Namalata Semester 2, 2022 by Woodleigh School

namalata NA

SEMESTER 2 2022

NEWS for F A M I L Y & F R I E N D S of W O O D L E I G H S C H O O L Community • Arts • Culture • Return to Wugularr • Reimagining Education • Past Student News

CONTENTS N A M A L ATA S E M E S T E R 2 , 2 0 2 2 FROM THE PRINCIPAL

FEATURE ARTICLES THE RETURN TO WUGULARR 4 YEAR 12 2022 – MATURE, WORLDY AND WISE 6 REIMAGINING EDUCATION 8 FLIPPING THE SCRIPT 10 REDEFINING EXCELLENCE 12 THE EAT UP PROGRAM @ WOODLEIGH 14 ROUND SQUARE EXCHANGE 15 ARTS AND CULTURE HIGHLIGHT REEL 16 BANDICOOT TALES 17 LIVING OUR VALUES 18 CONNECTING COMMUNITY WITH THE PFG 19 ALUMNI 20 GET BACK! REUNION 22 STUDENTS TAKING ACTION 18

F I R S T N AT I O N S C O L L A B O R AT I O N S

F I R S T N AT I O N S C O L L A B

WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE WORK, PLAY AND LEARN ON THE LAND OF THE BOON WURRUNG AND BUNURONG PEOPLE, THE TRADITIONAL LANDOWNERS OF THIS AREA.

COMMUNITY TEAM KAREN CHARLTON-MILLS, ADAM LIDDIARD, LAURA MAASBURG

We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, recognising that, like us, they have taught and continue to teach children about the world, sharing their knowledge and ideas in the hope of giving them a fulfilling and rich life. COVER W UGU BANK TIMES WITH ARCHIE G INSIDE COVER SEMESTER 2 COLOU R

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First Peoples' perspectives are embedded in our educational program and are an important aspect of the way we engage with our environment. As we strive to help children build connections with the land, it is essential that we also offer them an opportunity to develop an understanding of our cultural heritage.

F RO M TH E PR I N C I PA L

WELCOME TO THE SECOND EDITION OF OUR NEWLY REBORN NAMALATA.

Since the recommissioning of this magazine we have witnessed to reawakening of our school in many ways and many places. Woodleigh School is a community school and was designed out of a desire to bring people together to share our passions, our expertise and our experiences for the benefit of the whole. As a community school we all have a shared responsibility for the culture of our school and the purposeful development of the young people in our care. The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” is true for Woodleigh and within this edition of Namalata you will see examples of our village working hard to bring together our community and provide a space where our students can thrive.

in 2022, events that help shape the character of all involved and also provide opportunities for growth and rites of passage. Within this edition you will also hear many stories from our current and past students who proudly reflect on their experiences at Woodleigh and the impact our community has had on them.

DAV I D B A K E R

education has been slow to respond to the needs of society and now more than ever, we need to be agile and rather than simply providing our students with the knowledge and content they may need today, we need to be helping them to develop the thinking capabilities to thrive in the future and contribute to the regenerative future we need. This requires a complete rethink of what we need to be doing and how. Woodleigh has always been a school that challenges the norms and strives to develop character and a sense of community. I feel that Woodleigh continues to be at the forefront when it comes to innovation and creativity.

One story that stands out for me within this edition was the ReimaginED Conference we held at Senior Campus in October 2022. This conference, held onsite for the first time since 2019, was a great reminder of what a Woodleigh education could be or should be and affirmation of our direction as a school and the possibilities I do hope that you enjoy this edition of Namalata for our futures. and I look forward to our next opportunity to Experts from around the world presented work together as a community. provocations about the current state of education in the world and what the real purpose of DAVID BAKER – Principal At all three campuses, iconic events returned education will be in the future. Traditionally, N A M A L ATA S E M E S T E R 2 – 2 0 2 2

THE RETURN TO

WUGULARR THE WUGUBANK PA RTN E R S H I P 2 023

WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE BUNURONG AND BOON WURRUNG PEOPLES OF THE KULIN NATION AND PAY OUR RESPECTS TO ELDERS PAST, PRESENT, AND EMERGING. We recognise their care of this land and especially acknowledge the stories and traditions that have come before us. WE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE BESWICK COMMUNITY WHO SO WARMLY WELCOME US TO THEIR LAND, AND THE JAWOYN PEOPLE OF THE NITMILUK/KATHERINE REGION. We respect the continuing culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – Australia’s First Peoples; and commit to building a positive future together.

