As Melbourne transitions into its characteristic cooler weather, our students have spent another fortnight engaging in activities that highlight our vibrant and connected community. In the Middle School, our Years 7 and 9 students have embraced the Soul Siblings program, which sees students collaborate in team-building games and initiatives designed to foster cross-age networks. Supported by our Senior School Leaders, activities have included an obstacle course and creative problem-solving tasks. Our Year 8 students too, have connected with those outside their usual networks through Opportunity Challenge, a Service-Learning initiative hosted by Camberwell Grammar School (Boys) to raise funds for Opportunity International. The program culminated in a series of lunchtime fetes across four neighbouring schools, which saw the respective quadrangles come alive with energy and creativity.
In the Senior School, our Years 10, 11, and 12 students have been diligently working and studying to complete assessments as the end of the semester draws near. Year 10 and 11 students have now completed their end of semester examinations, and we congratulate the Year 10s on doing so for the first time. These examinations provide students with vital experience in preparation for the VCE in Year 12, allowing them to trial different study techniques and set process and subject-specific goals for the future. Following the examination period, Year 10 students seamlessly transitioned from the school to the work environment as part of their Work Experience placements. They gained valuable insights into the professional world and put their transferable skills into action.
Amidst the academic rigor, the school remains lively with events such as the Year 12 Movie Night and the PFA Trivia Night, both of which foster strong community ties. Meanwhile, our talented students are in the midst of rehearsals for the highly anticipated production of “The Little Mermaid,” and we encourage all families to book tickets now!
To open CamNews this week, we are excited to share a feature article on National Reconciliation Week held 27 May – 27 June 2024.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia. Together, CGGS students, staff and community members celebrated and promoted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through a series of events and activities aimed to strengthen our commitment to creating a more just and equitable future.
Prior to NRW, on Friday 24 May, the Senior AFL and Netball teams received their Indigenous designed jumpers, bibs and match balls in a presentation ceremony that took place in the Brooksbank Library. The event was hosted by Charlee J and Amina K (Year 12). They were joined by Murrundindi (ngurungaeta of the Wurundjeri people) who explained the significance of the design and former player and coach of AFL football and proud Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri man, Tim Keegan (father of Amina) who outlined his own journey in sport and offered some words of advice to the CGGS players in readiness for their GSV matches during 2024 National Reconciliation Week. We are pleased to announce that both teams were victorious in their respective matches as they proudly wore the CGGS Indigenous jumpers and bibs.
On Monday 27 May, we were delighted to host a special NRW lunch with esteemed guests, including Murrundindi, MITS representatives Annie Carruthers, Faith Gamarra and Allira Brown, and old Grammarian Ruth Dunn. This gathering provided an important opportunity to commemorate NRW and recognise the significant roles our special guests play in promoting reconciliation. During the NRW Assembly which followed, the 2024 theme, ‘Now more than ever’, resonated deeply. The ELC students sang their Acknowledgment of Country and Murrundindi gave a special performance on his three didgeridoos. The CGGS Reconciliation Committee, Phoebe P, Ruby E, Abbey M and Grace W (Year 10), led the proceedings and explained the ongoing significance and importance of the week-long commemoration. We were very privileged to hear from Indigenous students, Ruby R (Year 12), Casey JS (Year 10), Katelyn A (Year 10) and Liv D (Year 9) as they shared their own cultural knowledges, traditions, totems and stories with the school community. At the end of the Assembly, Murrundindi generously donated a beautiful piece of Aboriginal artwork to CGGS which will now hang in the Secondary School Boardroom.
Tuesday 28 May, saw selected CGGS students participate in the Worawa Reconciliation Sports Carnival. Held annually at Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville, the event offers students and staff the opportunity to come together in the true spirit of Reconciliation by encouraging sport and cultural and social exchange between all participants. Back onsite, Murrundindi led Boomerang throwing workshops throughout the day for students and staff to have a fun yet challenging practical experience.
