CAPTAIN'S RAP

with Harreson Watts

The end of July saw several evenings around subject selection for our Senior School students, as well as students moving into their choice of electives at year 9. The subject expo provided a unique insight into the lives of the students who have experienced the selection process and are currently undertaking the various subjects the school offers. It also highlighted the different pathways that can be undertaken through your final years of schooling.

The Gisborne Secondary Art Show was also held last month, with students able to showcase their varying skills across the different forms of art. We saw drawings, paintings, digital art, as well as performances, showcasing the virtuosity of students at our college.

Our Dance and Drama captains have been hard at work putting the final pieces together for the 'Freaky Friday' production, with our opening night on 4 August. There will be several shows between the fourth and 13th of this month, where the talent and determination of the students will be showcased to the community. I encourage you to buy any lastminute tickets if you haven’t already, as it’s looking to be an amazing show this year.

Some students are lucky enough to also be taking the journey up to Mt Hotham this month to spend a week in the snow. The annual ski camp is a great way for students to learn and develop their skills on the slopes with a choice of snowboarding or skiing, or refine and perfect what they have already learnt from experienced instructors. Having been on this camp in 2021, I can certainly say it is a rewarding and extremely enjoyable experience, fostering lifelong memories and helping students find a new love for a sport. Have fun, everyone!

As we rapidly accelerate towards the end of the school year, the year 12s remain hard at work with their studies and are starting to place their VTAC applications for any pathway they desire. This is both exciting and daunting for those involved. It is great to see so much happening in term three, and I look forward to keeping you all informed as the year closes.

Vet Talk Vet Talk With local vet Dr Caitlin Horwood Winter weigh-in for the 'Fat Cat'

It is difficult to get motivated to exercise when the winter months have us hunkering down and hibernating in front of a cosy open fireplace. Indoor-dwelling cats are no different, requiring on average a third fewer calories than their caterwauling outdoor counterparts.

Indoor cats tend to be more sedentary, have lower energy expenditure, and are less likely to need to use energy for self-preservation, maintaining their body heat, or personal comfort.

They often have food available “on tap” and don’t have to stalk or sing for their supper.

We can help prevent our oscitant indoor pussycats from succumbing to an outcome of inevitable obesity. Use scheduled playtime as a way to encourage cats to increase their movement and burn those excess calories. Toys are much more attractive to cats if you can make them resemble prey like a mouse, get them moving on mobile or retractable strings, provide laser lights for cats to chase, or use self-perpetuating movement toys they can tap and pounce and bound after.

Even a couple of minutes, twice a day, is a good start to exercise. Feed only the amount they need, not what they think they want. Boredom is often translated into overeating, so playtime is really important here.

Food-dispensing puzzles can be used to give cats an activity to earn their daily fare, and a healthy feline will soon replace our fat cat for a long and happy future.