BACK TO WUGUBANK

THE 2022 WUGUBANK EXPERIENCE WAS THE FIRST TIME WUGULARR AND PENBANK YEAR 6 STUDENTS HAVE COME TOGETHER IN 3 YEARS, though the partnership goes back to 2010. It was such a thrill to see the immediate engagement of kids from both schools and the warm welcome we received upon our arrival in the Wugularr community, at Beswick, about an hour from Katherine, in the Northern Territory. We were officially welcomed by Wugularr School Council members Selena Ashley and Lorraine Bennett, who performed a symbolic Smoking Ceremony. Traditional food of damper and kangaroo tail cooked in a bush oven was served. We all tried the food and especially loved 4

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the damper with lashings of butter, honey, and jam. Wugularr School staff also prepared a delicious sausage sizzle including salads; such a generous welcome.

sport, art and culture of the Barunga Festival and loved the opportunity to corroboree when invited to do so. We said our goodbyes, not really wanting to leave.

Our time together across the 8 days in the Northern Territory included many unique experiences in the most amazing places, including gorges, waterholes, and stories. The Penbank students were immersed in many cultural experiences, but most of all they loved going to Wugularr School with our friends. They played sport, learned dances and drumming together, and helped the little ones. We visited Djilpin Arts where boys stayed on for Men’s Business, while the girls went looking for sugar bag honey in the bush. After a lot of searching, it was finally found. It was delicious! We enjoyed the

Our connection with the Wugularr/ Beswick community was certainly disrupted for a significant period, especially for the children. However, the communication continued to be strong, keeping us together. With the 2022 Wugubank experience, we can be confident about sharing special times again in the future. The Wugubank experience is back on track! ABOUT WUGUBANK

The Wugubank Collaboration aims to provide an educative experience through relationship building and school visits. It is based on the premise

that young children naturally interact with each other and are not unduly affected by barriers of culture or language. Children are generally free from prejudice and purely love to play and learn. In a school setting and through structured and appropriate educational exchanges, Wugubank enables the children from each school to understand and influence each other about their world. Wugubank aims to develop long term relationships over time thus establishing trust, personal respect and connections, with the view of broadening horizons for all. As a school we create opportunities for all students. Wugubank has done that for many young people. We also know that education is key; through Wugubank, we support and encourage our young people to be

brave and courageous. I congratulate all Wugularr students who are pursuing their education. For many students this means boarding in Darwin, Alice Springs and for some students, other states. Several Wugularr students have chosen Melbourne. It is with pleasure we can continue to participate in their

so proud of their achievements. Ultimately, the Wugubank collaboration is heartfelt and opens our eyes to other ways. It is the same for the children and community of Beswick. The parents too, want their children to be educated, and to be a part of the bigger world. Us being there, and the Wugularr

Bit by bit, Wugubank will continue to thrive with us coming together in the many ways that connect us across the year. It is always a pleasure to see the togetherness of our communities. We will be very excited to welcome the Wugularr mob to Penbank in March 2023. A special thanks to all staff and

C H I L D R E N A R E G E N E R A L LY F R E E F R O M P R E J U D I C E A N D P U R E LY L OV E TO P L AY A N D L E A R N . I N A S C H O O L S E T T I N G A N D T H R O U G H S T R U C T U R E D A N D A P P R O P R I AT E E D U C AT I O N A L E X C H A N G E S , W U G U B A N K E N A B L E S T H E C H I L D R E N F R O M E AC H S C H O O L TO U N D E R S TA N D A N D I N F L U E N C E E AC H OT H E R A B O U T T H E I R WO R L D . VIVIENNE WEARNE

journey. I congratulate Kenita Bush on successfully completing Year 12 at Huntingtower and Salwyn Farrell who, following the completion of tertiary studies at Swinburne University and Chisholm Institute, has returned to Beswick to take up a position teaching sport and assisting teachers at Wugularr School. We are

children coming to Penbank creates dreams, possibilities, and opportunity because it is real and most importantly, supported. It gives purpose to our quest to strive for a better world for all through powerful experiences and understanding. We gratefully appreciate that Wugubank impacts our lives.

