Message from the Principal – Christine Harding

Welcome to the community of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer. Striving for excellence, we are the only specialist all-girls school in the Sutherland Shire.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Term 2 has progressed very quickly and our students have been working well in the classroom and focused on their learning. There is much to be proud of this term, with our students participating in so many extra curricular events.

“Teachers can open doors but you must enter it yourself.”

Year 8 Debating Champions

It is with much excitement that I announce Year 8 students Sairse O’Brien, Kate Middlemiss, Sophie George and Tamarli Hayden as winners of the 2024 Regional Catholic Schools Debating Competition. The girls have worked tirelessly during the debating season, diligently honing their skills in analysing arguments, constructing and rebutting arguments during debates. Congratulations on an outstanding achievement.

OLM and DLS Caringbah Business Lunch

Our inaugural Business Lunch held at Cronulla RSL last week was a resounding success. The atmosphere was buzzing with enthusiasm, and it truly showcased both OLM and DLS in a positive light highlighting the array of opportunities and connections we are giving our senior students. The Business Lunch provided a platform for our senior students to connect with businesses and industries, fostering meaningful relationships and building networks for future career paths.

Semester One Reports

Semester One reports are available through Compass. To celebrate your daughter’s achievement, please find below some tips to make the most of Semester One Reports.

Harding’s Hot Tips to Make the Most of Reports

1. Read your daughter’s report with her. This immediately indicates openness, and provides direct encouragement and support to your daughter. Wherever there are positives, in either comments, grades, effort and so on, point them out to your daughter first. 
2. The report should be viewed as a vehicle to move forward, and not be perceived as a final judgement of a daughter’s ability – because it is not. It’s a “screenshot” and not the whole story. It is important for students to know that they have the ability to modify and change their work ethic or study strategies, and they can improve.
3. Don’t just look at grades, focus on effort also. Performance is not measured solely by grades. Not every child will receive an A or B, in fact the average child would mostly achieve a C grade (which typically represents the middle 60%). Effort however can reflect the teacher’s perspective on how hard your daughter worked, her commitment to fulfil homework, assignments and contribution in class. 
4. TALK to your daughter about the report, and LISTEN. Help your daughter not to blame someone or something that resulted in a disappointing report. Blame does not lead to action. If there are extenuating circumstances for a disappointing report, acknowledge these may have affected your daughter’s focus and give understanding. However, help your daughter accept that they perhaps did not put in the effort, or had not established an effective revision program, or had not given the required commitment. Asking your daughter what they could do next semester to improve or maintain excellence is a good start. 
5. Grades vary between subjects, and compare exam results with assessment results. Identify specific subjects where grades were ‘low” and where others were ‘high’. It is not uncommon for students to have strengths in some subjects and weaknesses in others. Few children excel across all subject areas.
6. Establish goals for next semester. The report can, and should, be read as an instrument to create goals for next semester, now is the time to create goals for next semester. Some goals may be:

• Focus on reading the question in assignments/exams carefully to ensure the question is answered.
• Ensure I make summary notes when I finish each topic.
• Do at least 30 minutes reviewing what I learned at school each day, in addition to homework.
• Ask the teacher if I don’t understand a concept.
• For example, if a subject is a weakness, spend 1 hour a week doing extra practice on  this subject.

When the goals are listed, display them in a prominent place – fridge, bedroom wall, notice board etc. so that they are a constant reminder to your daughter of what she can achieve.

Student Extended Leave (5 or more school days)

We would like to bring to your attention some important policies regarding student absences and assessment variations at our school.

1. Extended Leave Notification: It is crucial that if you are planning a holiday or any other extended absence for your child, you must complete an “Application for Extended Leave” form at least two weeks prior to the intended leave. This ensures that we can adequately plan for your daughter’s absence and make necessary arrangements to support her education during this time.
2. Variation of Assessment: If your daughter knows in advance that she will be away during an assessment period, please ensure they complete a “Variation of Assessment” application. This includes obtaining a parent’s signature and attaching independent evidence such as a travel itinerary. She should see Ms Romberg in person to arrange an alternate date for completing the assessment task.
3. Educational Consequences: Please be aware that any decision to be absent from school, especially during assessment periods, will have educational consequences. It cannot be assumed that assessment tasks will be rescheduled to accommodate holidays or overseas trips taken during school time. The responsibility for any missed work or assessments will rest fully with the student.

