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VIEWBANK CALENDAR
August 9 Presentation Ball 11 Year 9 City Experience Year 8 Boys Soccer NZ 12 Year 9 City Experience Intermediate Girls Badminton—State Canteen Meeting Friends of Performing and Visual Arts (FOPAVA) Meeting 7.30pm 13 Year 9 City Experience Yr 8 Girls NZ Netball Finals Australian Maths Competition Friends of Music (FOM) Meeting 7.30pm 14 Year 9 City Experience 15 Year 9 City Experience Year 8 Guest Speaker - Andy Wright 18 ICT, Buildings & Grounds and Finance Meetings 19 Year 7 Cultural Enrichment 20 Year 7 Round Robin College Council Meeting 21 Year 8A-D Mt Buller Snow Trip 22 Year 8E-H Mt Buller Snow Trip Year 7 & 8 LOTE selection due Yr 12 Art - Indigenous Art Tour 25 Vocal Soiree - Library 7pm
Number 23 August 08 2014
Viewbank College Warren Road, Rosanna, 3084
Phone: 9458 2811 Fax: 9459 0512
Website: www.viewbank.vic.edu.au Email: [email protected]
Principal’s Report
STUDENT ABSENCES
Please be advised that Student absences are to be reported to Attendance Officer at
[email protected] not [email protected]
or by accessing Compass by clicking on the
following link
Jo-anne Jones Humanities Learning Area Leader
School Term Dates 2014
Term 1: 29th January - 4th April Term 2: 22nd April - 27th June Term 3: 14th July - 19th September 4th September—Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Term 4: 6th October - 18th December
Community Focus Evening:
Last Monday week, College Councillors facilitated parents,
students and teachers, in discussions which focussed on two
short sessions of feedback on Reports and Vocational
Pathways Programs and the giving of feedback after a
presentation on the 2015 Introduction of 1:1 Personal Learning
Devices for Years 7 and 10. The evening was supported by
just over 100 people and we thank everyone for their positive
and constructive feedback. This alignment of high expecta-
tion from our parents, students and staff is so very valuable to
our work in striving to deliver the best possible programs and
outcomes for our students. There was much to report from
that night so over the next three newsletters we will feature
the responses for one of the topic areas.
Focus 1: Vocational Pathways and Transition Programs
Context: During 2014, as a response to the ‘Focus on the
Future Directions’ Evening, last year, the College identified
Transition and Vocational Pathways Programs as a priority for
the Strategic Plan and as such has already implemented a
number of changes to the program.
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Number 23 August 8 2014
To date the improvements have been designed with two objectives in mind:
1. providing opportunities to focus on the relationship between what students are studying and a future path-
way
2. providing students and parents with information and counselling support so that student subject selection is
far more informed
The Action Follow-up from this evening:
Immediately, the focus is to continue the rolling through of purposeful counselling especially for the Year 11s
and then giving Year 12s support for their pathways beyond the College and to notify students of University
Open Days.
The College will investigate the most effective means for careers profiling for students.
Although already investigated, the College will invest in a Vocational Program that will be implemented for
2015 which will facilitate careers investigations and family discussions. This program will be accessed through
the website so that students and parents can reference information at home and at the College level will rec-
ord each student’s career explorations and interest. We are hoping to include Student Goal setting as part of
this process.
It is important for the College to clearly communicate the staff who are involved in the delivery of the Voca-
tional Pathways Programs and their specific rolls. For this year, Ms Irene Vafeas-Walsham is the VET Coordi-
nator and Mr Duncan Pitt, is the person to book into for specific counselling. Both are part-time in this role.
In 2015, the College will advertise this position.
The timing of subject selection must be at this time of year. However, the inaugural Subject Expo proved suc-
cessful but parents would like access and this is something we can explore.
There is much to be done but we are excited by the positive feedback. By the end of 2014, the overhaul of this pro-
gram will deliver a blueprint for a dynamic Vocational Pathways Program in the College.
