Discovery

Dear Parents, 

Careers section in the Discovery

Enrolment demands at Casey Grammar School are increasing with applications well in excess of places we can offer.  We are currently at capacity from Prep through to Year 7 with limited opportunities in Years 8 - 12. 

• 2020 enrolments for Prep and Year 7 have been finalised, and we have significant waiting lists in place.
• The Year 7 - 2021 intake will commence next Term with interviews in August.  We expect enrolment offers to go out in September 2019.
• The Prep - 2021 intake will commence in early 2020 with a Parent Information Evening held in February 2020, and we expect enrolment offers to go out in March 2020.

Extreme cold weather

In the case of extreme weather, the Junior School will call a wet day timetable and students will have the option to stay in their classroom. The Library is open at lunch every day for Junior students and for students in the Senior School, the Library is open at lunch for Year 7 - 10 students.  The VCE Centre is open every recess and lunch for students in Years 11 and 12, if required we can open the Year 7 Centre.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 7 the Library will be closed at lunch time due to Senior School exams however, we will open the Year 7 Centre during this time to provide Junior and Senior school students with a warm place to have a break or study.

Students are reminded that we have a winter jumper available at the uniform shop that can also be worn. Scarfs may be worn to and from school as well as at recess and lunch. Sports jackets are not to be worn under the blazer and hooded jumpers are not permitted. For some excursions additional jackets, beanies or gloves may be worn however parents will be notified of this either via Consent 2 Go or SEQTA. This special exemption was given for the recent Sovereign Hill excursion and Year 10 Geography trip to Portsea.

Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements.

Below is a story that I shared with the Senior School students at Assembly, a story about an inspirational leader, a man that is changing the future for young Indigenous Australians and a man that I worked alongside for 6 years. Here is his story.

His name is Waverly Stanley, and he grew up in central Queensland, he is descended from the Wakka Wakka people with ancestors from the Barungam people. He was a 12-year-old Indigenous student at Murgon Primary School when his teacher, Mrs Bishop, realised there was something special about the boy who captained the class.

Knowing there were limited educational and employment opportunities in the small town in south-east Queensland, she asked the principal of Toowoomba Grammar School if he could offer a scholarship. A week later, Waverley was granted a scholarship at Toowoomba Grammar, and went on to become its first Indigenous student to complete Year 12.

Just before graduating high school, Waverley wrote a heartfelt letter thanking Mrs Bishop for her role in transforming his world, "I am so happy that I had you for a teacher and friend. Your contribution to what you did in my life will always stay with me".

Having benefited from an independent school education, Waverley always wanted to offer the same opportunity to other Indigenous students. In 2005 they set up a not-for-profit organisation providing scholarships for Indigenous children to go to boarding school, just like Waverley had. The new venture was called Yalari, which means "child" in the Birri Gubba language of Waverley's ancestors.

Starting with just three students in 2006, Yalari has since become one of the most successful Indigenous education programs in Australia, with 27 independent schools offering boarding scholarships to a total of more than 250 students this year. That is 250 communities, and an alumni of over 400.

I was lucky enough to teach many of these students.

Most of the students are from remote and regional areas where options for high school are limited. Waverley's guiding philosophy is the idea that education is the key to closing the gap by providing better opportunities for his people.

Can one person make a difference? How could a young Indigenous boy from central Queensland make a difference? Waverley is making a generational difference and the ripples in the pond are spreading across the country making positive change for young Indigenous Australians. We can all make a difference.

Can one person really make a difference? Waverley believed he could.

Mr Richard Baird MBA, B.Ed, ASAM, MACE, MACEL

Principal 

Due to attending an IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads of Australia) conference last week, I unfortunately missed Year 4B’s sensational assembly. I have it on very good authority that it was a huge success and a great credit to Mr Bell and his talented students. I was lucky enough to attend their dress rehearsal and I thoroughly enjoyed their rendition of “Funky White and the Seven DJ’s” The acting, dancing and colourful costumes were a credit to them. Bravo 4B! This week the wonderful students of 2G hosted our Assembly and entertained the audience by showcasing different examples of growth and change in animals and humans. It was certainly a joy to see their Inquiry Learning come to life on the big stage. Congratulations to Mrs Grech and her enthusiastic, creative students.

It was wonderful to have Trist House run a fundraiser, “A Day In May” to raise funds for children with cancer. This initiative came about when one of our Year 5 Trist student, Davin Weerasinghe, asked if his House could support the Musical Moments Trust, a charity that is close to his heart. Sincere thanks to Miss Reale, Davin, their many helpers and performers.  A full report from Miss Reale is featured below. 

I’d like to thank Miss Testro for organising a visit from members of our Police Force. Our Year 3 - 6 students all enjoyed the presentation and hearing the police vehicle siren sound as the officers left our school grounds.

Over the past two weeks, students from Years 3 - 6 have represented Casey Grammar in the District and Divisional Cross Country events. Congratulations to all these students and best of luck to Shae Culpin, Jaan Dawson and Alarice Moore as they next compete in the Regional event. 

