Science

MRS KATE WARING head of science

As Educators, we should always consider the fact that all boys need a purpose, a purpose that seeks motivation and meaning which then enhances self-confidence, significance and a consequential direction in life. In the book The Purpose of Boys by Michael Gurian he talks about boys finding bumps in the road and the fact that as parents we cannot walk with our sons every step of the way. In the Science department we try to minimise those bumps and help point them in the right direction. This is done by utilising hands-on experimenting in class which allows movement and debate as well as making learning relevant by making continued connections between the teaching subject and the real world, so that learning experiences lead to increased engagement. Also, one of our key goals is the development of positive and productive relationships with boys, especially regarding care and classroom culture supporting an increased connection with students.

The Science staff room welcomed some new faces in 2018, Mr Khalid Almaktoum who has a degree in Civil Engineering who was teaching junior Science/Maths and now has a contract teaching Year 7 Science and Maths. Mr Simon Rees arrived mid-year to teach physics and has spent the last eight years at St Hilda’s, previous to that he has taught in NZ, UK and The Grand Cayman Islands. We also welcome back Mr Rhys Ibbott on a more permanent timetable teaching some Life and Faith, PE and Junior Science. We also had two births in the Science department – Mr Dan Saw and his wife Sarah welcomed their fourth child (and fourth boy!) Rory into Delpratt House, Craig and I welcomed our first grandchild, Mac McMahon.

The whole school was devastated by the sudden death of our most valued, esteemed and well-loved colleague Mr Dylan DeVries. His light hearted humour, tolerance and smile is missed every day.

Term Three holidays enabled Mr Alini and myself to take 10 boys to Europe for a science tour. The boys' behaviour for the trip was impeccable (the only exception being a lost backpack with 2 passports!) and we all had a marvellous time. For Mr Alini, some of the highlights included:

• Eating Swiss chocolate and cheese • Skiing in shorts and a t-shirt • Being inspired by the world’s biggest scientific experiment • Feeling dwarfed by Diplodocus skeletons

• Gazing whimsically at the remains of the earliest hominid • Enjoying real Foie Gras • Gazing at 20 peaks higher than 4,000m • Swimming in alpine lakes • Trying to read the world’s earliest time keeping devices • Rueing world politics at the UN • Shaking my head at human folly at the Red Cross • Getting a ridiculously good

Bratwurst at the train station covered in Sauerkraut and mustard

• Enjoying a real English breakfast • Enjoying a real continental breakfast • Ascending the world’s tallest buildings • Finally getting a chance to rest on the plane • Not being kicked awake by a threeyear-old at 2am Finally, I wish the departing Year 12 Valedictorians all the very best of luck with their future lives, chosen career paths and in discovery of their passion. I hope they always remember their schooling lives with fondness and a smile.