families from both communities who encourage and support us in our endeavours. VIVIENNE WEARNE Deputy Principal – Head of Penbank Campus

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Y E A R 12

2022

M AT U R E , W O R L D LY AND WISE

EVERY YEAR IN NOVEMBER, WE FAREWELL A GROUP OF YEAR 12S, AND EVERY YEAR WE ARE DELIGHTED (IF NOT SURPRISED) AT THEIR MATURITY, THEIR WISDOM AND WORLDLINESS. Woodleigh graduates, while each unique, have a certain way of walking in the world; full of surety, quietly confident, tuned in. You can spot a Woodleigh graduate. They are our finest achievement; wise beyond their years, caring, with a deep well of integrity. We are incredibly proud of the efforts of our 2022 Year 12 cohort. The run-up to their VCE journey included two brutal years of pandemic education. They have persisted and applied themselves, returning to school with a renewed determination to make up for lost time. 2022 has been three years in one. While life was turned down to a simmer in 2020 and 2021, with lockdown after lockdown, 2022 has been all burners firing, full bore, all the time. These 6

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90+ ATAR ACHIEVERS – LTOR: DAVID BAKER – PRINCIPAL , TE ALIA HOLMES (HELD BY DAVID), L ALLY PENNA , MOMO GU EST (HELD BY L ALLY ), B EN B L ACK , NIKKI SARTORI (HELD BY B EN), LOU LOU B U RTON, MIL AN C ASTAN (HELD BY LOU LOU), JACOMO DW YER-MORRIS, C ALLU M LEE-SMITH (HELD BY JACOMO), NICK MORRISON, B RIDGE T RICHARDS (HELD BY NICK AND NAT ), NAT MCLENNAN – HE AD OF SENIOR C AMPU S AND HAYDN FL ANAGAN – HE AD OF SENIOR YE AR S STU DENTS

students have managed that load with grace, adaptability, and a sense of perspective, still showing up to make the most of the opportunities that have once again been offered to them. Navigating that load of study, extracurricular commitments, and part-time work, while not being at full match fitness has been a challenge they have risen to. The Dux of The Class of 2022 is Momo Guest, who achieved the most impressive ATAR of 97.65. Jacomo Dwyer-Morris also excelled, achieving an ATAR of 96.15, and Callum Lee-Smith scored 95.4. In 2022: Our highest ATAR was 97.65 16% of Woodleigh students achieved an ATAR of 90 or more 31% of Woodleigh students received early offers of tertiary placement

Of the 31% who have already received tertiary offers, these offers are in fields as diverse as psychological sciences, law, nursing, media, business, sports management, design, teaching, and outdoor recreation. Enormous thanks must also go to the teaching staff and families who supported these young people through a very big year. This work happens in the background, online and in-person, from home, at odd hours, and sometimes on weekends and holidays, too, because the VCE clock never really stops ticking. We see you, and we value you, our sherpas who help these young people carry their load up the summit. To our 2022 graduates, go forth, confident in the knowledge that you have the skills, the nouse, and the tenacity to accomplish truly good things in your lifetime and make a lasting, valuable contribution to any community you choose to call home. You will always have a home here at Woodleigh.

