Excel Magazine 2011 by Leader Associated Newspapers Pty Ltd

Excel One click ahead

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Devoloping strategies to net the online positives and delete the negatives

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TOLERANCE KEY TO ‘THAT’ TALK

DATE: JUN11

FEES AND THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE

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GOTTA KEEP ’EM SEPARATED?

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS MAGAZINE 2011

www.haileybury.vic.edu.au leadernews.com.au

Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

ACCL AIMED HAILEYBURY • Award-winning teachers. • Small Classes. • Parallel Education for boys and girls.

K e y s b o r o u g h B e r w i c k B r i g h t o n www.haileybury.vic.edu.au telephone 9213 2222

ACCL AIMED HAILEYBURY • Award-winning teachers. • Small Classes. • Parallel Education for boys and girls.

K e y s b o r o u g h B e r w i c k B r i g h t o n www.haileybury.vic.edu.au telephone 9213 2222

4 CONTENTS advertisers’ index

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Haileybury ................................. p1,2,3

Braemar College............................p20

St Leonard’s College ........................p4

Monivae College ............................p20

Tintern Schools................................p5

Wesley College ..............................p21

Mentone Girls’ Grammar ..................p6

Huntingtower.................................p22

Caulfield Grammar ..........................p7

Korowa Anglican Girls’ School........p23

Strathcona .......................................p9

Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School ......p24

St James College ...........................p10

Melbourne Grammar School ...........p25

Alia College ...................................p10

Ivanhoe Grammar School ...............p26

Genazzano FCJ College ............. p10,30

Plenty Valley Christian College ......p27

Kingswood College ........................p11

Christian Brothers’ College ............p28

Santa Maria College .......................p12

St Peter’s College ..........................p28

Acacia College ...............................p13

St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox College...p28

Ruyton Girls’ School .......................p14

Sacré Coeur ...................................p29

The Knox School ............................p15

Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College

Luther College ...............................p15

“Sts Anargiri” ................................p29

Firbank Grammar ..........................p18

Yarra Valley Grammar ..................p31

Geelong Grammar ..........................p19

Mentone Grammar .........................p32

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To advertise, contact Karen Chandler 9875 8346 or email leadernewspapers.com.au

A chance to be...

Tom ICAS Science Award Winner. Year 5 student, St Leonard’s College.

editor's note

ocial networking and its ever-expanding reach has an undeniable impact on every student – and parent. It also brings legal risks to students that experts say have received comparatively little attention. At what point does a Twitter comment become defamation? Who is at fault when a YouTube video breaching copyright laws is shared on Facebook? Is it illegal to post photos of your friends online without their consent? In this issue of Excel we find out how schools are beginning to address these potential problems (pages 6 and 7). Last year 50 per cent, or one in every two Victorian year 12 students was enrolled at an independent school, reflecting the high proportion of parents who were exercising their right to choose how their children were educated. And Independent Schools Victoria data shows that 70 per cent of the operating costs of an independent school are funded by parents. We ask principals what parents can expect for their money (pages 12 and 13).

Going “green” has become a somewhat over-used catchcry, but the reality is that future generations will have to live more sustainably. All schools acknowledge this to varying extents in their curriculums, but we focus on a Ringwood school where a working farm is part of the learning (pages 16 and 17). Two clinical psychologists, who are also sex therapists, break down the taboos that often surround sex education saying it should be taught at all levels and discussions about sexuality and sensuality incorporated into human relationship programs. You can read about their views on pages 22 and 23. Finally, we look at the great education debate – single sex versus co-ed schools. We give four schools the opportunity to explain their education models and why they work for them (pages 26 and 27). And education writer Shaunagh O’Connor looks at three new books that will help parents meet and conquer the challenges of bringing up well-rounded, confident young people (page 27).

Tricia Quirk, Excel editor

St Leonard’s College offers all students “A chance to be…” A chance to be the best they can be and a chance to be themselves. While our focus is on the fundamentals, the personal development of students is also important and our state-of-the-art facilities cater to a wide range of interests. Our students enjoy modern teaching resources providing a unique learning environment for academic and personal growth. Our goal is to ensure all students are conﬁdent and socially able to take on the challenges of further education, work and life. See St Leonard’s College for yourself at our information sessions, dates and times are available on our website.

St Leonard’s College 163 South Road, Brighton East, 3187

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For further information visit www.stleonards.vic.edu.au, call 9909 9300 or email enrolment@stleonards.vic.edu.au

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stL00330-R

St Leonard’s College - An education for life.

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

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CONTENTS

inside

COVER STORY

FUTURE PROOFING

With the explosion in the use of social networking comes associated legal risks. Schools are now developing strategies to keep students safe. It’s all about ensuring the subjects our children are being taught are preparing them appropriately for the future. A Melbourne dad asks the questions.

ONE FOR THE MONEY

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

LIFE EXPERIENCES

THE GREAT DEBATE

BOOK REVIEWS

Principals explain what you get for your money when you choose to send your child to an independent school. Learning to live sustainably is of growing importance. Many schools have gardens, but one Melbourne school has its own on-site farm. Sexuality and sensuality discussions should be part of everyday classroom activities, a sex therapist and psychologist says.

our cover

Variety is the spice of life – and when you’re talking single sex versus co-ed that variety can be clearly seen in education models used by schools.

Excel editor: Tricia Quirk Contributor: Tamara Heath Designer: Josie Kilgour Sub-editor: Louise Browne Advertising: Karen Chandler Publisher: Mark Gardy Published by Leader Associated Newspapers PTY LTD, ABN 34 004 337 446. Leader Community Newspapers cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

Photographer: Mark Stewart Model: Olivia Clear

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ADVANTAGE

Girls and Boys R Results confirm Tintern as the region’s leading academic school. The Tintern Advantage. w w w. t i n t e r n s c h o o l s . v i c . e d u . a u

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I Tel:

9845 7878

I RINGWOOD Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

6 TECH-SAVVY TALK

Online – It’s all moving so fast,

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t what point does a Twitter comment become defamation? Who is at fault when a YouTube video breaching copyright laws is shared on Facebook? Is it illegal to post photos of your friends online without consent? These are some of the questions that a team of Monash University education specialists tackled in developing a teaching booklet about the legal risks of social networking – and now hope will be incorporated into school curriculums across Victoria. Will u friend me? Legal Risks and Social Networking Sites was distributed to schools in April and covers social networking issues such as defamation, copyright, harassment and privacy. One of the booklet’s authors, Michael Henderson, a former teacher and now senior lecturer in Information and Communication Technology in Education at Monash University, said the research was prompted by concern that there was a lack of understanding of the legal risks of social networking among students, teachers and parents. “The research came out of a conversation I was having with some Faculty of Law colleagues, who, as outsiders to the education sector, saw things in a different light. We thought ... the risks were becoming a critical issue,” Dr Henderson said. Another of the authors, Michael Phillips, a Monash University Faculty of Education postgraduate research student, said research for the booklet included a survey of more than 1000 year 7 to 10 students from state and independent schools, as well as more than 250 teachers and parents.

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The Knox School’s deputy head of the senior college James Henderson and teacher Toni-Ann Bright go over some of the cyber-safety issues with year 11 students. Picture: Carmelo Bazzano

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New Creative Learning Centre

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Leaders of the future will be those who can think creatively. At Mentone Girls Grammar School, we engage our students with innovative 21st century learning to promote: creative intelligence and design, original problem solving, and enterprising leadership. A bold, new and contemporary building is opening in 2012. The space is designed especially for girls, and for the innovative way that they can learn.

nton

Enrol Now! e Gir ls. Re

markable W omen.

