasing to see all the Year 7 and 8 students maintain a positive attitude especially considering this is a new subject and for some a new way of learning,” she said.

As well as pursing subjects that interest them, students also learnt important soft skills which Jade hopes will assist them in their future jobs and careers.

“During the course of the program students developed important soft skills such as communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills. This will hopefully assist them when attaining part time

jobs and during their career paths in the future.”

Sienna and Zeina hope to enter careers that are community-based. “We’re really passionate about talking to people and interacting with them, so we hope to do more community-based projects in the future.”

WATCH STUDENTS' PERSONAL PROJECT STORIES

is an issue we should work together to solve,” Rajnesh Ram, the Head of Science and STEM, explained. “From a Biology perspective students looked at bacteria and filtration systems. Through a geographical lens we learnt about the conflict in Uganda and its impact in people's access to clean water. We also collaborated with the Art department to create an artwork for the slates that came with the packs.”

Students designed artworks that showcased Australia's fauna and aspects of Australian culture. “Our slate designs included things like Australian animals, four n twenty pies, AFL balls, and cricket bats,” Zayaan said.

The water filters are currently making their way to Rhino Camp, and are being tracked via the 3 Billion Stories project.

You can follow the filtration kits’ journey and learn more about their transformative impact in the communities they are delivered to here.

The Water Works program partners with people and organisations to build and donate a water filtration system for communities in need.

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