ABOUT
WELCOME TO THE GREENWAYS CAMPUS, AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM FOR OUR YEAR 9 STUDENTS AT MENTONE GRAMMAR.
OUR VISION
Our aim is to create a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding environment that engages our contemporary learners. Located on the main Mentone Grammar site, the Greenways Campus ensures that Year 9 students maintain a strong connection with the wider School community. The Greenways experiential learning program is designed to both complement and enhance classroom learning. Throughout the year, each Greenways class participates in various activities each intended to challenge students physically and emotionally.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM
The Greenways experiential learning program in Year 9 consists of the following experiences:
One Community Connections Week in Term 1 (with no overnight component). This will take place over a five-day period during allocated dates for the student’s assigned mentor group.
One overnight Interstate Immersion experience in Term 2. This will take place for all students over a seven- or eight-day period which will occur in three different travelling blocks. This will be an optional choice of destination for students.
One overnight MGACU Cadet Camp experience. A four-day (three night) program for all students in Term 3, with two consecutive camps taking place. Students will also participate in 4 Cadet Training Program Days over Terms 1, 2, and 3 in preparation for this Camp.
One Greenways Café experience. This will occur across a six- or seven-day block and occur in class groups, with half a class undertaking the café program at a time during allocated dates (see ‘Greenways Café Program’).
KEY CONTACTS
JULIE JAMES
Head of Greenways
E: jaj@mentonegrammar.net
JAYNE SHEUMACK Deputy Head of Greenways E: jaynes@mentonegrammar.net
BE THEIR BEST SELVES
Experiences offered across the program are designed to foster growth and development within a safe and supportive community, encouraging students to ‘be their best selves’ and view the world through a different lens. Each element of the program enables students to further utilise their leadership, organisation, and independent problem-solving skills, with more trust and responsibility expected from them. Additionally, by placing students with their peers throughout these activities, both collaboration and mutual support are key elements for success.
All of the programs we offer as part of the Greenways experiential learning program emphasise the importance of service to the wider community, with the view to instil a sense of responsibility and compassion as students engage in activities that benefit others.
Through a focus on the cognitive, social and emotional development of our adolescents in Greenways, the experiential program equips students with the necessary ‘toolkit’ to be ready to face the challenges that lie ahead on Frogmore Campus and the years beyond.
VALUES
GEORGIA KENNY Greenways PA E: georgiak@mentonegrammar.net
GREENWAYS OFFICE
E: greenways@mentonegrammar.net T: +61 3 9581 3279
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WEEK
This five-day week is based around our Bayside region as well as the Melbourne CBD. Each Community Connections Week consists of four days of planned learning activities and one day of choice program, allowing students to further investigate an area of personal interest.
Students will commute to and from different destinations each day using Melbourne’s public transport system. They will be working in small groups to prepare their travel itineraries for each day prior to the program. Each day of this program is built with the objective of allowing students to ‘discover’ new skills and knowledge via exposure to a range of educational and social justice experiences that are influential in our community.
Mentone Grammar staff will accompany students on this program; however, students will be challenged across the week, with activities designed to develop leadership skills, greater independence with a focus on group planning, time management and collaboration.
Students will attend the following programs and locations during the Community Connections Week:
The Intersection Urban Learning
Mordialloc Surf Life Saving Club (swim safety and first aid program)
Queen Victoria Market Discovery
Melbourne Street Art Discovery Tour and Stencilling Workshop
Reach Foundation Program
Amazing Race
Choice Day option offered from selected areas of focus: Sport, Film Discovery, Media and Communication, Health and Wellbeing.
The program for this week is compulsory. Students who are unable to attend any element of their class’s Community Connections Week must inform the Head of Greenways in writing for an exemption. For students with specific medical needs, every effort will be made to cater for them to be able to participate in all aspects of the program.
The dress code for the Community Connections Week is correct Mentone Grammar sport uniform. Students will need to bring/wear bathers, a rashie (or t-shirt) and shorts that can go in the water to the Mordialloc Surf Life Saving Day for sun protection.
Throughout the week, students will have a variety of written reflections to undertake, providing the opportunity for group discussion to enrich the daily experience. Students will also complete a personal reflection at the end of their Community Connections Week, which will provide the basis for staff feedback and allow recognition of personal growth and development.