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

MENTONE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 11 Mentone Parade, Mentone VIC 3194 Tel: 9581 1200 www.mentonegirls.vic.edu.au

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TECH-SAVVY TALK

but it’s crucial educators stay a step ahead to keep students safe

useful cyber safety sites ALANNAH AND MADELINE FOUNDATION www.amf.org.au Has developed the eSmart campaign to teach children strategies to manage in cyberspace.

VICTORIA LAW FOUNDATION

How you tr eat other in cla each how you tr ss is eat e other onlin ach e. Louise Rob

in Grammar’s e- son-Lay, Mentone learning co-o rdinator

Mentone Grammar’s e-learning co-ordinator Louise Robinson-Lay agreed, saying “we assume that because they are digitally aware, students are online savvy. But there are gaps in their knowledge and we have to fill in those gaps”. “We, as teachers, are responsible for teaching them how to use it (social networking technology) responsibly,” Ms Robinson-Lay said. She said Mentone Grammar had an acceptable usage policy for students, covering issues such as e-safety and online bullying, and students were taught that acceptable protocols in the online environment were the same as in classrooms.

“How you treat each other in class is how you treat each other online.” She said the co-educational prep to year 12 school had developed its own in-house Facebook style system, similar to the government schools Ultranet system, where students could set up their own profiles and communicate with one another and their teachers. “I do think it is very important that schools adapt to the real-life environment of students. Especially as it (the online environment) is something they will use in the workforce as well.” Meanwhile, The Knox School in Wantirna South is taking part in a Generation Safe pilot program that will overhaul its approach to online issues. The school’s deputy head of the senior college, James Henderson, said the pilot was based on a successful UK program and required schools to audit their policies and guidelines in relation to online use, and develop consistent and clear acceptable usage policies. He said while the audit was still under way, it was expected the resulting policies would better allow the school to identify and address issues, and allow students and parents to better understand their online responsibilities. “It is an area that is becoming more and more important all the time,” Mr Henderson said. “New types of technology are coming out all the time and it is important for schools to be dealing with the issues they create.” For more information about Will u friend me?, see http:// newmediaresearch.educ.monash.edu. au/moodle/course/view.php?id=37

www.victorialawfoundation.org.au A not-for-profit, independent statutory body that helps Victorians understand their legal system and the law.

VICTORIAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: LEARNING ONLINE www.education.vic.gov.au/management/lol/ Provides policy advice, resources, classroom activities and professional learning actions.

CYBER-SAFETY OUTREACH www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/ pc=PC_311102 The Australian Communications and Media Authority offers presentations in metropolitan and regional centres.

CYBERSMART www.cybersmart.gov.au Provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, teens and parents safely go online.

THINK U KNOW www.thinkuknow.org.au A program delivering interactive training to parents, carers and teachers using a network of accredited trainers.

IKEEPSAFE.ORG www.ikeepsafe.org Gives parents, educators and policymakers the tools to teach children about technology and the internet.

CYBER SAFE KIDS www.cybersafekids.com.au Has online safety and digital citizenship resources and is managed by Robyn Treyvaud, an online safety educator.

PRIVACY VICTORIA www.privacy.vic.gov.au Regulates the way government and councils handle personal information.

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There’s more out there Our Nanjing Campus in China is where Year 9 students are immersed in a remarkable 5-week international program that is truly unique. The program encourages respect for other cultures and prepares young people for an international future. The chance to live and learn in another country is another reason why Caulfield Grammar is more than a school. To find out more about how we inspire the journey from Kindergarten to University, please call 03 9524 6300 or visit www.caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au

more than a school leadernews.com.au

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safety program where the Will u friend me? booklet and other resources were used. “Our research suggests that the issues surrounding social networking are complex and change rapidly,” he said. “We hope that the practical tasks and information contained in the booklet can contribute to a cross-curricular cyber-safety program that enables a greater understanding of both the high and lower profile risks for students, teachers and parents.”

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The research found almost 95 per cent of year 7 to 10 students used social networking services such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, with about a quarter doing things such as updating their online profile several times a day. Mr Phillips said through the research “it became clear that students have a pretty good understanding of highprofile issues such as cyber-bullying, and the risks and consequences of posting inappropriate photos” – thanks to mainstream media and cases such as the St Kilda footballers’ controversy. However, he said, comparatively little attention had been given to risks such as defamation and copyright, which could land students in serious legal trouble. Dr Henderson said one of the problems the researchers found was that many teachers had a limited understanding of the risks themselves – and it was hoped the guide, featuring real-life examples of social networking legal breaches and issues, would help. Mr Phillips, who has worked as an IT teacher and school head at Melbourne private schools, said the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) included statements covering the need for students to take into account their legal and ethical obligations – reinforcing the need for students to be taught about the issues. “The guide provides teachers with the opportunity to open the conversation door, but not in a judgmental way,” Mr Phillips said. Dr Henderson said he believed the issues should be covered in classrooms, but given the crowded curriculum, he suggested a cross-curricular cyber-

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the front line

Wheelers Hill Malvern Caulfield

Yarra Junction Nanjing-China

Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

8 STAYING AHEAD MAIN: Alex Abela and his daughter Felicia, 3, are preparing for the future. Picture: Matt Murphy BELOW: Korowa Anglican Girls’ School principal Christine Jenkins. Picture: Steven Crabtree

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Open to a 2020 vision

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It’s called future proofing, and many parents want to make sure schools are embracing the concept for their children

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lex Abela is taking his daughter’s future very seriously. Despite Felicia only being three years old and having just started kindergarten, he is already researching schools in preparation for 2013. The Coburg resident, who was educated in the independent Catholic school system, has toured state, private and Catholic schools across Melbourne in his quest to find the best fit for Felicia. The issue of future proofing is particularly important to him. He wants to know what subjects she should be taught to best prepare her to face the world when she completes her formal education in the 2020s. Excel put some of Alex’s questions on future proofing to Korowa Anglican Girls’ School principal Christine Jenkins, who has been heading the Glen Iris school for the past eight years. ALEX: “What is the future going to look like? What kind of skills is my daughter going to need when she enters the job market in the 2020s?” CHRISTINE: “We really can’t say exactly what the future is going to be like or what we should be doing to prepare students of

today for the workforce in 13 to 17 years time depending on whether they complete higher education. But what we can do, as a school, is make sure they are well educated, realistic, adaptable and resilient – so that they are able to handle different situations and cope with uncertainty.” ALEX: “Technology is obviously going to be a key factor in the future. Are technologically based subjects going to be the most important?” CHRISTINE: “Technology is going to be very important. But we want to teach children how to use it effectively and responsibly but not obsessively. Even toddlers now are computer literate and often know how to use a mouse or fiddle with an iPhone. This kind of visual literacy is important to teach children to experiment and be curious. Curiosity is important. You teach curiosity by providing a student with a concept that is just out of their grasp but not quite. In this way they are encouraged to seek answers or try to understand. This goes for technology. Having technological skills is not enough; students need to know how to use these skills to their benefit.”

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

ALEX: “Do you think all these technological advancements are going to make other subjects, especially those that are more creativity-based, obsolete? Should students of the future be worrying about traditional subjects such as maths and English?” CHRISTINE: “One of the biggest things that is said about future proofing children is that it is our creativity, as humans, that is going to differentiate us from robots and computers. That is why you need school programs that emphasise the development of personal qualities and an awareness of music, art and literature. Languages other than English are also very important, especially due to Australia’s proximity to Asia. It will be very important for students in the future to be culturally aware and, especially, Asia literate. Core subjects such as English, maths and science will always be required, but the way in which they are taught will change.”

