SCG Magazine: Issue 6, June 2022

BONUS CONTENT INSIDE

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THE CENTAURI CENTRE HUMAN CENTRED DESIGN STEPPING INTO LEADERSHIP YEAR 7S RISE TO THE CHALLENGE LIGHT THE LIGHTS

CENTAURI

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Issue 6, JuneISSUE 2022 SCG MAGAZINE: 6•1

CONTENTS

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20 | YEAR 7S RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

22 | LIGHT THE LIGHTS 25 | REACHING NEW HEIGHTS 25 | PRIMARY LEADING THE WAY 26 | VALE, MR ZIG INGE AM 42 | INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS SHINE

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FEATURES 08 | THE CENTAURI CENTRE

14 | STEPPING INTO LEADERSHIP

The Centauri Centre speaks to our school's ambition to foster a personalised approach to student learning as they navigate their way towards bright futures.

Year 12 marks a significant milestone in a student’s life, and the Year 12 Induction formally acknowledged the Class of 2022 as our most senior students.

10 | HUMAN CENTRED DESIGN

26 | GROWING IN THE WILDERNESS

Our design collaboration with Erna Walsh and Janet McCullouch has been described as one that puts “students, staff, and our community at the heart of the project”. We spoke to Erna and Janet about the value of human-centric design in creating spaces that foster high performance learning and celebrates community.

The Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp set hearts pumping as students navigated challenging weather conditions as they hiked iconic trails, kayaked Tidal River, and scaled the granite peaks of Mount Bishop and Mount Oberon.

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

As we embraced everything the opening of the Centuari Centre had to offer this term, we were reminded that good things come to those who wait.

Our community’s patience and support were rewarded many times over as we gathered together to learn in beautiful spaces, ate together at social gatherings, and celebrated in assemblies and many numerous functions.

We also celebrated the diligence, belief, and determination of many before us.

The founding principal, Mr Andrew Ponsford, the Parents and Friends Committee, previous staff, and every family that supported the school over the past decade has provided the current and future generation of SCG families boundless opportunities to learn and grow in such premier facilities.

Shortly after the opening of the Centuari Centre, we also received the sad news of the passing of Mr Zig Inge AM. Mr Inge, along with his entire family, were key in the opening of SCG, quietly, yet substantially providing the support we needed in those initial founding years.

This support and warm relationship were captured in the 2021 Yearbook, and we take this moment to thank and acknowledge the great support of Mr Inge. His great example of a life well lived will continue to provide a significant influence for generations of

SCG students. We extend our warmest condolences to Mr Zig Inge’s family at this sad time.

Life continues to present unique challenges in running a school, but also more broadly, our unique personal reactions and coping with the experiences of the past two years.

Add our management of shortages in supplies, staff, and materials, and the triumph of what we have collectively achieved this year becomes clear.

The reward has been richer and deeper than any irritation or demands placed on us. To see students rising to meet the incredible standard of their new surroundings and the effort and resilience adopted by all has been worth it beyond any doubt.

this edition of our Magazine, I’m sure you will look deeper to consider the care and skill of our wonderful staff. Their planning and determination to keep the school open each day this Semester, to maintain, and in some instances even grow our enrichment and co-curricular programs despite the many challenges is a joy to be a part of and a great benefit to each student at SCG. We look to the second semester with equal determination and optimism as we continue to work together to build bright futures for our students.

From Foundation students reading proudly in the Library through to Year 7 students catering for hundreds of parents, the Centauri Centre has invited us to be our very best, to be grateful, and to make the most of the privileged opportunities we are fortunate to enjoy at SCG. Beyond buildings and wonderful resources, SCG will also place people and our relationships above all else—this is the formula for success at school and beyond—both academically and more holistically. When you consume the many successes and adventures highlighted in

From Foundation students reading proudly in the Library through to Year 7 students catering for hundreds of parents, the Centauri Centre has invited us to be our very best.

WATCH STUDENTS FIRST REACTIONS OF THE CENTRE WHEN WE WELCOMED THEM INTO THE CENTRE SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 6 • 4

The Centauri Centre represents a quantum step forward and speaks to our school's ambition to provide a personalised approach to student learning as they navigate their way towards bright futures.

