The Dragon | Edition Four | 24 March 2023

THE DRAGON

AND EVENTS FOR ST GEORGE’S PARENTS

From the Principal

Tina Campbell

The ACC Swimming Championships this week were a wonderful example of team spirit at its absolute best. A strong and united whole team effort saw St George’s take out victory at the ACC Division E Swimming Carnival held at HBF Stadium. St George’s were able to work together to secure the win 104 points ahead of their nearest rival. Team St George’s was elevated from F Division in the last carnival series of 2021, so to win the E Division so convincingly was a fantastic result for the team. Congrats Team St George’s!

Being part of a team is a vital and integral part of life as a student within a school-based setting. Collegiality, collaboration, developing the capacity to listen and learn from others by interacting with a broad cross section of society, enhancing one’s own happiness and sense of self, and consistently trying one’s best all emerge naturally from being part of a well-oiled team.

The American Psychologist released ‘The Science of Teamwork’ in 2020, a study of a body of evidence that found that working in a team actually makes you smarter, more creative and overall, much

more successful. This has been evidenced this week across a multitude of different areas where the sense of being part of a St George’s Team has shone particularly brightly.

As a small school community, we create several wide-ranging opportunities for our students to be part of a broad cross-section of teams. Whether this be on the sporting field, through a variety of our co-curricular endeavours, in the classroom, or as members of our wonderful vertical PCG groups, there are many opportunities for all St George’s students to be part of a team across multiple year groups and with a wide variety of different students – they just need to sign up and seek to be part of the team.

We have a culture of students getting involved, underpinned obviously by a genuine sense of curiosity to try something new and to develop and master their current skill set – from joining our Debating or Mock Trial teams, to being involved in the ACC Swim Squad with its early morning training sessions, to being selected as a member of our SRC, an Anglicare Ambassador or a PCG Mentor or even being committed to the St George’s Worlds’ Greatest Shave

Team – there have been numerous opportunities to belong to a St George’s Team this term. St George’s students are encouraged to not just be on the sidelines but to be involved, to actively and enthusiastically participate, to give new experiences a go and to develop that special sense of belonging that comes from contributing to the success of a team. Inclusivity is a strong thread in our approach as a school to being part of a team – everyone plays their part, everyone’s contribution matters, and everyone wins just by being involved.

We embody a culture of students supporting each other to build these valuable skills for success. Older students are seen as role models for our younger students, experienced team members offer guidance, support and advice to those who are newcomers to the team, and the concept of mentoring is widely celebrated across the school so that we grow and develop all students regardless of their capabilities into competent and skilful members of a team.

Through their participation in a broad range of teams, St George’s students stretch themselves physically, intellectually, and

Term 2 | Staff Update

Miss Chelsea Wulff will be joining us in the Inclusive Education Centre next term as Mrs Sasha McArthur leaves us to take up a leadership role within the boarding house at Perth College. Miss Wulff will commence her role as an Education Support Assistant on Monday, 3 April to allow for a full handover to occur with our students and staff. Miss Wulff comes to us from Wesley College where she is currently coaching rowing and rugby. She is studying her Certificate IV in Education Support and is excited to join our fabulous Education Assistant Team.

Mr Peter Quan has been appointed to the Acting Head of Year 11 and 12 role as Mrs Ingrid May departs St George’s at the end of term. Mr Quan is well known to students and their families and is looking forward to working with them as the Head of Year 11 and 12 for the remainder of the 2023 school year.

Mr Alex Hanssen will take over as the Acting Head of Gandhi House from the start of Term Two. He is keen to maintain and improve upon the competitive spirit that is well known and already fully developed within Gandhi House.

emotionally. They emerge with closer connections from outside of their immediate friendship groups, they begin to value the support of their peers and they get to know, understand and appreciate both themselves and each other at a much deeper level.

Whilst all who have been members of a St George’s team this week have been able to express their individual personalities whilst equally contributing to the success of the team as a whole, most importantly I hope that they have also had fun within a team-based environment and stretched themselves to embrace the new opportunities presented to them whether they have won or lost as part of the team.

CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU from me to all who have contributed to the success of one of our many teams this week. Team St George’s is indeed a brilliant one.