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her best friends. her best times. her best results.

bring out her best. Main Campus: Senior/Middle School & ELC 34 Scott Street Canterbury Victoria 3126

We invite you to visit Strathcona to experience its uniqueness.

Junior Campus: Mellor House â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Prep to Yr 6 173 Prospect Hill Road Canterbury Victoria 3126

School at Work Open Morning July 27 10am-12noon.

Tel: +61 3 8779 7500 Fax: +61 3 9888 5440 Email: registrar@strathcona.vic.edu.au

See website for further details.

www.strathcona.vic.edu.au

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Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

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Year 9 Campus: Tay Creggan 30 Yarra Street Hawthorn Victoria 3122

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At Strathcona, our girls are encouraged to get involved in many co-curricular activities and leadership opportunities. They are encouraged to explore their unique talents and reach their highest potential.

ST JAMES COLLEGE MPR: QUV001

156 BIGNELL ROAD, EAST BENTLEIGH www.sjcbe.catholic.edu.au

‘Where the teachers know my name...’ A Catholic Boys Regional College committed to the Lasallian Vision of Education. Specialising in Years 7-10, we recognise the importance of the middle years of schooling. St James College addresses students’ growth, assisting their development and appreciation of society.

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Our students build breadth and depth, having opportunities in academic, cultural, creative and sporting acitivities, following Pathways Courses, VCE and VET studies. A Transition Program works with primary schools, and De La Salle College, Malvern, St Bede’s College, Mentone and TAFE Colleges.

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NOW TAKING ENROLMENTS FOR YEAR 7, 2013. For further information or to book a College tour, please contact the College Office on 9575 8100 or visit our website www.sjcbe.catholic.edu.au 49QUVQ575653F/LC/11

51QUVQ562555F/JA/11

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/9 H5=@CF MCIF 98I75H=CB HC 69 5G IB=EI9 5G MCI 5F9

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Genazzano FCJ College 301 Cotham Road Kew VIC 3101 Phone 03 8862 1000 www.genazzano.vic.edu.au

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

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Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

12 CHOICE WITH VOICE

Investing in their future Parents pay, but they find it opens up a whole world of opportunities

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A Love of Learning and Life Santa Maria College is thrilled with the appointment of Mrs Deborah Barker as the new principal. Deborah is a young and dynamic educator with a passion for girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; education and a holistic approach to learning within the Catholic tradition. Founded by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict, Santa Maria College has a 107 year tradition of providing educational excellence for young women in Melbourne. The College has a rigorous academic program and is proud to oďŹ&#x20AC;er the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program as a candidate school. An extensive co-curricular program, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award ( gold, silver and bronze ), is also available.

SANTA MARIA COLLEGE 50 Separation Street NORTHCOTE 3070 Phone 9489 7644 For more information visit our website www.santamaria.vic.edu.au 51QUVQ558299F/JA/11

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

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CHOICE WITH VOICE 13

CAPTURE OUR SPIRIT! Information Sessions and College Tours with the Principal and senior staff Wednesday 15 June 2011 commencing 7.30pm Wednesday 10 August 2011 commencing 7.30pm Wednesday 19 October 2011 commencing 7.30pm

Discovery Day

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Experience the unique ‘Spirit of Acacia College’ at the following events:

Saturday 27 August 2011 10.00am – 2.00pm • A fun experience for all the family • Principal’s address on the hour from 10.30am • Tour our school buildings • Explore interesting aspects of the curriculum • Speak with current Acacia College families • Join in activities for the children • Enjoy the PFA sausage sizzle

ACACIA COLLEGE WELCOMES ENROLMENTS FOR 2012 AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS. Phone the Registrar, Jane Austin, on 9717 7305. Co-educational, Prep-Year 8 in 2011, Prep-Year 12 by 2015. FRESH, UNIQUE AND SURPRISING 370 Bridge Inn Road Mernda 3754 www.acacia.vic.edu.au

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Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

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how their school is performing,” Ms Lenders said. “At my school, it has been very valuable to allow us to focus on areas of strength and where we have been doing well, as well as where we can improve.” Ms Lenders said 50 per cent, or one in two Victorian year 12 students were last year educated in independent schools, reflecting the high proportion of parents who were exercising their right to choose how their children were educated. “The fact that parents have a choice in how to educate their children is something that I think is important to highlight,” she said. “It is similar to private health – we have a public health system but people can choose to take out private health insurance. In the same way, we have a public education system but parents can choose private. Independent schooling is about choice and accountability – but they are not the only measure of a quality education.”

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to the kind of information that is available on MySchool,” she said. “But they shouldn’t base their decision on the data alone. “They need to see a school in action, and make sure it is the right fit for them and their children.” Ms Reddan said Mentone was pleased with its MySchool result, but did not dwell on or focus their program towards it. “For parents with students already at the school, MySchool has just been part of the picture but for parents doing their homework it is a bigger issue,” she said. Ms Reddan said there had been national and international interest in the school based on MySchool, with one set of parents travelling from Adelaide to tour the school. Ms Lenders said she had been surprised at the response to MySchool from some schools. “Literacy and numeracy skills are very important and should be focused on ... parents should be interested in and know

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Last year’s production of Picnic at Hanging Rock at Mentone Girls’ Grammar School.

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arents are promised high-quality the quality and quantity of educational teachers, innovative programs and opportunities. top-class facilities in return for Ms Lenders said research into the paying what can amount to thousands world’s most successful schools found of dollars for their child to attend an they all had three things in common independent school. – recruitment of quality teachers, Independent Schools Victoria data an emphasis on continuing teacher shows that 70 per cent of the operating training and the provision of appropriate costs of an independent school are resources to teachers. funded by parents, with state and federal She said that with 640 students, her funding covering the remaining 30 per Box Hill-based co-educational school cent. From this cash pool, schools must marketed itself as being “big enough for cover everything from teacher salaries choice and opportunity but small enough and operating costs to providing for to know and care students with special for each individual”. needs. She said in addition s r u o e k Mentone Girls’ to a recently built A school li ide a v o Grammar School science centre with r p to s ie tr principal Fran sustainability features, . p o h Reddan said the term the school had an one-stop s ‘independent school’ ’ School innovative senior ls ir G an ic gl Korowa An ins nk could be deceptive school program. Je e tin is principal Chr as there was a lot The program of difference among involves students not schools in the sector. wearing uniform, having a central However, she said, at her space around which their classes 600-student school, parents would first are conducted and interacting with and foremost see a return on their money their teachers on a more adult level – it in the “phenomenal program” delivered aims to better prepare them for higher by quality teachers. education and the workforce. “We have an outstanding creative arts Korowa Anglican Girls’ School principal program,” Ms Reddan said. Christine Jenkins said her school “There are many sporting had high expectations of its students, opportunities, and an extensive range of educating them so “that they are good learning opportunities, such as languages people, responsible, resilient and achieve other than English, and personal high results”. development and leadership programs.” “A school like ours tries to provide a Ms Reddan said teacher wages one-stop shop. We provide after school accounted for a large proportion of the care, music lessons, drama, sports fees paid by parents. programs, so that parents don’t have to “Our emphasis is on high-quality look after that after hours. They can just teachers who deliver a high-quality be parents,” Ms Jenkins said. learning program. We invest in our “Independent schools are more teachers.” responsible to parents because they were The head of Caulfield Grammar being paid to educate their children.” School’s Caulfield campus Jim Alexiades Ms Jenkins said as long as the data agreed, saying the school focused on was accurate, parents should take quality teaching and quality learning as the MySchool website into account that was what would have the greatest when selecting a school for their child. impact on students in the long term. However, she said, it should not be the Kingswood College principal Elisabeth only factor. Lenders said the fees contributed to both “I believe parents should have access