A sample of activities that students will undertake during Community Connections week include:
CULTURE & SOCIETY
CBD Street Art Tour & painting workshop
Social justice and diversity
Amazing race
Queen Victoria Market Foody Tour
HEALTH
& WELLBEING STUDENT AREA OF FOCUS (CHOICE)
Water safety
Swimming assessment
(in preparation for Interstate Immersion)
Reach Foundation
Sport Film discovery
Media
Health and wellbeing
INTERSTATE IMMERSION
ENGAGING EXPERIENCES
The Interstate Immersion offers students the choice of a range of locations, each characterised by a set of unique and engaging experiences, with a focus on service in the community that they are visiting. Such experiences have been designed to foster an appreciation and understanding of a new environment in a setting which provides a positive challenge for each individual. Recognising that this level of challenge differs for each student, the destinations on offer provide a range of remoteness and challenge level, all of which are highlighted within each program. Importantly, it is through confronting such challenges that students are encouraged to grow and develop their interpersonal skills, leadership and resilience, all whilst getting to know their peers.
The beginning of the program for the Interstate Immersion will include some school-based lessons, focused on sharing pre-departure information with students that will be relevant to their experience. These lessons will range from Indigenous understanding, cultural sensitivities, background information for servicebased learning, as well as general departure information. All destinations on offer come at no additional cost to families, however, please note some trips may require additional equipment be purchased at each families’ expense. For all destinations, students will be transported to and from Mentone Grammar to Tullamarine Airport.
TRAVEL DATES
All students will be involved in the Interstate Immersion program with travel dates that will occur during three blocks:
Group 1: Monday 28 April – Friday 9 May (inclusive of preparation and reflection days)
Group 2: Monday 12 May – Friday 23 May (inclusive of preparation and reflection days)
Group 3: Monday 26 May – Friday 6 June (inclusive of preparation and reflection days)
*Please note that due to weather constraints, not all Interstate Immersion options will run in every travel block. Swimming competency will be assessed in Term 1 2025 - please consider your child’s abilities when selecting an appropriate trip.
SELECTION OF INTERSTATE DESTINATION
Students will submit their online preferences for the Interstate Immersion program after discussion with parents/guardians.
The following dates are an important part of this process:
1. Preferences will open on Wednesday 13 November 202 4 and close at 5.00pm on Monday 18 November 202 4. Preferences will be competed via a link emailed to parents – students and parents should complete this form together before the time of closing.
2. If a student’s preference is not submitted during this time, they will be automatically allocated to a destination with vacancies.
3. Students will be notified of allocations when they return to school in 2025.
Whilst we endeavour to allocate students to a first or second preference, sometimes we are unable to accommodate this.
In some cases, it may be necessary to go to a student’s third or fourth preference. In some cases, students may be allocated to a program that they have not listed as a preference. Should this be the case, then students and families will be contacted directly before a final allocation is made. Your child may also need to be re-allocated if program conditions change. If this is the case, then students and families will be contacted directly before a final allocation is made.
General enquiries about these programs can be directed to the Greenways Office via greenways@mentonegrammar.net or (03) 9581 3279.
CAPE YORK CONSERVATION PROJECT
CAIRNS,
WEIPA AND CAPE YORK PENINSULA, QUEENSLAND
REMOTENESS
CHALLENGE LEVEL
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Low 24C°, High 32C°
CLIMATE
Hot and humid, rain unlikely
ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES
Cairns (2 nights)hotel rooms, toilets, hot showers
Weipa (2 nights)camping at caravan park, toilets, hot showers
Wilderness beach (3 nights)camping at ranger station, toilets, cold showers
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Commencing in Cairns, students will be able to gain an understanding of marine life with exposure to learning at the Cairns Aquarium followed by a day snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
From Cairns, students will travel to Weipa on the traditional land of the Alngith people where they will embark on their learning of the region’s Aboriginal history. Students will explore the waterways on a boat tour, learning about local wildlife and hopefully catch sight of a crocodile! Following this, students will travel with Napranum Rangers via 4WD, learning about the river systems and the crocodile population. They will reach Pennefather Beach which are important nesting grounds for the Olive Ridley and Flatback Sea Turtles.
Students will set up camp at the ranger station and work with Indigenous Elders over the next two days supporting the regeneration of the turtle nesting grounds while also learning about culture via weaving, painting and spear fishing. In the evening, students will patrol the beaches via 4WD, monitoring for nesting turtles. After this experience, students will return to Weipa where they will reflect on their learning and enjoy a closing ceremony before flying to Melbourne.