Mrs Tina Campbell Principal

Mr Ken Maddess will join our HASS Department from the start of Term Two. He is currently teaching ATAR P&L and Humanities at Living Waters Lutheran College. He is a member of PLEWA (Political and Legal Educators Association of Western Australia). He has a Master of Teaching from UWA and a Bachelor of Arts (History) and Bachelor of Laws (1st Hon) from ANU. He has been teaching ATAR P&L for several years, has managed a successful Mock Trials Team at Living Waters and was a State Prosecutor for the DPP prior to becoming a teacher. He will join us to teach Humanities and P&L next term and this week undertook a shadow day to meet some of his classes. Ken is looking forward to working in the city again and bringing his HASS classes to life with the many city-based experiences that he has planned for them.

Mr Conrad Sloan will take leadership of the St George’s Outdoor Education Program from the start of next term as Mrs Jackie Sullivan commences a new more position closer to home.

Chaplain’s Corner

I am passionate about helping youth grow into great leaders. My own leadership skills were developed by my parish priest many years ago when I was a teenager using the observer-participant method. In our School chapel services I encourage students to unleash their potential.

Currently, I am studying the Gospel of Mark with five lovely young ladies (known affectionately as ‘The God Squad’) on Wednesdays 3.30 - 4.30 pm. The Gospels are a powerful tool for empowering young people.

Here are few quotes from our God Squad members describing their experience:

“I feel like the God Squad has brought me closer to God, and I now have more understanding of God. It’s helped me learn more about God and what he is like. Learning in a smaller group we are able to look at the Bible in more detail.” - Stella Bain.

“God Squad has helped me connect with God and has given me the opportunity to reflect on and improve things in my life. This environment allows me to be comfortable and become the best person I can be.”Naima Flavell.

“Bible study has given me a deeper understanding of the bible and helped me recognise the importance of helping and listening to others, being grateful for what I have, and offering service.” - Asha Freeman.

“Whilst I am not religious, the God Squad is still educationally beneficial and enjoyable for me. I enjoy learning about God and gaining a better understanding of the bible has been exciting, especially, alongside the rest of the God Squad.” - Cate Williams.

“Honestly, God Squad has had a huge impact on me. It has strengthened my relationship with God and given me a sense of peace. Spending time with Father Gift and my peers provides me with the motivation to attend every week, and it offers me a time to reflect and strive to be the best person I can be.” - Alovera George.

God Bless Father Gift

Curriculum Update

Anthony Bochrinis

NAPLAN

Many thanks to all Year 7 and 9 students who attended NAPLAN testing and sought out catch-up opportunities as needed. We had a very high percentage of students able to participate in this year’s national assessment program.

NAPLAN results will be made available to families in early-mid Term Three once supplied to the School.

UWA Starter Program - New Partnership Opportunity for Year 11/12 Students

St George’s is delighted to announce that we are partnering with The University of Western Australia for the pilot of their UWA Starter Program in 2023.

The UWA Starter Program will provide a unique opportunity for senior students to start their university experience early by completing a range of interesting and compelling microcredentials via online learning lectures provided through UWA while still at school.

The courses on offer are diverse and challenging and would appeal to students considering further studies in law, human rights, science or medicine. The successful completion of three microcredentials also equates to advanced standing for one unit in a number of undergraduate courses at UWA. This is a huge bonus for one’s university pathway.

We are currently accepting student applications for Term 2 courses. What are the benefits?

• Access university-level study in unique courses and specialities.

• Opportunities to learn from UWA academics, who are experts in their fields.

• The chance to try different course areas to help students decide what they want to study at university.

• The opportunity to gain credit towards selected UWA bachelor’s degrees by completing three micro-credentials throughout Year 11 and 12.

• The possibility of contributing to a student’s tertiary studies while in high school by using completed micro-credentials as part of an Experience-based entry pathway to UWA.

Information on the program, including the available microcredentials for 2023 can be found on the UWA Starter webpage and select students in Year 11 and 12 are currently being encouraged to apply. However, there is an opportunity for all students across Years 11 and 12 with a genuine passion in a particular subject to enrol and interested parties are encouraged to see me in my office on Level 1 .

Interested applicants are invited to apply by 4:00pm on Monday 3 April 2023 by completing this application form

Think Like a Chemist

From forensics to the environment, to new materials for a sustainable future, we need to know how “things” are made and work. This micro credential will provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to think and solve problems like a chemist. This micro credential supports Unit 1 and 2 of the ATAR Year 11 curriculum and will prepare you for success in Year 12. This micro credential will involve online material and assessments as well as a hands-on laboratory experience involving cutting-edge techniques used in chemistry laboratories worldwide.

Disease Detectives

Are you interested in learning more about detecting and tracking health problems? In this module you will explore current public health challenges including drug and alcohol use; smoking and vaping; and sexual health, with a focus on disease transmission, causes, and risk factors. You will also learn about how diseases and health related issues can be prevented. By completing this course, you will gain an understanding of public health and whether this might be a career choice for you!