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines, as they are designed to ensure minimal disruption to your daughter’s education and to maintain fairness in our assessment procedures.

Return to Term 3

Term 3 commences on Monday 22 July 2024 with normal classes for Day 1.

Enjoy the holidays and time with your daughters,

Christine Harding, Principal

Dean of School – Paul Hughes

Congratulations everyone, we have made it to the end of Semester 1.

Maintaining Positive Relationships

Whilst the holiday period can be a time for relaxation and fun, it can also be a challenging time for some children and young people being away from usual routines and adjusting to changes. We encourage students to continue working  on maintaining their relationships during a holiday period. Here are some tips to help you navigate this time successfully:

1. Plan Ahead: Discuss plans and expectations with your friends and family beforehand. This can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page.
2. Communicate Regularly: Even if you can’t physically be together, make time for regular communication. Video calls, phone calls, or even simple texts can help maintain connections.
3. Be Flexible: Understand that schedules during holidays can be hectic. Be flexible and accommodating with plans to minimise stress. Remember, if people are busy it doesn’t mean they are avoiding you!
4. Show Appreciation: Express gratitude and appreciation for your friends and loved ones. Small gestures like sending a thoughtful message can go a long way.
5. Set Boundaries: Respect each other’s boundaries and needs during this time. It’s important to balance being with your friends and time for yourself. 
6. Resolve Conflicts Promptly: If conflicts arise, address them promptly and respectfully. Holidays can sometimes magnify tensions, so try to approach issues with empathy and understanding.
7. Focus on Quality Time: When you are together, focus on quality time rather than quantity. Make the most of the moments you have with your friends.
8. Stay Connected with your Family: If possible, stay connected with extended family members as well. This can strengthen bonds and create a sense of unity.
9. Reflect and Appreciate: Take time to reflect on what the holidays mean to you and your relationships. Appreciate the opportunity to connect and celebrate together.

By being proactive, communicative, and mindful of each other’s feelings, you can navigate the holiday period while maintaining strong and healthy relationships.

Term 2 Achievements

At our recent Whole school assembly we celebrated achievements in a wide variety of initiatives that showcase the passion, talent achievements and service of a large number of students. Over 150 awards were presented for exceptional achievements. We are proud of every 1% of growth and progress demonstrated throughout the semester. I have no doubt that the best is still yet to come.

Traffic Reminders for OLM Campus

We again need to remind parents and family members that all road rules need to be observed and followed when dropping off and picking up students each and everyday. In particular stopping in ‘No Stopping zones’. Those spaces are assigned to ensure drivers can see students when they cross roads or enter/leave the site. Student safety is always the most important consideration for any school community and we ask that our OLM members contribute positively to this.   

Uniform Reminders for Term 3

• Term 3 will see students remain in their full Winter uniform. This requires students to wear their Blazers to and from school and either the new or old uniform worn in its entirety
• Students are not permitted to return to school with unnatural nails (any kind) or unnatural eyelashes. Where a student attends school with these they will be required to be collected and have the items removed before returning to school
• As a safety precaution we are introducing a maximum size for a student’s sleeper earrings. Some of the sleepers that are being worn are excessive in size and in many settings of the school are a risk
• Sports uniforms are worn only on Thursdays. Correct shoes for sport are also required. No skate shoes (Vans, Converse or Adidas Samba shoes are not permitted)

Have a wonderful and safe break and come back refreshed for more great learning in Term 3. 

Paul Hughes, Dean of School

Musical News

Awards

Congratulations to the award recipients at Assembly this week.

Mercy Excellence Program

Cross Country Champions

SCS/CCC Cross Country Championships

SCS Championships 1st – 14 Years – Layla White 1st – 12 Years – Veronica rogers 2nd – 14 Years – Liesl Spinner 4th – 13 Years – Felicity Barnes 6th – 13 Years – Charli Moses

NSW CCC Championships 1st – 14 Years – Layla White 3rd – 12 Years – Veronica Rogers Best of luck to Layla, Veronica, Liesl and Charli who will represent NSW CCC at the NSW All Schools Championships.