Ruyton Girls’ School Ruyton aspires to give each girl an opportunity to learn and to grow so that she achieves educational excellence and personal fulﬁlment. Ruyton provides a supportive environment enabling girls to demonstrate that:

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• as individuals they are conﬁdent, resourceful and resilient • as learners they are intellectually curious, versatile and can work both independently and collaboratively • as members of the community they practise tolerance and compassion

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• as leaders they act with integrity, self assurance, initiative and an awareness of the value of service

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• and as citizens they are enterprising, creative and have a commitment to community service, sustainability and a global society. The size of Ruyton makes it possible to focus on the individuality of each girl, developing academic, social and leadership potential through a wide-range of opportunities.

DATE: JUN11

Many specialist programmes are offered across our Early Learning Centre, Junior and Senior Schools, including Personalised Learning, Leadership, the Co-ordinate Programme with nearby Trinity Boys’ Grammar School, Specialist Maths, Science and IT, and Languages (French and Chinese). This is complemented by a wide selection of co-curricular and sporting activities which allow our girls to achieve their best through a balanced education. As one of the top performing independent girls’ schools in Victoria, Ruyton’s results are consistently excellent, regularly appearing in the top ﬁve schools in the state.

The National Trust-listed Henty House, set in landscaped gardens, provides a beautiful backdrop to a lively and active school, alongside state-of-the art facilities. The Early Learning Centre, Junior and Senior Schools are linked together on the same campus, fostering a strong sense of belonging. Ruyton is a community where teachers, girls and their families work together and value each other. Inside Ruyton girls can develop as conﬁdent and self-assured individuals. Come Inside Ruyton to discover more. Next Principal’s Conversation Thursday June 21 and monthly thereafter. Spaces limited so please contact Ms Nadine Hibbert on 03 9819 2422 or email registrar@ruyton.vic.edu.au Next Open Day Thursday 11 August. Ms Linda Douglas Principal

Annual fees 2011: from $8,700 pa (Early Learning Centre) to $22,800 pa (Year 12) Student population: approximately 820 (Early Learning Centre – Year 12) Early Learning Centre: co-educational Prep – Year 12: girls only Years 11 and 12: co-ordinate programme with Trinity Boys’ Grammar School Ruyton is a non-denominational school

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Ruyton Girls’ School 12 Selbourne Road Kew 3101 Victoria Australia Tel 61 3 9819 2422 www.ruyton.vic.edu.au CRICOS 00336J

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

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Choosing the school that’s right for you is a huge decision. Schools, just like people are unique. Each has its own strengths and special features. The Knox School students excel in many ways: music, performing arts, sport and of course in the classroom but we challenge them to do much more. Our curriculum goes beyond academics to promote strong character and values. That’s why people always comment on our confident, happy students.

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Why not visit The Knox School or even spend a day with us? Call our registrar, Tania Castles on 8805 3814 to book a tour or arrange a personalised tour at a time that suits you.

Upcoming Tours with the Principal Saturday 18 June - 9.30am Wednesday 27 July - 9.00am

The Knox School CO-EDUCATIONAL | PRE PREP TO VCE

220 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South P 8805 3800 | E info@knox.vic.edu.au

www.knox.vic.edu.au

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IMAGINE YOURSELF AT THE KNOX SCHOOL

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Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

16 LIVING WITH CHANGE

LIVING WITH CHANGE 17

Cultivating lasting philosophy When it comes to sustainability education, the holistic, close-to-home approach and a long-term view provide skills for the future

limate change, global warming, energy crisis, sustainable living, green energy, clean energy, carbon tax…this raft of phrases assails us every day. Giving them context and meaning for our young people is a part of what sustainability education aims to do. Sustainability is a message that is being carried through many areas of school life, although vegetable gardens are a common starting point for such programs in schools. Students at Tintern Schools in Ringwood have a whole farm on their school site. From seeing ewes lambing to cultivating fruit and vegetables, the students are encouraged to embrace the concepts of sustainability in every aspect of living. Tintern’s head of junior school Anna Riddell said students at all levels of the school spent time at the 5.6 hectare farm. She said she did not know of any other schools that had a farm on the same site. Ms Riddell said the farm gave the students a range of experiences, including: Learning to improve soil fertility utilising practical, repeatable and sustainable methods. Demonstrating that artificial fertilisers or chemicals were not needed to enhance pasture production or eliminate weeds. Providing a safe learning environment for students free of the risks associated with chemicals. Demonstrating that compost is a sustainable method of recycling “waste”. The school makes about one tonne of compost each week - primarily from organic compostable materials generated around the school and farm. Providing a safe learning environment where students can learn to grow fruit and vegetables. This is such an important outcome for everyone, especially in light of possible global food shortages. Engaging with the soil and growing

16 |

plants from seeds has a profound impact on students. Providing the opportunity for students to interact with sheep, cattle and poultry, and benefit from the wide ranging experiences both at the farm and in the Young Farmer programs at the various shows the school attends. Sustainability education consultant Bob Winters said education is one of the most effective and necessary methods for creating a more sustainable world. He said sustainability education focuses on long term behaviour change. It is about providing students with a skill set for the future, helping them understand their values and giving them a sense of empowerment. Mr Winters said it was different to the programs of the past that taught students about nature conservation and environmental education because it added a strong human face to the learning. “Sustainability education is not only about looking after the environment, but also the people,” Mr Winters said. “It’s a more holistic approach, it’s about people’s health.” After more than 40 years in the field, Mr Winters said a lot of his work now involved developing curriculum materials for schools. “The Australian curriculum has a very strong framework in what students need to get out of their education but each school can construct their own content around their individual needs,” he said. “The content can be very specific, local and adaptable.” A variety of well-patronised programs and competitions encourage schools to not only be sustainable but also to foster sustainability in all aspects of learning. In a recent Landcare challenge a student from Doncaster East’s SS Peter and Paul’s School beat more than 66,000 children across Australia to grow the tallest sunflower. A grade 1 student from Box Hill grew a 255cm plant.

EXCEL INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS MAGAZINE 2011

The students are encouraged to embrace the concepts of sustainability in every aspect of living

Students of all ages at Tintern Schools in Ringwood enjoy the hands-on activities as part of their sustainable education studies.

Pictures: Robert McKechnie

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EXCEL INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS MAGAZINE 2011

| 17

16 LIVING WITH CHANGE

LIVING WITH CHANGE 17

Cultivating lasting philosophy When it comes to sustainability education, the holistic, close-to-home approach and a long-term view provide skills for the future

16 |

EXCEL INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS MAGAZINE 2011

The students are encouraged to embrace the concepts of sustainability in every aspect of living

Students of all ages at Tintern Schools in Ringwood enjoy the hands-on activities as part of their sustainable education studies.

Pictures: Robert McKechnie

leadernews.com.au

EXCEL INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS MAGAZINE 2011

| 17

OUTSTANDING TEACHING. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS. MPR: QUV001

We are proud of our students’ achievements

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In 2010, Firbank was the top ranked Bayside school and was ranked in the top 15 schools in Victoria!