Transport includes:
Flights: Melbourne > Cairns > Weipa > Melbourne (via Cairns)
4WD & bus transport
Boat travel
REEF AND RAINFOREST
CAIRNS & DAINTREE RAINFOREST, QUEENSLAND
REMOTENESS
CHALLENGE LEVEL
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Low 21C°, High 29C°
CLIMATE
Hot and humid, some rain likely
ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES
Cairns (3 nights)hotel rooms, toilets, hot showers
Daintree (4 nights)safari tents, toilets, hot showers
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This program provides students with an in-depth look at the issues, challenges and solutions related to conservation of the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics in Far North Queensland.
Starting in Cairns, students will have the opportunity to work with local marine biologists and learn about the current issues impacting North Queensland’s marine life and Great Barrier Reef.
Heading out to Fitzroy Island for a day trip, students will work with the Reef Restoration Foundation to learn more about their ongoing reef regeneration projects. This day will also allow time for some data collection on the various species of marine life, including many fish, rays and sea turtles.
Students will also spend time with the local Indigenous community, to learn more about their history, culture and customs. Time on country and a visit to a local primary school as well as undertaking some traditional hunting and gathering from the traditional owners.
This experience will also see the group involved in a local wildlife service with the community group: ‘The Agile Project’. This is a group of ecologists who work to rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife in the region, and students will experience a day volunteering to assist in their facilities as required.
Heading up to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, students will appreciate the change in environment as they enter one of the oldest ecosystems on Earth. Whilst in the Daintree, students will spend time learning about the tropics as well as undertaking a guided walk of Mossman Gorge to learn more about the many species of wildlife native to the rainforest. The group will also have the opportunity for more marine life spotting with a snorkel at the Inner Reef, with a high chance of spotting turtles in their travels. After this experience, students will reflect on their learning before flying back to Melbourne.
Transport includes:
Flights: Melbourne > Cairns > Melbourne
Bus transport
Boat transport
TOP END IMMERSION
DARWIN AND DALY RIVER, NORTHERN TERRITORY
REMOTENESS
CHALLENGE LEVEL
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Low 24C°, High 32C°
CLIMATE
Hot and humid, some rain possible
ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES
Darwin (3 nights)cabins, toilets, hot showers
Daly River (3 nights)swags, toilets, cold showers
Litchfield (2 nights)swags, toilets, hot showers
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This program allows students to gain a greater appreciation for Australia’s Top End, it’s vast landscape, culture and communities. After arriving in Darwin and spending a day learning about the history of the city and exploring local attractions, the group will then head out to a wildlife rehabilitation center, where they will support the owners with service projects caring for sick animals.
They will then travel to the Adelaide River region to be welcomed on Country by a local Indigenous family. Here they will learn about medicinal uses for plants, taught how to basket weave, about the digeridoo, and how to throw a spear. They will also have the opportunity to work with the ‘Sunset Kitchen’ group who support homeless individuals in the city.
Following this, the program heads into Berry Springs Nature Park when they will have the opportunity to swim in clear swimming pools before they arrive at Daly River for their on-Country immersion. This cultural immersion welcomes our students onto a private property where they spend time on Country with a local Indigenous family who will share their culture, knowledge and stories with our students. They will have the opportunity to learn to cook traditionally, visit rock art sites, spot buffalo and brolgas in the wetlands and visit an ancient cave.
The final stop for students will be the famous Litchfield National Park where they will be able to learn about magnetic termite mounds, plunge in the waterholes and visit the Buley Rockhole before returning to Darwin to make their journey home to Melbourne.
Transport includes:
Flights: Melbourne > Darwin > Melbourne Bus transport
EAST KIMBERLEY
KUNUNURRA, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
REMOTENESS
CHALLENGE LEVEL
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Low 18C°, High 32C°
CLIMATE
Hot and humid, some rain possible
ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES
Darwin (2 nights)cabins, toilets, hot showers
Kununurra (5 nights)swags, toilets, hot showers
El Questro (1 night)swags, toilets, cold showers
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This program provides students with an insight into the remote outback, via a range of community service opportunities. After arriving in Darwin, the group will transfer via plane, to a private campsite in Kununurra, where the group will spend four days immersed in the local community.
Throughout their time in Kununarra they will be supporting community initiatives such as: assisting to prepare meals for an Indigenous women’s shelter, wildlife rehabilitation, working in a community garden, and working with local children to build positive relationships and developing greater cultural understanding and reconciliation.
Leaving Kununurra for the outback, the group will visit Lake Argyle, one of the largest man-made lakes in Australia, where they will be able to safely swim and undertake a wilderness cruise in the evening. Students will then head to El Questro Wilderness Park, taking in the amazing landscape and undertaking a hike into Emma Gorge, before driving along the Gibb River Road and crossing the famous Pentecost River.
