Going to the Margins

In this our 125th year, we have chosen the theme ‘Going to the Margins’. Students and staff have been challenged to explore our theme throughout the curriculum, by looking for opportunities to learn about, experience or get out and about and support people in need. Here is how some of our Learning Areas showcased Going to the Margins.

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

In Year 8 English, students studied the film Edward Scissorhands and discussed the idea of the Gothic outsider. We have all imagined what it would be like to be an outsider in a society that judges you for your appearance. Students were tasked with turning themselves into Edward to experience the feeling of judgement. It gave them a glimpse into the world of the outsider, alienating and confronting which was illuminating.

(Bottom) Students with their Edward Scissorhand costumes.

VCAL VISITS TO EMBRACIA

VCAL students have begun a partnership with Embracia Aged Care. They meet with the residents and interact with them and learn about their lives. The students have begun to develop friendships with the residents, they’ve been making friendship bracelets, playing bingo and cards and sharing afternoon tea. As the residents have experienced a great deal of isolation over the past two years, the visits are very much appreciated and residents are happy to have such great company. Our VCAL students have seen the impact of isolation and strive to make the lives of the residents a little cheerier.

(Above) VCAL students getting to know the residents.

We would like to extend an invitation to past Visual Arts students to exhibit current work in our end of year Art Exhibition.

For details please make contact with Ms Sandra Boicos at boicoss@columba.vic.edu.au or 9331 9480.

VISUAL ARTS AND THE HOMELESS

This project is inspired by street artist, Michael Aaron Williams, who tapes his drawings of homeless people to walls so that anyone who passes by might want to stop, take them off the wall, and bring them home. And if no one does? “They will cease to exist,” Williams says. “They will be destroyed and blown away in the wind or other forces that will rip them down and throw them away”. The Visual Arts team put up artworks on cardboard around the College, with the intention to bring awareness to the plight of those experiencing homelessness. The College community were asked to determine the fate of the artworks. Like Williams’ project, staff and students could take home the artworks to provide them shelter for a night or more. Gold coin donations were collected with proceeds going to organisations helping the homeless.

(Right) One of the many ‘homeless’ artworks scattered throughout the College.

SPEAKING ITALIAN

Our Year 11 and 12 Italian students were invited by the VCAL students to attend Embracia Aged Care and communicate with and engage in activities in Italian with the residents. The Year 12 students had just completed their first unit on Italian Migration to Australia post World War 2. During their visit, they asked the residents questions about when they migrated, why they migrated, what they missed most about their homeland and what opportunities Australia had given them. It was an eye-opening experience for students to hear these stories first hand. As part of the Year 11 unit on Passatempi students engaged in traditional Italian games such as Scopa and Tombola, as well as just spending time chatting in Italian. It was rewarding for the students, who not only had the chance to put their Italian language skills into practice, but to connect with the residents in a meaningful way.

(Left) Italian students talking to residents about their migration to Australia.