With specalised areas including our music and performing arts spaces, commercial kitchen, art studios, and auditorium the Centauri Centre provides students with opportunities to explore and define their success while preparing them for a tertiary style environment.

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The Library is a dynamic space featuring sophisticated furniture for learning and study. Students have been thrilled by the many opportunities the space offers for group and focused work, and the suite of technology to aid their study.

Having watched the Centre break ground and rise to take proud place on our campus over two years, students and staff crossed the Centre’s threshold on Wednesday 27 April 2022: the first day of Term 2. The first students to enter did so in spectacular fashion through the sky bridge connecting the Middle School Building to the Centre heralded as a quantum step forward for our community.

This quantum step broke ground, took shape, and gained momentum in the backdrop of lockdowns, remote learnings, and staggered returns to site as our community adapted and persevered through the pandemic.

As it rose and grew in prominence, the Centre came to symbolise our community’s hopes and dreams of brighter days ahead as we marked our tenth year. Events like the much celebrated Autumn Music Concert in Darebin and the announcement of Matilda the Musical, cast our community’s gaze on the future; of performances being hosted on-site in our own auditorium.

Upgrades of our Middle School Building which saw the completion of our STEM Precinct, the introduction of flexible learning spaces with upgraded audiovisual and multimedia resources to support sophisticated and more SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 6 • 6

The commerical kitchen has been a delight to the senses as students hone their culinary skills. personalised ways of learning, and beautiful year group hubs for students and staff to connect offered a glimpse of what was to come.

From the moment students and staff took their first steps into the building, the warmth, learning, and vibrancy in the Centauri Centre has not stopped.

The library and cafe on the first floor hums with activity at all hours of the school day with students studying, collaborating, and connecting with their peers and staff.

Having learnt how to make coffees and beverages on our barista coffee machines with guidance from generous staff, secondary students take morning

The Centauri Centre is always a hive of activity, whether it is calculating biometrics of peak performance in sport in the auditorium, performing in our music and performing arts spaces, or controlling sound and lighting above the auditorium. orders and cater to students and staff before and after school.

In the evenings, the large library tables that signal the transition between the cafe and library become features of our evening tutorials where students meet with staff for tutoring sessions or quiet study in the focus pods. On Wednesday mornings, parents become a lovely addition to the space as they, together with our school’s leadership team, share their visions for our school.

The 400-seat auditorium has been a triumphant uplift for our community to gather to celebrate milestones including the Year 12 Induction, Year 6 Leaders Assembly, music performance evenings such as the Music Soirées; and for students to innovate with sound, design, and lighting. Before and after school, our Matilda the Musical cast sing, dance, practice stage directions, and rehearse their lines as the opening night draws nearer.

The commercial kitchen with its walk-in freezers, fridges, and state-of-the-art equipment has been a delight to the senses as students apply their culinary skills, experiment, and cater in the space for events.

In the commercial art rooms and studio art rooms, students design and are inspired by the natural world as they

overlook gum trees and lush field at Becca Way.

From the moment students and staff took their first steps into the building, the warmth, learning, and vibrancy in the Centauri Centre has not stopped.

After waiting patiently for months to return to our campus, having watched and listened to the many stories of joy and excitement from the Centre, we were delighted to welcome families into the Centauri Centre.

The music and performing art spaces on the second floor opens new doors for the next generation of performers and creatives as students lead the operation of state-of-the-art equipment whether audiology, videography, lighting or stage management.

Adaptable classrooms with interactive whiteboards and multiple screens allow students to work in university tutor style arrangements, adapt the room to their needs.

In the Year 12 Common Room, the Class of 2022 study, complete assignments and share their recess and lunchtimes together, making the most of the time they have as a cohort in their final year.

At night, during events such as the Year 12 Induction, the space transforms into a beautiful restaurant for our community to enjoy culinary delights prepared by our students.

The Centauri Centre gives us further opportunities to connect with parents and friends of the school, and continue fostering strong relationships.

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The Library and cafe has been a resounding success with students working collaboratively, studying privately, or working with staff during classtime and for after school tutoring.

The Foundation Morning Tea and Centauri Twilight Tours were apt events to show parents the new facilities and have them see and experience the work and learning taking place in the building.

