Year 9 Exodus: Learning real responsibility

Outdoor Education at St Michael’s encourages students to be innovative and creative, it challenges their mindset, and equips them with the skills and knowledge they need for the future.

Our Year 9 students embarked on a week-long journey, where they were fortunate to explore one of three stunning locations around Victoria for their Exodus program, each taking on different adventures and challenges.

A group of students undertook a single-pitch rock climbing and bushwalking journey in the Grampians, while another group explored the Eildon Region by white water rafting along the Goulburn River and bushwalking. The third group cycled from Mansfield to Yea along the Goulburn Valley Rail Trail.

The theme of the Year 9 Exodus program was Real Responsibility. Throughout the week, students were encouraged to take on greater responsibility for themselves and their peers, taking on a more proactive leadership role to manage their group and discover group potential. The theme was integrated into every aspect of the trip, from the preparation of meals to setting up and packing down tents at each campsite. Students also developed their skills in goal setting and time management.

At the end of the week, our Year 9 students returned from Exodus with greater confidence, new skills and stronger bonds with their fellow peers.

Mrs Laura Munro Experiential Learning Coordinator

Ms Lucinda Creenaune

Ms Lucinda Creenaune has been a teacher in the Junior School since 2021. Her interest in teaching was realised while employed in the arts sector, working in communications and supporting the development of education programs. She completed her Master of Teaching at the University of Melbourne and, while studying, Lucinda gained experience in diverse educational settings, including a placement in the remote community of Ntaria, Northern Territory.

In the classroom, Ms Creenaune has a passion for inquiry-based learning and looks for authentic experiences that spark curiosity. For Ms Creenaune, learning experiences are powerful when they connect with the motivations and interests of young learners. She thoroughly enjoys learning alongside students as they persevere with challenges and are eager to stretch their thinking.

Taking on the role of Numeracy Learning Leader (K-6), Ms Creenaune

Mr Simon Daniels

looks forward to building her leadership skills and supporting a culture of collaboration in the Junior School. “As a Professional Learning Team (PLT), we are driven by improving student learning outcomes. Together, we will examine the impact of our current practices, and engage with contemporary research to refine our approach.”

This year, Ms Creenaune is thrilled to be part of the Teaching Excellence Program at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. The program is an opportunity for deep thinking and genuine collaboration across a broad cross-section of schools. Ms Creenaune is most excited about the program’s inquiry focus, where teachers closely examine evidence of student learning and develop action plans.

Outside of school, Ms Creenaune loves the arts, getting out in nature and making ambitious travel plans. Throughout the school year, she shares these interests through her teaching and also creates opportunities for her students’ interests to be visible in the classroom.

Ms Creenaune looks forward to continuously developing her teaching practices, while also contributing to the dynamic learning culture in the Junior School at St Michael’s.

Mr Simon Daniels joined the St Michael’s community at the beginning of 2023 as Director of Years 7 to 9. With a deep passion for pastoral care and nurturing individual strengths, Mr Daniels has experience supporting students to navigate the important middle years of their education.

For Mr Daniels, it is fundamental that students are given every opportunity to discover and pursue their passions at this stage of their education by exploring a breadth of activities with a sense of fun, purpose, resilience, and with hope for the future.

“The times across Years 7, 8 and 9 should be cherished, as students seek greater independence and responsibility, not only for their own learning but also as they identify their interests in life.”

In addition to his role as Director of Years 7 to 9, Mr Daniels teaches VCE Geography. Developing an understanding and care for environmental and human issues, Mr Daniels enjoys the privilege of providing students with a broader perspective of the world.

Outside of School, Mr Daniels loves to keep active and enjoys spending time outdoors running, cycling, and preparing for the occasional triathlon. An Essendon supporter and all-round sports fan, he likes following and supporting many different codes. Whenever he can, he enjoys travelling and the learning that takes place when exposed to new cultures, ways of life and by appreciating the diversity that exists around the globe.

We are excited to have Mr Daniels join the St Michael’s community.