Mrs Melissa Roberton

Head of Junior School

On Thursday 23 May, the Junior School Trist House hosted a very successful ‘Musical Day in May’, raising $636.70. This incredible lunchtime concert would not have been possible without the initiative of our Year 5 student, Davin Weerasinghe. Davin hosted the event with Ruby van Brakel. The performances were outstanding and the audience were very impressed by the singing, dancing and instruments that were played. There was also a performance from Mrs Kyne’s Drumbeats Group.

Davin selflessly devoted his time to help make a difference to the lives of Aussie children and families living with cancer by organising a fundraiser to support a charity close to his heart. The money he raised has gone to the Musical Moments Trust and will make a real difference to the lives and happiness of children living with cancer. Davin has also raised awareness of just how important music is to seriously ill children.

I would like to thank and congratulate Davin. I would also like to thank Mr Hall, Catherine Thornton and Cooper Sedgewick for assisting at the PAC. Thank you to the teachers for their support and to our amazing audience of parents and students for their attendance and generous donations.

Miss Bridgette Reale

Head of Trist Junior School

Last week we welcomed our new Careers Counsellor Ms Sarah Blythman. The Senior students formally welcomed her with a BBQ on Thursday 23 May and many of them have already made appointments to consult with her. Over the coming weeks, she plans to meet individually with all VCE students and then she will work with the middle school students as they begin the process of subject selection for 2020. It is wonderful to have Sarah join the Senior School. She brings a wealth of knowledge through her experiences working in TAFE, Universities and Secondary Schools. Year 12 parents will have the opportunity to meet Sarah at our Year 12 Parent Information Evening on Thursday 6 June at 7pm in the PAC.  We encourage all Year 12 parents to come along to learn more about what is in store next Semester in the life of Year 12 students.

Last Saturday night some very excited Year 11 students took part in the annual Debutante Ball. The students looked very elegant in their formal suits and gowns and they put on a wonderful display of graceful dancing. Our thanks go to the Rotary Club of Cranbourne who organised the Ball. Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this beautiful evening.

Over the past two weeks our students have been involved in a diverse range of learning experiences including the Duke of Edinburgh camp, Geography field trip, the Berthe Mouchette French Poetry Competition, World Vision Conference, 6km water challenge and reporting to the Rotary Club who sponsored students in the Model United Nations Assembly. The last three weeks have also seen many NAPLAN tests being completed by Year 7 and Year 9 students. NAPLAN has finally concluded and we look forward to receiving the results soon.

Excitement is building for the school production of Matilda. A full day of rehearsal was held on Friday 31 May and all elements of the production are starting to fall into place. I encourage you to get in early to secure your tickets. Performances are on Thursday 20, Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June.

Our Senior Drama students and staff have been extremely busy. In addition to preparing Matilda, this week Year 11 & 12 students performed their VCE drama pieces to a very enthusiastic audience of family and friends. On Thursday evening, a nervous group of Year 10 Drama students put on their class performance - an adaption of Snow White. Casey Grammar is nurturing a significant number of confident thespians. They are a joy to watch. Congratulations to the Performing Arts department who work so hard to encourage the very best from their students.

This week is Reconciliation Week and we celebrated through a student-led assembly. Congratulations to Lachlan Forster, Lauren Reynolds, Sarah Peterson, Tanysha Hogan, Connor Morgan, Alistair McKearney and Raj Rakhra who all spoke so eloquently at the assembly.

This week our athletes competed in the SIS Divisional Cross Country. We were thrilled when they achieved 3rd place in the competition. As a new team to the competition, this is a fantastic effort. Well done to all staff and students involved.

Next week our examination period begins. Year 7 - 10 exams will be held from Tuesday 4 to Thursday 6 June and Year 11 & 12 exams will be held from Thursday 6 to Friday 14 June with the Year 12 GAT (General Achievement Test) on Wednesday 12 June.

Don’t forget there is a student free day on Friday 7 June.

Mrs Fiona Williams

Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School

We had rain, strong winds and lots of mud, but that did not deter the students whom competed in the SIS divisional Cross Country tournament.

A huge congratulations to all students who represented the school, they did so with great pride, determination and grit.

Overall, we place 3rd which is an amazing achievement. We had some incredible individual and team results. Thank you to the staff members who gave up there time and helped on the day with marshalling, recording, student supervision and motivation!

Individual Result

• Nicolas Lamattina (1st)
• Connor Morgan (1st)
• Millie Rowe (1st)
• Mark Banks (1st)
• Zain Wasif (2nd)
• Emily Potter (3rd)
• Bailey Gent (3rd)
• Oliver Blommenstein (3rd)
• Romeo Bellinvua (4th)
• Emmerson Rassmussen (4th)
• Shayla Maydom (4th)

Mrs Emma Garby

Head of Senior School Sport

On Thursday 30 May the Year 10 Drama class took to the stage with their production of ‘Snow White and the Seven Fairy Godmothers’.

It was a thoroughly entertaining evening filled with magic, laughter and a lot of ‘sweeping’ thanks to the Fairy Godmothers.  A wonderful audience greeted the class when the curtains opened who supported them through every action, line and comedic mishap.

