The Crest - Issue 10 by St Michael's Grammar School

THE ST MICHAEL'S GRAMMAR SCHOOL MAGAZINE

ISSUE 10 2023

St Michael’s acknowledges the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the School stands. We pay respect to their ancestors, elders and emerging leaders, and are committed to reconciliation.

Contents WELCOME

The building blocks for a healthy life

Houses race for the shield

House spirit at an all-time high

A Reflection from Mr Houlihan

STORIES FROM ACROSS THE SCHOOL

Peak performances

Early learning flourishes

Our girls triumph

Top marks for English

Community justice led by our students

Full STEAM ahead

Be clean to be green

Empowering girls in physics to lead the way

Picnic at Hanging Rock

National Science Week at St Michael’s

Dance Project 2023 – Expressions

Fostering learning beyond the classroom

Songs and Soliloquies

Award of Excellence for our Performing Arts Centre

A magical concert

Preparing students for the new era of work

A Festival to remember

Celebrating 10 years of the Octavius Browne Kitchen Garden

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Celebrating 25 years of ACS

A celebration of gratitude

Book Week

A bright future for our Old Michaelian community

Penguin Squad

Celebrating our volunteers

A portrait of resilience

Vale

An impressive track record

Reunions

Fire on the field

The PCA – bringing us together

Acing the game

Celebrate your place in St Michael’s history

In our ongoing quest to minimise the School’s environmental impact, hard copies of The Crest are printed on 99% FSC recycled paper.

" On a number of occasions during the year, in speaking about collaboration, I also talked about the concept of ‘gestalt’ and the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It is clear to me that St Michael’s exemplifies this notion"

A Reflection from Mr Houlihan The end of a School year is always a time of reflection. A time to ask questions. What have we accomplished this year? What did we find challenging? And as a learning community, what do we need to improve? Often, we quickly leap into planning for what comes next. However, reading this edition of The Crest reinforced the importance of acknowledging, and spending some time appreciating and celebrating the achievements of students and staff, and how the School has flourished. Our students have enjoyed academic success, competed with distinction in the sporting arena, performed with aplomb in musicals, concerts and dramatic productions, received accolades in the visual arts, and collaborated in a vast array of community focused activities inside and outside the School. Importantly, the achievements have spanned the entire breadth of the School from our Early Learning Centre to Year 12. In July, the Early Learning Centre (ELC) was amongst a select few exemplary schools showcased at the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange’s (REAIE) national conference, attended by over 800 delegates. Our VCE English program was also in the spotlight as we have clearly emerged as one of the best schools in the state for English Literature and Language based on our VCE results for the last ten years. The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) programs we offer have been expanded and we continue to provide vibrant and engaging opportunities for our students to learn as well as maintaining a lead involvement in the emerging trends of environmental research, robotics and AI. It has been a joy to witness the unexpected impact of the new landscaping surrounding both the award-winning Performing Arts Centre, St George’s and the Centre for Inquiry and Innovation. While we knew that these two projects would

create wonderful new learning environments for our students, the gardens around each of them have become important places of beauty and wellbeing, and social spaces for student, staff and parent activities. We have also taken other measures to improve the campus, including a new Waste Management Strategy. The strategy builds on our strong commitment to sustainability, and we have set an ambitious target of recycling 30% of our waste by the end of 2024. To encourage students, staff, and visitors to dispose of their waste thoughtfully, we have developed a special campaign featuring whimsical Australian animals and birds and introduced colourful, attractive, and clearly labelled waste management stations. As many of you will know, in recent years, it has been the custom to adopt a word for the year; one that can become a beacon for us as we go about life at St Michael’s. Our word for 2023 was Collaboration, and as I look back over my first full year as Head of the School, and this edition of The Crest, I am proud of the way in which the whole School community has embraced this concept. On a number of occasions during the year, in speaking about collaboration, I also talked about the concept of ‘gestalt’ and the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It is clear to me that St Michael’s exemplifies this notion. While each of us has specific responsibilities and we work in our individual areas of endeavour, it is our willingness to work together, to support each other, to collaborate, that enriches our School and makes us truly special. I hope that you enjoy reading this latest edition of The Crest as it provides just a small but wonderful window into the St Michael’s world. The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 1

STORIES FROM ACROSS THE SCHOOL

Early learning flourishes Early Childhood education has received increased attention over the last year. Parents will no doubt be aware of the government’s ‘free’ kindergarten scheme in Victoria, which moves to increase kindergarten hours and to make kindergarten teaching and childcare work a more attractive proposition in the workforce. We have long held the view that quality staff, innovative, quality programs, high standards and dynamic facilities are required to honour these critical first years of formal schooling. At St Michael’s, we have maintained a laser-like focus on the child as a competent, curious citizen. We ensure our researchdriven approach, and critical analysis of programs, never waivers as we continually review our practice and improve our offerings. Long held is our commitment to the principles of the Reggio Emilia Research Project. The project has endured, running for over 70 years, receiving international recognition for its acclaimed and evidence-based research in early childhood education. Based on social constructivist theories of learning, the interconnected principles help to guide us in our decision making, within our own context. The critical role of research, observation, documentation, and interpretation is at the core of our work, both for and with the children, but also with one another. This year, at The Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange’s (REAIE) national conference, where over 800 delegates attended, we were one of eight schools to showcase our Early Learning Centre (ELC). We shared our Centre as a place of research, dedicated to continual improvement, and emphasised the value of our robust and engaging offering that our children require and deserve. In particular, we highlighted how our children are one of the greatest advocates of their own learning and growth. This is evidenced by the projects our children undertake, within a multi-disciplinary model of learning. The projects often start with an overarching wondering, which our children are supported to research, through the many languages they possess. Our specialist staff work closely with the educators, developing in the children the skills and knowledge of the visual arts, music, physical education, kinesthetic play and movement, drama and more. We make learning visible, having the process of learning documented either through words or photos for parents to view, along with the final products of the projects on show in classroom spaces. The St Michael’s Teaching, Learning and Caring (TLC) Framework also aligns with the core tenets of the Reggio Emilia Research Project. The Learner Dispositions sit at the heart of our framework, and define our ‘image of the child’, as curious, tenacious, agile, confident, reflective, self-regulating, just and motivated.

2 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

Curiosity is seen as central to all our programs. Inquiry based learning is weaved into our way of being and encourages children to pose powerful questions and seek answers. Self-regulation is taught through our Positive Learning Program, where students learn to understand themselves through consistent language, as we empower them to identify their strengths and lesser strengths, and to appreciate how to communicate and collaborate with growing confidence. We also engage in intentional planning and teaching. Children are introduced to a sequential literacy program that starts in our 3-Year-Old rooms. While we use play-based approaches that promote curiosity, we give our children every chance to develop critical early literacy skills through the systematic and engaging Little Learners Love Literacy program. With focused games, we foster confidence about their early developing reading, writing, and communication skills. A great strength of our ELC is the incredible passion and knowledge of all our educators. We believe in supporting our staff to be consistently evolving in their learning and engaging in meaningful professional development. Our continued work with REAIE, and the membership of each of our staff in a Professional Learning Team in the Junior School ensures we develop, refine and enhance our knowledge of good practice. Our assessment practices help us to support children in their social, emotional and academic development. As we view children as capable, we know that they can be challenged and inspired from the youngest of ages. The relationships between the ELC and Junior School staff are critical. There are strategically planned opportunities where all staff plan for the important transitions. Orientation programs are carefully considered, but do not just happen at one point in the year. Our ELC specialist staff also teach in the Preparatory Years, facilitating a safe crossing of the threshold into the primary years. As Professor Carla Rinaldi, President of Fondazione Reggio Children – Centro Loris Malaguzzi said, "The young child is the first great researcher. Children are born searching for and therefore researching the meaning of life, the meaning of the self in relation to others and to the world." For us to appreciate and realise the great capacity of children, we surely must have places of learning that allow them to flourish. Mrs Nicole Armatas Deputy Head and Head of Junior School

Our children enjoying the outdoor spaces in our ELC

2. 3. 4. 5.

Our ELC students work together to build a structure Our ELC students in the Picture Storybook Room Our children test out their creativity in the ELC Ari (Silvae)

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 3

Top marks for English St Michael’s VCE English program has emerged as one of the best in the state over the past ten years. While the diminution of English language skills in contemporary society is often bemoaned, English remains the only compulsory subject at Unit 3/4 level for VCE. There are many practical reasons for this, not least that good communication skills, both written and verbal, are most often cited as essential criteria on job descriptions. However, the study of English also broadens the mind, develops analytical thinking and helps establish emotional skills. Recognising the many benefits of studying English, St Michael’s is one of a small cluster of schools that offer a choice of three English subjects at VCE level: English, English Language, and Literature. Most schools offer two at most. English is the ‘mainstream’ subject and offered by all schools. English Language is a more detailed study of the grammatical structure and function of the English language while Literature involves a close study of the form, function and creativity of canonical and contemporary literary texts. Not only does St Michael’s offer the three VCE English subjects, over the last ten years we have been one of the highest performing schools across the state in the discipline. From 2013 to 2022 we were among the top 5 to 10 schools for the number of students achieving a 40+ score in Literature, and from 2020 to 2022 we were in the top 4 schools. Similarly, in English Language we have been in the top 10 to 15 schools each year. Highly able students at St Michael’s consistently achieve a perfect score in their chosen VCE English. St Michael’s has always prided itself on academic inclusivity and a curriculum that caters for a breadth of learning needs. Our literacy growth across Years 7 to 9 is informed by a range of metrics, 4 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

including NAPLAN’s four domains of literacy, which is very strong when measured against competitor independent and state schools. Our outstanding results in English can be attributed to both our acclaimed VCE Enrichment Program and the English Faculty’s overall approach to teaching. The Faculty fosters sustainable programs that invite student views and values, enhancing the feedback loop that forms curriculum. This is complemented by a rich history of creative and critical thinking opportunities embedded into the curriculum. Complementary co-curricular programs such as public speaking, debating, creative writing and drama further enhance our students' holistic and deep engagement with the subject. The English faculty itself is an academic community of internal specialists and external experts. Our network extends to academics, writers, filmmakers, poets, journalists and high achieving Old Michaelians. All of whom contribute to a carefully curated curriculum that fosters a deep and collective value in the literary arts. Contributors to the VCE Enrichment Program 2022-23 include: Professor Kate Burridge, Professor Brian Nelson, Dr David McInnis, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Bell Shakespeare Company, Lilian Knight (OM 2022), Clare Flynn (OM 2022) and Sybilla George (OM 2020). We are extremely proud of both our students’ achievements and the teaching program that supports them and look forward to continuing our record of excellence.

Maxine Beneba Clarke

Full STEAM ahead As educators in the 21st century, we are frequently reminded of our responsibility to prepare students for a career in a landscape that is uncertain. Not only must we prepare young people for jobs that haven’t yet been invented, but we must also encourage them to develop the agency, critical thinking and agility that will serve them well in a world that we suspect will be very different to the one we know today. As we increasingly navigate the quickening waves of population pressure, technological advancement, the impacts of climate change and the inevitable transformation of our environment, it is timely to ask how we can best serve this future generation of Robot Ethicists, Shadowtech Managers and Child Assistant Bot Programmers.1 The complexities inherent in this question demand an answer that is similarly complex and integrated, and this is where STEAM education comes in. Indeed, the acronym itself is a fitting expression of the collaborative power of the component disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Independently, each of these five fields of endeavours are worthy, and have yielded giants of industry and innovation for centuries. Together, they express a concept that is necessarily integrated and invites students to approach the challenges of the world with a scientist’s inquiring mind, a designer’s discerning eye and an ethicist’s considered conscience and heart. At St Michael’s, we pride ourselves on the access our learners have to the highest quality opportunities in Science and Technology, whilst continually maintaining a keen eye on the emerging trends for further integration. In the Senior School, our range of learning programs include early grounding in Digital Technologies, Coding and Robotics, a dedicated Year 9 Elective in STEAM, courses such as the module-based Enrichment Science Program in Years 9 and 10, the Enhanced

Biology course with its longstanding signature tour to the Great Barrier Reef, and popularly subscribed VCE classes in Product Design, Computing, Systems Engineering and all the Sciences. Beyond the classroom, the Robotics Club, the COSMOS Science Club and the Year 9 Drone-making Immersion provide further stimulus for students to apply their class learning in the pursuit of creative and engaging solutions to real-world problems. However, there’s no doubt that the future direction of STEAM at St Michael’s lies in the closer and more targeted integration of our traditional disciplines and faculty structures. As we continue to implement the exciting imperatives within our Strategic Direction: Towards 2030, I am genuinely excited by the generational opportunity to lift our eyes beyond both the temporal and geographical horizon and imagine what it really looks like for our students to learn from, with and for a world that is in a constant state of evolution. To that end, in 2024, we are delighted to welcome Mr Neil van Herk as our Head of Science and Mr Michael Slinger as our Head of Design and Technologies. These new leaders will further strengthen an exceptional team across the breadth of the STEAM agenda, charged with the responsibility for inspiring the new wave of Biomimicry Innovators, Gamification Designers and Smart Dust Wranglers! Mr Ben Moody Director of Curriculum (7-12) 1. All suggestions of the 100 Jobs of the Future research partnership between Deakin University, Grifftih University and Ford (https://100jobsofthefuture.com)

COSMOS Club

2. 3.