Hosted in the Centauri Cafe, the Morning Tea introduced our Foundation families to the Centre where their young child would one day learn, perform, grow, and navigate their senior years at Southern Cross Grammar.

It is evident from speaking to our students, staff, Alumni, and families that the Centauri Centre has ushered in a new era for our community with the incredible lift and scale in opportunities for students to navigate their own course for their future.

The Centauri Centre’s Twilight Tours were a welcome return to touring families on our campus. As well as welcoming families back on-site, we also welcomed Alumni, as we shared in the Centre and Middle School Building upgrades, and acknowledged those who paved the way in our school’s proud history.

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The sounds of violins and other musicial instruments are frequently heard from the auditorium as students rehearse for performances. Pictured above are our Mini Strings students preparing for their Music Soirée performance.

It is evident from speaking to our students, staff, Alumni, and families that the Centauri Centre has ushered in a new era for our community with the incredible lift and scale in opportunities for students to navigate their own course for their future.

Like the many generations who looked to the Southern Hemisphere, to Alpha and Beta Centauri, the Centauri Centre sets our sights to the future and to the possibilities it brings.

Like the many generations who looked to the Southern Hemisphere, to Alpha and Beta Centauri, the Centauri Centre sets our sights to the future and to the possibilities it brings.

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CENTAURI CENTRE TWILIGHT TOUR SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 6 • 9

^ Having begun their Food Studies learning this year, our Year 7 students have engrossed themselves in the commercial kitchen, cooking and learning new techniques. Their skills served them well in cooking and catering for the Year 12 Induction.

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^ Left to Right Students make coffee and serve beverages in the cafe, following their training with staff earlier in the term.

Our young Strings musicians rehearse in the auditorium in preparation for our F-12 Music Soirees The art rooms are a vibrant hub of creativity, filled with natural light and overlooking the trees across our campus.

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ERNA WALSH CEO and Co-founder Kfive + Kinnarps

JANET MCCULLOCH Principal Interior Designer JMC Design

HUMAN CENTRED DESIGN

Our design collaboration with Erna Walsh and Janet McCullouch has been a resounding success and described as one that puts our community "at the heart of the project”. We spoke to Erna and Janet about the impact of human-centric design in creating modern and beautiful spaces that foster high performance learning through personalisation, and celebrates community.

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In speaking with Erna Walsh and Janet McCulloch about their design collaboration with Southern Cross Grammar for the Centauri Centre and Middle School upgrades, it is evident that their passion for human-centred design and their alignment of values with our school led to the resounding success of both projects.

“The collaboration with the school, Janet, and myself was a fantastic match because everything we do is humancentric and has people at the heart of the process,” Erna said. “The entire project from start to finish was all about

the school community because while buildings are important, they are for people to use.”

The human-centred nature of both projects is evident in the personalisation, care, and thought in the design and curation of teaching and learning spaces, and hubs for our community to gather.

From opening hallways to allow for easier flow of movement and traffic in the Middle School Building through to creating vibrant spaces for connection such as the Year 7 Hub and Year 12 Common Room, and aiding dynamic modes for teaching and learning

through introducing flexible furniture in classrooms, the choices in design and furniture all support outcomes for high performance learning, work, and collaboration.

“Every student works differently and every teacher works differently," Janet said. "You can't get the best out of people if you rigidly pigeonhole them into one way of sitting and learning.

“One important feature we introduced to classrooms was a combination of higher seating and lower seating. So this meant students had the option of whether they wanted to sit at a table with stools or a SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 6 • 15

table with regular height chairs. All these options were reconfigurable to allow for flexible learning.”

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Having being introduced to the school by Janet due to an “innate sense that she would resonate with the school and its philosophies,” Erna Walsh’s passion for sustainability and ethically made furniture added another element of sophistication to the project.

The Centauri Centre features sophisticated and beautiful furniture that adapts to different modes of learning and promotes human connection. Ottomans and structured zones lend themselves to collaborative work and learning; tables with stunning wooden finishes draw students and staff to connect, hold meetings, and complete focused work; and flexible furniture promote learning in a university tutor style arrangement.

“I am a believer that furniture should last as long as a tree, and at KFive, we work with brands and manufacturers who care about the environment and create sustainable and ethically-made furniture,” Erna said.