2022 WOODLEIGH PRIZE

WINNER

Congratulations to Tealia Holmes, 2022 Winner of the Woodleigh Prize. Tealia is a young person with compassion and empathy, and the skills and initiative to make a difference in the world around her. Thank you for your enormous contribution to the Woodleigh community, Tealia. We send you every good wish for your future. DAVID BAKER – Principal

F A C U LT Y A W A R D

P R I N C I P A L’ S A W A R D

WINNERS WINNERS The 2022 Woodleigh Faculty Prize Winners for academic excellence are pictured here with the Head of Senior Campus and Deputy Principal, Nat McLennan. TOP LEFT – LTOR:

Meet our 2022 Principal’s Award winners, young people who have consistently given so much to the culture and life of Woodleigh School. Pictured here with Woodleigh Principal, David Baker,

B RIDGE T RICHARDS ENGLISH AND SCIENCE

BOTTOM LEFT – LTOR:

NIKKI SARTORI - H U MANITIES

PIPPIN SE AGREN H UGHES

TE ALIA HOLMES PER SONAL DE VELOPMENT

C AR A E ADES

C ALLU M LEE-SMITH - LOTE CHLOE ROSENGR AVE - DESIGN B EN B L ACK - MATHEMATICS AND MIL AN C ASTAN - ARTS

B RIDGE T RICHARDS

LOU LOU B U RTON JACOMO DW YER-MORRIS NIKKI SARTORI RU PERT O’NEILL CHARLOT TE GR AY

YEAR 12 2022 THIS YE AR’S VALEDIC TORY AND REFLEC TION S SERVICES LOOKED A LOT MORE NORMAL AS WE CELEB R ATED OU R GR ADUATING CL ASS WITH NO RESTRIC TION S FOR THE FIR ST TIME SINCE 2019.

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REIMAGINING

E D U C AT I O N ReimaginED

2022

PERHAPS A SMALL, INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA ISN’T AN OBVIOUS CHOICE FOR A GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION. BUT IF THE AGENDA IS TO LOOK THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS AND RESHAPE THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION, MAYBE WOODLEIGH IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR EDUCATION TO BE LOOKED AT FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE?

In mid-October 2022, Woodleigh Senior Campus hosted the ReimagedED 2022 conference. Widely regarded as one of the most innovative in Australia, ReimaginED invites teachers, academics, students, business people and educational leaders from Australia and around the world to innovate and reimagine education for the future. In the words of Woodleigh School’s Head of Primary Years Learning, Jodie Kirchner, “[the conference] is a collective moving towards a preferred future as opposed to just sitting in our current reality.” The two-day conference, set in the spacious bush surrounds and ambitious architectural design of Senior Campus, was structured around provocations aimed at 8

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“

Schools need to be places where students can safely build independence, confidence And self-reliance.

evolving the profession of teaching, offering educators the space and time to think their way out of current dogmatic ways of educating young people, and reinvigorate teaching for a new tomorrow. Senior Campus provided the ideal setting for contemplation, dialogue, and deep learning, with opportunities to check-in, collaborate and reinvisage old ways to accommodate a broader, more human educational environment.

Schools need to be places where everyone can safely fail in order to grow.

The conference began with the most important voices in the room, those of students. A Welcome to Country from Woodleigh First Nations student Nia Charlesworth Y11 opened proceedings, before Char Palmer Y9 led with a provocation for the educational leaders in the room.

Young people need educators to have this stuff sorted.

When I think about education, and what is needed to prepare us for our current world, I believe we need soft skills, just as much as we need academic prowess. To contribute to society, to be able to put our time and energy and thought and creativity and brilliance into changing the world,

The world and schools are changing. CHAR PALMER Y9

”

How do educators prepare young people for a changing world? A recurring theme of the conference was the idea that schools can be intentionally developed as places for deep human and social connection. MIT academic, Dr Peter Senge, describes these schools as generative social fields, places where the positive social dynamics among students, teachers, and parents helps to nurture new way of thinking, learning, and acting. Senge’s work is anchored in the belief that, in order for young people to thrive in an everchanging world, they must first learn how to connect and relate to themselves, to their peers, to the wider community and have an understanding of themselves as a global citizen. The tendency of schools to focus on the end game of schooling – an ATAR score, for example – has skewed our understanding of the purpose of schooling. Director of the Woodleigh Institute, Dr Richard Owens, elaborates.

OPPOSITE CHAR PALMER KICKED REIMAGINED ‘22 OFF STRONGLY – ENCOU R AGING DELEGATES TO DRIVE EDUC ATION FORWARD, TO FOCU S ON THE RE AL NEEDS OF TODAY’S STU DENTS.