Robotics Product design class

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 5

Empowering girls in physics to lead the way St Michael’s proudly offers an array of STEAM subjects across all year levels, complemented by lunchtime clubs catering to students with a keen interest in these fields or those looking to extend themselves. The subjects and clubs are designed to spark curiosity and foster innovation among our students. These clubs see a high level of interest and engagement by our students. With an early start on 21 July, five Years 10 to 12 students, Leah (11S), Tilda (10B), Ophelia (10H), Eleanor (10M) and Jess (10K), attended and participated in the Girls in Physics Breakfast run by VicPhysics, an organisation that is dedicated to supporting physics education in Victoria. The aim of this event was to encourage young girls to explore studies in physics and connect them with other like-minded individuals who share a passion for physics and are pursuing physicsrelated careers.

Upon arriving at Monash University’s Clayton campus, the girls were seated at tables alongside students from other schools, women either engaged in a career in physics or engineering, or current university students. They enjoyed breakfast and heard from various guest speakers, while also having the opportunity to interact and network. One of the many highlights of the event was a captivating presentation from Dr Karen Livesey, theoretical physicist and the Australian Institute of Physics Women in Physics Lecturer for 2023. Dr Livesey shared her fascinating insights into nano-sized magnets and how they can be used to address biomedical and technological problems. Following the presentations, the students engaged in activities focused on careers in STEAM, gaining valuable insights into diverse professional pathways. Our students conveyed their gratitude and appreciation for being a part of this fantastic event. 1.

6 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

Dr Karen Livesey

National Science Week at St Michael’s How does the world work? Why is it so? A hundred variations of these questions are heard around St Michael’s every day. In pursuing these questions - How? Why? - every child is a scientist. Seeking to understand through observation or experimentation is what drives their scientific learning. At St Michael’s, the purpose of science is not only to understand but to use that understanding as a platform for innovation. It was appropriate that this year’s National Science Week theme is Innovation: Powering Future Industries. In a recent assembly presentation, Year 6 STEAM Leaders Stephanie (6I) and Leo (6M) explained, “The word innovation means the creative process of turning an idea into a result that creates worth or value for people”. It is this creative philosophy that motivates our students to inquire and innovate with purpose. We celebrated Science Week this year with an array of lunch time Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshops for students to immerse themselves in. Adopting the national theme, these workshops focused on innovation in space. The space industry is growing in Australia and the Federal Government aims to triple the size of the industry, creating 20,000 new jobs by 2030.

Students tested their knowledge of physics as they built Mars Rovers, designed balloon rockets, competed in a paper plane aeronautics competition and explored Deadly Science, inspired by First Nations scientists. At the conclusion of the week, Years 5 and 6 students entered a team in the inaugural design sprint and presented their innovations to a panel of judges. Officially opened this year, the Centre for Inquiry and Innovation hosted these workshops and was the perfect location to allow students to discover, dream and design. Who knows, perhaps these young scientists will find themselves working on future innovations in satellite observation, robotics or on the upcoming Moon to Mars project.

Making the Mars Rovers

2. 3.

Science Week activities at St Michael's Deadly Science, inspired by First Nations scientists

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 7

Fostering learning beyond the classroom In the last weeks of Term 2, all our Year 10 students participated in various Immersion Projects. These projects are an exciting opportunity for students to engage in learning experiences outside the classroom, while immersing themselves in an area that interests them.

JABIRU – JOURNEY TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY Jabiru is a wonderful opportunity for a small group of students to travel to the Northern Territory where they experience Aboriginal culture and build authentic connections with the local community. In June, 23 students embarked on a six-day journey, spending time in Darwin, Kakadu and Litchfield exploring some of Australia’s most iconic National Parks. Students participated in cultural tours and bushwalks, visited historical and geographical sites and developed their bush survival skills. Upon arrival in Darwin, students met their guide, a Northern Territory local with a wealth of knowledge, who guided them on their journey throughout the week. Students participated in a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony in Pudakul, where they gained an insight into local Aboriginal culture before commencing a night walk to see Fogg Dam with its traditional owners. During the walk, students were introduced to the varied ecosystems and wildlife, as well as learning about the region’s significance for Aboriginal people. In Kakadu, students enjoyed participating in a community service project that focused on building orchards and vegetable gardens to facilitate a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for those in the community. Throughout the program, students explored how history, geography, science, and society interact and the connections between people and nature.

GREAT BARRIER REEF The Great Barrier Reef Immersion Project provides students with the unique opportunity to experience the wonders and fragility of the coral reef. Over the course of the expedition, students develop a deep understanding of the reef, while building their practical marine biology skills and knowledge. Open to students who are enrolled in the Enhanced Biology VCE subject, the trip forms part of the units key learning outcomes. In mid-June, 37 students arrived at the picturesque Heron Island in Queensland to begin their nine-day exploration of the Great Barrier Reef. Daily snorkelling expeditions provided unforgettable encounters with a wide range of marine life, including eagle rays, parrotfish, lemon sharks, epaulette sharks, sea turtles and many others. Throughout the program, students were guided by marine biologist and epaulette shark specialist, Carolyn Wheeler, who shared her extensive knowledge and insights about the reef’s rich and diverse ecosystem. Students also heard from the research station manager who spoke to students about the history of the Island, which related to part of the scientific study currently being investigated by the research team. Louis (10K) and Tiger (10B) enjoyed the informative lectures by marine biologists on emerging threats to the reef’s ecosystem, and the dangers posed by human activities. “We attended an eye-opening lecture about the ways humans can damage coral reef ecosystems, which included the topics of runoff, pollution, overfishing, climate change, impervious surfaces, ocean acidification, marine debris, stray fishing nets, global trade via boats and tourism. While this lecture was quite confronting, it also provided solutions towards these problems, that we as individuals can implement. Some of these solutions included limiting the amount of water we use, fishing and boating responsibly, checking where our fish were from, and increasing the amount of local food consumed.” Each year, students leave the Great Barrier Reef with some of their most cherished St Michael’s memories and this year was no exception.

8 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

ART AND ARTEFACTS The Art and Artefacts Immersion Project is for those interested in art, archaeology, anthropology or art history. During the last week of Term 2, students gained an insight into the exciting and diverse career prospects available within the art industry. Our students had the unique opportunity to go behind-thescenes, getting a peak into the inner workings of the Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA). Students were introduced to conservators and the technical process of selecting, installing, and presenting artworks for an exhibition, as well as learning about some of the complexities of being an art conservator. Students curated an exhibition based on their chosen theme: Protest, selecting artworks that addressed various social justice issues and writing summaries for each piece of art to be displayed in the gallery. Their exhibition My Voice Will Not Be Silenced was open to the public for a week at MUMA. Year 10 student, Felipe (10M) enjoyed the experience and the challenge of curating an exhibition that evoked an emotional response. "These works are able to make an observer care. With that, when leaving this exhibition, we hope you care too."

BON APPÉTIT A group of students embarked on a mouthwatering journey toward culinary mastery, developing key skills in a range of culinary areas. In December 2022, students began this learning journey by participating in a patisserie masterclass run by a pastry chef in the commercial kitchens of William Angliss Institute while also undertaking an espresso course. At the end of Term 2, students continued their culinary journey by exploring the vibrant flavours of Chinese food culture with Otao Kitchen. Guided by a professional chef, students learnt to craft their own delicious handmade dumplings from scratch. They also participated in a cooking class at Relish Mama, biscuit decorating at Miss Biscuit and cake making and decorating. One of their days was also spent at the Fareshare Kitchen to learn about sustainability, food waste and preparing food for those less fortunate.

This project provided students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in workshops designed to build competency and confidence and prepare them for further study in the culinary field or enable them to apply for a hospitality-based job.

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS EXPERIENCE The Professional Sports Experience is a program that aims to provide an insight into the daily life of an elite athlete, coach and other professionals involved in sport. Students spent six days on the Gold Coast learning and participating in enhancing performance from a physiological, psychological and nutritional perspective. From the moment the group touched down in Queensland, their excitement was palpable as they eagerly anticipated the activities that lay ahead of them. One of the first activities on the itinerary was Top Golf: the high-tech game with microchipped golf balls and automatically scored drives. As sports enthusiasts, Year 10 students, Leroy (10K), Aaron (10B), Felix (10S) and Will (10B) appreciated the cutting-edge technology and interactive experience. "The state-of-the-art entertainment venue was a dream come true to visit. Whether we were avid golfers or beginners, Top Golf catered to all skill levels, allowing us to compete, learn, and have a great time together. The friendly competition and cheers of triumph filled the air, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared joy." Another highlight of the trip was visiting the Gold Coast Performance Centre, which included intense training sessions followed by theory lessons on nutrition and athletic development, where students learned about high performance training. Students engaged in a variety of sporting activities throughout the trip from basketball, to beach volleyball and lawn bowls. From thrill rides to giant slides, the final day of Immersion was spent seeking the ultimate rush at Dreamworld. Students enjoyed the many amusements on offer, braving the Steel Taipan, Gold Coaster and Tailspin to name a few.

Bon Appetit Immersion

2. 3.

Great Barrier Reef Immersion Art Industry Immersion

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 9

Award of Excellence for our Performing Arts Centre We are delighted to share that our Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, was honoured in the Master Builders Victoria 2023 Excellence in Construction Awards. SJ Higgins, the builder for the project, were awarded the Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $10m to $15m. The Awards showcase the exceptional craftsmanship and standards of excellence in the commercial sector of the building industry throughout Victoria. Along with our Performing Arts Centre other construction projects to receive awards included the Central Goldfields Art Gallery in Maryborough, The Centre for Higher Education in South Yarra and the Le Meridien Hotel, Melbourne. The redevelopment of St George’s as a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre was officially completed in April this year and included a total reworking of the interior to provide 10 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

dedicated facilities for music, drama and the performing arts. Along with the internal works, the project included significant upgrades to services and acoustic treatment to enhance the atmospheric quality of performances. The sensitive heritage preservation works formed a significant portion of the project, requiring significant consultation with Heritage Victoria. While the St Michael’s community has witnessed the spectacular transformation of the much-loved former St George’s Church, we are pleased that our new facility has been recognised within the Victorian building industry. We would like to congratulate SJ Higgins on receiving the award for their outstanding quality of work, and Kneeler Design Architects and Cerno Group for reimagining St George’s as a Performing Arts Centre.