On Wednesday, Murrundindi and Ben Shewry (owner and head-chef of award-winning Ripponlea restaurant, Attica) went head-to-head in a live bake-off using native Indigenous ingredients. With a special guest judging panel (consisting of Debbie Dunwoody, Jo Rittey, Nat Jefferson and Attica’s General Manager, Kylie Shewry) and a packed student and staff audience watching in Robinson Hall, both contestants gave it their all. Murrundindi with his assistants Ruby R and Charlize C (Year 12) prepared lemon myrtle cannoli while Ben and his junior sous-chef from Attica, Camila, created a dessert made with lemon aspen and native ginger sauce. It was a closely fought competition, with the judges finally awarding the victory to Murrundindi. It was a fantastic event emceed by students of the CGGS Reconciliation Committee and we are very grateful to Ben, Kylie and Camila for coming to CGGS to share in our National Reconciliation Week events.
The Quad buzzed with activity at lunchtime on Thursday as students were invited to ‘wear their values’. Reconciliation bracelets and ribbons were created using the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and faces were painted using traditional designs and techniques shared by CGGS Indigenous students. Music from First Nations’ artists also filled the main courtyard, creating a lively atmosphere, and producing audio and visual representations of the school community’s ongoing commitment to Reconciliation.
As the school week ended, selected students from Years 8-12 were invited to Camberwell Grammar School on Friday 31 May to participate in the annual Marngrook game against the boys. Umpired by Murrundindi, the game was competitive but enjoyable, and played in good spirits. When the final whistle blew, the game was all-tied up resulting in a draw for the second time in successive years! During lunchtime at CGGS, a BBQ was held to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, a community-led charity who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote communities across Australia to create and publish culturally relevant books, resources, and programs in languages of their choice.
National Reconciliation Week 2024 served as an important occasion to foster appreciation and understanding of the importance of Reconciliation in developing a more connected community. Through the combined efforts of CGGS students and dedicated staff members, we created a memorable week that honoured First Nations’ cultures and furthered the school’s commitment towards Reconciliation.
Liza Stevens
Indigenous Programs Coordinator
Asha B (Year 8) has been awarded the Associate Music Australia (A. Mus A) Diploma in Piano from the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB).
The Diploma is awarded to candidates who have reached a very high level of proficiency in their instrument and takes years of dedication and practice. It is a significant milestone to reach in a musician’s journey and is a testament to Asha’s talent and hard work.
Congratulations Asha on such a wonderful achievement.
Rohan Mack & Kate Savige
Directors of Music
VCE Legal Studies students Ashleigh W (Year 12) and Aliyana R (Year 11) had the privilege of attending the 2024 Senior Leaders Forum, an event hosted by Jess Wilson MP, the local member for Kew. The Forum, held at Victorian Parliament House, provided a platform for youth to engage in meaningful discussions on local issues.
The afternoon commenced with an informative tour of Parliament House, highlighting Victoria’s rich gold rush history. The tour concluded in the Legislative Assembly where Jess Wilson MP took the opportunity to emphasise her role as a community representative and her dedication to understanding and addressing youth perspectives.
Each school representative was asked to provide a short insight into an issue of importance within their community. Aliyana spoke about the cost-of-living crisis and Ashleigh provided insight into the pressures faced by the healthcare system. The lower house or parliament is a space where proposed laws are discussed and debated. It was such an honour to witness the next generation of voters come together in this house to candidly discuss important community issues.
The event concluded with an afternoon tea, offering a relaxed environment for students to network with leaders from local schools. This forum highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing community needs and promoting student voice.
Mohita Sahni
VCE Legal Studies Teacher
Embarking on my aviation course has been an exhilarating journey that combines theory, practical skills, and a passion for flying. The course covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the basics of aerodynamics and flight mechanics to aviation regulations. We spend significant time in the classroom, learning about aircraft systems, weather patterns, and air traffic control procedures. This theoretical knowledge is crucial, but the real excitement begins in the cockpit.