In speaking of the use of colour and patterns in the space, Janet said, "It was important to use colour throughout [the Centauri Centre and Middle School Building]. I wanted a more mature solution and something that was more calming, so we used a lot of dusty colours that are a little more muted but still give a beautiful colour pallet. The patterns in the Centre are also muted to offer a sense of calmness and tranquility."

The use of colour, furniture selection, and patterns in the spaces, together, are reminiscent of what you would see in tertiary environments.

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In 2020, KFive joined the United Nations Global Compact: the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, to drive change through innovative solutions in areas including human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption.

Erna and KFive’s philosophies regarding the individual and environment was evident whilst curating furniture for the

school. This included prioritising furniture that used vegetable glue, non-chromium coatings, and non-toxic foams. “Glues are really complex materials and does so much to children’s environment because the air they breathe also emits from furniture, and lasts five years,” Erna said.

“I wanted to make sure students were not breathing toxic glues or materials. That’s why we decided to use vegetable glues and non-chromium powder coatings, and that’s really unusual, even for a school.”

The Centauri Centre’s spaces have been well celebrated in our community with areas such as the Year 12 Common Room —which transforms into a restaurant during celebration evenings and events— reflecting the richness of our school and our community.

In speaking about the Year 12 Common Room and its multiple functions for our community to gather, Janet said, “The Year 12 area celebrates the diversity of the school community. We set up the space so you could have groups of people coming together, whether Year

12s or the community, for events and functions.

"Matt [Dodd] was really keen on families being involved and parents being able to come in and show different traditional ways of how they cook and eat as part of celebrating significant cultural events in their communities.”

More recently the Year 12 Common Room was transformed into a vibrant restaurant for the Year 12 Induction. The event saw Year 7s cater and serve guests of over 200.

students', and staff’s faces as they entered the spaces for the first time this year, and seeing the community’s reactions and use of the facilities. ”I’ve never seen a school that looks like Southern Cross Grammar. There’s something about it, when you walk in, that makes you think ‘This is special’. It just feels special.

"There’s a lot of love that has gone into both projects, from everyone involved, and that shows and lends a warmth to the space. I think a lot of that has to do with Erna and Janet have been blown away by the direction that Matt is heading in and our community’s reactions and response what he wants from the school. With the to the Centauri Centre and Middle School completion of both projects, that vision has definitely come through.”

Building upgrades.

“The face can tell a million words and the expressions on students faces in the photos and videos shared, show genuine and real joy,” Erna said. “It has truly been a highlight of my career.”

Janet echoed her statement saying, “It’s amazing seeing the joy in parents', SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 6 • 17

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The Library, as is custom with the spaces in the Centauri Centre contain vibrant and flexible furniture. Our young students explore the comforts of one of the chairs in the library during their first visit.

Students work together in the cafe after school.

Year 2 Strings students perform during the Music Information Evening in Term 2.

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STEPPING INTO LEADERSHIP Year 12 marks a significant milestone in a student’s life and in their journey toward adulthood. With the opening of the Centauri Centre a few weeks prior, the significance of formally acknowledging the Class of 2022 as our most senior students was felt by all as students, families, and staff gathered in our newly commissioned auditorium.

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School Captain, Antonio Magro, addresses students, families and staff at the Year 12 Induction.

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(Left) School Captain, Pallavi Reddy, addresses guests at the Year 12 Induction. (Right) Jeremy Ramos performs Yiruma's 'River Flows In You'.

"Formally introducing our Year 12s as the Class of 2022 and the most senior leaders of our student body in front of our community and their families, is an important moment in their academic lives as they journey through this significant year,” Dr Amer Ibrahim Basha, the Head of Year 12, said.

The Year 12 Induction joins the suite of milestones and events that have marked the Class of 2022’s journey this year as soon-to-be graduates. Having begun the year with their Year 12 Leadership Retreat at YMCA Lady Northcote and presented with their Year 12 Jumpers in Term 1, the Class of 2022 cemented their place in our school’s proud history as the first graduating class to formally set foot into the Centauri Centre.

Having watched the Centre rise and take shape on our campus over two years, and having listened to the many stories that have come from the Centre since its opening on the first day of Term 2, the night was especially poignant for the Class of 2022 with their families in attendance at the Centre.