“We’ve been really obsessed with narrow metrics and efficiency and productivity at the cost of sustaining and developing humancentred environments. It’s not that these traditional metrics aren’t important, but rather that they’re overemphasized, distracting us from the core question, how are we compassionately working towards

Woodleigh, in partnership with the Assessment Research Centre at the University of Melbourne, is heavily involved the development of new assessments that focus on critical life skills such as communication, collaboration, and active citizenship. “An ATAR gives one very, very small parameter of what a student is capable of doing, based

skills, capabilities, and mindsets required to thrive in a complex world. Breakout sessions provided concrete examples of these learning opportunities; programs such as community service learning, citizenship education, sociocultural learning, and sustainability education are ripe for developing these kinds of skills.

The conference concluded with a sense that there’s a real need to evolve. Louka Parry, of professional learning organisation The Learning Future, summed it up well. “I don’t think we can just think our way out of this. I think we need to become our way forward if we’re going to truly transform the experience for our young people and our educators.”

“ I J U S T R E A L LY WA N T TO M A K E S C H O O L S P L AC E S W H E R E P E O P L E F E E L L I K E T H E Y B E L O N G . R AT H E R T H A N S T U D E N T S C O M E T O F I T I N T O A S Y S T E M , T H AT T H E S Y S T E M F I T S A R O U N D T H E M . A N D , J U S T A L O T O F C A R E W R A P P E D U P I N T H AT A S W E L L ,” DAV E S E C O M B – P R I N C I PA L , T O K YO I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C H O O L .

serving the holistic needs of our on some exams. It also doesn’t speak to the way they learn and young people? how they express their learning Clear in the sights of the on their journey through school,” ReimaginED scope is creating David said. new assessment and credentialing methods. “We’re the only country The conference provided insights in the world that defines our into how teachers and school leaders students by a number at the end are beginning to design learning of their education,” Woodleigh opportunities to better equip Principal David Baker explains. young people with the knowledge,

The net effect is in developing the It begins in asking the right whole person, as part of a bigger questions, and being open and whole. “I just really want to make hearing the answers. schools places where people feel like they belong. Rather than students come to fit into a system, that the system fits around them. And, just a lot of care wrapped up in that as well,” said Dave Secomb, Principal of Tokyo International School. N A M A L ATA S E M E S T E R 2 – 2 0 2 2

F L I P P I N G T H E S C R I P T: F R O M S T U D E N T S T O S TA F F M E M B E R S

WOODLEIGH’ S 2022

Y E A R 13 T R A I N E E S BEING BIG BELIEVERS IN HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE GET JOB READY THROUGH MEANINGFUL ON-THE-JOB EDUCATION, WOODLEIGH HAS OFFERED TRAINEESHIPS THROUGH THE AFL SPORTSREADY TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM FOR MANY YEARS. AFL SportsReady is a national not-for-profit that has launched the careers of thousands of young people in fields as diverse as IT, Media, Visual Arts and Sport. In 2022 all three of our trainees were past students. We had a chat to Anika, Harry and Aidan – to hear about their experience.

I HEARD ABOUT THE AFL SPORT TRAINEESHIP THROUGH GINA BOLCH; SHE’S MY MUM, AND CAREERS ADVISOR FOR THE SCHOOL. SHE SUGGESTED I APPLY FOR THE TRAINEESHIP TO GAIN EXPERIENCE IN THE TEACHING ENVIRONMENT AND TAKE A BREAK BEFORE HEADING INTO UNIVERSITY.

I’m interested in a potential career in PE teaching, and I thought there would be no better way than being involved and gaining the experience straight out of school. I had plans of studying either exercise and sport science, or PE teaching. My plans of going to university changed when I finished Year 12 in 2021 and took on the traineeship. I felt as though the traineeship would provide me with 10

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the information and experiences that I may not be able to have otherwise. This year, I’ve learned that so much happens behind the scenes for things to happen in a school. As a student, sometimes you don’t realise how much work and effort

most to me this year is how much everyone has been affected by COVID. Things are still far from normal due to the past few years we have lost. Next year I will be heading off to university and study PE teaching and Indonesian, with lots

