Mooroolbark College Newsletter – November 2024

Night of Excellence 

On Thursday 17th October we showcased the fantastic work of our students at the College’s Night of Excellence. This was a fantastic opportunity for families to see the work that is being completed in our Mathematics classes. Well done to all students who had their work selected for display! 

Year 10 – 12 Examinations 

Congratulations must go to our Year 12’s who have been busy completing their exams over the last few weeks. We are so proud of the Maths Methods and General Maths students for all their hard work and dedication this year and wish them all the best when the ATAR results are released in December. 

A reminder to all Year 10 and 11 students as they prepare for their exams, make sure that you are working hard both in class and at home, completing lots of practice questions and seeking help from your teacher if you are having trouble with any concepts. Good luck! 

Mathematics over the holidays! 

Over the summer holidays, who not discuss the mathematics strategies you use every day with your family? There are many instances of using mathematics and numeracy skills in your day-to-day life and discussing these with your child will help to build a connection to maths and increase their confidence and understanding. 

Here are some examples to get you started: 

• When you are driving, why not discuss speed = distance/time. How does changing the speed you are travelling at effect the time it takes to travel to your destination? 

• When you are cooking, are you doing a single batch/double batch? How do you measure ¾ of a cup and do you need to weigh the butter? 

• If you are making a purchase with cash, how do you know if you are receiving the correct change? 

• If you want to ensure you are getting 8 hours of sleep each night, what time would you need to go to bed if you have to be up by a set time? 

• Are you catching public transport? How do you read the timetable and ensure you catch a train/bus/tram that will reach your destination by the desired time? 

Farewells 

Lastly, as the year comes to an end I would like to farewell two members of our Maths team.  

• Mel Harrison has left us for a year while she starts her family. We wish her the best of luck for her maternity leave and hope she enjoys this special time.  

• James Taylor is moving on to a new job in 2025. James has been an integral part of the Year 12 General Maths team for many years and played a vital role in developing many of the mathematics programs we currently have at Mooroolbark College. He has been a member of the Numeracy Improvement Team, Mathematics KLA Head, Head of Senior School and Timetabler, just to name a few! His passion, experience and positivity will be missed! We wish him the best of luck as he embarks on his next teaching journey. 

Kara Salmon 

MATHEMATICS KEY LEARNING HEAD

With the end of the year fast approaching many of the junior science classes are undertaking final CAT work for the year, whilst senior classes are focusing on exams.  

Our Year 7 classes have been learning about classification and the need to have a standardised system to allow for the correct taxonomic groupings to be made, regardless of language or location differences.  

Body systems are the focus of Year 8 classes for this term, including the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. Students had the opportunity to observe the structure and function of a heart during a dissection.  

Student designed investigations are a focus in the science curriculum, at all levels, in preparation for VCE. Currently the Year 9 Core Science classes are designing their experiments, completing their experiments and presenting their findings.  

We wish all our senior students well for their exams and all the best for the future to our students that have now completed their time at Mooroolbark College. 

Melinda Lori Pui

SCIENCE KEY LEARNING HEAD

As we embrace the vibrant spirit of our school community, we have some exciting highlights to share from our recent events: the Duke of Edinburgh Journey to Wilsons Promontory and the Health and Physical Education Night of Excellence. Additionally, we want to acknowledge the hard work and preparation that our Year 10, 11, and 12 students are putting into their VCE exams. Each of these elements showcases our students’ dedication, achievements, and commitment to personal growth. 

This month, a group of adventurous students embarked on an unforgettable journey as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award program, setting their sights on the stunning landscapes of Wilsons Promontory. Nestled at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, this natural haven provided the perfect backdrop for our students to engage in hiking, camping, and exploring the rich biodiversity of the region. 

The expedition challenged students both physically and mentally, as they navigated diverse terrains and worked collaboratively to overcome obstacles. From scaling hills to setting up camp, every moment was a lesson in resilience and teamwork. The experience fostered a deep appreciation for nature while encouraging personal development, with students stepping outside their comfort zones and discovering their strengths. 

Reflecting on the journey, participants shared stories of camaraderie, skill-building, and a renewed sense of confidence. Many expressed how the experience has inspired them to embrace future challenges with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. We commend all the students who took part in this incredible journey and look forward to hearing more about their experiences and learnings in the coming weeks. 

In a celebration of hard work and achievement, our annual Health and Physical Education Night of Excellence was a resounding success. This event provided a platform for our talented students to showcase their outstanding projects, presentations, and performances to their families and the wider school community. 

Throughout the evening, parents and family members had the opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication and creativity of our students. From innovative health projects the event highlighted the significant efforts put forth by our students in their Health and Physical Education courses. Many students received nominations for their exemplary work, demonstrating the high standards of achievement we strive for in our programs. 

Winners from each year level will be announced in the coming weeks. We say thanks to everyone who came on the night and voted. 

As we approach the exam season, our Year 10, 11, and 12 students are diligently preparing for their VCE exams. We encourage students to adopt effective study strategies, maintain a balanced routine, and seek support when needed. Our teachers are committed to providing guidance and resources to help students navigate this critical time. 

We recommend that students create a structured study schedule, set realistic goals, and utilize past exam papers for practice. Additionally, participating in study groups can foster collaboration and deepen understanding of the material. Remember, taking breaks and practicing self-care is equally important to ensure optimal performance. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. Together, let’s continue to inspire and motivate our students to achieve greatness! 

Stephanie Todd

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION KEY LEARNING HEAD

Recently we held our hugely successful annual Night of Excellence. This is always a highlight for The Arts as we are able to showcase the amazing work created throughout the year in both Visual and Performing Arts. 

The highlight of the evening was the VCE Arts Exhibition that showcased amazing work created by students in Art: Creative Practice, Art: Making & Exhibiting, Media and VCD. The sheer amount of work, the quality and the variety was phenomenal. The night also saw voting once again in our highly coveted People’s Choice Award, which was taken out by a Year 12 student and will be announced at Valedictory. In our junior Visual Arts section showcasing work from Year 7 to Year 10, the quality of work was also phenomenal and included many different mediums including sculpture, photography, painting, drawing, mixed media and digital.  

The Performing Arts Showcase was also a massive success on the night. The night was filled with celebration as our College ensembles and soloists performed. The event also included a very special performance form our Wizard of Oz production students.  

Matt Neil Holland

THE ARTS KEY LEARNING HEAD