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Number 23 August 8 2014
“Hairspray”
The musical “Hairspray” is based on a book by Mark O’ Donnell and Thomas Meehan. The music was composed by
Marc Shaiman who with Scott Wittman, wrote the lyrics. Set in Baltimore, Maryland in 1962, the action takes place
mostly on the set of a local TV dance program, The Corny Collins Show. Plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is
to dance on the show and despite nasty opposition, she wins a role. Tracy becomes a celebrity overnight and not
only does she meet the love of her life on the show but she launches a campaign to make the TV show inclusive of
black singers and dancers. Previously it had discriminated against the black community, allowing ‘a Negro Day’ once
a month. The 1960s-style dance music and "downtown" rhythm and blues is catchy but the show is deceptive. De-
spite its lightheartedness, Hairspray is a social commentary on the injustices of discrimination, especially as it was in
the 1960s.
As a contemporary show, “Hairspray” is well known to students and families and it isn’t any wonder that demand for
seats far exceeded places available. (We certainly need that new slightly larger auditorium built!) We had added an-
other show but it is not an easy thing to do, given that we have students who are performing each night and then
getting up to come to school each day. I am sure by the last show on Saturday night, there were lots of very tired and
emotional students, as well as staff and parents. Exhausted they were but I am confident that they all left the show
feeling proud that they had given their best.
Directors Andrew ‘Hondo’ Hondromatidis and Broden Kelly, along with Producer Amanda Watson decided that if they
were to do “Hairspray” then the bar would have to go up even higher . Andrew had come off touring in ‘South Pacific’
and after that experience of professional theatre, his expectations were even higher than before. He and Broden had
the students working hard right from February - quite a marathon. Andrew took on the added role as choreographer
and the dancing was a highlight. Especially heartening was seeing so many boys actually dancing in their own right,
rather than being just the partners of girl dancers and this was a huge plus for the show. Andrew, wanted this to be
the perfect show as he along with Broden, will be off pursuing dreams next year. Both Andrew and Broden have
launched into their professional careers with quite some success, given that it is such a competitive industry where
‘resting’ is the norm. Such is the demands of the actor’s world that Broden had to take off to Edinburgh for the Com-
edy Festival with his comedy group, “Aunty Donna”, just before opening night. However, Andrew had everything un-
der control. We could not have wanted for more. Three years ago Andrew and Broden came back after graduating
from university and were confident in their purpose. All three shows have been testimony to their creativeness and
commitment. ‘ Hairspray’ like the others, demonstrated Andrew’s high expectations, his inclusiveness and his capacity
to encourage, mentor and develop our students who worked as one with him. Recently, I asked Andrew whether he
had thought of teaching but his response was, ‘ Maybe one day but for now I need to see what’s out there in the
world of musical theatre and I want to travel’ . And so he should! We owe Andrew and Broden a big vote of thanks
for the three years and for this last production. We wish them every future success.
This year, for the first time in memory the production has come in on budget! Ms Amanda Watson, has done an
amazing job budgeting and coordinating all aspects, in order to allow the directors to get on with the creativity. With
a huge show like this, the expenses run high and I cannot remember a production breaking even, let alone making a
small profit. Amanda has achieved this with fine organization and determination, while also this year, taking on an
Acting Leading Teacher role as Year 7 Transition and Well-Being. Her contribution to the College is enormous.