“I was so pleased to see parents’ and family members’ happy faces as they stepped into the Centauri Centre to support students in such an important time in their student journey. After years

of social distancing and time apart, the warmth of seeing new and familiar faces together in the Centre was so welcomed,” Dr Basha said.

truly supported by all members of our community.”

“One prominent highlight for me was seeing parents inside our new building and areas for the first time,” Year 12 student and School Captain, Antonio Magro, said. “It was clear that they enjoyed the spaces, from the Year 12 Cafe and Common Room to the classrooms, first floor library and cafe, and of course the auditorium.”

Year 12 is a journey not achieved alone, but one achieved with the support of and guidance of many, including staff and parents. The night formally acknowledged this important partnership with statements of commitment from staff, parents, and students to support one another and the Class of 2022.

For School Captain, Pallavi Reddy, watching her parents lead the parent statement of commitment was a “proud moment” and one that reinforced the commitment shown throughout her life to her learning and development. “It was really great to see all the students, teachers, and families together show their support for our year level. It has been a source of comfort and joy for us as a cohort to know that we are

^

The Year 12 Common Room was transformed into a restaurant for the event.

School leaders and members of the Executive Leadership Team donned their academic colours and gowns for the Induction.

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Our Year 7 students rose to the challenge of designing a menu in preparation for the event, and cooking and catering at the Induction, serving over 200 guests.

The Year 12 Induction was made all the richer by our Year 7 students who cooked and catered the supper following the event. Having worked hard behind the scenes in the days leading up to the Induction, the Year 7s, led by our food studies team, crafted a delicious menu fit for such an occasion.

“The night would not have been the same without our Year 7s and their hospitality,” Dr Basha said. “We all enjoyed their delicious menu and seeing the passion they had for their roles, whether it was cooking in the commercial kitchen, making beverages, or serving food and drinks in the Year 12 Cafe.”

The night was especially poignant for the Class of 2022 with their families in attendance to mark such a significant milestone in their journey towards adulthood.

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The night was as much a celebration of the Class of 2022 as it was of the diversity within the cohort and our community more broadly. To end the night, students shared messages of well wishes to their peers in their native language(s). "Seeing students' well wishes on the auditorium screen added another layer of warmth to the evening, not only for our students but to their parents and grand-parents as we acknowledged the many cultures that form our community," Dr Basha said.

The Class of 2022’s Year 12 Induction marks the beginning of a new tradition at Southern Cross Grammar in formally acknowledging the milestones that shape a student’s journey into adulthood.

When speaking about the impact of the Induction on future Year 12s to come, Dr Basha said: “The Year 12 Induction sets a tradition that will hopefully continue for many years to come. As we enter “Our gowns and graduation colours the next decade of our school, events are an important part of our identity as individuals,” Dr Basha said. “It also shows like these give us opportunities to build traditions that reflect who are as a the diversity in our leadership team and community that is multicultural, diverse, how we all, collectively, have combined our different areas of expertise to support and high performing.” our students and community. It is also a As the Class of 2022 set their sights on the future, they saw a glimpse into the many diverse and successful futures that await them during the night with members of the Executive Leadership Team and staff leaders donning their gowns and graduation colours for the event.

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powerful message to our students to aim high and pursue their academic dreams.”

Madeline Mistero performs 'Allemande' from Bach's Cello Suite No. 3 SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 6 • 25

WATCH OUR YEAR 7S IN ACTION AT THE YEAR 12 INDUCTION SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 6 • 26

YEAR 7S RISE TO THE CHALLENGE “When the email came out for Year 7s to cook at the [Year 12 Induction], I straight away put my hand up to volunteer,” Naomi Matta said when speaking of her decision to cook and cater for the event.

As well as creating the night’s menu with her peers and the food studies team, Naomi also cooked in the Centauri Centre’s commercial kitchen preparing fries and adding finishing touches to menu items before they were served to the 250 guests in the resturant.

beverage orders at the Year 12 Cafe and cooked in the commercial kitchen.

The Year 12 Induction marked the first event hosted and catered for in our new commercial kitchen. “The commercial kitchen is an amazing venue that fosters opportunities to think big, and catering for the Year 12 Induction has been such as significant moment for the food studies team and students,” Food Studies teacher, Steven Lascelles, said.