Preparing students for the new era of work The global vocational landscape has changed dramatically over the last few decades, with the development of technology and emerging industries. Such changes impact career prospects, certainty and security for school leavers, as they pursue further education for a future world. Advances in automation, specifically artificial intelligence are expected to continue along a rapid trajectory, with commentators predicting a transformation of the job market, which can already be observed. While there has been a sense of alarmism surrounding these new technologies, as with any cultural shift or revolution in our history, there is also exciting opportunities for new tasks, functions and activities. These new roles will increase the demand for skills such as entrepreneurial and transdisciplinary skills, adaptability, autonomy and self-direction. All jobs will require some form of digital literacy, and STEAM skills are expected to form the basis of much of the changing economy. According to a report authored by the Institute For The Future (2018) and published by Dell Technologies, 85 per cent of the jobs that will exist in 2030 have not yet been invented. Further, many of the jobs that will exist in the future are likely to be extensions of roles that already exist but possibly with more technological enablement that delivers more efficient outcomes. Jobs will be influenced by major drivers of change, such as population pressures and climate change; and a diverse skillset will be highly valued. For example, a nutritionist may require a high level of data literacy to provide a tailored service, informed by predictive modelling. The coming together of skills, ideas and domains will create new multidisciplinary fields that advance what is possible, which will again change and redefine the future job market. With all of this top of mind, at St Michael’s we are focused on preparing our young people for the future by ensuring that they are equipped with knowledge of the job market and that they possess the readiness and adaptability to handle fluid work environments. When preparing students for the job market, we take a holistic school-wide approach to ensuring our students learn the soft skills (such as communication and emotional intelligence), alongside the future skills (such as digital literacy) to ensure they are well-placed for future roles.

As the Careers Counsellor at St Michael’s, it is my job and pleasure to ensure students have access to all the information needed to make decisions about their vocation and decrease career anxiety surrounding their future. This involves focussing on the development, awareness and knowledge of the self and the world of work, as a precursor to career decision-making. Students partake in several presentations and workshops throughout their senior schooling, that encourages them to reflect on their strengths, while simultaneously exploring a raft of career options and resources for research. A personalised approach is adopted for every student’s career journey, with one-to-one meetings scheduled for in-depth discussions and exploration. In May, students had the opportunity to attend the Careers Expo on campus, where a number of universities and other providers such as JENZA, GAP and Melbourne Cricket Education Academy were invited to speak with students about the options available to them. Each year, we see a high participation rate from our students, with this year being no different. Our relationships with key education providers have been critical in providing students with a seamless and enjoyable transition to their desired institution. Whilst there is much for our young people to consider with economic paradigms shifting and new technologies reshaping work, it is also a time of exciting technological innovation and change. At St Michael’s, we are here to nurture students along this exciting, albeit sometimes daunting, journey. Miss Robyn McKenzie Careers Counsellor Robyn has a Master of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Careers Education. She has been working in Education for over 40 years and has over 25 years’ experience in Careers Counselling. She is passionate about helping students to find options and ideas for them to investigate and enjoys working with a range of students of differing abilities and interests.

1-2. Our Careers Centre, located in the Knowledge Commons

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 11

Celebrating 10 years of the Octavius Browne Kitchen Garden The Octavius Browne Kitchen Garden, located in the front yard of Frank Woods House on Redan Street, has been in operation for 10 years, sustaining our community in many ways under the guidance and foresight largely of one individual – Mr Murray Phyland, Head of Community Service (K-12). The garden was named after a previous owner of the property, Octavius Browne, and was originally conceived to support the Food Technology subjects which were, at the time, taught in Frank Woods House, hence the inclusion of Kitchen in its name. Jack Merlo (OM 1998), renowned landscape architect and gold medal winner at the Chelsea Flower Show, provided ideas for the establishment of the garden. The School Maintenance Team built the planter boxes, chickens were acquired, and the area was also established as another play space for the Junior School. In 2014, it was one of the schools to be awarded the Victorian Schools Garden Award for the most habitat-friendly garden. The function and design of the Garden has evolved over time and its contribution to School life is now multi-faceted. This includes the provision of herbs for Dolly’s Café, inspiration for Art students, a space for Junior School students to enjoy their lunch, a space for Year 12 Horticultural student Luca (12S) to carry out the practical components of the subject and it provides the perfect environment for respite and calm time.

12 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

The Parent Community Association (PCA) has supported the Kitchen Garden over the years with the funding of a new chicken coop, a garden bench, and a pizza oven through the PCA Grants Program. They also hold two Kitchen Garden Working Bees every year – one in Autumn and one in Spring. In Autumn, a celebratory event was held with refreshments, pizza, and a cake to honour a decade of the Kitchen Garden’s existence and to acknowledge Murray’s contribution in keeping this unique offering alive and flourishing. The team of volunteers spruced up the space including weeding and turning over the soil in the raised garden beds, refreshing the chicken coop and revitalising the fishpond. The space was popping with the colours of pretty flowers and a huge range of fruit and vegetables, a strawberry wall, espalier apple tree, finger limes, olives, and citrus trees. The PCA’s Working Bees, in what has been known as the Octavius Browne Kitchen Garden, offer a unique touch point for members of our community to gather and contribute. It is therefore, fitting that the garden will in future be called the Octavius Browne Community Garden, as it continues to be a wonderful space for the whole St Michael’s community to enjoy. 1.

10 Year celebration

2. 3. 4.

10 Year celebration – Murray Phyland 2022 10 Year celebration volunteers group 2022 10 Year celebration tree

Celebrating 25 years of ACS The Association of Coeducational Schools (ACS) is celebrating its remarkable journey as it commemorates a quarter-century of thriving, inclusive, and coeducational interschool sports competition. Over the past 25 years, the ACS has been a cornerstone of opportunities for students to come together, compete, and forge lasting friendships through sports. The Association's values of excellence, teamwork, fair play, courage, respect, and resilience have served as the bedrock of its mission from the very beginning. The ACS had its humble beginnings in May 1997 when representatives from St Michael’s and several other schools came together to discuss the possibility of creating a new sporting association tailored to their collective needs. During these early discussions, several crucial principles were established to guide the association’s future. These principles included a dedication to increasing student participation in sport, ensuring equal access for both boys and girls, a commitment to offering high-quality competitive events and a focus on nurturing good sportsmanship. Over the past 25 years, the ACS has consistently embodied these founding principles and values, providing countless students with the opportunity to not only compete but also grow as individuals through the power of coeducational interschool sports. In 2023, we witnessed some remarkable ACS victories and achievements. The 1st and 3rd Boys Volleyball teams were victorious in the ACS Winter Grand Finals, defeating

Westbourne Grammar School. The 2nd Boys Volleyball team also showcased their talent and determination, despite being beaten on the day. The ACS Summer Grand Finals witnessed outstanding performances, with the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th Girls Volleyball teams securing victory. The Year 7 A and B Boys Volleyball teams also shone in the ACS Winter Grand Finals. Our 1st Girls and Year 7 Boys achieved stunning victories in the Volleyball Victoria Schools Cup. Though, it wasn’t just volleyball at which St Michael’s students excelled. The Year 7 Boys Soccer team clinched the winter premiership, and the 2nds Football team also achieved the same feat. Additionally, at the ACS Athletics, St Michael’s students demonstrated their athletic prowess by achieving the most 1st placings from the A and B events in both track and field events. These achievements reflect the commitment to excellence and the outstanding athletic abilities of our students. While the Summer Season for Years 7 to 9 continues to unfold, we look forward to our students enjoying their chosen sport and approaching each contest with hope and optimism.

ACS Swimming

2. 3.

ACS Volleyball ACS Athletics

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 13

Book Week: Exploring the world of imagination The excitement was palpable at St Michael’s as we celebrated Book Week, one of the most anticipated events on the School calendar. It was a week full of creativity, imagination, and the appreciation of our most treasured stories. Students embraced the magic of literature by dressing up as their favourite fictional characters at the annual Book Week Parade. From timeless classics to gripping modern tales, we were truly impressed by the creative outfits and the array of costumes showcased by our avid readers. The meticulous attention to detail in each costume brought the beloved characters to life, with students dressed as characters ranging from Harry Potter, Wally from Where’s Wally? and the complete suite of Disney princesses. As an integral part of Book Week, we had the privilege of again hosting a number of accomplished authors and illustrators. These literary luminaries shared their passion for storytelling and their personal journeys as creators. Our students relished the opportunity to interact with their creative minds, gaining insights into the worlds of literature and illustration.

Morris Gleitzman, one of Australia’s funniest and mostloved authors, shared anecdotes about his inspirations and experiences as a writer. Bernard Caleo led workshops for our senior students, focusing on the art of illustration, providing them with a platform to expand their creative practice. The students were captivated as they learned the intricacies of visual storytelling from a seasoned illustrator. Our Junior School students also participated in the Great Book Swap, an event that encourages a love of reading while promoting sustainability. Students brought along their pre-loved books and had the opportunity to swap them for other books, fostering a sense of community and eco-consciousness. In a world that is constantly evolving, nurturing a love for books and storytelling is more important than ever. Book Week at St Michael’s is a testament to the enduring power of literature in capturing the hearts and minds of our students. Reading fosters creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder that will continue to enrich their lives long after the costumes are neatly packed away. We eagerly look forward to next year’s Book Week and the wonders that await.

14 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

Book Week characters

Penguin Squad: Year 3 Signature Program St Michael’s is committed to nurturing creative, inquiring minds that learn from, with and for the world. As part of this vision, the School offers a range of Signature Programs that draw on evidence-based experiential learning processes relating to the connection of learning, experience, and reflection.

with the Earthcare resident expert aboard, the students were able to learn more about the penguins’ behaviour as they slowly cruised along the rock wall towards the end of the pier to witness and listen for activity and the chitter-chatter coming from the nests.

One of these programs is the Penguin Squad, designed for Year 3 students in collaboration with Earthcare, St Kilda Ferry and Parks Victoria. The program aims to connect the students with the local community and the natural environment, and to build their capacity to act as contributing citizens.

Back at School the footage collected by Earthcare experts and staff further enabled our students to observe the life cycle of these beautiful birds. Observations around their communication, activity, how they look, their features as young chicks and their feathers were just the tip of our learning journey and conversations.

The program involves several excursions to view a colony of penguins in their natural habitat at St Kilda Marina. The students learn about the penguin’s ecosystem, life cycle, behaviour, and needs. They also investigate the threats that impact penguins, such as toxic waste, habitat destruction, overfishing, and plastic pollution. They participate in a beach clean-up along St Kilda foreshore, where they collect and analyse rubbish and discuss how it might harm penguins. They also learn how to measure, weigh and check the health of a penguin using devices and tools provided by Earthcare. The students select nests where cameras are installed and use the footage in class to further their learning. They also board the ferry and experience sunset penguin cruises over Port Phillip Bay, where they watch and record data as the penguins make their journey home. On board the ferry, and

The Penguin Squad is a rich educational experience that enables the students to engage in purposeful field work and to develop a deeper understanding of penguins and their environment. It also fosters a sense of responsibility and care for the natural world and its inhabitants. The wonderful partnership between the School, Earthcare, Parks Victoria, and St Kilda Ferry has enabled our students to work with experts within the local community and forge authentic experiences that ignite a passion and purpose and instil a love of learning. Mrs Belinda Klose Director (P-3)

Our Year 3s participated in a rubbish clean up along St Kilda Foreshore

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 15

A portrait of resilience: Mimi’s touching tribute The Young Archie competition, inspired by Australia’s muchloved portrait prize, the Archibald Prize, is a nationwide portrait challenge for young people that encourages creative expression. The portrait challenge invites artists between the ages of five and 18 to submit a portrait of someone special to them, who plays a significant role in their life. Since its inception in 2013, the annual competition has seen a steady increase in the number of entries, with more than 3400 entries this year, more than a thousand more entries than last year. This year’s guest judge, Meriam Mer artist Grace Lillian Lee, selected the 70 finalists, one of whom was Year 8 student Mimi (8H). Mimi was named one of 70 finalists of the Young Archie competition with her portrait ‘My Popo’, meaning ‘grandma’ in Chinese. Mimi shared her grandmother's story and expressed her admiration for her Popo. 16 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

“My Popo migrated from Malaysia to Australia 40 years ago so her children could have a better education. Although she was very rich in Malaysia, she was very poor in Australia and struggled a lot. She gave up her career as a lawyer and had to be a housewife with four kids. Life in Australia was hard, and she faced a lot of racism. As a result, she got chronic depression. She is sometimes sad, but she is also very strong. She’s very wise and resilient, and I look up to her.” The 2023 Young Archie winners and finalists from each category were on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from 6 May until 3 September 2023. We are incredibly proud of Mimi and her achievements.

