BGS - Balcombe Grammar School...‘Bugsy Malone’ to the stage Students recognised in community exhibitions BGS MAGAZINE ISSUE 17 FEATURES 4 As I reflected upon the learning highlighted

STEAM MUSICAL VISUAL ARTS

ISSUE 17 SEPTEMBER 2016

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts

& Mathematics

Talented cast brings ‘Bugsy Malone’

to the stage

Students recognised in community

exhibitions

BGS MA

GA

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ISSUE 17 FEATURES

4

As I reflected upon the learning highlighted in this edition of BGS Magazine, it is clear that relationships continue to add an exciting depth and diversity to our school community.

Our partnership with Chisholm TAFE is an excellent example. In Chisholm’s electronic laboratories, Year 9 students undertaking the STEAM unit do so in a tertiary environment.

Balcombe has also formed many international relationships giving students the chance to participate in cross-cultural learning. Through the homestay program and our outbound tours, students develop a global perspective that informs their education for many years to come.

Balcombe Alumni Ebony Corlass was part of Balcombe’s inaugural Japan tour in 2014. It was a lasting experience that has stayed with Ebony and today she lives in Japan and teaches English in a local high school. I am delighted that Ebony refers to everyday life in Japan as an amazing experience, as it reflects a desire for lifelong learning that is valued by our community.

Mr Matthew Dodd Principal

CORRECTION

Page 4, Issue 16 February 2016

The ‘Class of 2015 graduates’ article

incorrectly stated Courtney Skene trained

and competed at National Level in Triathlon.

8

14

16

12

4 School Production

6 Colours Awards

7 ANZAC Day

8 STEAM

10 Australia-Indonesia Visit

11 French Immersion

12 Camp Experiences

14 Year 9 Pop-Up Market

15 Foundation Reading

16 Visual Art Exhibitions

18 Equathon

19 International Relationships

BGS MAGAzinE iSSUE 17 SEPTEMBER 20162 BGS MAGAzinE iSSUE 17 SEPTEMBER 2016 3

Relationships fostered within our school, as well as outside of the school, have supported

ongoing growth at Balcombe and broadened students’ learning outcomes.

PRinCiPALFROM THE

Described as non-stop fun from start to finish, the production featured custard pie throwing, foot-powered cars and confetti guns.

Year 11 student Will K who played the role of Bugsy, said it was exhilarating to be part of a great team of talented students.

“I know acting can be a very individualised career, but just the way that everyone brought it together gave it a great community feel, which I liked,” he said.

“I’m a person who just loves theatre and I like the feeling of being part of a team and getting up on stage and performing something that we’ve worked so hard to do.”

“The people in the production were such good people and everything that we did, we did together.”

Productions at Balcombe are inclusive with every student who auditions winning a part.

Performing Arts Co-ordinator Alexandra Giamoukoglou said students develop fast friendships while working at bringing a stage show to life.

“With rehearsals happening twice a week and sometimes three, students spend a lot of time with each other and the performing arts teachers,” she said.

“The school production is a very safe and inclusive environment. Students develop friendships with students from different classes and year levels.”

Students who commit to the production take on a lot of extra work in addition to their usual school work. Ms Giamoukoglou said it was terrific to see such a high standard and be celebrated so thoroughly by the community.

BGS MAGAzinE iSSUE 17 SEPTEMBER 20164

They could be anyThing ThaT They wanT To be...

BGS MAGAzinE iSSUE 17 SEPTEMBER 2016 5

It’s been 40 years since ‘Bugsy

Malone’ was released and a

cast of talented students both

on and off stage impressed

the school community with

their production of the classic

musical comedy.

CELEBRATinG STUDEnT ACHiEVEMEnT

Wearing a Colours badge means far more than getting a pat on the back.

For Balcombe students it symbolises the standout qualities of initiative and dedication.


These virtues were recognised in more than 80 students who were rewarded with Colours in May. Many students received more than one award with over 400 awards distributed across the bronze, silver, gold and platinum categories.

Principal Matthew Dodd said the Colours program celebrated students who took on leadership roles within

academics, sports, arts and service.

“That students were celebrated for everything from surf livesaving contributions through to top marks on exams, means there are many different ways to celebrate success at the school,” he said.

“It builds their sense of confidence and is a wonderful affirmation of their achievement.”

Colours are awarded based on a points system where students earn points and then apply for awards across a range of categories. The program fosters a culture of mentoring and community support within the school.

The popularity of the Colours awards attracted a large crowd of proud schoolmates, family and friends.

“It’s always really well-attended, they have good parent support and community support in the audience,” Mr Dodd said.