Athletics Champions

School 100m Championship Winner – Allegra Little

Athletics House Champions – Frayne

Dean of Mission – Marg Marriott

The Parish of St Aloysius Cronulla celebrated the Centenary with a Mass last Friday evening with the Archbishop Anthony Fisher presiding. There was a generous  reception after the Pontifical Mass which was well attended. We were so proud to have 31 students present looking resplendent in their uniforms together with the College Leadership Team and several  staff members. Amelia Buhagiar led one of the prayers and our wonderful young ladies were so warm in their welcoming of the parishioners and special guests. Cyan McKinnon and Olivia Middlemiss  and I went to Stella Maris to interview long term parishioners of the parish as part of the Living History Project and it was  a delight to record their memories and stories of the parish.

It was an honour to accompany five Year 10 students to Bendigo for the AMSSA Mercy Student Conference last week. Our young women earned praise from the Qantas crew, the Mercy Sisters and the staff of the various Mercy schools for their excellent representation at the event which included: Presentations, a clothing swap, social justice action activities, a visit to the Great Stupa of Compassion, Mass at Bendigo Cathedral, a Conference Dinner at the Town Hall and an extensive trip through the Central Deborah Gold Mine. It was non-stop action for three days and our representatives were warm hearted, generous and responsive in their participation. Special mention to Kadee Kordovolos who proclaimed the Word so beautifully and to Sarah Barrett who processed our College Candle at the Cathedral Mass. Amelia Gray gave a great account of the trip to the OLM community at our assembly this week. 

Further to recognising the great contribution of our students, Mark Speakman, the Member for Cronulla announced in parliament the names of the MAG girls who have contributed so much this year to the St Vincent de Paul Appeal. The students were presented with certificates in recognition of this at the College Assembly, by our local St Vincent de Paul Appeal Representatives, John and Imelda O’Neil. 

The work on our House symbols is getting closer to the next stage of completion. We are grateful to the Year 7 and Year 10 students for their work in submitting ideas on their Reflection Day and to the other year groups who did so as part of an RE lesson. We have had a great participation in the survey to capture your feedback and are looking forward to the launch in time for Mercy Day. 

Next term the OLM family will support the Charitable Works Fund, which provides important ministry to seminaries, Catholic Care, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, prison chaplaincy and many other important works of mercy with the Olympic themed Green and Gold Mufti Day on Friday 9 August. On this day some students will be hosting a sausage sizzle to raise funds to support Children’s Cancer research and the Book in a Day Project. Be sure to order your $5 meal deal (a sausage sandwich and a can of drink) in the Library in Week 2 during recess. 

For the Feast of the Assumption, students will be asked to specify via a Google Form  whether they will attend the 9:15am Mass at St Aloysius Cronulla or 9:15am at Our Lady of Fatima. Buses will bring the students back to the College after Mass. 

AMSSA Trip Diary

The Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Assocition hosted a Student Conference at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo and Sacred Heart College Kyneton from Tuesday 25 June – Thursday 27 June.

We are so very proud of these students, whose contribution to the OLM College community has resulted in their selection to attend this conference and we are excited to give them the opportunity to represent our community at this event.

Mrs Marg Marriott

Day 2 of the Mercy Conference –

Our Mercy Conference delegates enjoyed a morning at Catherine McAuley including a presentation from Sr Sally Bradley from Mercy Works. The afternoon was spent 64 metres underground in the Central Deborah Gold Mine followed by gold panning.

We were so proud of our own Kadee for her proclamation of the First Reading at the Conference Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral. We were then treated to a special dinner at the Bendigo Town Hall.

Marg Marriott, Dean of Mission

Year 6 Confirmation Reflection Day

Year 6 students had a wonderful time understanding the importance of their Confirmation.

It proved to be a wonderful way for the Year 6 students to connect with their older peers who led each team during the day.

A huge thank you to the Year 10 leaders who assisted on the day, they represented OLM so beautifully and were fantastic role models for the Year 6 students.