2023YOU_MimiCallan.634x900_q85

An impressive track record In the realm of school athletics, few stories are as inspiring as that of Cooper (8H), a St Michael’s Year 8 student with an extraordinary talent for sprinting. Cooper’s journey from local tracks to national glory is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion for the sport. At just 14-years-old, Cooper has already achieved a remarkable list of accomplishments at state and national level. When reflecting on his greatest achievements, one race in particular stands above the rest. “My biggest achievement is winning my first National gold medal in Adelaide at the All-Schools Competition. After a disappointing heat, my nerves going into the final race were high, but I managed to achieve a personal best and win the race. It was also particularly unforgettable, as just before the finish line, I tore my hamstring. Thankfully it happened at the end of the race and not half-way through”. Cooper’s race preparation is finely tuned and meticulously executed. The night before a big competition, Cooper ensures his energy stores are topped-up with a hearty pasta meal, then he takes a magnesium bath. On race day, Cooper walks his dog, Poppy, with his family, then has a light breakfast. Cooper

always aims to arrive at the track well in advance, giving himself an hour and a half to relax, stretch and warm-up. Cooper’s life and schooling isn’t solely defined by his sporting abilities. He values spending time with friends and family, cherishing the moments that provide balance and a sense of normalcy. Beyond athletics, he is passionate about art, which provides Cooper with a creative outlet. For those wanting to compete at state or national level in their chosen sport, Cooper has some sound advice. “Have fun and enjoy what you’re doing. If you don’t enjoy it and aren’t passionate, you won’t have the motivation, commitment, and love to go to the next level”. Looking ahead, Cooper’s ultimate goal is to represent Australia in sprinting. With his impressive achievements and dedication, it is clear that he has the potential to make his dream a reality. As Cooper continues to sprint towards his future aspirations, we eagerly follow his journey, celebrating his achievements and looking forward to his next track meet. 1.

Cooper (8H)

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 17

Fire on the field Congratulations to Ruby (9M) who secured a spot to represent Victoria in the 2023 Lacrosse Australia Under 15 Girl’s National Tournament. Ruby's exceptional skills earned her a place in the Under 15 Girl’s Fire team, marking a significant accomplishment in her lacrosse journey. The prestigious tournament took place in Ballarat from 27 September to 3 October. Ruby and her team put a tremendous amount of effort and dedication into their training and preparation. The Under 15 Girl’s Fire team faced tough competition in five games, winning two of them and losing the other three by a narrow margin. Ruby impressed everyone with her skills, scoring five points throughout the tournament. Ruby’s passion for lacrosse started when she was nine years old, when a local lacrosse club ran an incursion at her primary school, and she found she both enjoyed the sport and had a natural talent for it. Since then, she has pursued her passion and achieved impressive results in the sport. In 2022, she ranked 7th in the Under 14 Girls League Best and Fairest Count for her club Footscray. This year, Ruby received the Junior Best Club Person Award, which was a proud acknowledgement of all that she has done for Footscray Lacrosse Club. She has coached potential players at ‘come and try’ sessions at local schools and at the club grounds, volunteered in the canteen and willingly set up and packed up equipment for dozens of games plus many more support tasks. Ruby is also known for being particularly positive and nurturing of the younger players. 18 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

She has also excelled in playing lacrosse at higher levels. She won the Best and Fairest Award for her U18 team Footscray White. She was also nominated by Lacrosse Victoria for Best and Fairest in the State League Reserve competition, where she competed with (and against) adult women, some of whom have international experience. This was an impressive feat for such a young player. With ambitious goals for her lacrosse career, Ruby plans to play at the club, state, and national level in the future. She is also exploring lacrosse scholarships for College in North America, a pathway a few of her friends have already chosen. She is currently part of the U20 training squad, from which a team will be selected to represent Australia at the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship in Hong Kong. This championship is held every four years, so Ruby will have another chance to qualify in 2028. She is also excited that Lacrosse will be back in the Olympic Games after a long absence. Ruby’s lacrosse journey is a story of hard work, dedication, and love for the sport. We congratulate Ruby on her achievements and wish her all the best with her journey. We are excited to see what she will accomplish next.

Ruby (9M) playing against Newport

Acing the game Since resuming the role of Volleyball Head Coach at St Michael’s, Ricardo Buttini Chirelli has had an undeniable impact on volleyball performance across our School.

places a greater emphasis on the process rather than the outcome. Ricardo has the ability to assess the unique needs of his students and tailors his approach accordingly.

Ricardo’s remarkable journey in volleyball is one characterised by an unyielding passion for sport, a commitment to continuous learning and a dedication to nurturing young athletes. From Brazil to Australia, Ricardo’s experiences have shaped his coaching philosophy and his deep appreciation for the impact he has on the lives of young volleyball players.

“I greatly admire the way St Michael’s approaches sport, providing valuable experiences for young individuals while also striving for success with their first teams. This holistic approach aligns with my current coaching philosophy, where fostering growth and development is just as important as achieving victory”.

Ricardo’s volleyball journey began in Year 7, where he started playing at school level. Although he aspired to pursue a career in volleyball, academic commitments during his school years limited his ability to dedicate more time to sport. However, relocating to Australia marked the beginning of a fresh chapter in Ricardo’s volleyball journey.

Ricardo’s approach and philosophy has resulted in a number of volleyball success stories across the School. Notably, Leah (11S), Dominic (7M), Sebastian (7S) and Lenny (7M) represented Victoria at the Australian Youth Volleyball Championships in September. In addition to the Australian Youth Volleyball Championships, St Michael's students have also competed at the Volleyball Victoria Schools Cup Competition. A number of St Michael’s teams also competed in the Summer and Winter ACS Volleyball Grand Final matches and successfully defeated their opponents.

Since arriving in Australia, Ricardo has coached some of the highest divisions in Volleyball Victoria and also established a volleyball club shaped by his Brazilian background. The club’s vision centres on promoting the growth of volleyball locally, while also making it accessible and affordable for everyone. At St Michael’s, Ricardo feels privileged to have the opportunity to share his learnings with students and coaches alike. Throughout his journey, Ricardo has evolved his coaching philosophy to focus on the process and development of his students. Despite slight changes in his coaching methods, Ricardo’s core principles have remained steadfast. While he still has a strong desire to win, he now

By merging global best practices within the Australian context, Ricardo aims to elevate volleyball’s status in the country, while empowering young talent. Ricardo’s commitment to his role as volleyball coach at St Michael’s is a shining example of how an individual’s vision can have a truly positive impact.

Lenny (7M), Leah (11S), Sebastian (7S) and Dominic (7M)

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 19

The building blocks for a healthy life At St Michael’s, we believe that physical activity is essential for the holistic development of our students. That’s why we organise House Carnivals for our Kindergarten to Year 2 students, where they can learn, have fun and build the foundations of healthy habits. Our House Carnivals help our children to develop healthy muscles, bones, and minds. Exercise and physical activity are proven to benefit children’s well-being, develop fundamental physical skills of balance, coordination, reaction time and strength and teach children important social skills such as teamwork, communication and respect for others. We believe physical education, exercise and sport can help foster positive attitudes towards health and wellbeing in our young students, which will, in turn, support them in their adolescent years. One of the House Carnivals we organise each year is the Kindergarten to Year 2 Cross Country Carnival which is focused on fun, participation and persistence. Throughout the Cross Country Carnival, each Year level practised and built on their endurance during PE lessons in preparation for the day. The event took place around our School oval with the support of staff, Year 6 House Captains, parents and guardians to cheer on our athletes as they ran. Our students challenged themselves to run without stopping and learned how to ‘pace’ themselves. When addressing the students, our Head of PE (K-6) Miss Jordan Ivey said, "there were many high fives and

20 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

cheers at the end of each race, congratulations to all involved for your hard work and determination to finish". Another House Carnival that we organise is the Kindergarten to Year 2 Athletics Carnival, which was held on a beautiful sunny morning at the end of Term 3. Students participated in athletics events which included sprints, vortex throws, egg and spoon relays, obstacle courses and jumping activities. Such activities are structured around developing students fundamental motor skills in a fun and engaging way, which will assist them with traditional athletics events in the future. There was also some healthy competition between students and the Houses they were competing for with our Year 6 House Captains assisting and cheering at each event. St Michael's is committed to fostering a love of many curricular and co-curricular areas for our students, so that they may thrive no matter where their passion lies. Our Kindergarten to Year 2 House Carnivals are just one example of the many ways we foster a love of sport and physical activity here at St Michael’s.

1-2. K-2 House Athletics 3-4. K-2 House Cross Country

Houses race for the shield Every year, our four Junior School Houses, Cintra, Crimea, Marlton and Moss compete in various events and the House with the most points is awarded the House Shield. The events also foster a sense of House Spirit, as students cheer on their teammates and compete for both the House Shield and the House Spirit Trophy. The Cross Country event was held at Alma Park on a perfect afternoon, with the sun shining and the atmosphere building as students, parents, guardians (and pets) cheered on the runners. Students in Years 3 and 4 ran 2kms (two laps of the track) and students in Years 5 and 6 ran 3kms (three laps). The Head of Physical Education (K-6), Miss Jordan Ivey, was impressed with all students’ efforts on the day, as they had been practising their longer distance running in PE classes over the previous five weeks. Cintra House was first to cross the line claiming the House Shield for Cross Country. Marlton House won the House Spirit Award for Cross Country, showing great enthusiasm and support for their fellow runners. The Athletics Carnival was another successful event, with students competing in a range of track and field events, such as sprints, hurdles, relays, long jump, high jump, shot put and discus. The students displayed our School values of Dignity, Respect, Care and Compassion, as they competed to the best of their ability at all events.

Cintra House made it back-to-back wins taking out the House Shield for the Athletics Competition, while Woods rose to the challenge of being the loudest, most enthusiastic supporters in the stands and received the House Spirit Trophy for their efforts. There were some students who particularly stood out with their exceptional results. Hugo (6I) was the fastest runner in the Cross Country, completing the 3km course in 11:49.4 minutes. Felix (5P) was the second fastest runner in the Cross Country, completing the 3km course in 10:51.9 minutes. Zoe (6I) had a remarkable performance in both Cross Country and Athletics, coming first in her year level for both events. Dita (5K) also had an impressive performance in both Cross Country and Athletics, coming first in her year level for both events. We are very proud of all our students for their participation and achievements in these events. Well done to our Years 3 to 6 students!

Cintra House Captains with House Shield

2. 3.

House Atheltics Marlton House Captions with Spirit Trophy

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 21

House spirit at an all-time high House Athletics, Cross Country and Aerobics were some of the highlights of Semester Two. We once again hosted the Years 7 to 12 House Athletics Carnival at Lakeside Stadium, where Breen House emerged as the overall winner, with exceptional performances on both the track and field. Mitre House was recognised for its unwavering spirit, earning them the coveted House Spirit award. In a display of determination and good sportsmanship, Hughes House were victorious at the Years 7 to 12 House Cross Country Carnival. The event, which took place at Caulfield Park, showcased the talents and tenacity of the students, as they tackled the 2.66kms track with fervour. Students from all year levels eagerly participated in the event, choosing to run or walk the challenging loop. Among the participants was Chloe (12H) who set the bar high by completing the course in an impressive 9 minutes and 12 seconds – the fastest time recorded in St Michael’s history.

culmination of weeks of hard work and dedication is summed up in just a few minutes of jumps, push ups and high knees, all to the soundtrack of an energising 80s disco song. Each House participated with enthusiasm and the audience roared with applause to cheer on their House. Hughes House were triumphant, with their synchronised efforts setting them apart, earning them the well-deserved trophy and making them back-to-back winners for 2022 and 2023. The success of these events would not have been possible without the combined efforts of students, staff, and organisers. The enthusiastic support from the sidelines created an inspiring atmosphere, motivating participants to give it their all. The dedication of our Sports Department always ensures the smooth execution of these events and we thank them for their efforts.