This year with 73 students in the cast with an orchestra of 30 and the technical
crew of about 40, it was our biggest ever. This production was the last for a
number of high profile Year 12 students who have since Year 7 been such leading
lights of our music and drama programs. Alicia Surtees, Paul Kascamanidis, Jade-
Favretto-Ingvarson, Chelsea Tsaparis, Marie Trevithick, Ben Richardson and Bron-
wyn McKenzie, take a bow! For the Years 7s and 8s, having the opportunity to get
to know and learn from these very talented senior students, must be inspiring. As
College Performing Arts Captain, Chelsea Tsaparis gave her all to ensure that the
spirit of inclusiveness prevailed and that those younger members of the cast who
are pushing up, were encouraged. Alicia Surtees as the lead, Tracy Turnblad, proved that she is a high energy per-
former whose strength led the show. The comedic presence of Jade as Penny Pingleton and the master performance,
of Paul, as Edna Turnblad, was a tour de force. Chelsea shone in the role of Motormouth Maybelle as did Sonia
Zhou, as her daughter. Peta Petidis and Georgia Rutland took on the principal ‘nasty’ roles with such gusto but we
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Number 23 August 8 2014
loved their work! The lead boys, Andrew Vassett as ‘Corny Collins‘, Sean Malcolm as Wilbur and new comer to the
College, Jack Stoddart, as ‘Link’ (all Year 11) along with Jake Lonergan of Year 8, proved that the there is lots of depth
of talent for next year. The College Production is an amazing learning experience where students from all over the
College come together and there is a place for all comers. This year, each and every member of the ensemble deliv-
ered a high octane performance and exuded joy. Take a bow ensemble, our community is proud of you!
The live orchestra, led by Patrick Broadbent was just so professional, despite the fact that only two professional musi-
cians were hired for the tricky pieces. Patrick must be very proud of the students who took on the challenging score
and played so well. Bravo to the orchestra! Shelley Dunlop who studied singing at the Victoria College of the Arts,
did a splendid job as ensemble vocal coach, ensuring such quality singing for the show.
Craig Whittingham of Year 11 was the Student Producer who liaised with Amanda Watson
and he along with Sam Mulligan, led the Stage Crew; the big team behind the scenes. All
the staging was slick and well organised. Lighting Manager, Jack Williams and Audio Man-
ager, Talfryn Dawlings led crack teams. The Make-up and Hair Team, led by Jennifer Whit-
ten, did a fantastic job and so did the set painters. Special mention has to be made of ex-
student Jack Fordham, who is completing his degree at Victoria College of the Arts. His
excellent set design and construction contributed to the vibrance of the show. This is his
chosen field and it is obvious he is a man of talent. Well-done to Jack, the set builders, the
Stage, Make-up and Tech crews.
Always there are just too many parents who give up valuable time to mention each and every one. The many, many
parents who supported this year’s production were wonderful. There were the parents who ferried students to and
from the rehearsals; cooked bar-b–ques for rehearsals; helped with the bump in and out; took film and photographs;
supplied plates of supper and worked the coffee-shop. Thank you! There were those whose contribution was abso-
lutely vital to the success of the event. I recognize it is always dangerous to single out people but I would like to
acknowledge Michael and Jan Wilson, the design team from “WilsonBliss” who produced the souvenir program . This
was their fourth program and certainly it was a stunner. Thank you, Michael for your wonderful graphics and design
layout and to Jan for her publishing skills. Heather Mulligan, designed the costumes and then, along with her team
sewed and sourced them as well as doing all the on-going repairs during the week. Those sixties outfits looked a
treat and for those of us who lived through the sixties, they brought back lots of memories. The FOPAVA team just
took on all aspects of organizing the behind the scenes support. Fiona Crowe, Gabriella Favretto, Sharon Hankinson,
Jan Wilson and Caroline Layton worked with Assistant Principal, John Munro to coordinate the team for the Coffee
Shop and make sure that ‘Pinky’s Restaurant’ provided guests with delicious goodies at the intervals and for Sponsors’
Night. The profits from the suppers and the raffle for the bike were certainly, greater than last year. To our parents,
‘A VERY BIG THANK YOU!’