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Other highlights were:

DATE: JUN11

• Top ATAR score of 99.75 • 49% of students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above (placing them in the top 10% of Victoria) • 71% of students achieved an ATAR of 80 or above (placing them in the top 20% of Victoria) • Nine perfect study scores We recognise that these results could not be achieved without the contribution of committed and talented teachers - our teachers make a difference!

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Please come and visit, we have so much more to tell you! Call 9591 5188 to make an appointment to visit our school.

www.firbank.vic.edu.au Brighton ELC to Year 12 - Girls only Sandringham ELC to Year 6 - Co-educational enquiries@firbank.vic.edu.au CRICOS - 00140K

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

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Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

Regional and boarding schools in Victoria ADVERTISING FEATURE

ictoria has 25 boarding schools, each catering to an average of 50 secondary students. But the idea that they are places of hardship and horror is gone, with the Australian Boarding Schools Association describing them as places of friendship and support.

Executive director Richard Stokes said perceptions of boarding schools have changed. “People thought boarding schools were terrible and it used to be that some were but this is no longer the case,’’ Mr Stokes said. He said an excellent boarding school embraced the intangibles that transformed a

place of residence into a home – being neither too formal to crush individuality nor too informal to threaten propriety. Independent Schools Victoria said parents valued the independence boarding gave their children and their opportunity to live with other students from different backgrounds.

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MONIVAE COLLEGE MONIVAE College, a co-educational boarding and day school based in REGIONAL Hamilton, South-West Victoria, has a reputation for being an inclusive, caring and welcoming school to students from all denominations and backgrounds.

BOARDING

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Boarding at Monivae is built on the concept of ‘supporting families rather than replacing them’, Monivae offers a friendly, safe residence that provides for students’ academic, spiritual, physical and cultural needs. With a new Girls Boarding House, Monivae can provide opportunities to students that are unable to receive the same at home.

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Whether in the pursuit of academic excellence, the arts, music, vocational education or on the sporting field, Monivae provides quality education for all students. PO Box 423, Hamilton, VIC 3300 | Telephone: (03) 5551 1200 Registrar – Kaylene Mailes | kmailes@monivae.vic.edu.au | Website: www.monivae.com

BRAEMAR COLLEGE MORE THAN A SCHOOL, A COMMUNITY

REGIONAL

THE COLLEGE is an independent, co-educational, ecumenical School of Choice and one of the region’s premier academic institutions. It offers an excellent educational environment for students, from Years 5 to 12, and annually produces excellent academic results whilst providing an outstanding and diverse curriculum, pastoral and co-curricular program.

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The College also offers its students state-of-the-art IT facilities and has recently redeveloped its sports oval, Brooksbank Centre and gym. It takes great pride in assisting the provision of educational opportunities and believes in exceeding the expectations of students, parents and the wider community. The College’s vision is to ultimately expand to become a P-12 educational provider.

1499 Mt. Macedon Rd, Woodend, VIC 3442 Principal: Mr Russell Deer | Contact: Tamara Cockell Telephone: 61(3) 5427 2500 | Email: registrar@braemar.vic.edu.au | Website: www.braemar.vic.edu.au

120| INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE 20102011 | Excel Independent Schools Magazine

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A true education realises the full potential of every child

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At Wesley, we believe in a true education - one that realises the full potential of every girl and boy. Our rich and comprehensive coeducational program promotes not only excellent academic results but has a concentrated focus on the Arts, Sport, Outdoor Education and Community. Visit www.wesleycollege.net or call + 61 3 8102 6888 for more information.

Elsternwick â&#x20AC;˘ Glen Waverley â&#x20AC;˘ St Kilda Road

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Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

22 SEX EDUCATION

Not-so-tricky subject Let’s talk about the birds and the bees with ease, please

S MPR: QUV001 ED: PUB: QUV DATE: JUN11

ex education should be part of a school’s human relationships program and include messages of tolerance, says a leading sexuality specialist. Author, sex therapist and clinical psychologist Vivienne Cass said she believed sex education should be incorporated into human relationshiprelated topics when they arose in classrooms rather than taught as a separate subject. “Sexuality is about relationships with others and an individual’s own feelings about self, learning to communicate, enjoyment of life, choices and restraints on impulses, as well as the body,” Dr Cass said. “Sexuality should be seen as part of the fullness of life experiences.” Dr Cass said many primary school teachers covered broader issues of human relationships on a daily basis in classrooms and would be able

to incorporate discussions about sexuality and sensuality almost every day. In high schools, she said, sex education should be addressed within the broader topic of relationships and include discussion of sexual pleasure. She said confining sex education to the “nuts and bolts”, for example physiology issues such as menstruation and conception, was “the same as discussing recipes in a cooking class without any discussion of why one is preparing the food in the first place”. Sex education should also take a broad view of the variations of sexuality, including same-sex activities and interests, she said. “We need to teach tolerance, but within a framework of boundaries such as consent and appropriate age,” she said. “Bringing sexuality into schools in

this way means that sex education can be done at every year with a gradual escalation of the details and breadth of topic. In high school there should be no topic that is off limits. “The key is teaching excellence and many so-called sex educators do not have enough training. Minimum requirement should be a psychology or health degree with some component of sexology units.” Dr Cass, who previously worked in private practice but is now a consultant and lecturer, said that with girls as young as nine and 10 now menstruating there was a strong argument for early sex education. Parents and teachers did not “want to be caught on the hop”, she said, and needed to ensure they gave children relevant and timely information. “If a girl is menstruating at nine then it is possible for her to get pregnant so she needs to know about things such

as intercourse, safe sex, and sexually transmitted diseases,” she said. Janet Hall, clinical psychologist, sex therapist and hypnotherapist, agreed that sex education should occur in schools, saying at the very minimum students should be taught how babies were made and about contraception. She said that having access to standard information packs would make it easier for teachers. However, Dr Hall disagreed with Dr Cass about the training teachers needed. “The best sex educators are those who are committed to excellence of honesty, safety and integrity,” Dr Hall said. “Teachers don’t need psychology or higher education to teach these principles.”Dr Hall contributed to a Contraception Workbook in 2005, giving teens essential contraception advice. But, she said, few schools had the spare funds to buy it.

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| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

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SEX EDUCATION 23

parents ATTITUDE MAKES A DIFFERENCE DR VIVIENNE CASS

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The Victorian Government’s better health website has great information for parents of all ages. If you are feeling uncomfortable talking about sex with your child then don’t because you will give your child negative messages. You have a responsibility to take the time to ensure they develop a positive and informed opinion. If you feel uncomfortable, use books and libraries.

DR JANET HALL

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Picture: ©iStockphoto.com

The fact is that many parents did not have easy conversations about sex with their parents, so they find it embarrassing trying to talk about sex to their kids. For many adults, sex was always ‘that taboo subject’ even though it is as natural as the birds and the bees. So if parents aren’t confident talking about it, or if they don’t have a healthy sexual self esteem, they can struggle to tell their kids what sex is all about. Families that are open in communication and free from sexual hang-ups produce children who develop the most appropriate adult attitudes.