The event not only celebrated individual achievements but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the students. Regardless of whether they were seasoned runners or enthusiastic walkers, everyone had a chance to contribute valuable points to their respective Houses. Last but certainly not least, our House Aerobic Competition took place in Term 3. Each year, the School transforms into a rehearsal hub as routines are practiced and refined. The 22 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

Breen House Athletics Captains with Head of the School

2. 3. 4.

House Aerobics House Athletics Hughes House Cross Country Captains

Peak performances: victory at the 2023 Interschools Snowsports The 2023 Victorian Interschools Snowsport event was held at Mt Buller in late August. Although the snow conditions were less than ideal, 45 St Michael’s skiers and boarders competed in over 90 events across a week-long competition, and it was nothing short of spectacular! Accompanied by parents and supported by School staff, these budding racers performed with remarkable determination, both as individuals and as team representatives of the School. Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding contributions. The event not only showcased skilful performances on the slopes but also emphasised the importance of having a go, having fun and enjoying every moment. Special mentions go to Harrison (8H), who won individual gold, and the Division 3 Alpine Challenger Boys team, who earned the silver medals. Congratulations also goes to Emma (8B) and Zara (7H), who secured gold and silver respectively, as well as the Division 3 Alpine Challenger Girls teams A and B, who earned gold and silver. National qualifications were undoubtedly among the highlights, and we congratulate Bowie (12H) for Division 1 Alpine GS, Aaron (10B) for Division 2 Alpine GS, Violet (9H) for Division 2 Moguls, Camilla (9S) for Division 2 Snowboard Slopestyle, Luca (9H), and Elijah (7S) for Division 3 Snowboard Slopestyle for their sensational results. Unfortunately, the season was unexpectedly cut short, and due to the lack of snow, the Nationals competition had to be cancelled.

Our Snowsports community is incredibly fortunate to have such supportive, positive, and proactive parents. It's a busy week for parents, with early mornings ensuring competitors are at the starting line on time, either managing teams or being there to support and cheer on our students. However, when we witness the sense of accomplishment and team spirit radiating from our students, we are reminded that every sacrifice is worth it. A special shout-out goes to our team managers and volunteers, who did an outstanding job of engaging, assisting, and encouraging all our competitors, especially the new families who were competing for the first time. Your support is invaluable, and the Snowsports staff thank you wholeheartedly for your dedication. The 2023 Interschools Snowsports competition at Mt Buller was a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and determination. It's not just about the competition; it's about coming together as a community and creating lasting memories. Mr Ed Nikolaidis Snowsports Coordinator

Abbie (7H) Noa (7M) Frankie (7S)

2. 3.

Audrey (7H) Arlo (4F) with his mum, Tamieka

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 23

Our girls triumph We are extremely proud of our St Michael’s footballers for their display of grit, courage and good sportsmanship at the annual Geoffrey Ryan Cup.

In 2021, the Girls First XVIII joined the Boys side in playing for the Geoffrey Ryan Cup for the first time, and both St Michael’s teams were victorious.

Hosted by Westbourne Grammar School at Chirnside Park in Werribee, the First XVIII Boys and Girls Football Teams battled it out against Westbourne.

The annual football match was named in 2013, honouring Mr Geoffrey Ryan the former Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School at St Michael’s (1983-1989), and former Principal of Westbourne (1990-2010).

Our girls won a thrilling game by just two points (2.7.19) against Westbourne (2.5.17) showing determination, and hard tackling for the entire game. Our boys also displayed great courage and tenacity as they faced a talented team who are undefeated so far this season. At quarter time, we had a narrow lead and at half time scores were even reflecting the wonderful defensive effort from the St Michael’s team. While Westbourne pulled away in the second half for a convincing win, our boys continued to give their very best for the entire game.

We thank all those involved in organising the Geoffrey Ryan Cup and look forward to next year’s clash, to be hosted by St Michael’s.

Our 1st XVIII Girls Team with the trophy

Community justice led by our students In partnership with Star of the Sea College and Wesley College, St Michael's launched a transformative Social Justice Program to address the evolving needs of the St Kilda community. This initiative aims to extend a helping hand beyond traditional fundraising methods, marking a significant step towards driving sustainable change. Following the closure of the Sacred Heart Mission Dining Hall, it became evident that a proactive approach was required to uplift the lives of those in need. On Thursday 17 August, the Bailey Room hosted an inspiring and thoughtful discussion as students from the partnering schools, alongside 10 St Michael's students from Years 10 to 12, brainstormed their volunteer-driven, student-led solutions. The session proved to be a melting pot of creativity, enthusiasm, and determination. With a shared goal of making a substantial impact within their local community, 24 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

the students channelled their ideas and enthusiasm into designing volunteer programs, tailored to the community's pressing challenges. Central to the success of this program is the spirit of community that defines St Michael's. Through events such as Community Action Days, charity fundraising endeavours, and the student-led Merry Month of May, the School has long been fostering the core values of Dignity, Respect, Care, and Compassion. Now, these values are being translated into tangible initiatives that empower the St Kilda community. The St Michael’s students involved were determined for this group to discuss ideas and bring about change. They discussed the importance of community initiatives extending beyond just Community Action Days on campus, ensuring that activities were long-lasting and impactful. We look forward to their ideas taking shape in 2024 and beyond.

BE CLEAN TO BE GREEN!

Be clean to be green St Michael’s environmental stewardship and sustainability is deeply embedded in our values. We have already made the switch to 100% renewable energy, and we are now working on improving our waste management practices. We have installed a new waste management system that will help us reduce the amount of waste that we send to landfill by preventing, reducing, recycling and reusing it. This is not only good for the School, but also for the world. The United Nations and the Australian Government have set some goals to make the world a better place by 2030, and one of them is focused on responsible consumption and production. This means that we should use our resources wisely and avoid wasting them. We are also working together with other schools, businesses and communities to improve our waste management practices. We have joined a program called ResourceSmart Schools Waste Module that helps us become more environmentally friendly. The program includes checking how much waste we produce and where it goes by conducting audits and assessments; planning to manage different types of waste products, such as food scraps, garden clippings and recyclables; engaging in fun activities in our classes that teach us how to manage waste and resources more effectively; and encouraging engagement from everyone in our school community, including teachers, students, parents and neighbours in our waste reduction efforts. In August 2022, we conducted a waste audit and found that our recycling rate was only 13%. This means that out of the 128.4 tonnes of waste we produce every year, only 19.56 tonnes are recycled. Our aim is to achieve a recycling rate of

30% by the end of 2024. This means that we need to divert another 25 tonnes from landfill to recycling – more than double what we currently divert. To achieve this goal, we have replaced our old bins with new waste management stations that are placed around the campus. These stations have different bins for different types of waste, such as paper, plastic, metal, organic and general waste. They also have a separate bin for coffee cups and lids, which are currently sent to landfill but may soon be recycled. The stations are bright and colourful with each bin colour reflecting the Australian standard colour code for waste. They have playful and informative graphics on them that help us understand what type of waste goes in each bin. We have also partnered with different organisations that collect and process different types of waste in sustainable ways. St Michael’s aims to engage our whole community in our waste reduction efforts. We started a campaign in Term 4 2023 that will continue into 2024, reminding us to dispose of our waste wisely. The campaign features signage of kookaburras and turtles that appear around the school to provide the community with tangible reminders of what being more conscious about food waste can do for the environment. We also have animal tracks that appear throughout the School grounds that help guide individuals to the nearest waste stations. We are proud of the School’s commitment to sustainability, and we hope that by reducing our waste through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse, we will not only become a green school, but also inspire others to follow our example.

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 25

Picnic at Hanging Rock Tom Wright’s adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s classic novel Picnic at Hanging Rock premiered to acclaim at the Malthouse Theatre in 2018, directed by Matthew Lutton. Wright’s original play featured a cast of five powerhouse women, established as a Chorus of modern schoolgirls who conjure the story, eventually inhabiting its horror. Wright generously granted approval for St Michael’s to adapt his piece for an expanded cast of nineteen and, in doing so, transformed it. Our production was not just a staging of Wright’s original play; it was also a response to it and the novel itself, now embodied by a new generation of young people deeply sensitised to the text’s central themes: time, identity, gender, oppression and the interrogation of our dark colonial past.

production for audiences. We were all stretched outside our comfort zones; we supported each other, and became stronger together. Despite the horrors of the piece, or maybe because of it, there was an infectious lightness of spirit in the rehearsal room that carried us forward as a group.

Wright’s text proved remarkably flexible, with almost no stage directions but poetic dialogue that trailed mysteriously in thin columns down the page. In terms of the narrative, it worked more like a dream piece than a structured story, but in keeping with Lindsay’s novel, commenced with the catalyst of a fateful picnic at Hanging Rock in 1900 and explored the dark unravelling that followed. It was by turns lyrical and grimly foreboding. The different lenses brought by each member of the audience deepened the prismatic effect of time and memory on history and story.

We thank our audiences for their vital presence, trusting us to transport them purposefully, and confront the dark heart of our Picnic at Hanging Rock.

The cast showed exceptional spirit and worked with courage, intelligence and artistry to unfurl the text and craft this 26 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

We were inspired by the team of exceptional creatives and their aesthetic vision: Greg Clarke’s vast, handcrafted set of charred wood spearing the sky, lit hauntingly by Richard Vabre’s design; Lucilla Smith and Julia Spizzica’s beautiful costumes; and Kyall Shank’s innovative choreography. Our crew members also worked with skill and dedication to conjure the complex world of the play and support the work of the actors.

Ms Sarah Merry Head of Dance and Drama

Lucie (12K) as Mrs Appleyard with Chorus

Stella (11K) as Marion, Emmylou (10H) as Miranda and Mia (10S) as Irma

Dance Project 2023 – Expressions Returning to its traditional format of a live performance season, this year’s Dance Project: Expressions was an energetic, exciting and high-quality showcase. With an Australian theme, the production encompassed the many ‘expressions’ of the dancers, choreographers and selected Australian musicians, movies, and landscapes that inspired the dance pieces. After dedicating their afternoons, school holidays and spare time to rehearsal, the cast performed four electrifying shows, displaying power, passion, and an undeniable excitement to be back on stage. Opening the show was Ashtyn Gloury’s Hip Hop Medley, performed by a fierce group of Years 10 to 12 students. From Baker Boy to Jessica Mauboy, some of Australia’s most celebrated musicians were the driving force behind this high-octane piece. Continuing with the theme of Australian musicians, was our piece, Aussie Icons, which transported us back to the 90s, the era of flashy music videos! Australian landscapes such as Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, the Sunshine Coast and Bondi inspired our contemporary piece Outback to the Shore, featuring a special section by First Nations choreographers, Jimmy Savage and Troy Schrieber, Juku Beginnings. Members of the audience were astonished by the storytelling throughout the contemporary section, which was a culmination of dance, beautiful costuming, powerful music and digital projection.