Calendar Update

Term 3 Important Dates

Monday – 22 July Wednesday 31 July to Friday 2 August	Students return for Term 3 in winter uniform for Day 1 lessons STEM Camp
Friday – 2 August	First Nations Trivia Fundraiser Tickets click here
Monday – 5 to 19 August	HSC Trial Examinations
Tuesday – 6 August	Year 8 Subject Market
Thursday – 8 August	Feast of Mary MacKillop
Friday – 9 August	CEF Fundraiser (Mufti Day)
Monday – 12 August	Newman Symposium 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Wednesday – 21 to Friday 23 August	OLM Musical – ‘High School Musical Jnr.’ @ 7pm – Tickets click here
Friday – 23 August	Staff Development Day (no classes)
Wednesday – 28 August	Father and Daughter Breakfast
Thursday – 12 September	R U OK Day
Monday – 16 September to Monday 23 September	Preliminary HSC Examinations begin
Monday – 16 to Tuesday 17 September	Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (Hike 2)
Wednesday – 25 September	Mercy Day
Friday – 27 September	Last Day of Term 3

Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment – Lisa Romberg

Assessments

Thank you for your ongoing support of our assessment policy. For students in Years 9 and 10 who missed more than one assessment task, these have been noted on the front page of the Semester 1 report. Where independent evidence has been provided this has been noted.

Exceptions were those tasks that fell on days where other school events were held.

For Semester 2 reports, a reminder to all students and parents that missed Assessment Tasks in Year 9 to 11 require a Medical certificate from a Doctor of Pharmacist for in-class tasks that are missed due to illness. For hand-in tasks it is expected that all students submit these tasks on-time for electronic submissions, whether they are present or not. If unable to submit on time, a medical certificate is required.

This procedure promotes fairness and equity to all students for RoSA (Record of School Achievement) Grades which are submitted to NESA for students in Years 9 to 11. This College procedure is one followed by schools to ensure that students know and follow expectations which is particularly essential in Year 12. 

Year Group	Summary: Letter	Summary: Missed Assessment Task Expectations	Term Schedules
7	Year 7 letter	Illness/Misadventure: Note from home to class teacherAbsence due to Holiday Leave: Variation of Assessment Form Section VA – Student form	Term 3 link	Term 4 link
8	Year 8 letter		Term 3 link	Term 4 link
9	Year 9 letter	Unforeseen Absence 9-12 Illness/Misadventure: Medical Certificate covering complete absence OR Independent Evidence Independent Evidence of Illness or Misadventure Advice AND College Illness Misadventure Section A – Student form Known Absence 9-12  Due to Leave, Sports representation, Specialist Appointments other…. Application for Leave to the PrincipalVariation of Assessment Form Section VA – Student form	Term 3 link	Term 4 link
10	Year 10 letter		Term 3 link	Term 4 link
11	ppt		Term 3 link

Year 7-10 Parent, Student Teacher Conferences

We look forward to discussing your daughter’s learning in Semester 1 with you this week, during our Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences.

Thursday 4 July – 3:30-7:45pm

Friday 5 July –  9:00am-1:00pm

These will be held in the Catherine Centre. 

A map has been emailed to you with the locations of the teachers.

Reports will be released on Wednesday 3 July. 

Newman Symposium

For students in the NEWMAN cluster classes, students will be starting our NEWMAN Symposium planning and production this term. This symposium will be held in Term 3 and all students involved are expected to attend this symposium. We ask that parents assist their daughter’s to clear the afternoon calendar for  Monday 14 August. We look forward to the many wonderful and creative projects that the girls will produce.

Mid-Year Check-Up

As we approach the second semester now is a good time to do a bit of a check-up to see if students can improve their approach to their learning. Parents you may like to go through these questions with your child and together set goals for Semester 2. 

Goal Setting, Motivation

1. Have you set yourself goals to strive for during this year?
2. Do you know what motivates you to learn and complete your work for school?
3. Do you try to take a positive approach to school and your studies?
4. Do you make the most of class time, listening and focusing and completing all work?
5. Have you been asking for help if you don’t understand something?