Year 10-12 April Holiday Revision Seminars

These are available for students who are seeking additional support with their studies over the April vacation period. St George’s students have been offered a discount so please advise that you are from St George’s when booking in for your child.

These seminars offer a supplementary avenue to review critical concepts and subject matter, rectify misconceptions, and obtain guidance and assistance from proficient educators or tutors. Through their attendance at these seminars, students will be afforded the opportunity to bolster their comprehension of the course content and enhance their performance in examinations. Click here for more details.

On behalf of St George’s, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the students and families who participated in and supported the School’s World’s Greatest Shave. We are thrilled to announce that our school raised an impressive $12,311. This was the highest amount ever raised by our school. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting the Leukaemia Foundation and its research into finding a cure for blood cancer.

We would like to congratulate the following students who made up Team St George’s for 2023:

Eli Holbeach, Harvey Miller, Harrison Smith, Isla Andrews, Finn Pearse, Gabriel Fourie, Rory Bingham, Charlie Bray, Campbell Bradley, Hannah Shewell, Ryan Chan, Greta Bushell, Dylan Hassan, Lawson Forrester, Lorelei Barnes-Smith, Ben Humphreys, Quinn Slater, William Moesker, Gwen Tan, Brandon Coates.

Harmony

Week 2023

Harmony Week is an annual event celebrated in many schools and communities around the world.

It is a time when people of different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds come together to celebrate their differences and promote harmony and inclusivity.

Harmony Week is an important day on the school calendar as it helps to create a sense of unity and belonging among students, staff, and the wider school community. By celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity, schools can create a positive learning environment that fosters respect and understanding among students of all backgrounds. During Harmony Week, St George’s will organise special activities and events to raise awareness and promote understanding of different cultures and traditions.

The success of the School’s World’s Greatest Shave is a testament to the strong sense of community that exists within St George’s. We believe that it is our responsibility to give back to those who are in need, and this event is a perfect example of how we can do just that.

By coming together and raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation, we have shown that we can make a significant difference in the lives of others. We hope that this event has also inspired our students to continue to look for ways to serve their community and make a positive impact on the world around them. There are many opportunities like this for Service-Learning published weekly on SEQTA and it remains an area of growth for us as a School.

We are truly grateful for the continued support of our students and families, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact that they will continue to make in the future.

St George’s will celebrate Harmony Day next week on Wednesday 29 March during our Extended PCG (Pastoral Care Group) sessions. The day will provide an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful discussions and activities that promote harmony and acceptance.

This week’s Extended PCG

Our vertical PCGs are back and remain a positive point of difference for our School. This week during Extended PCG our cross year group students headed off for a range of activities with their PCG Tutor to encourage stronger bonds and deeper connections.

There were many smiles and much laughter within these important PCG sessions.

Heads of Year Reports

Year 7 and 8

Both Year 7 and 8 cohorts have participated in Anglicare WA presentations during Extended PCG lessons over the past fortnight where Community Engagement Officer, Tegan, facilitated discussions about Healthy Relationships.

The Year 7 presentation focused on Respect: recognising respectful and disrespectful behaviour and understanding the impact disrespectful behaviour can have on others. Identifying gender stereotyping and the impact stereotyping has on everyone was a new topic of conversation for the Year 7s and one which was well received.

The Year 8 presentation focused on Boundaries: understanding, setting, and communicating personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others. Discussions around differences in the online and physical spaces were highlighted and students

Year 9 and 10

I hope those of the Year 10s that joined us for the River Cruise had a wonderful night. It was certainly a great time filled with laughter, dancing, and good food. To all the parents and guardians who I did not get to say this to on the night - thank you for your support of this event and help in making sure the students had a fantastic time.

The Year 10s are starting to explore the options for their work experience in Term 2. No doubt they will be asking for ideas and suggestions at home, and I want to thank you for this in advance. Our focus is on having as many students as possible undertake this within the CBD. There is also the option to do Virtual Work Experience here at school.

Year 11 and 12

Friday, 10 March was a truly magnificent evening for our Year 10 and 11 students. The Crystal Swan provided an amazing backdrop for the river cruise as the students enjoyed the magnificent setting sun over the City. It was wonderful to see our students dressed up for the occasion, and they looked absolutely fabulous.

The evening was filled with delicious food and non-stop dancing. It was an absolute joy to see nearly all the students enthusiastically jumping and dancing, with so much energy that the boat was bouncing.