“This event is about building a culture across the school. Students are proud to belong to a community that values these things, so they have an understanding beyond their own badge of what it means to be at the school.”

Balcombe Grammar is fortunate to have forged a friendship with the Australian Army Apprentice Association thanks to a shared history.

The Army Apprentices School was once located on the grounds that are now occupied by Balcombe oval and estate. The apprentice school was set up in 1948 for soldiers as young as 15 to undertake apprenticeships in various technical and clerical trades, as well as musicians. The school was moved to army barracks in Bonegilla in 1982, but remains an important chapter in the community’s history.

Balcombe Grammar hosted a reunion of the more than 500 graduates of the Australian Army Apprentice Association in 2013 and ever since, members of the association have commemorated ANZAC Day with the Balcombe Grammar community.

Principal Matthew Dodd said ANZAC Day was a perfect example of how relationships can share histories and futures.

“The apprentices feel a real sense of continuance with the fact that there’s still a school operating under their name,” he said.

“And what it means for a school that’s still forming its own history, is we have a deep connection that has a maturing effect on the school.”

The association, along with the US 1st Marine Division, gave two flags to Balcombe Grammar in recognition of this mutually-respectful friendship.

“It was a deeply significant gift, cementing the depth of our relationship,” Mr Dodd said.

Members of the

Australian Army

Apprentice Association

commemorated ANZAC

Day with the Balcombe

Grammar community

LEST WE FORGET

ANZAC DAY

STEA

M

A sense of curiosity combined with a craving for creativity is at the heart of the STEAM unit. Designed for Year 9 students and encouraged across the school, the unit brings the best of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics together.

By adding the Arts component to traditional STEM learning, Balcombe students have an opportunity to learn in a personalised way. This approach was on show at a recent parent information evening, where students used their coding skills to program robots to carry out a range of impressive tasks. Dozens of parents and grandparents were wowed by robots playing golf, dancing, slam-dunking and sponge painting.

The high level of enjoyment in this program was reflected by many students choosing to keep their homework after assessments were over.

Balcombe enjoys a learning partnership with Chisholm TAFE, which sees students studying STEAM in an electronic laboratory. In addition to acquiring practical electronic knowledge, students have the added bonus of collaborating in a tertiary environment.

“STEAM is a popular program among students for its hands-on appeal and core value of inquiry,” said Deputy Principal (Secondary) Warrick Wynne.

“Through STEAM, students are encouraged to develop entrepreneurial mindsets and also see their learning at school as connected to the world outside,” he said.


But STEAM isn’t just for Year 9 students. Creativity through Science is also incorporated into the Primary years,

Examples include Year 5 students studying the Physics concepts behind roller coasters, Year 2 students creating igloos from recycled milk bottles as they study Antarctica and Year 4 students creating circuits to make a robot.

Last year the whole Primary School participated in a global project called ‘The Hour of Code’, aimed at giving all students an opportunity to write computer programs.

E-Learning Co-ordinator and Year 4 classroom teacher Matt Olesen said “it’s all about encouraging a fundamental interest in Science.”

“Besides the fact that students find making things rewarding and are more invested in the learning, it is a ground-up strategy to not only prepare students, but instill a positive attitude towards Science,” he said.

“The school has taken this approach to deliver sequential concept development and ready students for further studies in sciences. During the Primary and Middle years we aim to challenge their thinking while nurturing their persistence in collaborative situations.”

In the future, we will need to be able

to think beyond one discipline.

In a world where information is at

our fingertips, students who are able

to connect traditional areas showing

innovative and creative applications

will enjoy the most success.

SCiEnCE • TECHnOLOGY • EnGinEERinG • ARTS • MATHEMATiCS

Deputy Principal and Head of School Operations, Ms Jennifer Tod, is an advocate of forging community collaborations and inviting learning opportunities in to the school community.

“We embrace programs like the MEP because of the powerful learning ignited by face-to-face, cross-cultural interactions,” she said.

Encouraging diversity and promoting engagement with communities from our local Mornington Peninsula, across Australia and around the globe, is part of the school’s curriculum. The Indonesian participants chosen are a diverse representation of youths from different places and sectors of the Indonesian community.

An initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the program aims to foster people-to-people links between Indonesia and Australia.

MEP Australian Program Co-ordinator, Brynna Rafferty-Brown has worked with delegates since 2004.

“The program selects participants from a growing number of young leaders involved at grassroots level in the community. For many Indonesian Muslim community

leaders, this unique program is their first and sometimes only opportunity they’ll have to participate in an overseas program,” she said.