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Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

Leading in Girls’ Education Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School provides outstanding learning opportunities tailored to the speciﬁc needs of students from Kindergarten to Year 12. Our Early Learning Centre, with Kindergarten and PrePrep programs, provide girls with a range of opportunities that promote creativity, learning, caring relationships and a positive self-concept. Our Junior School, which is housed in a series of purpose renovated Federation houses, encompasses a curriculum that is innovative and rich, providing experiences that are carefully planned to meet each

girl’s learning style and stage of development from Prep to Year 6. The girls’ entry to their secondary years is underpinned by a strong pastoral focus. Their horizons are deliberately stretched by a broad and comprehensive curriculum, which ensures each girl develops skills and knowledge in all learning areas, while also helping her to begin to identify where her interests and strengths lie. Ivanhoe Girls’ proudly sets expectations for every girl to strive for her personal best, academically and socially, while actively supporting the girls in achieving this.

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Facilities Development Update Sharwood House.

Ivanhoe Girls’ is proud of the outstanding facilities it provides to support quality teaching and learning. Whilst high quality teaching will always be the most important factor in effective student learning, facilities do make a difference. Excellent facilities inspire and promote both learners and teachers to achieve their very best. We have recently completed two outstanding building developments.

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Sharwood House

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Leading in girls’ education

DATE: JUN11

Our visitor, Mrs Anderson, previous owner of Sharwood House, visits Ivanhoe Girls’ and is greeted by excited Junior School students.

The Junior School was very excited to welcome the Hon. Jenny Macklin, Federal Member for Jagajaga and Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs on Wednesday 8 June to ofﬁcially open our Sharwood House and grounds renovations in Junior School and conduct the Building Education Revolution Recognition ceremony. In this facility we now have seven classrooms, an indoor play and assembly area for wet days, an extended learning area and breakout spaces. The outdoor grounds area now comprises new and improved play areas, extended and resurfaced sports grounds and sports equipment storage facilities surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns. Maintaining a sense of the building’s history, renowned architect Daryl Jackson AO, has preserved many original features whilst incorporating state-ofthe-art technology in every space. Joining us on this special day to celebrate with our girls were members of the Anderson Family, a family of 15 children who lived in Sharwood House for many years until 1979. This house is happily destined to always be ﬁlled with children excited by the joy of learning.

The Cooerwull Centre PAGE: 24

The Cooerwull Centre.

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Ms Quentin Bryce, Governor-General AC in The Cooerwull Centre Library.

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

Our amazing new Noel Street facility was ofﬁcially opened by Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and dedicated by The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne on Monday 22 February 2010. The vision for The Cooerwull Centre was to create a new heart of the School, a place of learning and community where students choose to go because they enjoy being there and where the staff has access to all the resources and space they need to excel in their role as educators. The Centre, which has been many years in the planning, incorporates the new Library with age appropriate facilities for both junior and senior girls, a Staff Centre, School café and two levels of underground parking. With the design also by Daryl Jackson AO, this wonderful building was awarded a 2010 Master Builders Excellence in Construction Award.

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Wadhurst

Senior School

Co-educational Prep to Year 6

Boys Years 7 & 8

Boys Years 9 to 12

DATE: JUN11

Grimwade House

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How many schools can one school be?

At Melbourne Grammar School, it is precisely as many as your child will require.

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Children need different things at different ages. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why our educational model reflects their growth. Three unique campuses provide the best possible opportunities for our students: Grimwade House prepares a child with resilience for life, Wadhurst provides a smooth transition to adolescence and Senior School nurtures capable, self-reliant adults.

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Each campus is united by the same vision, values and educational goals.

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Regular campus tours are held during term time and you can join one of these by calling the Admissions Office. To register call (03) 9865 7570 for a tour of Grimwade House, Wadhurst, Senior School or the Boarding precinct.

355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne Victoria 3004 leadernews.com.au

www.mgs.vic.edu.au Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

Single-sex

Together, or apart? One thing’s for sure, your

I MPR: QUV001 ED: PUB: QUV DATE: JUN11

t’s one of the great debates in education. Generations of experience and research can be found to back the merits of either type of schooling, but for parents there are no easy answers. We asked these schools to describe their education model and why it works for them: BOYS Brighton Grammar School ONLY For 129 years Brighton Grammar School has only taught boys with a current population of more than 1200 ranging from ELC to VCE. Our tagline is “we teach boys” which at one level is a very obvious claim; however “we teach boys” actually highlights our expertise in understanding boys, celebrating boys and knowing how to teach boys. To educate a boy, teachers need to understand what makes a boy tick. You can be the best maths or art teacher, but if you don’t understand boys you won’t be an effective teacher. Teachers must like boys, as approval is at the heart of working successfully with boys. Boys need a sense of connectedness and belonging. If boys sense their teacher likes them, they will work hard for their teacher and respond positively to the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. Boys like teachers who are smart, with a sense of humour and are approachable. Typically boys like routine and structure as it gives them confidence and a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Unlike girls they prefer closed type projects where the requirements are clearly defined; they also enjoy an element of competition woven into curriculum activities and short blocks of diverse tasks

in the classroom. Boys like working in teams and at all ages love experiential learning they view as relevant to their lives. A great strength of a single-gender environment is the way the boys are so supportive of each other’s achievements across any field of endeavour and this engenders a positive culture of “give it a go”. GIRLS Sacré Cœur ONLY SSacré Cœur is a contemporary school that builds on and values its rich traditions dating back to 1888. It is a prep to year 12 school for girls and a member of the International Network of Sacred Heart Schools. Historically, Sacré Cœur began as a boarding school for girls and with the exception of a small period of time in its history where boys were enrolled in our junior school, it has always been a school that specialises in meeting the particular learning needs of girls. All aspects of school life at Sacré Cœur – the curriculum, the co-curricular opportunities, specialised programs and student wellbeing – cater for girls and the ages and stages of their personal and cognitive development. Our education model has our founder St Madeleine Sophie Barat’s dynamic vision of education at its core. This vision accepts that education enables women to be true agents of change within society. Our students develop a love of learning in a supportive and safe environment that encourages curiosity, leadership and innovation, and fosters the development of their faith.

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HIGH ACHIEVERS Ivanhoe ta takes you places

co-ed

child is unique and their

There are a host of reasons why girls’ education is so effective and why the school has elected to continue with this model. These include: the greater opportunities to participate, influence and lead when all student leadership positions are held by girls; girls thrive and excel in competitive girls-only teams; girls in girls’ schools achieve stronger academic results and some of the challenges of adolescence are removed in a girls-only environment. At Sacré Cœur each student is able to follow her heart as she is encouraged to develop and extend her gifts and talents. – Principal, Maureen Ryan

Co-educational Kilvington will enable girls and boys to learn together within a culture of free and rational inquiry, and to experience real-world social situations, supporting Kilvington’s holistic educational goal. Kilvington is a friendly, family-oriented school which fosters quality, positive relationships and close community ties. This spirit of family and community engagement is central to Kilvington’s educational philosophy. The local community’s overwhelmingly positive response to the introduction of coeducation at Kilvington demonstrates the need for a high-achieving, familyfriendly co-educational school in this NEWLY neighbourhood. Kilvington Grammar CO-ED It’s a little-known fact that boys were taught at Kilvington’s junior school in In January 2011, Kilvington the past for many years. In this sense, Grammar began its transition to cobecoming co-educational brings Kilvington education, with the introduction of boys full circle. from the Early Learning Centre to year Principal Jon Charlton said: “Kilvington 6. Next year boys will enter years 7 and 10–12, and by 2013 the school will be fully will uphold its admirable educational standards while embracing the coco-educational. educational future. Kilvington’s co-educational model “We remain committed to retaining considers girls’ and boys’ specific Kilvington’s remarkable qualities: needs throughout each stage of their academic excellence, small classes, a development. To reflect this goal, the culture of trust, respect and kindness, and school intends to introduce separate a belief in every student’s infinite value classes for girls and boys in years 7–9. and intrinsic worth.” Senior students will continue learning together in years 10–12. CO-ED Mentone Grammar Kilvington’s change to co-education will help the school enrich its academic The Together-Apart-Together offering while preparing girls and boys co-education model, pioneered at for tomorrow’s challenges – all within Mentone Grammar in 2006, is the best a learning environment that fosters of both worlds, providing both singleacademic excellence, personal growth and sex and co-education in a one-campus global engagement. community.