So many teachers came as paying members of the audience and this was a great support to the students too. Food
Technology teachers, Linda Robertson, Ruth Perkins and Mike Matthews ensured a quality supply of goodies, while Art
teachers Lorraine Gulliver and Maria Petrakis put up a fine exhibition of student art works. David Antrobus, photo-
graphed the show. David Henning assisted at rehearsals and many teachers put in duty nights or attended the movie
night. Jess Brown (ex student) and Ben Mogford who are our theatre technicians and have a company Wired 4
Sound, spent endless hours on almost every aspect of the organization. Again, another remarkable contribution. At
the College, Mrs Deanne Ioannidis did an amazing job, coordinating sponsors, putting up all the photographs in the
foyer of the theatre and also trying to find spare tickets where she could. As he does, every year, Assistant Principal,
John Munro put in an enormous week to make sure all was as it should be for his FOPAVA group.
Our Sponsors have a great community consciousness and many are supporters of this College, over and beyond their
generosity in helping support this production. Please see the attached sheet and remember them. It is the sponsors,
that make it possible, to go that bit extra, to make our productions so close to professional. Thank you sponsors.
The 2014 season of ‘Hairspray’ was outstanding. It was a testimony to students and staff and parents, living the
College motto, ‘Caring for Excellence’. Bravo to all!
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Judith Craze Principal
“Caring for Excellence”
Number 23 August 8 2014
Presentation Ball and Year 12 Formal:
On Saturday night, the Presentation Ball will be held at The Centre Ivanhoe starting at 7pm. This is the
premier event for the Year 11 cohort and we hope it is every bit as special as it should be for the Year 11 stu-
dents and their partners. The year 12 Formal will be also another event taking place and we hope the Year
12s have a great night that they have organized. One event is organized by the College, the other is a Year
12 private function. I would like students to be very careful and urge parents to ensure their child is safe.
The Presentation Ball is well-supervised but after-parties are another thing. Any after-party is organized by
students and has nothing to do with the College. We take no responsibility for any after-party nor for the
Year 12 Formal.
Principal for a Day:
Principal for a Day is an opportunity for leaders in education and the greater Community to share ideas,
resources and a sense of responsibility for schools. It gives community leaders a first hand perspective on
the decisions and responsibilities Principals face daily. On Tuesday, 12th August, Viewbank College will wel-
come Banyule City Councillor, Steven Briffa. Steven is no stranger to our College and we look forward to
his visit.
Diversity Day – Upcoming Event
Expressions of Interest!
On Friday 29th August the Viewbank College SRC will be having a casual dress day (wear purple) to
celebrate what we are calling ‘Diversity Day’! We are having a day to celebrate the sexual diversity, cultural di-
versity and individual diversity of our College Community.
We are looking for interested parties who might be interested in helping us celebrate diversity on this day
by, for example, having a food stall that is from your cultural background, having a performance/dance/
music on the outdoor stage, hosting a stall that has information on a particular group (eg disabled groups,
indigenous groups or same sex attracted groups etc).
Students will be required to bring a gold coin donation State School Relief fund and the other half will go to the
shade shelters in the year 7 area.
If you are interested in getting involved in the event please let me know at
Darren Murray Health and Wellbeing Leader
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Number 23 August 8 2014
Please remember to reference Viewbank College when registering your
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Viewbank College
Maree Gaffney Phone: 0394582811 | Email: [email protected]
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Ute Slizys LOTE Domain Leader
LOTE News
Number 23 August 8 2014
LOTE THEATRE 24th of July 2014
This year the LOTE Theatre held at the Banyule Theatre was another wonderful extravaganza for the LOTE
faculty. The Year10, 11 and 12 Japanese and German students presented an amusing selection of skits, compe-
titions and musical items to a happily involved audience.
A number of songs from the Musical “Hairspray” started the evening with great pizzazz, which was main-
tained admirably for the whole evening.
The LOTE Captain for 2014, Nicole Scully, was a charming and engaging compere, introducing each item with
great wit and aplomb.
We were so well entertained, not only by the performers but also by the wonderful experiences of the students
who had been on this year’s exchange to Germany and Japan, that interval came far too swiftly. But interval
was a delicious taste experience, as everyone enjoyed the two nods to German and Japanese culture: Kuchen
and Sushi.