“These young community leaders want to exchange ideas on how to keep harmony in a diverse community.”

Balcombe students in Year 7 and Year 10 prepared questions for this year’s delegates. The focus was on learning more about education and culture in the Indonesian Muslim community, and exploring shared points of connection.

“Exchanging ideas with two or three passionate, smart, well-spoken young Muslim women who happen to wear headscarves really helps shatter any perceived barriers,” Brynna said.

Balcombe’s Head of Faith and Wellbeing, Natalie Kurelja welcomes the link with the school’s interfaith studies and experiential learning events.

“There was a lot of laughter and heaps of selfies! It was just beautiful. It was like we’d all been friends for years,” Natalie said.


FOSTERinG LinKS WiTH nEiGHBOURinG nATiOnSFor the second consecutive year, Balcombe Grammar School has hosted some of Indonesia’s

brightest emerging leaders as part of the Australian-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program (MEP).

Year 11 and 12 students Millie S and Abbie O stayed with families in Northern France, while Tyler M and Shanna W spent eight weeks in Eastern France, in the shadows of the French Alps.

Upon return, their school assembly speeches supported the depth of insights their homestay experiences afforded them. Shanna reflected on the generosity of her homestay family, including seeing Star Wars in French and going to Midnight Mass at Christmas.

“I have gained life-long friends, and improved my ability to understand and speak French. This unforgettable adventure allowed me to learn much about French lifestyle, culture, and even politics,” she said.

LOTE Co-ordinator Madame Merryn Johnstone advocates homestay opportunities as accelerated learning experiences.

“Being welcomed into a local home, school and community facilitates the active and authentic learning of the language,” she said.


CROSS-CULTURALEXCHAnGE

FRENCH IMMERSION

All four students were in transitional years of schooling – Years 10 and 11. Being challenged by the unfamiliar, has prepared them well for what is ahead.

“They’re ready to start VCE classes fully motivated, incredibly confident and with a greater skill in, and application of, language,” she said.

Madame Johnstone said that the enthusiasm and interest radiating

from the students’ experiences has been phenomenal.

“Experiencing 8am to 5pm school days and canteen lunches, while being embraced in the warmth of a local home outside of school hours really crystallises the language. The students come back and bring their linguistic uplift and personal growth in to the classroom,” Madame Johnstone said.

Sharing the lives of the

homestay families is

one of many cultural

experiences that will stay

with Balcombe’s French

exchange students

DiVERSiTY in ALTERnATiVE EnViROnMEnTS


The camps program at

Balcombe Grammar offers

a diverse backdrop for

building confidence and

friendships

From the first movie night with Foundation students to International travel in the Senior School, taking students out of their regular environments into diverse ones is highly valued at BGS for its educative and character-building benefits.

Principal Matthew Dodd said that camp experiences lay a solid foundation so learning can thrive through school years and beyond.

“Outdoor education at Balcombe is a culmination of lots of thoughtful things. Student wellbeing is the foundation for personal growth and is at the centre of everything we do,” Mr Dodd said.

The Year 7 camp is run in the first full week of Secondary School so students and teachers can get to know each other, early in their secondary journey.

Camping outdoors takes students outside of their comfort zone. Shain Kurelja, Head of Year 4-7 said that for some students, this was their first camping experience.

“When they find themselves in an unfamiliar setting, they start to rely on each other. This is the foundation of building friendships,” Mr Kurelja said.

Outdoor challenges highlight individual strengths that may not be apparent in a classroom setting.

“Camp opens opportunities to make friends really easily,” he said. “An unfamiliar environment allows students to see each other in unique, shared scenarios that beckon interactions and friendships.”

The thoughtful consideration invested in the itinerary includes fostering teamwork. Activities include canoeing in pairs; putting up a tent and cooking together in groups of three; and physical challenges such as rope climbing in team sizes up to 14 students.

“Harnessing team spirit through progressive activities of perceived risk, garners a growing confidence that centres children to rise to the next challenge,” Mr Kurelja said.

When asked how learning outdoors supports students in the classroom, Mr Kurelja said the most important assets brought back are friendships.

“Survey results show that transition is well supported and with concerns around friendships being almost zero following the camp,” he said. “Through camp experiences where they felt supported and encouraged, they bring back a new level of trust – a respect for each other that is not lost when they leave camp.”

Parent of Year 7 student Declan, Kim Jackson, observed the diversity of activities that students and staff shared together provided an opportunity to reset relationships.