Organisation and Planning

6. Have you been writing all your home learning into your diary or online planner and getting it done?
7. Have you been breaking down bigger tasks and scheduling the work in your diary/planner?
8. Have you been keeping track of what you complete and rescheduling unfinished work?
9. Have you organised your folders for papers and digital resources for school?
10. Do you have folders or somewhere at home to file away all your work and notes for your topics?
11. Have you been working on study notes each time you finish a topic for a subject?
12. Do you have a term planner above your desk where you can easily see when work is due?

Study Environment

13. Have you set up a good study environment at home, a place where you can focus and work?
14. Do you remove all distractions etc. when you are focusing on your schoolwork at home?

Working out your Priorities

15. Do you prioritise each afternoon what you will work on that night?
16. Are you doing around an hour and a half of schoolwork most nights (2-3 hrs for seniors)?
17. Have you thought realistically about whether you have too many outside school activities?
18. Have you allocated set periods of time for school work (eg at least 3 x half hour blocks)?
19. Have you set up some routines to try and create habits that will help you this year?

Setting Effective Study Patterns – more than reading your class notes

20. When you make study notes, are you making them visual with mind maps, highlighting etc?
21. When you study for a test, do you both ‘learn’ the content and ‘practise’ the skills?
22. Do you try to do lots of the practise under examination conditions?
23. Have you reviewed the different study techniques that you should use for your learning preferences?
24. Are you doing more than ‘just reading’ when you study for an assessment?
25. Have you thought about how you will overcome the obstacles you face in achieving your best?

You can learn more about being more effective and efficient in your schoolwork at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with these details:

School username: OLMBurraneer

School password: Mercy

Monday Afternoon Open Learning

If your daughter is interested in participating in Monday Afternoon Open Learning please give permission on COMPASS Event: Monday Afternoon Open Learning OR complete the permission note in the letter and return to the College library 

ICAS Tests

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College is pleased to invite students to participate in the ICAS Assessments^TM in Term 3 this year.

ICAS is designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Science and we have recently added Mathematics. Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals and are invited to attend special award ceremonies to have their academic excellence publicly recognised. 

We encourage you to consider entering your daughter into ICAS this year. The opportunity to sit ICAS assessments at OLMC will continue to be optional, and students may sit one or all of the assessments on offer at OLMC. The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment that has been running for 40 years. Your daughter will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision. 

2024 Participation – Parent payment system 

Our school has signed up for the ICAS Assessments parent payment system (PPS) for all assessments. Through this system parents can pay for ICAS directly online while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the following details to register and pay for your daughter no later than Friday, 26 July (Term 3 Week 1). 

Access details for parents

OLM parent page link is: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

OLM school access code is: GFC685

Lisa Romberg, Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment

Leader of Pathways and Partnerships – Lisa Formica

OLM and DLS Colleges hosted a lunch meeting with local businesses to enhance their presence in the business and broader community, fostering continual partnerships that bring mutual benefits to both the businesses and the Colleges.

Year 10 Work Experience

All Year 10 students have been emailed the code to join the OLM Work Experience 2024 google classroom. Students may also invite their parents to this classroom. This contains all the up to date information and documents regarding work experience. All students will receive a hard copy next term, as well as a briefing to discuss the paperwork required and how it needs to be completed.

Year 10 Career’s Day

Students participated in a Career’s Day exploring different post school options and careers. To further these conversations I will run lunch meetings next term with targeted occupations to allow students to continue this exploration. Years 9 – 11 will be welcome to attend the lunches. Guest speakers will provide first hand information on these industries.

Lisa Formica, Leader of Pathways and Partnerships

Wellbeing and Diverse Learning – Carolyn Burden

Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers

Re: Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019). 

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools 
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disabilities.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school. 

Carolyn Burden, Leader of Wellbeing and Diverse Learning

Leader of Operations – Andrew Mackenzie

Andrew Mackenzie, Leader of Operations

Debating News

Our Year 7 Debating team were valiant in their bid to progress from the Semi Final to the Grand Final but alas unsuccessful against Bethany College. The topic for debate was ‘That Australia is becoming a selfish society’. The students were challenged after being a member down, unfortunately due to illness. Their performance was judged as being a very close call from a very professional team. Well done.