T H I S Y E A R , I ’ V E L E A R N E D T H AT S O M U C H H A P P E N S B E H I N D TH E SC E N E S F O R T H I N G S TO H A P P E N I N A S C H O O L . A S A S T U D E N T, S O M E T I M E S YO U D O N ’ T R E A L I S E H OW M U C H WO R K A N D E F F O RT G O E S I N TO T H E T H I N G S T H AT H A P P E N E V E RY D AY.

goes into the things that happen every day. Whether is it the actual planning of a class, or the setting up of equipment for the class, students can be quick to overlook the work that staff do for things to be able to run. What really stood out the

of travelling in between hopefully. The advice that I would give to current Year 12s is pursue your passions and take a break if needed. Don’t do something that you won’t enjoy and rush to make a decision you will later regret. AIDAN BOLCH 2021

WHEN I TELL PEOPLE THAT I WORK AT THE SCHOOL I JUST GRADUATED FROM, THE COMMON RESPONSE IS “AT THE SCHOOL YOU JUST GRADUATED FROM?! I WOULD NEVER GO BACK TO MY SCHOOL. I GOT OUT OF THERE AS QUICK AS I COULD!” BUT AT WOODLEIGH, THE ATTITUDE OF RECENT GRADUATES IS OFTEN COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. MY WOODLEIGH FRIENDS VISIT AS OFTEN AS THEY CAN FOR MUSICALES, MARKETS, MEDIA NIGHTS AND THE LIKE.

When Adam Liddiard walked into the Year 12 Media class in 2021 and told us all about the Marketing Traineeship in the Community Office, I knew then and there what my 2022 was going to look like. A traineeship at the school would be

AFTER FINISHING MY VCE AT WOODLEIGH IN 2020, I BEGAN MY FIRST YEAR AT UNIVERSITY IN A PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE DEGREE AT DEAKIN UNIVERSITY. COMING OFF THE TAIL-END OF A COVID-FILLED VCE, HAVING ONLINE UNI CLASSES WAS NOT IDEAL. THAT FIRST YEAR OF UNI IN 2021 WAS AN UNCERTAIN AND CONFUSING TIME FOR ME. I QUESTIONED WHAT I REALLY WANTED TO STUDY, AND IF UNIVERSITY WAS EVEN FOR ME.

seemed as though everything had happened for a reason. I made the decision to defer my Psychology degree with little hesitation. I would consider this day a pivotal turning point in my life. Being at Woodleigh this year as a Year 14 student has reminded me of my love of learning art. Working with the teachers that once taught me has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. I would consider these key people as some of the most

M Y A D V I C E T O A N Y R E C E N T Y E A R 12 G R A D U AT E S W O U L D B E T H AT I T ’ S O K AY TO N OT K N OW W H E R E YO U WA N T TO B E , W H AT C A R E E R YO U WA N T TO P U R S U E , A N D W H AT K I N D O F P E R S O N YO U WA N T TO B E C O M E . T H E B E S T T H I N G YO U C A N D O I S S AY Y E S T O T H E O P P O R T U N I T I E S T H AT C O M E YO U R WAY,

ON THE JOB – CLOCKWISE FROM TOP HARRY HARD AT WORK IN THE EDIT SU ITE. ANIK A ON THE WHEEL DU RING THE ARTS FESTIVAL AIDAN COACHING THE J U NIOR BOYS SIS FOOTBALL TE AM

an opportunity to further develop my video editing and photography skills, and to catchup on all that was lost in two years of COVID lockdowns. At the end of Year 12 I applied. Who would have thought? I got the role, and I’ve been working as a staff

teachers are different, and by the time you’ve reached Year 12, you’ve developed a strong connection, much more like colleagues than teacher-student. While there are clear professional boundaries, the teachers here treat you as a growing human. Teachers would always