“Activities like cooking together broke down any pre-existing barriers across gender, established friendship groups and teacher and student relationships. Seeing teachers in a new light, facing into challenges, has given Declan a steady sense of ‘I know my teachers’. It has been a great levelling experience that has nurtured a sense of safety and confidence,” Kim said.

Back in the classroom, many students cited ‘making friendships’ as the highlight of camp.

“Declan couldn’t wait to get back to school on the following Monday.”


iMPROVinG LiTERACY AT An EARLY AGE

At the workshop, held in the Balcombe School Hall during Term 1, parents and carers relished in experimenting with phonics.

Tim Clothier, parent of Year 5 student Benjamin; Year 3 student Zachary; and Foundation student Ella, said that invitations to events like this help families transition to the school community.

“Coming along to opportunities like this are really positive, personable experiences. Teachers and parents get to know each other on a first-name-basis. It makes you feel very welcome,” he said.

“Participating has helped extend our children’s friendship groups and networks, as well as ours.”

Head of Primary Karen Simmons introduced the workshop by sharing her love of reading. She highlighted the important role that parents and


carers play in how students grasp and develop a love for literacy.

“Reading is a powerful shared activity. It is so much more than 42 letter sounds. It is about engaging on an emotional level,” she said.

Balcombe helps young learners transition into reading – and to school life – by providing inviting spaces for children to enjoy books together.

“Once students feel comfortable and relaxed, learning can then take place,” said Sara Bunnett Head of Foundation to Year 3.

The library is a fabulous example of ambient spaces that encourage a love of books. Teacher Librarian James Whelan actively encourages parents to drop in and visit.

“The library is a place of diverse activities. It is buzzing and yet, you’ll find many children completely

absorbed by a book,” he said.

Ms Bunnett reinforced the importance of reading at home for focused, enjoyable interactions together. She shared a heart-warming video of reading with a child, with a sense of joy evidently radiating from the child’s face as she mastered a sound or word following guided repetition and enquiry.

Year 4 teacher Sally Parsons literally brought the room to their feet by demonstrating her enthusiasm for Jolly Phonics, gaining active participation from her audience.

“Jolly Phonics is a systematic, multi-sensory and active program. It is also fun,” she said.

Experiencing a taste first hand, accentuated how the path to literacy was best travelled with a sense of fun and adventure, together.

Enthusiastically led by Balcombe Grammar teachers, the Foundation parent reading

workshop was a great example of the opportunities available to parents and carers to

help support learning and communication at home.

The queue has been buzzing for a barista-quality experience on Thursday mornings, as a whole community gathers around an innovative social setting and an authentic learning experience.

Peter Dodd, Head of Year 8 & 9 said the evolution of the cafe has captured the community’s attention with incredible support from parents and local businesses.

“The community has jumped on board, mentoring and encouraging students by sharing their own expertise and networks,” he said.

Kelly Pitt, who has provided barista training and helped build a relationship with a local coffee roaster to source quality beans, is one great example.

Students are volunteering outside of the Year 9 learning unit expectations and are extending themselves beyond friendship groups.

“From steaming milk to taking orders, they are establishing a supply chain, by being reliant on each other and working as a team,” Mr Dodd said.

Adam Neale, a parent of Amelia in Year 10 and Sophie in Year 9 moved to the area a few years ago. The school has become their family’s core community hub.

“Given the size of the region, we don’t find ourselves bumping into people regularly. The cafe, and initiatives like last year’s Festival of Light, connects people outside of the school drop off zones,” he said.

Cristy Worsteling, parent of Year 3 student Jet has encouraged her jogging club to gather on Thursday mornings.

“It is an incredible atmosphere as students; teachers and parents mingle in a relaxed atmosphere. Watching the pride and enthusiasm in how students run it, is energising,” she said.

Mr Dodd has observed individual growth as students interact with parents and teachers.

“Students faces lift and lighten as they get more comfortable with service,” he said.


HELPinGBRinG THE COMMUniTY TOGETHER

BALC

OMBE GRAMMAR SCHOO

L

EST. 2014

CafePoP-uP


Balcombe Grammar students are earning esteemed recognition as they exhibit stunning

visual pieces in community galleries, spaces and exhibitions.

ViSUAL ARTS DRAWS ADMiRATiOn

Visual Arts Co-ordinator, Ms Sue Wilson said students’ artworks are drawing admiration from the local visual arts community.

Ms Wilson is passionate about building relationships and connecting people, within the school, and with the broader visual arts community.

“Building a healthy rapport and engaging the community helps create the desire for local artistic organisations to want to work with us.”

Shaping relationships means opportunities to exhibit come directly to the school.