I would like to extend our gratitude to all staff who provided supervision and support throughout the event, particularly Miss Wilkinson who played a crucial role in organising the evening. The

undertook to spend some time reflecting on their own boundaries and how they communicate them in these spaces.

St George’s staff were proud of the way in which both year groups conducted themselves during these discussions. This was topped off by wonderful feedback from Tegan, the Anglicare WA community Engagement Officer, “The students were absolutely wonderful! They were all so engaged and willing to participate, answer questions and offer their insights. I really enjoyed meeting them.”

Ms Taryn Sephton Head of Year 7 and 8

Both our Year 9s and 10s have put in a phenomenal amount of effort and dedication with the World’s Greatest Shave and I am so proud of them all. It is incredible to see the year groups coming together for a tremendous cause.

Miss Katie Wilkinson Head of Year 9 and 10

students had an unforgettable experience, and it was all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff.

Overall, it was a truly memorable evening, and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide our students with such a fantastic experience.

Mrs Ingrid May Head of Year 11 and 12

Why going to university open days is useful for high school students.

If you are a high school student who is thinking about your future education and career options, you might be wondering whether it is worth going to university open days. The answer is most definitely yes!

University open days are a great opportunity for you to explore different campuses, courses, facilities and activities that universities offer. Here are some reasons why you should attend open days:

• You can get advice from experts: At open days, you can talk to academic staff, counsellors, admissions officers, and career advisers who can help you with your questions and decisions. You can also learn about scholarships, fees, entry requirements

and pathways that suit your needs and goals.

• You can get a feel for the university culture: Open days allow you to experience the atmosphere and vibe of different universities. You can meet current students who can share their insights and experiences with you. You can also participate in information sessions, workshops, demonstrations and tours that showcase the teaching style and learning environment of each university.

• You can discover new possibilities: Open days expose you to a wide range of courses and disciplines that you might not have considered before. You can find out what subjects interest you, what skills you can develop and what careers you can pursue. You might even discover your passion or dream course!

• You can have fun: Open days are not only informative but also enjoyable. You can join various activities such as games, competitions, quizzes, and entertainment that make learning fun. You can also get free goodies such as bags, pens, stickers, and snacks that make your day more memorable.

Going to university open days is a valuable experience for high school students who want to make informed choices about their future education. So don’t miss this chance to explore your options and find out what university life is like!

Mrs Sharan Tagore APEx and Careers Coordinator

As Term One draws to an end our Lego Club is slowly making progress with their build. Work stopped for two weeks while we waited for a replacement pack for parts that went missing. Now work has begun again in earnest. Homework Club has also been busy after School with teachers available to help on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons until 4.30pm in all curriculum areas.

We had a lot of new books processed this term and there has been a flurry of borrowing. Students are making the most of their time outside of their timetabled classes to borrow for their extended reading in English classes. Some keen readers have expressed interest in David Eddings’ fantasy series that have been ordered. These are an old series, but clearly loved.

We are starting two book clubs in Term Two. The first will run on Wednesday afternoon in the Library and is open to all students. The second will run, by popular demand, on Friday at lunchtime in the Library. This is a specific “crime fiction” club, for readers from Years 7 to 12. Several students have expressed a keen interest in crime. They can visit me in the Library or direct message me for details.

My own reading has been varied. I finished two of Mark Smith’s young adult, dystopian novels; The Road to Winter and Wilder Country. Distinctly Australian, I enjoyed these for their unromantic exploration of life for a community in the aftermath of a pandemic. While the setting is tough for the characters, there is also hope in the survival of individuals who do not resort to barbarism and mayhem. I have also finished The Perfect Storm, by Sebastian Junger. This is the account of the loss of a commercial fishing vessel in the north Atlantic during an extraordinary storm. The book is a grimly fascinating exploration of the fishing industry and the unpredictability of the weather and the ocean. I am also reading Hamnet, by Maggie O’Farrell. Set in England in the late sixteenth century, this novel explores the impact of the plague on a family as they lose their 11 year old son to the disease. The tragedy is interwoven with the past story of the parents’ meeting and love. Together, let us read.

Dr Annette Pedersen Library Services Coordinator

G ANDHI HOUSE LINCOLN HOUSE MANDELA HOUSE

It has been a very busy few weeks at School for Gandhi House. We have had House Week with several competitions taking place. We have had Chess Competitions, the Super Smash Brothers Gaming Competition, and the Inter-House Volleyball competitions. It was a great turn out of students in all events. Thank you to all students who participated and supported Gandhi.