Finishing with a bang, Kahlia Sulendra’s Baz Jazz medley bedazzled audiences with its intricate choreography, performed with precision and energy by the Years 7 to 12 dancers. This year’s Dance Project cast demonstrated an outstanding level of teamwork and collaboration that was shared with their audiences. The way that the senior students nurtured the junior students through rehearsal and in performance, translated to the audience and I commend our more accomplished senior students for their leadership. As Director, I was delighted to see the growth, resilience and problemsolving demonstrated by our dancers across the term to bring together this fantastic production. I would like to thank the dancers, their parents and carers, Performing Arts staff (particularly Miss Amelia Jones and Ms Tobiah Elliot) as well as the broader staff for supporting this project. We are already counting down to 2024! Ms Yvette Sauvage Director of Dance Project

1-4. Years 10-12 Dance Project

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 27

Songs and Soliloquies 7-9 Musical and Play Taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the newly redeveloped Performing Art Centre, St George’s, this year the 7-9 Musical and Play were run concurrently utilising McLellan Hall and the Performing Arts Centre. With a season extending over four nights, from 18 to 21 October, the St George’s precinct became a hub of activity with parents thronging to the performances. This year’s play was In Love with Juliet, adapted from a work by Richard Baines called Play on the Bill. The author kindly gave his blessing to the adaptation which made it possible to give virtually all of those who auditioned a part. Many had never performed before. The premise of the production is a group of students, working with their drama teacher to put on a Shakespearian play, Romeo and Juliet. It provided challenges to the cast as it required some to perform extracts from Shakespeare’s work in costume and then switch to the student persona and the modern vernacular. To do so required great flexibility and dedication to learn the many lines. As the well-known story of Romeo and Juliet unfolds it is juxtaposed with modern dramas within the cast, family issues, budding romances, unrequited love and tensions between individuals. The harried ‘teacher’ is beset by conflicting commitments which prevents her giving her full attention to the play, leaving the ‘students’ frustrated but ultimately leading to self-sufficiency. Past staff member, Ms Annie Fiume, who directed the play spoke warmly of the students’ hard work, persistence and commitment. She also acknowledged that the students were instrumental in helping to develop creative ideas and suggestions that were incorporated into the final performance. This included the memorable whole of cast percussion scene, the choreographed fight between Mercutio and Tybalt and the dance between ‘Harry’ and ‘Tatiana’. Meanwhile, in the Performing Arts Centre, a cast of 50 Year 7-9 students delivered showstopping performances both as an ensemble and as soloists in Newsies Jr.

28 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

The musical represents the best of the old and new. In the age of social media and digital journalism, Newsies offers a glimpse into a time when newspapers had immense power in shaping public opinion. It also captures a pivotal moment in history when young news boys took a stand for justice. The Newsies’ strike of 1899 was a powerful movement that shed light on the harsh working conditions faced by all child labourers. At its core Newsies is a story of young people finding their voices and standing up against injustice. A perfect choice for St Michael’s where we strongly advocate for the importance of the student voice. Performance-wise it incorporates a contemporary score and dynamic choreography, and the cast rose to the challenge. The depth of talent allowed for several of the principal roles to be double cast, performing on alternate nights. This also allowed more opportunities for our students to shine and to explore differing interpretations to their roles. Mr Tyler Hess, Director of Performing Arts, directed the production and, as did Ms Fiume, he spoke enthusiastically about the hard work and commitment of his cast and the wonderful collaboration displayed as the production developed. He also thanked the Performing Arts staff for their unwavering commitment to ensuring not just a wonderful final product, but for providing an educational experience where learning was made visible every step of the way. The opening of the Performing Arts Centre in May was a significant milestone for the Performing Arts program. It has proved flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs of each production, transforming the space into different worlds and settings. It has become more than just a venue. It has become a hub of creativity bringing joy to students, staff and parents. Everyone is looking forward to many more stunning St Michael’s productions utilising this iconic space. 1. In Love with Juliet 2. Poppy (9S) 3. Harvey (9B) 4. In Love with Juliet 5-6. Newsies Jr.

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 29

A magical concert There is no doubt that this year’s Spring Concert, held on 9 November, surpassed all expectations. Held for the first time in the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s, it was wonderful to see a full house of proud parents, friends and staff fill the venue to overflowing. After a rehearsal leading up to the event a member of the Harrison Choir (P-2) asked a friend whether this year’s concert was going to be better than last year’s. The friend replied ‘Of course it will. Last year’s concert was great, but this concert is going to be magical.’ And so it proved. Nurturing the talents of our young musicians in a supportive way will give them an enduring love of music. It also helps them develop characteristics that will support them throughout their life. They experience curiosity as they first familiarise themselves with their instrument and demonstrate the strengths of patience and persistence as they strive to master new techniques. They lean into a love of learning as they discover new things about their instrument and experiment with creativity as they explore different ways to play a piece of music. And, of course, it takes courage to overcome nerves to take the stage and perform before an audience.

30 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

Our talented young instrumentalists were inspiring. The range of musical talent was evident in the array of ensembles and bands which include Strings, Clarinet and Guitar ensembles, the Year 3 and Year 5 Bands and the Junior Bands. The Prep-2 Harrison Choir melted hearts as they always do, and the Harrison Choirs and Chamber Choir performed with distinction. The combined Prep-6 choirs provided a memorable finish to the evening. Throughout the evening the students performed with much joy and enthusiasm and a great deal of confidence. Their confidence was on show as they enthusiastically embraced bowing in response to the loud applause which greeted each performance. The applause was richly deserved.

Spring Concert

2. 3.

Ari (6I), Mr Andrew East, Reuben (4A) Audrey (1R), Hommer (3D)

A Festival to remember At St Michael’s we often reference the ‘golden threads’ of our history and these threads were evident to the students and staff who travelled to Canberra in late August to take part in the Sisters of the Church Music Festival. Most at our School will be aware that we were founded by the Community of the Sisters of the Church in 1895. The Sisters established eight schools across Australia and New Zealand. Seven schools continue to flourish; St Michael’s Collegiate School (Hobart), St Peter’s Girls School (Adelaide), Perth College, St Margaret’s College (Christchurch), St Hilda’s Collegiate School (Dunedin), Canberra Girls Grammar School and, of course, St Michael’s Grammar School. Principals and Chaplains of six of those schools met at Canberra Girls Grammar School hosted by the very familiar figure of Mrs Terrie Jones, immediate past Head of St Michael’s, to hear more about our shared history and, importantly, to talk about our shared future. Each school told their own story which enabled those present to understand that the same golden threads of history unite us all. It was evident from the unanimity of values and purpose, so many years after our founding, that the legacy of the Sisters of the Church will endure. Everyone came away with a renewed sense of belonging to a wonderful network of ‘Emily’ Schools, named in honour of the Order’s founder, Mother Emily Ayckbowm.

This sense of unity was brought to life by our students who enjoyed four days of collaborative music making, culminating in a magnificent concert on Saturday evening in the Canberra Girls Grammar School Hall. It was a joyous occasion and incredibly uplifting to witness the performances of the immensely talented students who combined seamlessly, in choirs and ensembles, with those they had only met a few days prior. The concert finished with a rousing performance of Oh Fortuna from the cantata Carmina Burana, by all the students and staff who participated in the week. While all our students shone on stage, some did stand out just a little more. St Michael’s is the only one of the ‘Sister’ schools to become co-educational, so our boys were in a significant minority. Our thanks to the staff who attended the event, and especially Mr Adam Donaldson and Mr Corey Hall who played a key role in leading and directing the Jazz Masterclass Series. It is the intention to further strengthen the collaboration between the Emily Schools through future music festivals, with student and teacher exchanges, and through a range of other national and international projects.

Callum (10M)

2. 3.

Miranda (7B) Sisters of the Church Music Festival

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 31

S TA F F S P OT L I G H T

Mrs Nikolette Bennet Meet Mrs Nikolette Bennet, the Head of Learning Services (K-6) at St Michael’s. She has over 20 years of experience as a primary school teacher, including teaching overseas in Athens and London, and in independent schools around Melbourne. She joined St Michael’s as a Learning Service teacher in 2019, while completing her further education and certification in Special Education. She became the acting Head of Learning Services for the Junior School at the start of Term 2 this year and continued with part of her teaching role throughout the year. Mrs Bennet is passionate about making a difference in the lives of the students and families. She works in the Learning Services Department, where she helps design equal access learning experiences for Junior students. She loves being part of the School community and working directly with students who need extra help or guidance in their learning. She also enjoys seeing

people thrive by enabling them to use their strengths to succeed. She witnesses many children harness their strengths and thrive in their learning every day and this helps keep her motivated and passionate in her role. Mrs Bennet works with a supportive and dynamic team that collaborates harmoniously and combines their strengths to help every student succeed with their learning. She provides individualised teaching approaches and implements suitable adjustments for each student. When she is not at School she likes running her dogs at the beach or having brunch on the weekends with her husband and two teenage sons. She feels lucky to be part of the St Michael’s community and to participate in its culture.

Mr Tommy Allott We are thrilled to introduce Mr Tommy Allott, who took on the role of Head of Mathematics in Term 1 this year. His passion for mathematics education and innovative teaching methods, is reshaping how we approach numeracy across our School.

mathematics engaging and more accessible. He fosters an environment where curiosity thrives, encouraging hands-on exploration of mathematical concepts, igniting a passion for the subject, and cultivating problem-solving skills.

Mr Allott is dedicated to ensuring our students succeed in Maths, and this mission inspired the introduction of consistent maths help sessions, catering to all abilities. These sessions have been met with enthusiastic participation, notably the Year 7 Maths help sessions, which are facilitated by our Year 11 and 12 students under Mr Allott's guidance.

Under Mr Allott's leadership, we have witnessed a surge in student participation in extra-curricular mathematics activities, thanks to his positive reinforcement and consistent leadership. His inspiring guidance motivates students to extend their passion for mathematics beyond the classroom.

Providing transparency across all teaching and learning outcomes is at the heart of Mr Allott's philosophy. He ensures that workbook and assessment expectations are clear for Senior School students, empowering them with a clear understanding of how to achieve success in maths. Mr Allott takes a multidisciplinary approach to his teaching, integrating other subject areas such as technology, making

32 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

Outside of St Michael’s, Mr Allott is quite the athlete, participating in endurance events, triathlons, running, and even cold water swimming in Port Phillip bay. Please join us in welcoming Mr Allott, whose leadership and personal passion are driving a positive transformation in our students' mathematical education.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

A celebration of gratitude The Performing Arts Centre, St George’s had not yet been officially opened when we received our first request from the public to use the wonderful new space. The Hush Foundation asked if they could launch Old Michaelian, Slava Grigoryan’s (OM 1994) latest album at the venue. Slava Grigoryan is one St Michael’s most distinguished alumni and a past parent of the School. He is an internationally acclaimed classical guitarist and composer whose professional career began while he was attending St Michael’s. He gave his first professional solo performance at the age of fourteen. He and his brother Leonard (OM 2002) are counted amongst the finest musicians of their generation. As a duo they have recorded 13 albums and they have been touring internationally since 2003, regularly performing throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA. The Hush Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to transform the culture of healthcare through music and the arts. Slava regularly collaborates with Hush which commissioned him to produce the new album, Gratitudes. He began writing the album during the pandemic to express his thanks for the dedication and spirit of healthcare workers who cared for so many during that stressful time. In his words, "Each of these pieces is a note of thanks, a little letter of

gratitude, for all of the extraordinary work they continue to do in looking after us." Gratitudes was launched at the Performing Arts Centre on Saturday 20 May. At the launch, Slava performed pieces from the album and as a special gift to those present, he also performed accompanied by another distinguished guest, composer and pianist, Luke Howard (OM 1995). On the day, Slava commented that he and Luke had first played together in St George’s when they were only 12 years old, so it was only fitting that they play together again in the transformed space. Benjamin Northey, Principal Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra also spoke at the event. At the launch Slava stated that he hoped to return to the venue, and he did so on 13 September when he conducted a Master Class for guitar students followed by a short recital and Q&A. We very much appreciate Slava’s willingness to give back to the School by assisting our students in this way and hope to welcome him back to the Performing Arts Centre on many more occasions.