The Year 10 class was predominantly made up of first time performers – all whom gave it their all on stage.

It was a fantastic night and the students should be very pleased with their efforts.

We are fast approaching the time of the year where Universities and TAFE providers are opening their doors to welcome prospective students and their Parents/Guardians to visit their campuses. Open Day’s provide the perfect opportunity for Secondary School students to assess their future educational options and to ask any questions they might have about particular courses and HEd/TAFE providers.

Open Days can get a little overwhelming; with so much to see, do and explore on campus. That said - they are a great way to help choose what University/TAFE to apply for. Open Day’s also provide a great opportunity to assess the overall student experience as you will have the opportunity to meet with current students.

Ms Sarah Blythman

Head of Careers and Student Pathways

Over the last fortnight, our students have many opportunities to participate in our local and broader community. 

Model United Nations

Four of our Year 11 students (Thilara Herath, Mercedees Lynch, Janice Tee, Amy Zainal) participated in the Rotary Club’s Model United Nations weekend last week. They represented both Poland and South Korea, debating a range of different resolutions on global issues. On Tuesday evening they reported back on their experiences at the Cranbourne Rotary meeting and dinner. Here are two reflections on their time.

Finally, the debates really helped build up on many skills, in particular, my confidence, public speaking and global awareness. The debates over these resolutions really made me more aware of the global issues and how important it is for countries to all be involved and solve these problems. (Mercy, Year 11)

The experience from MUNA has given me the courage to want to try more new things and it has taught me that by trying new things and going out of your comfort zone, you can gain so much more than you might have expected. (Janice, Year 11)

World Vision Youth Conference

Members of our Social Justice Group travelled into the Melbourne Convention Center last Thursday for the World Vision Youth Conference. It was the first time they had attended and all agreed it was an extremely positive experience.

It was amazing seeing all the other students from many other schools around Victoria sharing their ideas and showing their passions about topics that are interfering with our lives. Overall, the event was really engaging and by bringing out other human rights activist speakers, it showed me how I am able to help out in a school setting or even in my community by providing my knowledge and service. (Rachel Stafford, Year 9)

All these issues can and HAVE to be solved by the young leaders of the world... that’s us! It’s time to get perspective on what matters to us and not be scared to stand up for the injustices on this planet. (Bella Arnold, Year 9)

Collecting for the Salvation Army

Last weekend, we had three Year 7 students (Meher Kapor, Ebony Bainbridge and Anika Best) as well as Kathleen Foley (Year 12) and Ellen Streat (Year 10) who spent time at Cranbourne Park and Shopping on Clyde where they assisted in raising over $400 for the work of the Salvation Army. We are grateful to them for giving up their time for this worthy cause and for supporting our neighbours.

Booth House Chapel / 6K Water Challenge

Our first House Chapel for the year explored the theme of Water and was followed up by a series of activities during PACA this week. We had relays, games and challenges all designed to raise awareness about water and much needed funds. In the end, we raised around $450 towards providing greater access to water for communities where it is far away. We watched two clips exploring the long term impact that fresh water can provide. In coming together to pray for those who do not have access to such things, it helps us to focus on both this important issue and the way in which we can take action to improve the lives of others.

God’s blessings on you all in the week ahead 

Mrs Monique Riviere-Pendle 

Chaplain

During the vacation I reviewed a new book by David Gillespie called Teen Brain (Nile Australia). The book proposes that we are raising an addicted generation.

With their labile and rapidly developing brains, adolescents are particularly susceptible to addiction, and addiction leads to anxiety and depression. What few parents will know is that what we think of as the most typical addictions and problematic teen behaviours - smoking, drinking, drug taking, and sex leading to teenage pregnancy - are on the decline. The bad news is that a whole raft of addictions has taken their place. Whereas once the dopamine-hungry brain of a teenager got its fix from smoking a joint or sculling a Bundy and coke, it is now turning to electronic devices for the pleasure jolt that typically comes from online playing games and engaging with social media.

Here’s what to look for in yourself or someone close to you - your partner, a child, or a friend. You need to have five or more of these signs in 1 year to have a problem, according to criteria that were proposed to constitute an “addiction”:

1.       Thinking about gaming all or a lot of the time

2.       Feeling bad when you can’t play

3.       Needing to spend more and more time playing to feel good

4.       Not being able to quit or even play less

5.       Not wanting to do other things that you used to like

6.       Having problems at work, school, or home because of your gaming

7.       Playing despite these problems

8.       Lying to people close to you about how much time you spend playing

10.   Getting very angry if they are unable to play.

Preventing a Gaming Problem

1.       Keep computers in communal areas which can be easily observed.

2.       Set time limits for play and stick to them. I recommend NO MORE than one hour per day with three days per week game-free.

3.       Keep phones and other gadgets out of the bedroom so they won’t played into the night.

Mr Alan Clarke

School Psychologist

Look out for the Veggie Cart at the back of the Prep classrooms (adjacent to the car park) on the afternoon of Thursday 6 June, where you will have the opportunity to purchase some of our winter produce which is organically grown and freshly picked from the schools Veggie garden.

A gold coin donation, we hope to see you there!