I also want to say thank you to all the parents in Gandhi House and in the wider school community for their donations to the World’s Greatest Shave. We absolutely smashed our goal of $8,000, raising over $12,000! Of the twenty students who were part of the St George’s Team, 10 students were from Gandhi House. A congratulations and thank you to: Harvey Miller, Harrison Smith, Gabriel Fourie, Rory Bingham, Charlie Bray, Campbell Bradley, Greta Bushell, Dylan Hassan, and Ben Humphries for their courageous efforts to the cause. And who could forget Mr Alex Hanssen who shaved his head and his beard after the team raised over $10,000. My sincere thanks and appreciation to all Gandhi students and their families for being involved in this terrific effort.

During Extended PCG this week, students had their first PCG activity for the year. This gives the students to opportunity to do activities with students within their PCG and develop bonds with students in different year groups. This included visits to food restaurants outside the school to playing board games with their PCG.

With Gandhi Charity Day approaching ever closer on the Thursday 6 April, I am busy behind the scenes preparing for the event. Money raised from this event will be donated to the UNICEF Türkiye Earthquake Response Appeal, to help the families who have been displaced by the recent earthquakes.

More information will follow over the coming days – stay tuned to SEQTA messages and the now much loved and admired Gandhi House Noticeboard on Level 1.

Mr Peter Quan Head of Gandhi House

Last week was our first ‘House Week’ where Inter-House lunchtime competitions were held for students to compete in. This term the options were Chess, Super Smash Bros and Volleyball.

It was lovely to see the amount of Junior school and Senior school students participate with such enthusiasm. We had eight Junior School, and ten Senior School students sign up for the tournament.

The students played 3-4 Swiss rounds to determine the top 4 who would play in an elimination bracket.

Congratulations to Alex Maloney for winning the Junior competition. John Skinner achieved second place, Aman Mohammad third place, and Max Kember fourth place. For the Seniors, Blake Edmonds won the competition with Alex Brown in second place, followed by Mason Chin and Jacob Spargo. Overall an excellent result for Lincoln House!

This week in extended PCG it was also PCG activity week. This is an integral part of our pastoral care program, where students of all age groups in the PCG can interact and bond with each other and their PCG tutors.

Some of the activities Lincoln PCG’s participated in included a sausage sizzle at King’s Park, enjoying ice-cream at Elizabeth Quay, eating out at restaurants in the City, having a picnic in the park and much more.

I encourage all Lincoln students to think of fun and exciting ideas your PCG can do next term!

Mr Vincent Lim Head of Lincoln House

Last week marked our first House Week event, which is set to be a regular occurrence every term in Week 7.

It was great to see such enthusiasm and engagement by students from all three Houses. House Week aims to build House spirit through a series of activities held at lunch time, where students can compete for House Points.

The activities can be anything, not just sports related. Last week we held Gaming, Chess and Volleyball Tournaments. Well done to Finn Turner, Jacob White, Jacob Spargo for winning their division of the Gaming Tournament, Blake Edmonds for winning the Senior Chess Competition, and the Junior Volleyball Team for winning the volleyball competition.

The seniors are yet to play, but we have done such a great job as a House so far. Well done to all students who participated or were involved, and who received points for their House!

This week during Extended PCG, each PCG was able to take part in an activity of their choosing. It was a great to see so many different activities, such as Miss Scheele’s PCG having a sit-down lunch at Little China, some heading to the foreshore, and others enjoying lunch in one of the many parks around the City. This was a great opportunity that allowed students to form stronger and tighter bonds and added to the great House spirit of Mandela.

In Week 10, during extended PCG, we will be having a House Sausage Sizzle at Wellington Square. It will be a great way for students to get to know each other a little better and enjoy the last week of school.

Mr Tom Dempers Head of Mandela House

Around the School

2023 ACC Swimming Carnival

D-Division here we come!

What an incredible day we had at the 2023 ACC E-Division Swimming Carnival. With the 37-degree day forecast, we were thankful to be in the indoor pool and very determined that we were not going to get relegated, and the students definitely made sure of that!

excited and standing up on the pool deck! Team St George’s shone brightly throughout the event.

We have amazing swimmers. Special mention goes to Amelie and Alyssa who swam to Rottnest last Saturday in the Port to Pub and still managed to swim with so much enthusiasm on Monday. There is just no stopping them.

ACC E-Division Swimming Carnival Results:

Our students are incredible Ambassadors for the School, and it is well recognised how St George’s have been moving through the divisions so quickly since our inaugural year in 2017. The students were tenacious and there was an incredible team spirit with the ACC asking us to sit down in the stands because we all were so

NWAS Sports Carnivals

The NWAS One-Day Carnivals are taking place next week. It is an exciting time in the Phys Ed Department.