Luke Howard (OM 1995) and Slava Grigoryan (OM 1994)

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 33

A bright future for our Old Michaelian community Our Old Michaelian community makes a wonderful contribution to enriching our students’ experience across the School. We very much value their involvement and it is also important to us that our Old Michaelians feel connected to the School and each other. With that in mind we recently invited Old Michaelians to join us for a special workshop and ask the question ‘How might the Old Michaelian Association be the very best it can be?’ The workshop, which followed an Appreciative Inquiry process, was held on Thursday 31 August, facilitated by consultant Annabelle Knight, former Associate Head (Innovation and Learning) at St Michael’s. A combination of 28 Old Michaelians, current staff, past staff, past parents and students attended. The workshop was held in the recently redeveloped Performing Arts Centre, St George’s which provided an inspirational setting for the evening. It was a lively gathering with a great many suggestions and ideas put forward as to how to strengthen the Old Michaelian community. It was evident from the many stories of gratitude shared on the night that Old Michaelians feel a great deal of pride and have a strong sense of belonging to the St Michael’s Community. A smaller, follow-up workshop was held on 28 November to explore some of the key themes emerging from the discussions and these will soon be shared with the entire Old Michaelian community. The next important step is to implement these ideas. It is not too late to be involved and we warmly invite Old Michaelians to come forward and be part of this exciting project. Even as we plan for the future, Old Michaelians are actively engaged in the life of the School. Our Performing Arts students were inspired by the talent of Internationally renowned artist Ms Anna O’Byrne (OM 2003), who returned in August to make a special guest appearance at the Melbourne Recital Centre to perform two items at Music at the Centre: 'Je Veux Vivre’ from Roméo Et Juliette by Charles-François Gounod and ‘So In Love’ from Kiss me Kate by Cole Porter. Patrick Hughes (OM 1996), one of Hollywood's most indemand filmmakers, conducted a workshop for Year 12 students on script writing, film making and acting. He shared his knowledge with great enthusiasm and was asked some excellent questions by the students. He talked through his experiences and stressed the importance of being prepared to make mistakes. Patrick also joined us in October for the opening of Ourspace, where the digital media works of our VCE students were shown in the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s. In September we were very fortunate to have the internationally renowned classical guitarist Slava Grigoryan (OM 1994), return to the School to give a Master Class to our 34 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

music students. Slava also kindly agreed to participate in a Q & A and gave a short recital for students, parents, and staff. In October, Hugo Monaco-Templeton (OM 2019) returned to assist with set building for the 7-9 Musical Newsies Jr and play In Love with Juliet. Along with Louis Tuckfield-Smith (OM 2019) and Alex Whaley (OM 2021), he also assisted with the bump in for Newsies Jr. A number of Old Michaelians continue to participate as ACS Sport coaches, including: Alex Wolnizer (OM 2020), Finn Jessen (OM 2022), Harry Townsend (OM 2021), Stella Smith (OM 2021), Maxwell Prezens (OM 2022), Josh Graham (OM 2021), Nick Leach (OM 2018), Tom Hill (OM 2020), Anna Cripsey (OM 2022) and Liam Whitehouse (OM 2022), who have returned as sailing coaches. Emily Lynagh (OM 2016), Henry Dickson (OM 2022), Sofia Silberman (OM 2015) and Gisele Forsyth (OM 2022) are participating in the Academic and Operational Coaches program. Students participating in our Experiential Learning Program enjoyed the support of Mairead O’Connell Lacy (OM 2022), who attended the Year 11 Refresh and Recharge Marysville Exodus in September; Clare Flynn (OM 2022), who attended the Year 8 Exodus in May and the Year 10 Exodus in September; and her sister Tara Flynn (OM 2020), who also attended the Year 8 Exodus in May. The OMA Committee (OMAC)treated the Year 12 Class of 2023 to a Morning Tea in September. Luke Matthews, Director of Years 10-12 (OM 1993) made an inspiring speech, and Co-Vice Captain Nancy Curtis (OM 2022) and Co-Captain Finn Jessen (OM 2022) also spoke and provided some words of advice and encouragement to the students for their final weeks of School and the exams ahead. We thank all Old Michaelians for their support and look forward to the ongoing contribution and engagement of our diverse and vibrant Old Michaelian Community with the School. If you are interested in engaging with the students, contributing to life at St Michael’s or learning more about the OMAC please contact oldmichaeliancommittee@stmichaels.vic.edu.au

Co-Captain Finn Jessen (OM 2022) returned for the Old Michaelian Association Year 12 Morning Tea.

Slava Grigoryan (OM 1994), returns to the School to give a Master Class to our music students. Anna O’Byrne (OM 2003) performs with St Michael’s students at ‘Music at the Centre’

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 35

Celebrating our volunteers – the Old Michaelian Association Archives Subcommittee The Sandra Matheson Archives is a rich repository of artefacts and documents that record the history of St Michael’s. Located on the ground floor of The Gipson Commons, the Archives is a central and visible hub that reminds our students every day of the importance of our history and how far we have come since the school officially opened as the Church of England Day School in Marlton House in 1895. The Archives was both established and run entirely by volunteers - the Old Michaelian Association Archives Subcommittee comprising three very important Old Michaelians: Sue Loughlin (OM 1972), Kim Crane (OM 1971) and Carolann Thomson (OM 1971). Without their perseverance and passion for preserving the School’s history, it is unlikely that the Sandra Matheson Archives would exist as it does today. The Archives started as a dusty treasure trove, retrieved from filing cabinets and the loft above the stage of Vicars Foote Hall (demolished in 2015). The journey in establishing the Archives has included many milestones along the way. Most importantly, the appraisal of the collection by Jude Fraser from the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation University of Melbourne, supported and funded by the then Parents and Friends Association (PFA), and provided recommended actions all diligently achieved by the volunteers that culminated in a purpose built space in The Gipson Commons– a thriving and bustling place that students, staff and Old Michaelians are all welcome to visit. The Subcommittee members all have a very long association with the School dating back to 1960 when Carolann and Kim first met in grade 1. Sue joined the School in 1966 in Year 6 and went on to be School Captain in 1972. Her son Josh (OM 2009), continued her legacy and was also School Co-Captain in 2009. Kim’s three sons attended the School, with her eldest Jordan (OM 2005), also working as a staff member for a period of time. All have held various roles on the Old Michaelian 36 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

Association Committee, with Carolann holding the position of President of St Michael’s Old Girls Association (SMOGA) as it was known when St Michael’s was still a girls School. When discussing the benefits and rewards of volunteering in the Archives, Sue explains that, the "reward for her is the joy she gets in seeing Old Michaelians (OMs) connect at the Archives Workshops over afternoon tea. We like to think that OMs feel welcome, respected and acknowledged. Sharing memories is just one way that brings us all together. Looking after OMs is an important part of participating in the Old Michaelian Association." Carolann’s combined love of history and love of the School shines through as she discusses their work in the Archives. "The preservation of history is important to understand where you have come from. We feel so responsible when people pass over their treasures – they trust us to look after them, so we take meticulous care in the work that we do." Kim describes that for many of us, it is like coming back home. The sense of belonging and giving back is the most rewarding part of volunteering in the Archives. "We are three friends that get on well and meet every Monday to get together, enjoy each other’s company and the satisfaction we get from doing this very valuable work." Along with Pat Tyrrell, St Michael’s staff member of 40 years, who also volunteers every week to sort photos and identify staff and students; and the late Jan Gordon-Clark (OM 1952), who in her capacity as a Board Committee member, was instrumental in securing a dedicated space in The Gipson Commons, we owe much to Carolann, Kim and Sue who have dedicated so much of their valuable time in preserving the memories and precious history of St Michael’s. 1.

Pat, Carolann, Kim and Sue - Archives Volunteers

Vale St Michael’s pays tribute to Old Michaelians, Staff and members of our community who are no longer with us and offer our condolences to their family and friends who are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mrs Jennifer Bell (nee Berger) (OM 1961) 6 August 2022

Mrs Barbara Venn 26 July 2023

Cheryl Oram (OM 1962) 6 October 2022

Mrs Diana Gibson (nee Evans) (OM 1954) 24 August 2023

Mrs Jill Bryant (nee Erlandsen) (OM 1959) 13 May 2023

Mrs Sallie Norsworthy 24 August 2023

Mr Corey Osmond (OM 1994) June 2023

Mr Geoffrey Lane 26 August 2023

The Reverend Wendy Hudson 2 July 2023

Mrs Lenora Bond 28 August 2023

Gwenda Cleary (nee MacBeth) (OM 1954) 7 July 2023

Mr Richard Pleash 10 October 2023

Ms Wendy Saphin (OM 1973) 12 July 2023

St Michael’s thanks the community for advising us of the passing of their loved ones. This information is correct at the time of publication. To respect the family of the deceased, names will only be published where the family has advised the School or there has been a public notice advising of the death. These names have been added to the School’s Year’s Mind Book, which records anniversaries of significance to the School community. This will ensure that they will be remembered in prayer at a Eucharist held in the School’s Chapel of St Michael and All Angels at the appropriate time each year and that their memory will be honoured by St Michael’s Grammar School in perpetuity. If you are an Old Michaelian or member of the St Michael’s community who would like to share a story or community notice, please contact us at engagement@stmichaels.vic.edu.au The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 37

Reunions The Reunion program at St Michael’s has continued to see high attendance rates well above previous years. Reunions provide an opportunity for our Old Michaelians to share stories, reminisce about their School days and to see the exciting developments at St Michael’s since they last visited. On 5 May, we were delighted to see over 35 Old Michaelians from the Class of 2008 return for their 15 Year Reunion and on 23 June we enjoyed another joyful evening of laughs and stories as the Class of 2003 reminisced about their school days at their 20 Year Reunion. Teachers often have a very special place in the hearts of Old Michaelians, so it was wonderful to see many past staff also in attendance. The sense of belonging and togetherness on nights like these demonstrates the deep connection that is felt among our former students and their former teachers. The Class of 2018 enjoyed their 5 Year Reunion at the Railway Hotel and had much to share with their classmates about life beyond the School gates. This year, we also welcomed back to the School the Class of 1998 for their 25 Year Reunion in August and the Class of 1988 for their 35 Year Reunion in October. It was very special for our Boarders to be able to get together once again in November after a long hiatus of five years due to the disruption of the pandemic. A very special day was had by all, commencing with a service in the Chapel of St Michael and All Angels, followed by lunch and concluding with a tour of the School which brought back many memories for the Boarders in attendance. A special thank you to our team of Archives volunteers who brought OMs time in the Boarding houses to life through the display of artefacts and photos. The Boarders Reunion provides a unique opportunity for this group to get together and share memories of school life from many years ago.

CONNECT The Old Michaelians Facebook group is a lively group where past staff, students and parents can keep in touch and stay up to date with Old Michaelian news and events. St Michael’s Old Michaelians

38 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

UPCOMING REUNIONS IN 2024 In 2024, we are hosting several reunions over the year and we invite past staff and Old Michaelians from the following peer years to join us as we renew old friendships, develop community networks, learn about the changes that have taken place at St Michael’s, reminisce about days gone by and share life experiences. 5 Year Reunion – off site

Class of 2019

Fri 2 Feb 2024

10 Year Reunion

Class of 2014

Fri 9 Feb 2024

15 Year Reunion

Class of 2009

Fri 15 Mar 2024

20 Year Reunion

Class of 2004

Fri 17 May 2024

25 Year Reunion

Class of 1999

Fri 26 Jul 2024

30 Year Reunion

Class of 1994

Fri 11 Oct 2024

40+ Years Reunion 35 Year Reunion

Sat 16 Nov 2024 Class of 1989

Fri 29 Nov 2024

Old Michaelians will be sent an invitation by email, and are encouraged to update their details to ensure they receive these: stmichaels.vic.edu.au/update-your-details/ Please note that the dates published were correct at the time of print, however are subject to change so please check stmichaels.vic.edu.au/community/events/ for final dates and booking details. We also ask that Old Michaelians share the details with past classmates to ensure the success of the reunion program. We value all ideas, input and assistance from Old Michaelians to help us make your reunions special and memorable. If you have social media skills, a flare for events or would just like to be involved, then we would love to hear from you. Email: engagement@stmichaels.vic.edu.au Phone: +61 3 8350 3298

1-3. Class of 2008 4-5. Class of 2018 6. Class of 2003 7. Class of 1998

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 39

B E Y O N D T H E S C H O O L G AT E S

Nina Wan: from Finance to Fiction Nina Wan’s career path took a remarkable turn from investment banking to journalism and then eventually to the world of fiction. Nina (OM 1999) is the talented author of The Albatross, a tale of personal discovery, love and the unexpected places we find solace and meaning in our lives. After completing Year 12 at St Michael’s in 1999, Nina embarked on an academic journey that led her to study Commerce and Law. She eventually found herself working in the fast-paced world of investment banking, however, life had other plans for her. Nina made the transition into the realm of journalism, writing for The Australian Financial Review. It was in the midst of COVID lockdowns that Nina decided to pursue her true passion – writing fiction. This transformative period of self-discovery led her to write the novel, The Albatross, which was published in 2023. This shift in career also opened doors to new opportunities, including contributing a short story to The Big Issue’s annual Fiction Edition. "The freedom of expression that comes with writing a novel is what I love the most. There are no rules or limits. It is both a highly creative and highly cathartic experience. It is an immense challenge too, much like climbing a mountain or running a marathon. It builds stamina and serves as a reminder of what you are capable of."