Our Year 7 students’ hospitality speaks to the powerful and lasting relationships we enjoy at Southern Cross Grammar; more so our Buddy Program which sees our Foundation students mentored and cared for by our Year 5 students. This partnership eventually matures over time and reaches its full cycle when the once dependent Foundation students serve their now Year 12 mentors at significant milestones in their life including the Year 12 Induction and Valedictory Breakfast.

“The Induction marked the first time we used some of the high-end equipment such as the Combi oven for the first time and put the kitchen through its paces, which it passed with flying colours."

The Year 7s were also mentored by older students, Zara Joachimiak and Arber Bregu, who were keen to share their hospitality skills and knowledge.

Zara’s passion for volunteering and her work in the Centauri Cafe drew her to joining the event’s cooking team. Prior to the event, she and Arber assisted the food studies team with prepping for the night. During the event she took

“Being able to work in such an amazing kitchen, alongside the Year 7s and staff was such a privilege,” Zara said. “The Year 7s were engaged throughout the entire process and were always happy to assist and try something new. I was also able to impart my knowledge of various baking, prepping, and cooking techniques to them as we worked together in the kitchen.”

For Naomi, and indeed her peers, having been mentored by the Class of 2022 as young students, being part of their Year 12 Induction has been one they will never forget. “I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to cook for the Year 12s, staff and families in the first major event in the Centauri Centre, and also be part of their Induction.

"As the youngest high school students, it felt nice to see and be part of supporting our oldest students in the high school.”

When speaking about students’ hospitality Steven said, “Our students have a hospitality where they seek out opportunities to give back to their community while gaining valuable experience and skills that they can take with them through life.

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"I am proud of the Year 7 students, Arber, Zara, Ms. Panozzo, Ms Moss, and Ms Goudy for how they came together as a team, used initiative to provide a professional service."

The Year 12 Induction was made all the richer by Year 7 students and their mentors, who worked with the Food Studies team to cook and cater for the event.

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Year 12 students cook in the commercial kitchen in the last week of term after our Food Studies team generously the space to students during their wellbeing sessions. Nutrition is such an important part of health and wellbeing, and becomes even more vital as students navigate their final year of secondary school and prepare for the next stage of their lives beyond SCG. SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 6 • 28

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LIGHT THE LIGHTS With state-of-the art spaces including a 400-seat auditorium boasting sophisticated technologies to support sound, visuals, and lighting, and a performing arts centre for students to rehearse, learn, and develop their skills in music production and theatre, the Centauri Centre has elevated our school’s ambition for excellence in music and performing arts.

Head of Music, Rob Graham, credits this increased ambition in music and the performing arts to the Centauri Centre’s design and the dynamic opportunities it provides for the next generation of performers, musicians, and theatre professionals. “The performance spaces within the Centauri Centre have been designed with the professional performer in mind with the flexibility to use spaces for rehearsals, to present live performances or to create music recordings,” he said.

three nights, featuring performances from our Voice, Brass and Woodwind, and Strings students.

From Year 7 Creative Industries students developing their personal projects in areas such as project mapping, music performance, and podcast creation; to sound production students operating professional audio equipment to refine their audio production and recording skills; and students, including the Matilda the Musical creative team, designing professional backdrops to be projected in the auditorium for productions and concerts, the creative vibrancy in the Centre never stops.

In the auditorium after school, another type of rehearsals take place as 4 August approaches: preparations for Matilda the Musical. Having begun their rehearsals in the auditorium in early Term 2, the cast have been making themselves comfortable on our newest stage.

The music community marked a significant milestone with the arrival of the school’s first Grand Piano, which stands proudly in our auditorium. When speaking of the significance of the Grand Piano for our community, Rob said, "The Grand Piano marks a significant chapter in our music program, and our young pianists have thoroughly enjoyed performing and honing their skills on such an advanced instrument."

Having waited two years to step foot into the Centauri Centre, Term 2 has been a whirlwind of music events and rehearsals as staff and students make use of every opportunity for success. As such our community have enjoyed a number of events including the Music Information Evening which saw performances by our Year 5 Band, featuring brass and woodwind, and the Year 2 Strings students; and Music Soirées, held over SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 6 • 30

“We have been overjoyed to welcome our community into the Centauri Centre for performance nights,” Rob said. “Their awe and excitement, upon entering the building and experiencing the significant spaces including our auditorium has been a delight to see. Students’ enjoyment of the Centre shows in their performance and the events we have held this term have been a resounding success.”