Selected students and their families would have received a Direct Message with all the details about the Carnivals. Students need to meet in the Fitness Centre at 7:55am. Good luck to all teams and remember “Sport in the right spirit”.

Year 7 & 8 - Tuesday 28 March

Girls Basketball @ Bendat Mr Gharsallah

Boys Basketball @ Bendat Mr Sloan

Indoor Beach Volleyball @ Malaga Miss Yoxall

Ultimate Frisbee @ Carmel Miss Perijmabida

Cricket @ Langley Park East Ms Scheele

Year 9 & 10 - Wednesday 29 March

Girls Basketball @ Warwick Mr Quan

Boys Basketball @ Warwick Mr Sloan

Indoor Beach Volleyball @ Malaga Ms Donovan

Ultimate Frisbee @ Carmel Miss Perijmabida

Cricket @ Wellington Square Ms Scheele

Ms Jodie Scheele

Head of HPE

ACC Championship Basketball

The ACC Championship Basketball rounds are concluding. I believe our Year 7-9 Girls Team will make it through to the ACC Elimination Rounds, which will take place next term.

Many thanks to our students who committed to the games each week. The teams have come up against strong teams in Mercy College and John Septimus Roe, but they keep their work effort up and face the challenge in true St George’s spirit.

I would like to also extend a big thank you to Mr Peter Quan, Mr Conrad Sloan and Mr Yousri Gharsallah who coached our teams and also to Melissa Mann who is our Performance Administrator and does a lot of work administratively behind the scenes. It is a Team effort always at St George’s.

Thank also to our student alumni, Harry and Alex Maude, who gave up their time to referee the games.

Ms Jodie Scheele Head of HPE

Richard III

Death, desolation, ruin, and decay. A summer of discontent! Richard III is truly a play for our times. A Machiavellian usurper engages in riotous infanticide, to steal the crown, only to lose the love of his mother, the respect of his kinsmen and finally, his own life. Australian politics could almost provide the entire cast.

Last week’s Year 11 and 12 ATAR Literature excursion was a great success and is sure be the first of many memorable outings. The University of Western Australia’s Graduate Players provided us with a compelling performance of one of Shakespeare’s darker narratives, on a virtually bare stage, with limited sound effects.

The skies remained friendly and our students were provided with a wonderful foray into the complex art of drama.

Mr Damien Kerrigan Head of English and Languages

Last week saw St George’s return to the Western Australian Debating League. We have registered two teams for this year’s competition and Tuesday night provided us with our first opportunity to square up to the opposition.

Novices

Our Novice team participated in their first ever debating losing narrowly to Mercedes College presenting an affirmative argument on the proposition: “This house would place entry fees on all natural spaces (e.g. national parks, beaches)”.

Our Novices learned a great deal from the experience. I, for one, was fascinated to note how readily they bounced back from a bruising and how quickly they turned their attention to what they would do with what they learned. This was a great example of what students can do when they bring a growth mindset to a challenging context.

On 28 March they will face Perth Modern School to argue against the proposition: “This house believes that anti-war campaigns should place more emphasis on the environmental impacts of war.”

Juniors

Mock Trials

Similarly, the Juniors lost narrowly in their attempt to argue that “This house would de-privatise childcare”. The students involved learned a huge amount from their first experience, including how to interrupt someone in the middle of what they are saying by calling out “Point of Information”!

We were looking forward to debating against Perth College next Wednesday 29 March, however we have just learned that PC needs to postpone, so our next debate will now occur in Term 2. Watch this space!

Ms Elena Jeffcoat-Sacco Maths Teacher

Last Tuesday evening the goal for our new St George’s Mock Trials team was to go up against a strong team so the team could get a real sense of what it is like to perform in the Supreme Court. Mt Lawley SHS gave us a fantastic opportunity and won the overall trial with a score of 129 points versus our 125 points. So close.

The St George’s Team is to be congratulated on their:

• amazing court etiquette,

• excellent preparation,

• strong cohesion for a new team,

• establishing an excellent rapport with the judge, and

• excellent understanding of the law and able to wax lyrical with the judge on subtle points of the trial.

The St George’s Team comprises Kyan Ambrosio, Katherine Mullaney, Neve Gulvin, Seb Searle, Georgia Rose Dewar, Rory Bingham, Eliana Roscoe, Claire Beltz.