Ivanhoe Grammar School Buckley House – ELC to Year 6 The Ridgeway, Ivanhoe The Ridgeway Campus – Years 7 to 12 The Ridgeway, Ivanhoe Plenty Campus – Prep to Year 12 730 Bridge Inn Road, Mernda

îs.24277

26 THE GREAT DEBATE

Phone: (03) 9490 3426 www.ivanhoe.com.au

Ivanhoe Grammar School can take you places you never thought possible. With so much choice and support in School life and beyond, Ivanhoe offers a world of opportunity to every child. To take your place at Ivanhoe, visit www.ivanhoe.com.au or come to one of our Campus Tours throughout the year.

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

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BOOK REVIEWS 27

THE ADOLESCENT STORM: A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS By Meg Fargher and Helen Dooley (Penguin) Using the metaphor of the months of the calendar year – with different weather patterns each month – this book takes readers through the journey of a child from obliging, rule-loving, rule-abiding, easy-to-read young person to a teenager who questions the rules, tries out their independence, pushes their parents’ buttons and battles with the vast changes that are going on in their bodies and their brains. Hopefully the end result is a well-rounded, confident young adult and parents who have survived the storm. The authors cover topics such as how to help your teen cope with the strong emotions they experience, their sexuality, their choice of school subjects, their need for independence and their need to have their parents there for them. More: penguin.com.au

READY, SET, GO? By Kathy Walker (Penguin) How do you choose a school that’s right for your child? Who can tell you if your pre-schooler is ready for school? What signs can you look for in your child that indicate they will thrive at school, rather than just cope? While advice about school readiness is often confined to a single chapter in parenting books, this new release is solely devoted to the topic and comprehensively covers the barrage of questions many parents want answered. The author defines what it means to be truly ready to take on school life and examines age, gender, and social and emotional maturity among the mix. A perfect read for those who haven’t experienced the school system before. More: penguin.com.au

– SHANAUGH O’CONNOR

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Plenty Valley Christian College In Christ: Wisdom & Knowledge

Plenty Valley celebrates 30 years of P-12 education. Embedded in Christian values the College offers students an extensive curricular and co-curricular experience, and engagement with local and international communities. Our focus is on the formation of the whole person. We offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and an academic integrity and authentic learning for all students to VCE. Applications for limited places in 2012 are currently being accepted. Please contact our enrolment officer on 9717 7400 or at athelia.dupreez@pvcc.vic.edu.au

PVCC 840 Yan Yean Road DOREEN Vic 3754 Phone 03 9717 7400 www.pvcc.vic.edu.au 51QUVQ596701F/KJ/11

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PUB: QUV DATE: JUN11

Students study together in all year levels (ELC-4 and 10-12), except for the middle years (5-9) . Together-Apart-Together reflects modern thinking that boys and girls develop differently during the various stages of adolescence. Students in years 5-9 genderbased classes learn in the same environment; share the same teaching staff, programs and resources; interact in corridors between classes and have ample opportunity for social interaction at recess, lunch, assemblies and during co-curricular activities. Classrooms are set up and curriculum is delivered in a way to suit the gender. The Together-Apart-Together model provides for both the academic and pastoral needs of children and adolescents. “The model clearly acknowledges the time of life a young person is at,” said principal Mal Cater. “It accommodates the needs of adolescents most appropriately and allows boys and girls in the middle schooling years to grow together in a social environment while acknowledging that their physical and mental development can be at different stages. It allows for both curricular and co-curricular developments, for greater specialisation at the various times of a young person’s life.” In 2006, a relatively small cohort of girls joined the school as we began the new journey in coeducation. Girls’ numbers are increasing beyond expectations, with some year levels already experiencing gender balance.

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school environment can make a difference

By Liat Hughes Joshi (Prentice Hall Life) The primary-school years are ones of enormous changes and challenges for children and their parents. It’s as though there should be a sign above the school gate on day one: “Welcome to the real world’’, a world full of the things children will come across for the rest of their lives. There are friendship woes, time-management skills to acquire and choices to make between what they want and what they need. This new book looks at all those issues and more with a light, down-to-earth style. You will have heard all the advice before, but this is full of confidence-inspiring reminders that you, as parents, aren’t going through the primary years alone. More: pearsoned.co.uk

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education

RAISING CHILDREN: THE PRIMARY YEARS

Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

school profiles CBC Snapshot Established: 1878 Students:

Boys

Edu Levels:

7-12, VCAL,

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VET & VCE Yr 9 Campus Size:

600

Christian Brothers’ College In its deepest sense, learning means far more than classroom achievement. While we value and celebrate strong academic results, the academic curriculum is just one of many areas where our boys undertake learning. Our mandate is to educate the whole person. Every boy is much more than just a student. He is also a spiritual person, an emotional person a recreational and social person. Our most important role is that of instilling a deep sense of moral and spiritual values for each person and for the school community. If we succeed in this crucial area - and we believe we are succeeding - we have gone a long way towards fulﬁlling our deepest mission as educators. Gerald Bain-King, Principal

11 Westbury St, St Kilda East PH 9529 6611

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St Anthony’s Snapshot

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Students: Co-educational

W www.cbc.stkilda.com

St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox College St Anthony’s provides a low cost academic education within an Christian environment. A separate primary school (P-5), middle school (6-8) and secondary school (9-12) provide a continuous education within smaller focused sub-schools with small class sizes. Our heavy emphasis on literacy and numeracy provide the strong foundation for success through to VCE where almost 100% of our students continue to tertiary study. While educational performance is critical, blending together the educational, spiritual, relational and physical needs of students is essential. As a Christian school we value respect, acceptance, care, grace, compassion and forgiveness. Staff, students and our families are committed to this Christian ethos of the College.

Edu Levels:

DATE: JUN11

Prep to Year 12 Service: School owned buses pick up and deliver students

As a private school in Melbourne’s South eastern suburbs we have a ﬂeet of school-owned buses to pick-up and deliver home your children in complete safety. St Anthony’s is a family community you will want to experience ﬁrsthand. Contact the Principal, Mr Gary Underwood, on 97863145 or email him directly at gunderwood@stanthonys.vic.edu.au

15 Alpina St, Frankston North PH 9786 3145

W www.stanthonys.vic.edu.au

St Peter’s College Cranbourne

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FAITH

EDUCATION

Vacancies exist in Year 7 2012 at the Cranbourne East Campus. Contact our Registrar Kelley Cooper on 5996 6733 for an enrolment pack.

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

SERVICE

St Peter’s College Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne 3977 Phone: 5996 6733 Email: office@stpeters.vic.edu.au

51QUVQ576349F/LH/11

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... is a Catholic community of education, faith and service, built on a tradition of placing our trust in God to Be Not Afraid.

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Building future leaders... Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College is one of the pioneer schools of ‘The Leader in Me’ program in Australia. Developed by the innovators behind “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” this program develops the essential life skills to enable our students to thrive in the 21st century. We promote student skills in “..creating a generation of leaders, one child at a time.” You are welcome to visit us at any time. Small group tours of our campus are held on a regular basis.