It was during this time that I got the opportunity to showcase my VCE Studio Arts final at the Monash Gallery of Art. I received the news that I had been shortlisted for the TopShots exhibition, and shortly after received a phone call to let me know I had been chosen as the winner! I was ecstatic. Fatefully, later that afternoon I picked up a call from Gina Bolch. She asked me what my plans were for the following year, and invited me to apply for the Art Technician Traineeship at Woodleigh. Suddenly, my plans for the year ahead became a lot more certain. It

influential people and mentors in my life. This year has inspired me to pursue a more creative path. I’ve pushed myself outside of my comfort zone, and I hope to continue to push myself in further jobs, study, and other experiences. My advice to any recent Year 12 graduates would be that it’s okay to not know where you want to be, what career you want to pursue, and what kind of person you want to become. The best thing you can do is say yes to the opportunities that come your way, because you never know what it might lead to. ANIKA MCCLEAN 2020

the junior kids get make me jealous! During the year, I have gone from a photography newbie and editing novice, to creating pictures and videos that I am truly proud of. This year I’ve not only developed my technical skills, but also my character and my passions. I’ve

of our oldest living culture. My Year 13 has nearly come to an end. Looking back, it has almost gone as quickly as Year 12! Although I will miss Woodleigh, I am excited for the future. In 2023, I plan on studying a Bachelor of IT (Networks and Cyber Security)

T H E T R U T H I S , WO O D L E I G H S TA F F A N D T E AC H E R S A R E D I F F E R E N T, A N D B Y T H E T I M E YO U ’ V E R E A C H E D Y E A R 12 , YO U ’ V E D E V E L O P E D A S T R O N G C O N N E C T I O N , M U C H M O R E L I K E C O L L E A G U E S T H A N T E A C H E R - S T U D E N T. W H I L E T H E R E A R E C L E A R P R O F E S S I O N A L B O U N DA R I E S , T H E T E AC H E R S H E R E T R E AT YO U A S A G R OW I N G H U M A N . T E A C H E R S W O U L D A LWAY S B E T H E R E F O R A C H AT AT L U N C H T I M E , F O R A H I K E I N T H E M O U N TA I N S A N D E S P E C I A L LY F O R M E , S O M E O N E T O V E N T T O.

member in the Community Office all year. I’m often asked what the transition from student to staff has been. If I’m honest, the transition was strange for a couple of weeks, but I quickly settled in. But the truth is, Woodleigh staff and

be there for a chat at lunchtime, for a hike in the mountains and especially for me, someone to vent to. It’s been really fun and interesting to see a different side of the school, especially the junior campuses, which are completely new to me; the opportunities that

become particularly passionate about First Nations storytelling, selfdetermination, and rights, helped in no small part by Woodleigh’s events held during NAIDOC Week of truth telling; stories of Invasion, Stolen Generations and the continued challenges and silencing

doubled with a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications, Indigenous and Cultural Studies) at Monash University. HARRISON ROBERTSON 2021

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RE DE F I N I NG E XC E LLE NC E

AEROSPORTS NATIONAL CLUB CARNIVAL 2022

from all over Australia, the atmosphere was electric and the students experienced a whole new level of competition. They observed highly talented competitors in action, and they encouraged and supported one another.

Placing sixth in the Victorian AeroSchools championships in July 2022 ensured that Minimbah Year 5 and 6 students Harper, Mae, Tilly, Eve, Lily and Ruby qualified for the 2022 AeroSchools National Clubs Carnival. The team flew to The dedication and commitment Queensland to compete during of this team enabled them to further perfect their routine. the last week of Term 3. Placing third, the Year 5/6 Team Supported by their coach Billee, were awarded a bronze medal in the students spent many hours their event. Congratulations to training and preparing throughout Billee and the team! the year. Attending additional workshops, practice days and KATE BIRD competitions, the girls displayed Deputy Head an enthusiastic determination to of Minimbah Campus improve their routine. While the NATIONAL SNOWSPORTS routine was only 80 seconds in CHAMPIONSHIPS length, many skills, techniques and The Woodleigh Snow Sports team formations were required to be experienced some phenomenal demonstrated. The panel of judges results in August for the Victorian were very particular. Snowsports Championship. In a