“Forging connections with the broader community helps students develop a deeper appreciation of the value of their creative concepts, both culturally and commercially, outside of the classroom,” she said.

Year 11 student Vashti L was awarded second prize in the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) competition for her ephemeral art work. She has since been approached by a gallery owner with a potential buyer for her work. Vashti had to seek advice on how to price the work of an emerging artist. It has been an authentic learning experience.

“Exhibiting my work and learning that one of my greatest passions can translate into a career, has encouraged me to pursue my art,” Vashti said.

Year 10 student Amy S was awarded third place. She felt a great sense of pride seeing her work exhibited alongside other incredible creations.

“It highlighted that there are many talented, creative people in the broader community. Creativity is

celebrated more widely than our school’s art room,” she said.

Students have also exhibited works at the Mornington Rotary Art Show and the Year 10 Beyond Books project was recently displayed in the Hastings library.

Art teacher, Ms Pamela Moores Year 5 students’ winning submission and beautiful botanical illustrations are now a permanent fixture at the Balcombe Estuary Reserves (‘the BERG’) rotunda - a legacy that truly celebrates collaborative endeavour.


“Forging connections with

the broader community helps

students develop a deeper

appreciation of the value of

their creative concepts”


UniTinG nATiOnS


There is a variety of ways that students can participate in cross-cultural learning, including overseas homestay.

Although the prospect of living in a foreign country may seem daunting, many students find it life-changing.

Balcombe graduate Ebony Corlass, who took part in the school’s inaugural Japan tour in 2014, now lives and works there.

“Taking part in the 2014 Japan tour allowed me to grow as a savvy traveller and made me aware of what’s involved in traveling overseas without my parents,” she said.

“I was able to get a taste of Japan’s beautiful scenery whilst experiencing its unique culture through food and social interaction. After the tour was over I knew I would be back again soon!”

By next year, six long-term international students will be learning at Balcombe and staying with local families. They come from Hong Kong, Japan and China.

“It’s just lovely, the sense of a building UN at the school,” said principal Matthew Dodd.

“It reflects the diversity we want to have in all other

BGS Parent, Jodie Lyne has driven Balcombe’s

involvement in the Inter-school Equathon

for three years.

aspects of the school. And for the international student, it also allows for an experience of diversity.”

Students are encouraged to participate in other international experiences including Outbound Tours to China, Japan, Vanuatu and the Northern Territory. Doing so is a chance to improve language skills, visit beautiful locations and make life-long friends.

SUPPORTinG HEALTHY COMPETiTiOn

Students who participate in Equathon train in swimming, cross-country and show jumping. The program started when the school agreed to sponsor Modern Pentathlon Victoria’s Equathon in the Mornington Peninsula region.

More than 500 students from across the state, including 70 from Balcombe, took part in this year’s Equathon on June 3 at Boneo Park.

Mrs Lyne said “it was a day of fun and the kids had a ball, they supported their teammates on the day, as they were swimming, running and riding,” she said.

“It’s a great social day for them too. It really promotes teamwork and it’s not high pressure.”

Modern pentathlon is an Olympic sport that includes five different events: fencing, 200m freestyle swimming, show jumping, shooting and a 3.2km cross-country run. With the Rio Olympics this year, Mrs Lyne said there was much student interest in the sport.

Principal Matthew Dodd said students had reaped the rewards of Mrs Lyne’s efforts.

“Jodie has great energy and commitment to this area,” he said.

“It’s a great partnership between an Olympic organisation, a parent and a school.”

Winner of the 16-18 year old group, Ebony W from Clyde in Victoria said “The Balcome Grammar Equathon was a fantastic event to compete at. Thank you very much to the organisers and sponsors.”

EQUATHON CHALLENGE

Global relationships continue to

strengthen the Balcombe community

and enrich students’ learning.

TWILIGHT TOURTHURSDAY 13 OCTOBER 2016 @ 5:30PM

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

www.balcombegrammar.vic.edu.au

03 5970 1100

Primary and Secondary Co-education

CSV LTD ABN 93 061 557 364 CRICOS PROVIDER CODE 03381B

389 Nepean Highway Mount Martha Victoria 3934 Australia PO Box 607 Mount Martha Victoria 3934 Australia

Telephone: +61 3 5970 1100 Facsimile: +61 3 5974 2755 Email: [email protected]

www.balcombegrammar.vic.edu.au

Documents

BGS - Balcombe Grammar School...‘Bugsy Malone’ to the stage Students recognised in community exhibitions BGS MAGAZINE ISSUE 17 FEATURES 4 As I reflected upon the learning highlighted