The program will conclude with a final day in Darwin (via a flight from Kununurra to Darwin), allowing students to learn about the significance of the city that serves as a base for this remote area of Australia.
Transport includes:
Flights: Melbourne > Darwin > Kununurra > Melbourne
Bus transport
SOUTH EAST SERVICE
GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS & SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND
REMOTENESS
CHALLENGE LEVEL
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Low 13C°, High 23C°
CLIMATE
Warm and humid, some rain possible
ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES
Glass House Mountains (6 nights)base house, toilets, hot showers Brisbane (1 night)hotel rooms, toilets, hot showers
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This Learning Journey allows students to support social justice and environmental projects in South East Queensland. Flying into Brisbane, students will be transferred to their accommodation in the Glass House Mountains, which will act as their base for the first 6 nights of their trip. Students will firstly experience some time with a member of the Gubbi Gubbi Aboriginal community, learning about bush tucker, medicinal treatments and stories of the area. Students will undertake physical challenges such as a Treetop Adventure Park to undergo problem solving projects via zip lines and also participate in a Basketball Competition with people with disabilities.
Service projects for this Learning Journey include; working with marginalised groups in the community and support with cooking food, working on environmental projects such as tree planting, dune restoration and the removal of invasive species. There will also be two focus days based out of Australia Zoo, participating in workshops to learn about wildlife conservation and develop an understanding of how the zoo contributes to the rescue, protection and rehabilitation of wildlife. Students will then be transferred to Brisbane where they will visit Moreton Island and snorkel on the Tangalooma wrecks and sandboard down the dunes. They will also visit the dolphin research centre to learn about marine mammal conservation before heading back to Brisbane for the evening. Before departure, students will visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary today to learn about koalas and then head to the airport to return home to Melbourne.
Transport includes:
Flights: Melbourne > Brisbane > Melbourne
Bus transport
Ferry transport
KANGAROO ISLAND
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
REMOTENESS
CHALLENGE LEVEL
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Low 11C°, High 18C°
CLIMATE
Warm, some rain possible
ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES
Western KI (4 nights)cabins, toilets, hot showers
Wilderness Trail (2 nights)camping, toilets, no showers
Penneshaw (1 night)motel, toilets, hot showers
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Students will fly to Adelaide before being transferred to Kangaroo Island via the ferry. Students will arrive in Penneshaw where they will hike to a look out, then have the opportunity to swim in rockpools, before settling into camp for the night.
Throughout the trip, students will be able to assist with environmental and wildlife service projects in partnership with community groups such as Hanson Bay Land for Wildlife, supporting rehabilitation and land management in the area. Other opportunities include working with the Bushfire Rehabilitation groups and Kangaroo Island Community Education to connect with local students and teachers. This project work will support isolated, rural communities on Kangaroo Island.
Students will explore an underground cave system at Kelly Caves. They will also transverse the coastline during a two-day overnight hike with stunning views over the Southern Ocean. This exploration of the Kangaroo Island wilderness trail will start by visiting Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, two magnificent wonders of the island. Students will also embark on a full day Ocean Safari where they will have the opportunity to snorkel with wild dolphins or seals. Through these activities, students should expect to encounter koalas, wallabies, and abundant wildlife in a spectacular natural environment.
Transport includes:
Flights: Melbourne > Adelaide > Melbourne
Bus transport
Ferry transport
ANCIENT CULTURES, CORAL COASTS
NEWMAN, CORAL BAY & EXMOUTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
REMOTENESS
CHALLENGE LEVEL
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Low 11C°, High 18C°
CLIMATE
Warm-hot and dry, some rain possible
ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES
Newman (3 nights)camping, toilets, hot showers
Karrijini National Park (2 nights)camping, toilets, no showers
Coral Bay (1 night)dorms, toilets, hot showers
Exmouth (2 nights)cabins, toilets, hot showers
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Students will have the opportunity to learn from and connect with one of the world’s oldest living cultures, the Martu, who did not have contact with Europeans until the 1960s. Here, students will spend two days supporting a project called Martu Farm and participate in shared learning activities with Martu youth and elders to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal Australia by engaging with local people.
Students will spend two days in the spectacular Karijini National Park where they will hike the famous red-rock gorges of and swim under waterfalls in turquoise pools surrounded by ferns. They will spend two days adventuring through this rocky landscape and enjoy amazing views over huge red rock canyons and relax at the end of the day under the stars.
From Karijini, students will then road trip to Coral Bay, where they will observe how the landscape changes as they travel further west. This road trip will allow time for reflection and rest, in preparation for two big days of exploration at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef.