Creative and Performing Arts Faculty – Ciara Gabriele

Amadeus

On Monday 24 June, Year 7 and 8 Music students performed for parents, carers and staff in their Amadeus String and Woodwind and Brass Ensembles. The performances were exceptional and it was lovely to see our girls showcasing what they have been working on in their groups for the past 6 months.

On behalf of the CAPA staff, I would like to thank all of the students who worked consistently  in rehearsing and performing in the SCS Eisteddfod where they represented the College. 

We are very proud of your efforts and achievements.

Have a restful break and we look forward to starting new pieces next term.

Year 11 Music Recital

On Tuesday 2 July, the Eastern Shire Precinct Year 11 Music class performed repertoire from the topics studied Methods of Notating Music and Rock Music. Pieces included solo and ensemble arrangements from ‘Linger‘ by The Cranberries, ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse, ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’ by ABBA, ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love‘ by Elvis and more recent rock pieces by Hozier.

Family, friends and staff of the Year 11 students came to support the performances and the students definitely delivered!.Looking forward to seeing the students progress when they commence Year 12 coursework in Term 4.

Ciara Gabriele, Instructional Leader Creative and Performing Arts 7-8, HSC Music Teacher

Instructional Leader – Co-Curricular – Danielle Polson

Danielle Polson, Instructional Leader Co-Curricular

Technical and Applied Studies Faculty – Ellouise Bernie

Our students have relished the opportunity to bring their design ideas to life this term, with students completing the produce, implement, test and evaluate sections of their projects.

Year 10 Textiles students had a wonderful workshop with representatives from Wool 4 School. Students learnt about the qualities of wool textiles and participated in a design challenge. 

We are looking forward to our celebration of all things design next term when we will celebrate our inaugural Design Week in week 6. 

Ellouise Bernie, Instructional Leader of Curriculum – TAS

Science Faculty – Declan Hoban

Our Year 10 Students travelled to the Australian Museum as part of their study topic ‘In The Beginning’. 

This topic relates to advances in scientific understanding that often relies on developments in technology and technological advances which are also linked to scientific discoveries. 

The Year 10 students are studying the theory of Evolution by natural selection explaining the diversity of living things and how it is supported by a range of scientific evidence.

Declan Hoban, Instructional Leader of Curriculum – Science

STEM – Erin Watson

Did you know that only 17% of STEM jobs in Australia are held by women?

Our Year 8 O class attended into the Sydney Startup Hub for the Future Females in Leadership Forum this past week.

The class are currently involved in The Orbispace Initiative, as part of their Newman extension in Science. The Orbispace mission is to train the next generation of Australian female innovators by equipping them with the skills and mindsets needed to succeed in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

The girls participated in Business Modelling workshops, Digital App interface and design workshops, soft skill and communication practise and they had the opportunity to have lunch with innovative and inspiring leaders in industry including women who flew in from Silicone Valley Startup Companies to speak about their own roles as STEM innovators.

Erin Watson, Instructional Leader of Curriculum – STEM

HSIE Faculty – Luke Reynolds

Year 9 Commerce Market Day 

Throughout Term 2, Year 9 Commerce students have been studying a topic called ‘Running a Business’.

During this topic, students explored various aspects about business management and were given the opportunity to run a business for one day at the College. This day is known as Market Day. This experience allows students to put into action what they have learned during the Running a Business topic.

Market Day took place on Monday 1 July. All students from Years 7-11 were invited to purchase products from market day stalls. There was a range of sweet and savoury meal options available to customers. Commerce students, with the help of many others such as their parents, prepared their products with a great deal of care and dedication. Judging by the turnout on the day, the turnover generated, and feedback from customers, the day was a huge success. All profits made on the day will be donated to the College’s charity partners.

I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the Year 9 Commerce cohort for their entrepreneurial spirit on the day and in the lead up to the event. Thank you to Mrs Biala for her support and guidance of the students throughout the entire Market Day process.

Mr Luke Reynolds, Instructional Leader – HSIE

Luke Reynolds, Instructional Leader of Curriculum – HSIE