The performances finally concluded with a rousing rendition of “Stand by me”, sung by everyone, the audience
included.
There were many great moments in the evening: Jack Cai’s superb singing, the disastrous Online Dating, the
World Cup Alternative Ending and the catchy tune of the Fliegerlied are just a few of the acts that spring to
mind. However my two favourites were the Vegemite Song and Germany’s Next Top Model, which magnifi-
cently reassured us that Germany is not only renowned for beautiful cars.
Mrs. Maree Gaffney, our Assistant Principal declared this production the best she had seen in her five years at
the College; we wish to thank her both for introducing the show and for leading the supportive diligent
“Friends of Viewbank”, who so efficiently organized the food at interval.
Many other people made the evening such a great success and I would like to thank the following for their great
effort and support: the LOTE Staff - Kaye Mackenzie, Ikumi Suzuki, Clare Fleming and Annette McHutchison
Deanne Ioannidis, David Antrobus, Jennifer Varrasso, Tara Draper, Ben Mogford, Jessica Brown, Mrs. Judith
Craze and Mr. John Munro
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Simone Eckardt
Debating Captain
Debating News
Number 23 August 8 2014
History News - Competitions
In addition to the two competitions mentioned in a recent newsletter, details of another competition have been forwarded to
the College.
Living Spirit Fellowship
This is the ‘Living Spirit’ Fellowship, awarded annually by the Greensborough RSL Sub-Branch. These fellowships were
established to ‘nurture younger generations to understand the part played by many Australians in ensuring the great freedom
we enjoy today is never forgotten.’
Students are required to make a submission in accordance with an Application form and are asked to state what their expec-
tations are regarding a visit to Hellfire Pass and what message they would bring back to the community. This is an amazing
opportunity for students to take up. The Fellowship provides airfares, accommodation and organised tour to Thailand for
ANZAC Day 2015 for the successful student and his/her parent.
Application forms are now available. Students should see Mrs. Jones in the A block staffroom if they are interested. This
fellowship is open to students in years 10, 11 and 12. The closing date for all submissions is Friday 24 th October.
A reminder of the other two competitions:
Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Competition
The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize inspires young people to explore the ethos displayed by the Anzacs at Gallipoli and the
Western Front and reflect on how those values apply in Victorian communities today. The Prize is open to students in year
9 and 10 at all Victorian secondary schools. Through the competition 12 students from across Victoria will travel on an
overseas study tour to Gallipoli and the Western Front.
Students are required to respond to a question about the ANZAC centenary and can enter research essays, artworks, musical
compositions or audio, video or web-based presentations. Entries must be received by Friday 17th October, 2014.
All students in year 9 and 10 are encouraged to think about participating in this competition.
See www.veterans.vic.gov.au for more information.
Anzac Day Dawn Service Tour
See www.anzaccentenary.vic.gov.au for information on how to apply.
Students interested in applying for any or all of these tours should see Mrs. Jones in the A block staff room.
History News
Jo-anne Jones
Humanities Domain Leader
Viewbank's senior students represented the College in Round Four of debating on the 21st of July at Loyola College.
Representing our A grade team was Marie Trevithick, myself and Aaliah Rigby arguing for the negative side on the topic "that the government should provide financial rewards to people who look after their elderly parents." The debate was incredibly close against St Helena College, but unfortunately we lost.
Andrew Vassett, Joshua Dempsey and Toby Hope, our Year 11 B Grade debaters were up against Assumption Col-lege. They argued for the negative side on the topic “that laws about science should only be made by trained scien-tists”, successfully winning their debate by three points. Toby Hope was selected best speaker. An acknowledge-ment must also be given to our second B Grade team of Madeleine Olsen-Downing, Lani Sellers and Louisa Har-wood, who won their debate after their opponents forfeited.
Our D Grade debaters argued for the negative side on the subject "that the media should not be allowed to report on
the private lives of politicians." The Year 9 team consisted of Demetrius Kiriakidis, Joshua Munro and William Pat-
tison. Unfortunately Viewbank lost to Parade College by a mere one point.
