Yuma wins fifth consecutive Apple Student Challenge

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For the fifth year in a row, Year 9 student Yuma was selected by Apple as a Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) Swift Student Challenge winner. Thousands of students from around the world enter the competition each year to showcase their passion for coding and create an interactive scene to impress the judges at Apple, the world’s largest technology company. In 2017, Yuma was the youngest winner of the challenge. He was invited to meet Apple CEO Tim Cook and even received a special mention in Tim’s keynote speech. Yuma’s successes at the WWDC conferences have created many opportunities for him. ““I've met some highly inspirational people such as Tim Cook and Michelle Obama. Since my first WWDC, I've started doing public speaking and even went to Egypt twice, where I was given an award by the President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.” Yuma sees a career in technology as a lifelong journey of learning and creativity. “Technology has many branches and paths to go down, and discovering new paths to take is probably the most exciting thing about coding and tech. You also get the chance to make whatever you like. What you make is only limited by your creativity.” Yuma enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for coding with others. He manages a YouTube channel called Anyone Can Code!, a name which encapsulates his belief in the power of coding and technology. “One of the best pieces of advice I've ever been given would be to follow your passions and simply do what you enjoy, which is something I tell others to do too.” Yuma has many remarkable goals for the future. He would like to specialise in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence or Augmented Reality, or another new technology with potential for future growth. “I hope I can create an app or something that can help to make people's lives better.” “I also have plans to update my website and some of my apps, as well as make some tutorials on my YouTube channel, Anyone Can Code! I want to grow my YouTube channel and inspire more people and kids to code.”

1. Yuma speaks to the team at Sunrise 2. Letter of Congratulations from Apple 3. Yuma speaks at WWDC event

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Chris Mills

Before realising his aspirations to teach, Chris studied a Bachelor of Commerce and was employed as a Branch Manager at the Commonwealth Bank for a number of years. It wasn’t until he decided to take up a training role at the Bank that he discovered his passion for coaching, training and watching people learn. He then returned to university to study teaching, a decision that Chris is extremely glad he made. Chris has now been working in schools for 14 years in various roles including VCE Coordinator, Director of Studies – Senior School, Humanities Faculty Leader and Head of House. Next year, Chris will take on the important role of Acting Director of Operations and is excited for the challenge. “I am looking forward to working in a team environment that aims to ensure our students, their families, staff, and the broader community of St Michael’s have systems and programs to develop stronger connections and opportunities for further growth”. The relationships between students, parents and staff at St Michael’s is what Chris values the most. “The rapport is grounded in deep care and compassion, mutual respect, the lively exchange of ideas, and an appreciation for the unique talents of everyone in our St Michael’s community. I also appreciate that we, as a school, encourage diversity, creativity and citizenship. When he’s not in the classroom, Chris enjoys the outdoors and keeping fit. His beautiful and energetic English Staffordshire, Chloe, ensures that he is up early every morning during the week for a good hour-long walk.

Belinda Klose

Belinda Klose started her journey at St Michael’s in Term 3, 2021 in the role of Director of Prep to Year 3. Belinda has over 20 years teaching experience and has completed a Master of Education at Melbourne University with a core focus on leadership, curriculum, assessment and student needs. These experiences have allowed her to inquire deeper into her own personal teaching pedagogy and understand the nature of the many changes evolving in Education today. During Belinda’s time at St Michael’s, she has come to value the strong community connections and the energy and passion from all the children and teaching staff. Belinda believes that the culture embedded at St Michael’s enables all children to feel connected, valued and known. As a teacher, Belinda loves having the ability to promote an environment that values every child’s contribution, where they can develop a sustained enthusiasm for learning, supported by a tailored explicit curriculum which provides the challenges and encouragement for all to thrive and develop at their own individual pace. Building relationships with all families is fundamental as this allows parents and teachers to work in collaboration and create the best outcomes for each child. Belinda also enjoys working with teachers and building a collaborative learning culture. Outside of school Belinda enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband. They love visiting new places, the beach and watching AFL. Belinda has a keen interest in running, with her morning routine consisting of a daily run along the beach with her very loyal border collie ‘Blondie.’ Belinda has thoroughly enjoyed the many smiles and bright eyes across the School.