We are super proud of the progress they have made so far and look forward to Trial 2.

Ms Mel Thorpe English Teacher

HASS Week 2023

Each year the Humanities Department strives to select a theme for HASS week which speaks to the critical events and developments of our time that affect us all. Our theme this year was ‘The Great Reset’, which is the idea that developed countries like Australia must become more sustainable, more equitable and more innovative to recover from the pandemic and to solve the problems of entrenched poverty and environmental degradation.

Fortunately for Australia and other developed counties, we can see many positive steps being taken by individuals, businesses, and governments toward these goals. We marked HASS Week with several activities including a daily PCG quiz, movies, documentaries, board games, computer-games, and a poster competition (a special shout out to Ms Higgins’ PCG which swept the boards with our quiz).

All these activities were purposed to raising student awareness of our learning area, the exciting themes we study and the intense relevance of their HASS learning to the events and developments which will inform and shape their lives as citizens of Australia and the world.

Mr Brian Mac Gabhann Humanities Teacher

Maths Week

On the eve of Maths Week (Friday, 17 March) 12 Students in Year 9 and 10 gathered at Trinity college for the event of a life time. The Have Sum Fun maths competition! Meanwhile across town 10 year 7 and 8 students were preparing for their own titanic battle at Bob Hawke college.

Both teams gave their all, earnestly discussing problems and showing their mathematical prowess. We may not have won but St George’s was clearly the school having the most fun.

Drama and Dance

Year 7 Drama – Physical Comedy

Over the past few weeks, the Year 7 Drama students have been working hard to develop their physical comedy performances. After working with Yip Yip Circus in Week 2 to develop their movement techniques and physical comedy techniques, the students then devised their own physical comedy performance inspired by a past comedic experience.

I was personality so proud of how the Year 9 and 10s conducted themselves. A massive thank you to all students who participated, parents who shuttled them there and back, and to Mrs Kerfoot for supervising the Year 7/8 teams.

This week PCGs have competed on Nerdle and seen how many of the Tangrams puzzles they can solve. During lunch students participated in maths relays which were riveting to watch as students worked collaboratively to solve problems against the clock. The Maths Department was blown away by the 40 students who came to CQU to watch the teacher vs students times tables competition. The staff winner was Mr Bochrinis and the student winner Oliver Lam.

Miss Chloe Hewitt Head of Maths

Some of the student performances included:

• Burglary gone wrong.

• Two little bears.

• My dog is stuck in the dog door.

• Karen waiting for her meeting.

The commitment and dedication the Year 7 students showed during their performances was commendable, and their creativity and comedic zest has been a highlight throughout the term. Over the next few weeks the students will take on the role of marketing/publicity as they create posters and materials to hypothetically promote a season of their devised performance.

Well done Year 7s on all your hard work and energetic personas.

Year 8 Drama – Costume Design

Over the course of the term, the Year 8 students have been studying realism in Drama and developing a costume design for a character from the text, Lockie Leonard.

After participating in costume design workshops and developing

their knowledge of the elements and principles of design, students then created and analysed original costume designs that suited a representational style.

As costume designs started to roll in, it was clear that their creativity and application of design elements were very successful. Please see this impressive costume designs from our Year 8 student, Jaya Chopra.

Over the coming weeks, the students will take on the roles of actors and directors as they prepare for their realism performance of Lockie Leonard. The collaborative skills and commitment to their characterisations has been impressive thus far.

Well done Year 8s on all your hard work.

Year 9 and 10 Dance – Jazz Technique

particularly excited for this assessment as this will give them the opportunity to have creative freedom regarding their intent and stylistic movement choices.

The Year 10 Dance students will also continue to develop their jazz routine while also beginning their preparation for their first case study of the year.

Year 10 Drama – Scripted Performance (Realism)

The Year 9 and 10 Dance students have been developing their jazz technique and movement retention skills. Students have been learning a variety of phrases exploring the application of warm up components, pirouettes, travelling pirouettes, kick variations, leap variations and routine retention. Students then performed these phrases and their jazz routine for their jazz technique assessment.

The Year 9 students have been developing a Broadway Jazz routine inspired by the musical ‘Six’ and the Year 10 Dance students have been developing a commercial jazz routine inspired by empowerment. I would like to commend the students for their professionalism and dedication to developing their skills in these areas.

Over the next few weeks, the students will continue to develop their jazz routine in preparation for the Inter-House Performing Arts Festival where they will be assessed on their developed technique and performance qualities.