Congratulations to all those students who represented the College in round four, everyone involved should be proud
of their contributions!
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AFTER SCHOOL STUDY GROUPS
Mondays in G3 with Mr Fisher & Mr Papadakis
3.20pm - 5.00pm
Thursdays in C5 with Ms Morris & Ms Pastro
3.15pm - 5.00pm
Number 23 August 8 2014
Music News
Sarah Williams Director of Music
Production Band Congratulations to Patrick Broadbent and the production band on their outstanding performances in ‘Hairspray’.
The months of early morning, holiday and evening rehearsals were evident in the quality of the music. Thank
you to all the members of the band and their parents for their commitment and hard work.
Senior Band Performance at Vietnam Veteran’s Day Service Please note the details for the upcoming senior band performance:
When: Saturday 16 August 10am-11.45am
Where: Memorial Park Greensborough
Music theory lessons with Mr Eagling Theory lessons are held every Thursday at lunchtime in A5. All interested students are welcome. These lessons
are highly recommended for VCE music students.
Important dates to note:
* New entry
Saturday 16 August Vietnam Veterans’ Day Service, Memorial Park Greensborough 10.30am -
11.30am– Senior Band
Monday 25 August Vocal Soiree, Library 7pm – all vocal students.
Monday 1 September Piano and Guitar (acoustic & bass) Soiree, Library 7pm – all piano and guitar
students.
Monday 8 September Jazz Night, Watsonia RSL.
Monday 13 October Gala Concert, Plenty Ranges Conference Centre – all ensembles and choirs.
*Wednesday 5 November String Soiree, Library 7pm – all violin, viola, cello and double bass students.
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Second Hand Uniform Shop Volunteer Required If you have a few hours available once a month on a Saturday morning we would greatly appreciate
your time to assist with the Secondhand Uniform Shop at the College. Please contact Natalie Kennan,
Business Manager on [email protected] if you can offer the College your valuable
time.
Natalie Kennan
Number 23 August 8 2014
Uniform News
VIEWBANK COLLEGE UNIFORM SHOP
Open every Wednesday morning (during school terms)
in R13 Hours : 8.15am - 9.00am
SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP
The Second Hand Uniform Shop
will next open on:
Saturday 6th September, 2014
10.00am to 12.00pm
(Gymnasium Cloakroom)
Doors do not open until 10am
(Cash Only – No EFTPOS)
The second-hand uniform shop opened on Saturday 2nd August, 2014.
Items sold were:
4528 5024 5072 5082 5083 5118 5165 5180
5184 5185 5186 5187 5188 5192 5193 5194
5195 5196 5200 7009 7039 18005 18018 51403
51416 51436 51447 51449 51452
The College greatly appreciates any donated uniform items. If you have uniform items to donate or
sell, please drop them at the General Office (this is preferred so that items are ready for sale on the
day) or to the SHU shop when it opens. If you would like to know how the SHU shop operates, an
information page may be obtained from the General Office.
TERM 2 AND 3 SPORTS DATES
Monday 11th August Year 7/8 Boys Soccer at DISC
Wednesday 13th August Year 7/8 Girls Netball at NETS
Thursday 21st August Year 7/8 Boys and Girls Badminton at Darebin CSS
Mark Eagling Sport Manager
Sport News
Canteen
Canteen Volunteers for week of 18th August to 22nd August
Monday: Susan Lee Tuesday: Kanella Tsirbas Wednesday: Caroline Brindley Thursday: ~ Friday: Joanne Ross
Canteen Volunteers for week of 11th August to 15th August
Monday ~ Tuesday: Caroline Robertson Wednesday: Lambrini Pappas Thursday: ~ Friday: Nina Kafka
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Number 23 August 8 2014
Community News
12pm—4pm
12pm—4pm
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Number 23 August 8 2014