"Rehearsing in the auditorium has made the Production very real for students, having gone from rehearsing in smaller spaces while waiting for the auditorium to be completed," Producer, Maddison Attard, said. "So even looking at the seats and knowing it will be filled for the production, and discussing the location of the green rooms and where students will have their makeup done and costume change has built the excitement for them too."

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^ Top to Bottom

A Primary School student performs in the auditorium during the Primary Lunchtime concert.

Students rehearse in the auditorium as Matilda the Musical prepares to hit the Southern Cross Grammar stage.

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WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR 4 CAMP SCG MAGAZINE: ISSUE 6 • 34

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS When describing the experience of swinging through the sky on a giant swing, Ava Tkatchyk says, “All my friends pulled me up so high I could see over the trees. Then I pulled a string and swung back so fast I could hear the wind whistling in my ears.”

The Year 4 camp is a highlight in the Year 4 calendar and one that sees students engage in a number of team building initiatives and other camp activities while experiencing the natural coastal environment. For the Class of 2030 their camping experience was all the more significant as it marked their first off-site camp.

To prepare students for the camp, Year 4 teachers Nissa Caldwell and Cindy Thlimenos had regular discussions with students on what to expect. This included showing them photographs of their camping location and encouraging camp routines such as packing their bags. “With this year’s camp being students’ first out-of-school camp, we spent a lot of time talking about all the exciting things they could look forward to,” Nissa and Cindy said. “This included sharing pictures and footage explaining

what their cabins would look like as well as activities that were on offer. We also encouraged students to pack their own bags so they knew where everything was and offered lots of tips before heading off to camp.”

Watching students immerse themselves in the many opportunities their camp had to offer was a personal highlight for Head of Primary, Mrs Prue Petsinis, who spent time with students during the camp.

“Witnessing our students loading, aiming and shooting an arrow in archery; hand mixing their own damper then cooking it over a camp fire; and learning new skills and embracing the various challenges offered during the camp was wonderful to see,” she said.

The Year 4 Camp was Jacine Randhawa’s first camp experience and she enjoyed learning new camp routines and participating in the camp’s activities. “I loved doing all the activities on camp with the kind YMCA staff,” she said. “It was so exciting and fun, especially the beach activities. I also had lots of fun settling into my bunk and putting my sheets and blankets on, and laughing with my friends as we set up our cabin.”

Our students form life-long memories during camp and for Ava, partaking in the rich experiences at Anglesea is one she will never forget. “Year 4 Camp was my first ever camp and I had the most fun I have ever had in my life. I won’t ever forget it.”

Students made bush damper during their camp. Originally made from the flour of crushed spinifex seeds, bush damper has been a diet staple for thousands of years.

At the Leadership Assembly, Head of Primary, Mrs Prue Petsinis spoke of her pride in the cohort’s leadership to date, saying, “I have been incredibly impressed by the way you involve yourself in the activities we hold in the Primary School.

"Your Harmony Week activities saw you model kindness, respect, generosity, and a willingness to step up in your role as Primary Leaders.

“You have truly shown that you are role models for our Foundation to Year 5 students.”

Our 2022 Year 6 Portfolio Leaders stand with Mrs Prue Petsinis outside the Centauri Centre.

PRIMARY LEADING THE WAY In the first event of its kind held in the Centauri Centre’s auditorium, our Year 6 students, the Class of 2028, were formally acknowledged and celebrated as leaders at the Year 6 Leadership Assembly.

The Class of 2028 were quick to establish their place as leaders in the Primary School community this year, hosting Harmony Week activities and initiatives in Term 1 to bring everyone together.

During the assembly students were presented with their Year 6 Badge and took a student pledge led by School Captains, Antonio Magro and Pallavi Reddy, in their first official role as Captains.

In ending the Assembly, Mrs Petsinis gave a call to the Class of 2028 to take the opportunities offered to them and also create their own. “SCG has much to offer and I encourage you to take up opportunities, but to also create your own opportunities.”

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An aerial view of Year 4 students and their teachers at the Year 4 Camp in Anglesea.