40 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

Nina’s journey as a writer was influenced by her time at St Michael’s, where she had dedicated English teachers who nurtured her love for language and the art of storytelling. She fondly recalls teachers like Father Treloar and Mr Stephens, who introduced her to the beauty of poetry and literature, playing a pivotal role in shaping her literary aspirations. Nina’s career has been marked by several achievements. Notably, The Albatross was selected by Annabel Crabb and Leigh Sales for their inaugural Chat 10 Looks 3 Book Club. Additionally, Nina was invited to participate in the Melbourne Writers Festival, where she shared the stage with talented local and international authors. For those aspiring to pursue a career in writing, Nina offers valuable advice. She emphasises that writing is primarily about effort and that starting can often be the hardest part. “If you have your heart set on being a writer, you must accept that writing is 99% perspiration. Don’t wait for the inspiration to strike; just sit down and start writing the words.” Currently, Nina is hard at work on her next book. We wish Nina well and look forward to reading her new novel.

Tom Burton: Crafting Laughs for a Living St Michael’s Class of 2013 graduate, Tom Burton has built a career on making people chuckle. While his path to success wasn’t necessarily a linear one, Tom has found his groove entertaining audiences across Australia. After leaving school, Tom confessed that he felt somewhat adrift for a few years. However, a pivotal moment came when he decided to enrol in improvisation comedy classes with The Improv Conspiracy. This marked the beginning of his journey into the world of live comedy, where he now teaches improvisation comedy classes and performs regularly in various improv and sketch comedy shows. One of his most significant creative collaborations is with his older brother Josh (OM 2009), who also attended St Michael’s. Together they form the Burton Brothers, a sketch comedy duo who are known for their unpredictable sketches that veer into hilariously ridiculous. Their humour keeps audiences guessing, and they aren’t afraid to boldly challenge the limits of comedy. Their shows brim with humour and their capacity for on-stage improvisation introduces an additional dimension of spontaneity. A recent highlight for Tom was performing at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival. Being part of such a renowned event was a dream come true for Tom and a testament to his talent and dedication.

When reflecting on his time at St Michael’s, Tom believes that his school years played a significant role in laying the important foundations for his career in comedy. He actively participated in school plays and musicals, honing his performance skills. The opportunity to perform on stage, in front of an audience fuelled his desire to pursue a career in entertainment. “Unsurprisingly, I had a keen focus in performance subjects like Drama, Theatre Studies and Music. These classes helped me develop early skills that have taken me far in my post school performing career.” For those wanting to pursue a career in comedy or entertainment more broadly, Tom offers some sound and practical advice. “Do all the amazing performance opportunities that the School offers and then when you graduate, just go out there and give it a try. Sign up for an improv class. Go and do an open mic night. It may sound scary but the best way to start out is by giving it a red-hot crack. If you've got the comedy bug then don't wait for it to happen, go and make it happen yourself.” We wish Tom all the best and look forward to having a good laugh at his next show.

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 41

C E L E B R AT I N G O U R V O L U N T E E R S

Miriam Taylor Miriam is a proud parent to three wonderful children and the owner of a recruitment business that supports the engineering consultancy sector within Melbourne’s property and construction industry. While her plate is undoubtedly full, she finds immense joy in giving back to the School community. Miriam is currently a Parent-Teacher Representative for the 3-Year-Old Kindergarten. Additionally, she is the Leader of Volunteers, an administrative and events position that ensures the smooth functioning of the volunteering efforts within the School. Miriam’s motivation for volunteering with the PCA stems from her strong belief in the importance of a tailored education for each child. She acknowledges that every student has unique learning needs and is passionate about facilitating the right educational environment for their growth. She views teachers and the broader school community as playing an integral role in nurturing children to become their best adult selves.

Miriam has not been immune to some of the challenges that come with volunteering, especially during the initial term. The wealth of information, school systems, terminology and various events can feel overwhelming at times. Adopting a step-by-step approach, seeking guidance when needed and embracing the learning curve are what aided in the settling-in process. Next year, Miriam intends to help other 3-Year-Old Kindergarten representatives transition into the role by sharing her knowledge and experiences. Miriam is a shining example of a dedicated and passionate volunteer at St Michael’s. Through her valuable insights and unwavering support, she not only enriches the educational journey of her own children but also helps create a nurturing environment for countless others. Miriam’s ability to seamlessly integrate her skills and her desire to give back underscore the profound impact our volunteers have on the School community. We thank Miriam for her contributions to the PCA and broader School community.

Sally Woods Sally’s inherently giving nature, embodied through her roles as a compassionate nurse, devoted mother and a guiding light for those seeking a better night’s sleep, reflects her commitment to the well-being of others. While Sally owns and runs her own business – The Sleep Concierge, which assists mothers and babies establish better sleep patterns, she considers her role as a mother to be the most important and rewarding. Sally’s daughter Posy currently attends the St Michael’s ELC, with her son Oscar due to begin in 2025. Despite Sally’s bustling schedule, she enjoys carving out time to volunteer and give back to the School community. Sally takes on an essential volunteering role as a parent helper, assisting with Kinder Gym sessions and co-organising social events for the 3-Year-Old Kindergarten groups. For Sally, a key motivation for volunteering is being able to witness the joy her daughter exudes when at School. Sally relishes being a part of Posy’s educational journey, finding pleasure in watching her daughter learn, grow and play.

42 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

To other parents who are contemplating volunteering, Sally offers words of encouragement. She emphasises that volunteering need not be overly difficult or time-consuming; it can be as simple as assisting with Kinder Gym or helping out at the Octavius Browne Community Garden. By volunteering, Sally has found a sense of community, where like-minded parents and supportive staff share a genuine desire to understand each child and their family’s unique needs. She has not only become more connected with the St Michael’s community but has also forged meaningful friendships across various year levels. Reflecting on her own time as a St Michael’s student, Sally couldn’t initially recall the volunteers. However, she realised that volunteers were seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the School. They ran stalls, manned BBQ’s or served as timers at swimming carnivals. Now as a parent herself, Sally deeply appreciates the efforts of those who contributed to her school experience and is thrilled to pay it forward. As Sally aptly put it, "Once a St Michael’s student, always a St Michael’s student". We are delighted to have Sally return to St Michael’s and thank her for her ongoing contributions.

The PCA – bringing us together Term 2 came to a close with the biggest event on the PCA Calendar – The PCA Trivia Night! Tapping into the theme ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ this year’s Village People Trivia Night saw our village of parents and guardians wholeheartedly adopt costumes featuring sailors, 70’s sequins and high vis. Held at the impressive venue, The Timberyard in Port Melbourne, we were expertly entertained by our magnetic host, Ashish Monani, who dished out an awesome deck of trivia questions. Catering was covered by sweet and savoury grazing packs and Woodstack pizzas. There was also a fundraising element through silent auction purchases and a giant chocolate block raffle. Topping and tailing the Trivia was the DJ for music on arrival and Carla Triano’s sassy singing to round out the night of entertainment. The large number of attendees dancing to YMCA was a highlight. A fun night was enjoyed by all. The Father’s Day event this year did not disappoint. The PCA were very happy to secure the pinnacle of golf courses, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, for the event. In the early hours of a foggy August morning, twelve groups comprising teams of four teed off on the inaugural St Michael's PCA Father's Day Golf Classic on the western course. The conditions developed into a brilliant day of sunshine and low wind – ideal weather for golf. To begin the lunch, a student video was shown that included their take on Father's Day - the perfect icebreaker. It was followed by speaker Miss Jordan Ivey, who is both

St Michael’s Head of Physical Education (K-6) and an AFLW player. In her speech, she delivered a warm and inspiring acknowledgement of how her father influenced her success in AFLW. Andrew Kantor, PCA Leader of Sport, MC and organiser of the event, cleverly asked the winners of each competition to describe their winning prowess, resulting in some very funny commentary and stories of pure luck. Parents who didn’t play golf could attend the lunch only and in true St Michael’s inclusive style, all parents and guardians were invited – not just the dads. Many of the attendees expressed the wish that the event be repeated next year. A great indication of success. The PCA held the annual Staff Appreciation Day to celebrate and thank all St Michael’s Teachers and Staff on World Teachers' Day 2023 which was celebrated across Australia on Friday 27 October. The PCA acknowledged the tremendous commitment of the staff in 2023 and thanked them for illuminating the minds of their children with a morning tea and a small gift as a token of their appreciation. As we go to print, the PCA annual grants program is well progressed and we look forward to sharing the results in the next edition of The Crest.

1-2. Trivia night 3. Fathers Day Golf Day

The Crest Issue 10 2023 | 43

Celebrate your place in St Michael’s history Since its official opening in May, the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s has been enjoyed by the whole School community. We have also received many admiring comments from neighbours and the broader community. This beautiful new space has been the venue for a broad range of performances and has also proven to be a versatile location for a variety of other School activities. It has been used for lessons, student forums, staff presentations, a gathering of Old Michaelians and for the Ourspace exhibition of VCE digital artworks in addition to its daily use for rehearsals. There is no doubt that the redevelopment has fulfilled and exceeded all expectations for the role this much-loved heritage building can play in the life of the School. This state-of-the art rehearsal and performance facility is inspiring our students to develop their talents front and back of stage. It also provides a whole new experience for our audiences, both within the St Michael’s family and from the broader community. The excellence of the redevelopment was recognised at the Master Builders Victoria 2023 Excellence in Construction Awards where the builders, SJ Higgins was awarded the Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $10m to $15m. By virtue of the win, the project is now a finalist in the National Awards. The project was a major investment by the School as part of our program to continually improve our facilities to provide the best learning environment for our students. Generous donors have already contributed to the project but to assist with its ongoing development and to ensure that we can continue to improve our amenities we are seeking further support.

44 | The Crest Issue 10 2023

Members of the St Michael’s community can now celebrate their association with the School through recognition as a supporter of a window or a seat in this wonderful new facility, destined to be the heart of the School for years to come. An outstanding feature of the building are the beautiful stained-glass windows which bring the space alive with their vibrant colour and warm glow. All the windows, created by leading artisans of the day, have been expertly restored. Donors have already supported the restoration of many of the windows but there are a further 14 still available. Gifts to support a window are recognised with a plaque adjacent to the window ensuring that the donor’s connection to St Michael’s is forever remembered. The magnificent new tiered seating block in the Janette Gordon-Clark Auditorium within the Performing Arts Centre has 204 fixed seats. You can also support St Michael’s by choosing a seat to dedicate to a family member or to mark your family’s association with the School. Your gift will be recognised with an engraved plaque attached to the seat, or seats, you choose enabling you to have an enduring presence in this iconic building. To find out more about how you can contribute to St Michael’s by supporting a window or a seat in the Performing Arts Centre, St George’s go to takeyourseatorwindow.stmichaels.vic.edu.au or contact Ros Casey, Director of Advancement on rcasey@stmichaels.vic.edu.au We deeply appreciate those donors who have already chosen to make a gift to support the redevelopment of this unique and inspiring facility and we look forward to more members of our community celebrating their commitment to the School in a similar manner.

Nurturing creative, inquiring minds.

Scholarship applications open for 2025 entry. Our Scholarships program supports students who otherwise may not be able to start, or continue, their St Michael’s education. We aim to attract students who will contribute to the social and cultural diversity of the School. This includes new students who have already demonstrated strong community spirit and a desire to make a difference to the world as contributing citizens, or students who have achieved excellence in a particular field of endeavour.

APPLY TODAY www.stmichaels.vic.edu.au Co-educational | K–12 | St Kilda | 8530 3310

St Michael’s Grammar School 25 Chapel Street, St Kilda VIC 3182 Australia Telephone: +61 3 8530 3200 community@stmichaels.vic.edu.au stmichaels.vic.edu.au CRICOS Provider 00345G

CONNECT WITH US