Year 10

mr Heath Chipperfield | Year 10 Coordinator

2021 was a year of great change for the Year 10 cohort. During an assembly early in the year, we watched footage of a music festival where a lone dancer instigated a movement. Through the actions of the courageous first follower, it was orchestrated to the bystanders that these bizarre actions were of acceptable social behaviour. Rapidly, the movement grew to the point where those watching were ridiculed if they weren’t ‘dancing’. The Year 10s were challenged to become positive leaders by being ‘followers’ within the college community, not just through their words, but by their actions or deeds. Throughout the course of 2021, we witnessed great growth, development and a fundamental movement based on our year level’s principles: • Doing our best • Helping others achieve • Respecting our environment Whilst remote learning provided some disruptions to our school year, there were a magnitude of events that embodied these values, including our remote St Vinnie’s Winter Sleepout, Wear it Purple Day, the efforts of students such as Roey Shrestha shaving his head for the World’s Greatest Shave, the Year 10 PreCal students’ ‘Shakes and Snags’ fundraiser, and the participation of Year 10 students in the Cape York Indigenous Immersion program. These acts of community leadership also translated into the immediate context of the college, with the continued high standards of the Year 10 Sports Academy, the phenomenal lunchtime concerts by our musicians, the Remembrance Day presentation by our Year 10 PreCal students and further signified by Gabriel Kapaklis who was awarded the Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award. Within school-based events, students were also provided with a variety of opportunities, watching a stage production of William Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ for Year 10 English, attending the Careers Expo at the Caulfield Racecourse, engaging in reflective practices such as the online learning conferences and utilising the Year 10 Future Focus Days to inform their individual pathways. Through these experiences, we found that many students were able to utilise these approaches and become actively informed in selecting a purposeful pathway option. I would like to acknowledge the continued efforts and dedication of our Year 10 Oratory Leaders throughout the year, especially for their support of our cohort throughout remote learning: Mr Steven Loonstra (10A), Ms Emma Bradley (10B), Mr Brendan Douglas (10C), Ms Molly Tilley (10D), Mr Jason Collins (10E), Mr Tristan O’Brien (10F), Ms Molly O’Shea (10H) and Ms Carolyn Ellul (10P). Thank you!! Also, a special mention to Mrs Rhea Beurs for her initial leadership during Term 1 and Mr Kim Beurs for his continued support as Dean of Senior Students. Gents, it has been an absolute pleasure working with you throughout the past two years and I have no doubt that this year level will achieve phenomenal results, throughout the next two years and beyond. All the best in whatever you choose to pursue, and I look forward to watching your ‘dance moves’ as your transition into Senior School.

The Year 10s were challenged to become positive leaders by being ‘followers’ within the college community, not just through their words, but by their actions or deeds.