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GROWING IN THE WILDERNESS The Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp at Wilsons Promontory National Park set hearts pumping as students navigated challenging weather conditions including wild gusts and rain as they hiked 13-16 kilometre trails, kayaked Tidal River, and scaled the granite peaks of Mount Bishop and Mount Oberon.

When describing the Year 9 Outdoor Education camp program, Head of Health and Physical Education, Liam Ogden, describes it as one which encourages students to “have a greater appreciation of the natural environment.” This appreciation of the natural environment Wilsons Promontory provides which includes coastal environments, lush rainforests, and dry forests was taken to another level as students found themselves hiking, kayaking and scaling peaks in challenging weather for the first time.

Preparation for the outdoor education camp began with students learning about the Australian environment and wilderness first aid, which included completing an assessment to show their competency in treating ailments such as snake bites and rolled ankles.

To physically prepare for camp students trained once a week in the Sports Science Centre with a focus on strength and conditioning to prepare themselves for carrying heavy packs—which ranged between 15-20 kilograms —before transitioning to practical elements such as setting up tents and cooking with trangia cookers.

These dynamic skills served them well as they navigated and adapted to the challenging weather that met them at Wilson’s Promontory and remained for the duration of the three day camp. This included adapting their original sea kayaking activity, originally placed for the Walkerville Bay, to a kayak across Tidal River. “During the first day of camp students chose an activity they would like to complete, and had chosen sea kayaking which was to take place at the Walkerville Bay.

One of the highlights of the camp was hiking 13-16 kilometre trails including the iconic Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit Walk. the weather made the camp much more challenging than previous years, students didn’t let the circumstances dampen their spirits as they worked together and applied their practical skills to make the camp a memorable one of experiencing

the iconic landscapes and diverse environments Wilsons Prom had to offer.”

"However due to windy weather, we found ourselves adapting the activity to take place on Tidal River. Students had fun kayaking up and down the river, and learnt new practical skills, as they hadn’t done something like that before,” Liam said.

Highlights from the camp also included close encounters with wildlife such as wombats, possums, and native birds.

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The variety of environments Wilsons Promontory provided students during their hike and camping adventures was a highlight during the camp.

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On their first day of camp students kayaked Tidal River, having adapted their previously planned sea kayaking session.

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INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS SHINE Students’ creativity and innovation were at the forefront of Design Week as they researched, brainstormed, and designed innovative solutions to real-world issues with Crazy Ideas College.

From crafting solutions to timely and important issues such as climate change, pollution, and accessibility, students enjoyed showcasing their projects and ideas, as well as passion projects and

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broader learning in the Arts and STEM, to families at the Exhibition of Learning evening.

Parents’ support and genuine curiosity for students’ projects were a highlight, as well as the productive discussions they had with students about how we can all work together to build brighter futures for all.

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During the Exhibition of Learning evening, parents interacted with students' projects and had productive discussions on the issues facing our world and how can all work together to build brighter futures for all.

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The Exibition of Learning evening also showcased work completed as part of our Personal Project program, Theatre and Technical elective (which included performances from our Year 8 students). and Select Entry STEM and Music Programs.

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Students catered during the event, making beverages for guests and their peers.

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^ Right to Left Mr Inge plants the Inge tree on our campus during the school's official opening on 18 July 2011 Upon news of his passing, students paid their respects by placing flowers under the tree.

VALE, MR ZIG INGE AM On behalf of the SCG Community we pass our condolences to the Inge family during this sad time at the passing of Mr Zig Inge AM. We take this moment to acknowledge and celebrate a life well-lived and acknowledge Mr Inge's significant impact in so many aspects of our State, and for Southern Cross Grammar as a significant supporter of our school.

Southern Cross Grammar stands proudly on the Inge campus in honour of Mr Inge. His proud legacy of philanthropy and innovation will remain a significant influence for many generations to come.

Vale, Mr Zig Inge AM.

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Communities grow strong when people plant trees that they’ll never enjoy the shade of.

Planted in 2011 by Mr Zig Inge AM, at the opening of SCG, the Inge tree has grown strong in tandem with our school.

His support for the foundation of SCG, his life well lived, and his kindness will forever be a valuable example for the SCG community to follow for generations to come.

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