The Year 9 students will also begin developing their group choreography pieces that will further their improvisation and collaborative skills as they demonstrate technique and performance qualities in a style of their choosing. The Year 9 students have been

The Year 10 Dance students have been busy analysing unseen and set texts while developing their scripted performance of ‘Blackrock’ by Nick Enright. Students have been learning a variety representational performance and design skills and have been studying this through the lens of the realism practitioner, Stanislavski. Students then performed these scripted scenes for their assessment and demonstrated professionalism and maturity, as they approached mature themes with compassion and respect.

The students are now diving into a new style of acting, exploring presentational approaches and design choices as they work to devise a theatre piece using poor theatre conventions and applying the ideology of the practitioner, Jerzy Grotowski. The students have been particularly excited for this assessment as their groups have been allocated at random as they explore a new style of theatre.

Year 11 Dance – Contemporary Technique

The Year 11 Dance students have been developing their contemporary technique and movement retention skills over the course of the term. Students have been learning a variety of technical phrases exploring the application of warm up components, leg swings and windmills, spinal rolls, drop swings, planks, travelling pirouettes, small and big leap variations and routine retention. Students then performed these phrases and

their contemporary routine for their contemporary technique assessment.

The students will also be taking on a designer role of their costume, lighting, sound and set and documenting their progress in a journal which will explore reflecting processes and develop their written application.

Stay tuned for more Dance and Drama news!

Jessica McGaw Dance and Drama Coordinator

The Year 11 students have been developing a contemporary routine with a narrative structure that explores the idea of transformation inspired originally by the character, the ‘Joker’. Students performed very well in this assessment and conducted themselves in a professional manner, maintaining safe dance practices.

one is homeless because of one single event

Over the next few weeks, the students will continue to develop their contemporary routine in preparation for the Inter-House Performing Arts Festival where they will be assessed on their developed technique and performance qualities.

The Year 11 students have also begun developing their group choreography piece that will develop their choreography and design skills. They have been particularly excited for this assessment as this will give them the opportunity to have creative freedom regarding their intent and movement choices.

Tasked with the undertaking to recreate an iconic historical dance, the Year 11s have decided to recreate three classical styles and dances that follows their journey of dance as they have grown into who they are today. They have decided to follow a linear narrative structure that focuses on their passion for dance and growth as an individual.

Group Choreography Intent Scaffolded:

Part 1: Ballet - Toddler (Fairy Dance - Swan Lake)

Transition: Lyrical (Transition to teen)

Part 2: Jazz - Teen (Musical Theatre – Disney musical)

Transition: Contemporary (Identity challenged)

Part 3: Hip Hop (Rhianna Superbowl – Acceptance)

A unique collection of stories from five young Western Australians about their experiences of navigating homelessness. Authentic and uplifting, this film event will challenge perceptions.

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events.humanitix.com/stained-glass-window-screening

DIRECTOR | PRODUCER PRISCILLA-ANNE JACOB

WRITTEN BY JEREMIAH JACOB CINEMATOGRAPHER MAHMUDUL RAZ ART DIRECTOR ALZBETA REKOSH

Asha Freeman Year 9

Congratulations to Asha for winning two silver medals at the recent State Athletics Championships, for the 1500m race walk and the 3000m race walk. This qualifies Asha for the Australian Athletics championships in Brisbane in April.

Asha has also been invited to attend the 28th Annual International Athletics Competition in Singapore in July.

Serena Lee Year 11

Serena competed in the Diving WA State Age Championships last weekend and became the 16-18 years State Champion in 3m Springboard, with a career high score of 300 points. Serena also came third and achieved personal best scores in the 1m Springboard and Platform diving events.

Serena is excited to be travelling to Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre with the WA State Team during the Easter school holidays for the Australian Age Diving Championships, in the 1m, 3m and platform events plus synchronised diving.

Serena is grateful to all her diving coaches’ guidance and support, including her first ever diving coach, St George’s very own, Miss Sadie Yoxall.

Congratulations Serena. We wish you the best of luck for your upcoming national competition.

Jared Moro (Year 11)

Cristo Aggiss (Year 10)

Austin Aggiss (Year 12)

This weekend, Austin, Cristo and Jared will all be competing at the National Surf Lifesaving Championships (The Aussies). This is a large national event which will see over 4,000 competitors from Australia’s 314 Surf Clubs come together to compete in more than 480 beach and ocean events… and it is being held right here in Perth at Scarborough and Trigg beaches.

This is an event that is worth heading to the beach to see this weekend! You can find the full event program here

We wish Austin, Cristo and Jared the best of luck in their events on the weekend and look forward to hearing of the results on their return.