Whilst at Ningaloo Reef, students will snorkel with manta rays and turtles on the magnificent coral reefs to create once-in-a-lifetime memories with their peers. This trip offers the opportunity to road trip ‘off the map’ through Western Australia, one of Australia’s most diverse landscapes. The second day snorkelling off Ningaloo Reef will allow students to explore from Cape Range National Park where they will snorkel at the iconic Turquoise Bay and Oyster Stacks, where world class snorkelling is right off the beach.
Transport includes:
Flights: Melbourne > Newman (via Perth) > Melbourne (via Perth)
Bus transport
Boat transport
GREENWAYS CAFÉ PROGRAM
Throughout the year, each class will have the opportunity to work in the Greenways Café. This student-led business venture provides the opportunity for the development of skills in hospitality, financial literacy, product design and marketing as well as business management.
As a part of their participation in the Greenways Café program, all students are required to complete a certified Food Handling and Hygiene Course, and an accredited Barista Certificate; both qualifications which support their first steps into the world of employment. These courses will occur in the weeks prior to their involvement in the café, where they will undergo this learning with external providers that are engaged by the school.
To provide our organisations with the information they require to generate certificates for these courses, students need to obtain a USI (Unique Student Identifier).
Further details regarding your child’s Greenways Café experience will be communicated with each class. Any enquiries about the program can be directed to our Café Manager, Mr Mark Stembridge (mxs@mentonegrammar.net)
MENTONE GRAMMAR ARMY CADET UNIT
COURAGE, INITIATIVE & TEAMWORK
The Australian Army Cadets (AAC), of which the Mentone Grammar Army Cadet Unit (MGACU) is a part, is the largest youth development program in the country, with goals driven by core values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Excellence
The MGACU has a long and proud tradition, having been established at the School in 1943. It now represents the largest school-based Unit in Victoria.
THE YEAR 9 CADET EXPERIENCE
Participation in the School’s Army Cadets program forms an integral part of the Greenways experience, with all Year 9 students expected to join a Recruit Platoon and participate in a 4-day training program. The Year 9 experience culminates in a 4-day Annual Field Exercise at Puckapunyal at the end of Term 3. In Term 4, cadet recruits will then be invited to continue within the MGACU by electing to participate in the Recruits Promotions Course, thus enabling their continuance within the Unit throughout Year 10.
For Senior students wishing to continue within the MGACU beyond Year 9, the program offers unique leadership opportunities for Senior students to not only develop leadership skills, but further their expertise in the areas of fieldcraft, first aid and navigation.
CADET ENROLMENT & UNIFORM
Enrolment in the AAC is compulsory and actioned by our Cadet Staff.
The majority of uniform and equipment required by students whilst engaged within the Cadet program is issued on loan to students by the Australian Army. It remains the property of the Australian Government and must be returned in good condition.
Both enrolment and uniform details will be communicated further with families early in Term 1.
Mr Cameron Wilson is the Commanding Officer of the MGACU. Should you have any questions, he can be contacted via email at cjw@mentonegrammar.net.
MGACU 2024 KEY DATES
Training Days
Friday 7 March 2025
Thursday 26 June 2025
Monday 28 July 2025
Friday 29 August 2025
Annual Field Exercise, Puckapunyal
Camp One: Anderson, Clark, Deighton, Drinan and Finlay Anderson Houses
Saturday 13 September – Tuesday 16 September 2025 (Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 September 2025 days off school in lieu)
Camp Two: Johnston, Jones, Lionel Large, Were and White Houses
Tuesday 16 – Friday 19 September 2025
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
CHALLENGES AND EMPOWERS
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a worldwide youth development program offered in over 130 countries around the world. The Award challenges and empowers young people aged between 14 and 25 years to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world through undertaking activities in four different areas:
Practical Skill
Physical Recreation
Adventurous Journey Service and Social Justice
The Award is offered as an optional activity for students at Year 9 to undertake the first level: Bronze Award Level. For those who elect to complete the requirements of the Bronze Award Level, the opportunity to continue with the subsequent Silver and Gold Award Levels in future years.
Students who wish to receive the Award at each level, must meet the required criteria in each area, through completion of a camp or overnight Learning Journey, as well as volunteering their time to assist in the broader community. The program is recognised by government and industry for its value in developing the skills and attributes of young people.
A copy of the Award guide for further information regarding the Bronze Award Level, can be accessed at the following link: www.dukeofed.com.au
Any enquiries about the program can be directed to our Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, Ms Aoife Jones (aoifej@mentonegrammar.net)
CAMPUS MAP