As part of the course, I have the opportunity to log flight hours under the supervision of experienced instructors. From take-offs and landings to complex manoeuvres and emergency procedures, each flight session brings new challenges and learning experiences. Additionally, we use flight simulators that provide a realistic flying experience, allowing us to practice without leaving the ground.
My journey in aviation started with a fascination for airplanes and the mechanics of flight. After experiencing scenic flights, seeing the city and coast from above sparked my curiosity and desire to understand how they work. This passion led me to pursue formal training, and each day in the course reaffirms my decision. The blend of technical knowledge and hands-on experience, where the sky is truly the limit.
Summer Z
Year 10 Student
On Thursday 6 June, the Year 12 students gathered for a delightful and memorable Movie Night, creating a fantastic atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. Dressed in matching fun pyjamas, the students kicked off the night with a series of entertaining primary school games held in the gym. Organised in a round robin style, the games brought out the students’ competitive spirits and set the tone for an evening filled with laughter and excitement.
Following the games, the students moved to the Year 12 Common Room where they enjoyed a delicious pizza dinner and copious amounts of popcorn and snacks. As everyone settled in, they prepared to enjoy the evening’s feature film, “She’s The Man,” displayed on the big screen. The choice of movie proved to be a hit, as laughter echoed throughout the room during the screening.
The Year 12 Movie Night was more than just an evening of entertainment; it was an opportunity for students to bond with their friends and create lasting memories. The informal setting and fun activities allowed everyone to relax and enjoy themselves in the company of their peers.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the staff involved in organising and facilitating the event. Their efforts ensured that the night was a tremendous success, leaving students with cherished memories of their final months at school. The Year 12 Movie Night will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the year.
Lindsay Hill
Year 12 Coordinator
On 30 May I was privileged enough to attend the Leading Change: Interschool Conference on Sexual and Gender Diversity at Wesley College with three other students from Years 9-11 as well as Ms Woolcock and Mr Clark.
This conference was unlike anything I have ever attended before, where likeminded students and staff had the opportunity to share experiences, hear stories and celebrate the work that schools are doing in this space. We discussed Wesley’s journey in adjusting their school environment to be more welcoming and inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people and also spent time sharing our own thoughts about the topic.
As we reflected on the day, we felt incredibly proud of the work that CGGS has put in place to create a safe space for all students’ and staff. As a school and wider community, we have come so far in this journey, knowing that more can be done, and this is an ever-evolving space.
We bring back to CGGS many ideas, inspirations, and a drive to continue the conversation. I say with great pride that we as a generation are changing the future.
Ash W
Year 11 Student
Throughout the month of May, 42 Year 8 students participated in ‘Opportunity Challenge’ hosted by Camberwell Grammar School (Boys). Joining forces with schools in the local area, students worked together to plan, organise and run a fete at their respective schools with all money raised going to Opportunity International.
Opportunity International aims to end poverty in developing countries, by providing families (particularly women) with microfinance loans to aid in the development of business ventures and in securing stable and sustainable incomes.
Over the course of three planning sessions, working in small groups, students developed their entrepreneurial and marketing skills by deciding on which products to sell, conducting a cost-price analysis on their stalls and creating marketing material for the event. Stall vendors also needed to work together to balance the overall offerings available at the fete with many interesting debates and conversations ensuing.
On the day of the fete, we had 10 stalls at Camberwell Girls and 4 stalls at Camberwell Grammar School (Boys). At CGGS, the Secondary School courtyard was abuzz with energy, with students using a range of different strategies to sell their products with multi-buys and combo deals proving to be quite popular. A very enjoyable day, with $1137.95 raised at the Camberwell Girls Fete.
Congratulations to the Year 8 students and staff involved in this year’s Opportunity Challenge, you definitely took the opportunity to take this challenge on!
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