PAGE: 29

Further information and bookings can be made by calling 9569 6128.

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leadership, initiative, self motivation and adaptability

78-81 Willesden Road Oakleigh Victoria 3166 www.ogoc.vic.edu.au

Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College—’Sts Anargiri’ ELC to Year 12 Co-Educational Independent School 51QUVQ576337F/LH/11

of every Sacré Cœur girl. It reflects the uniqueness of every girl. It is demonstrated in her positive attitude to learning and to life. Our proud

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history captures this quality and our exciting future embraces it. Now taking enrolments for Prep and Year 5 2013 and

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for Year 7 2014. School Tours at 9.15am on:

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Thursday 4 August and Friday 21 October. Call the Registrar on 9835 2713 to make a booking. Visit www.sacrecoeur.vic.edu.au for more information.

Sacré Cœur

International School of the Sacred Hear t

172 Burke Road, Glen Iris, Victoria, 3146

Registrar: 9835 2713

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Email: registrar@sac.vic.edu.au

DATE: JUN11

There’s a special quality at the heart

www.sacrecoeur.vic.edu.au

Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

3 TO WOODEND

MERNDA

DOREEN

30 32 31 15 28 12 11 RINGWOOD 8 MELBOURNE 2 2922 13 16 7 30 33 4 14 33 5 23 16 4 CAULFIELD 10 6 2625 20 4 17 18 9 MORDIALLOC

WERRIBEE

4 YARRA JUNCTION

TO HAMILTON

CORIO FRANKSTON

GEELONG

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1. Acacia College

10. Huntingtower

370 Bridge Inn Rd, Mernda 9717 7300 | www.acacia.vic.edu.au

77 Waimarie Drive, Mount Waverley 9807 8888 | www.huntingtower.vic.edu.au

2. Alia College

11. Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School

405 Tooronga Rd, Hawthorn East 9822 9622 | www.alia.vic.edu.au

3. Braemar College Mt Macedon Rd, Woodend 5427 2500 | www.braemar.vic.edu.au

ED:

4. Caulfield Grammar School

PUB: QUV DATE: JUN11

Wheelers Hill, Malvern, Caulﬁeld, Yarra Junction, Nanjing-China. 9524 6300 | www.caulﬁeldgs.vic.edu.au

5. Christian Brothers' College 11 Westbury St, St. Kilda 295 Carlisle St, Balaclava 9529 6611 | www.cbcstkilda.com

123 Marshall St, Ivanhoe 9490 6222 | www.ivanhoegirls.vic.edu.au

12. Ivanhoe Grammar School The Ridgeway, Ivanhoe 730 Bridge Inn Rd, Ivanhoe 9490 1877 | www.igs.vic.edu.au

13. Kingswood College 355 Station St, Box Hill 9890 0677 www.kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au

14. Korowa Anglican Girls' School

6. Firbank Grammar

Ranfurlie Cres, Glen Iris 9885 0336 | www.korowa.vic.edu.au

51 Outer Cres, Brighton 9591 5188 | www.ﬁrbank.vic.edu.au

15. Luther College

7. Geelong Grammar 14 Douglas St, Toorak 50 Biddlecomb Ave, Corio 5273 9307 | www.ggs.vic.edu.au

8. Genazzano FCJ College 301 Cotham Rd, Kew 8862 1000 | www.genazzano.vic.edu.au

9. Haileybury Berwick, Brighton, Keysborough. 9213 2222 | www.haileybury.vic.edu.au

Plymouth Rd, Croydon Hills 9724 2000 | www.luther.vic.edu.au

16. Melbourne Grammar School 67 Balaclava Rd, Caulﬁeld 1 Domain Rd, Melbourne 9865 7570 | www.mgs.vic.edu.au

17. Mentone Girls Grammar 11 Mentone Pde, Mentone 9581 1200 www.mentonegirls.vic.edu.au

CRANBOURNE

18. Mentone Grammar

26. St Leonard's College

63 Venice St, Mentone 9584 4211 | www.mentonegrammar.net

163 South Rd, Brighton East 9909 9300 | www.stleonards.vic.edu.au

19. Monivae College

27. St Peter's College

PO Box 423, Hamilton 5551 1200 | www.monivae.com

Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, Cranbourne 5996 6733 | www2.stpeters.vic.edu.au

20. Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College 'Sts Anargiri'

28. Santa Maria College

77-81 Willesden Rd, Oakleigh 9569 6128 | www.ogoc.vic.edu.au

21. Plenty Valley Christian College

50 Separation St, Northcote 9489 7644 | www.santamaria.vic.edu.au

29. Strathcona

840 Yan Yean Rd, Doreen 9717 7400 | www.pvcc.vic.edu.au

34 Scott St, Canterbury 30 Yarra St, Hawthorn 173 Prospect Hill Rd, Canterbury 8779 7500 | www.strathcona.vic.edu.au

22. Ruyton Girls' School

30. The Knox School

12 Selbourne Rd, Kew 9819 2422 | www.ruyton.vic.edu.au

220 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South 8805 3800 | www.knox.vic.edu.au

23. Sacre' Coeur

31. Yarra Valley Grammar

172 Burke Rd, Glen Iris 9835 2713 | www.sacrecoeur.vic.edu.au

Kalinda Rd, Ringwood 9262 7700 | www.yvg.vic.edu.au

24. St Anthony's Coptic Orthodox College

32. Tintern Schools

15 Alpina St, Frankston North 9786 3145 | www.stanthonys.vic.edu.au

90 Alexandra Rd, Ringwood East Maidstone St, Ringwood 8870 1777 | www.tintern.vic.edu.au

25. St James College

33. Wesley College

156 Bignell Rd, East Bentleigh 9575 8100 | www.sjcbe.catholic.edu.au

Elsternwick, Glen Waverley, St. Kilda Rd. 8102 6888 | www.wesleycollege.net

PAGE: 30 COLOUR: CMYK

+CA9H=A9G MCI <5J9 HC HF5J9@ :5F HC ;C :5F

Genazzano FCJ College 301 Cotham Road Kew VIC 3101 Phone 03 8862 1000 www.genazzano.vic.edu.au

| Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011

leadernews.com.au

COLOUR: CMYK PAGE: 31 DATE: JUN11 PUB: QUV ED: MPR: QUV001

A CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE ANGLICAN TRADITION – EARLY LEARNING TO YEAR 12 Yarra Valley Grammar Kalinda Road Ringwood Victoria 3134 Telephone 03 9262 7700 Email registrar@yvg.vic.edu.au www.yvg.vic.edu.au CRICOS NO. 00356E

leadernews.com.au

Excel Independent Schools Magazine 2011 |

MPR: QUV001 ED:

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

PUB: QUV DATE: JUN11 PAGE: 32

TOGETHER-APART-TOGETHER

COLOUR: CMYK

Mentone Grammar is acknowledged as a dynamic coeducational learning environment. Middle School is where our unique education model truly shines. Girls and boys learn apart in Years 5–9, with all other year levels coeducational, reﬂecting modern thinking that boys and girls develop differently during various stages of adolescence. It’s the best of both worlds!

Come and see what everyone’s talking about. School Tours—see our website or by appointment with our Registrar. 63 Venice St, Mentone | Phone 9584 4211 | www.mentonegrammar.net

OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITIES

FOR GIRLS AND BOYS FROM

ELC

YEAR