Woodleigh team managed to ISV POETRY COMPETITION finish 3rd in the state. Year 5 Minimbah student Millie To top it off, 14 students qualified Daniel was the category and for the National Interschools age winner of the Independent Snowsport Championships at Schools Victoria (ISV) Arts Perisher in early September. Festival Poetry Competition, in Congratulations to: Rhett Clark, which students were invited to Tom Connell, Seb Ginsberg, write and perform a piece on the Monty Dentry, Charlie Pullar, topic of ‘belonging’. According Chilli Stanton, Issy Cameron, to the judges, Millie’s poem was Digby Taylor, Finn Jacobsen, “a masterful and captivating Iz O’Connor, Esse Foley, Joe performance, deftly revealing Foley, Owen Clark and Aaron a compassionate invitation to belong.” King. At the Nationals, all students performed extremely well, with Joe Foley notably finishing 2nd in Division 3 Ski Moguls, and Rhett Clark finishing 5th in the Division 1 Snowboard Giant Slalom.

Millie’s message is a powerful one, that cuts through age, background or gender. “You can, you will, and you do belong ...”

Massive thanks to Bill Higgins, Snow Sports Coordinator, and all the snow families, for their support of the Woodleigh With so many teams competing field of fierce competition, the Snowsports Team.

Year 11 Ag Hort students Jed McKenzie-Smith and Archie Miller-Scott took their Hy-Line chooks to the Royal Melbourne Show and came home overall

N A M A L ATA S E M E S T E R 2 – 2 0 2 2

WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER

YO U B E LO N G by MILLIE DANIEL Y5 Come, take this seat next to me. It might feel uncomfortable, or it might be at first. But, trust me soon it will be fine. One day, you’ll find it moulded to fit you and you will belong. Sometimes, you might have to rise from your seat, but you’ll slot back in because you belong. And one day, when somebody else comes you’ll give them the seat next to you.

winners of the Secondary School Y8, Innes Thistleton Y8, Finn Poultry Competition. Coster Y9, Kota Chadwick The students received First place Y10, Ronan Coster Y10, Griff for their Eggs, Second place for Matthews Y10 and James their Chickens and Third place for Longley Y10. their poster. This earned them the The team competed in the State title of overall Secondary School Championships, held in Term winner. Congrats everyone! 4, coming fourth in the state. A Massive thanks to Ms Janky for mighty effort! her hard work and support of the TENACIOUS D-EBATERS Woodleigh Farm program. CHECK MATE Term 3 was a huge term for Woodleigh kids standing on podiums. Not content to leave it up to the athletically blessed, the Chess team won the SIS Chess Championship in convincing form. Ronan Coster Y10 was awarded third best overall player on the day. Congratulations to: Ranita Marantelli Y7, Andrew Stroessenreuther Y7, Harvey Whiney Y7, Hywel Matthews

The Woodleigh debating teams have had a really successful year in 2022, with many wins and best speaker awards throughout the competition season.

A massive congratulations to Bridget Richards and Lily Carter who both received 2022 Swannie Awards for the Mount Eliza region; Bridget for the A Grade (Year 12) competition and Lillian for the D Grade (Year 9). The awards were presented at a public ceremony at Methodist Ladies College early in Term 4. The debating success doesn’t stop with the senior team. The Junior Debate Team, consisting of Allegra Moloney, Hywel Matthews, Innes Thistletone and Andy Hutchinson, has gone from strength to strength. The team of Year 8 students finished the Debaters Association of Victoria AV Junior program without losing a single debate; one of only two schools to do so.

As well as the Senior Team (Alex Mathews, Bridget Richards, and Tealia Holmes) making it to the State Quarter Finals, the year was capped off by two of our students being awarded Swannies. MARNIE POPE The Swannies are awarded to the Debating Coordinator best speakers in a single grade from around Melbourne.

A seat doesn’t have to be comfy... At least, not all the time. We all face discomforts and challenges, but we know we are safe because we belong. To belong, you don’t have to be perfect, to belong, you don’t have to be cool or sophisticated. To sit next to me... You can be your own... crazy, wild, funny, strange, weird, wacky, perky, imaginative, amazing, unique self. So, take a seat. Because when you find your belonging, nobody can take it away from you. You can, you will and you do belong. N A M A L ATA S E M E S T E R 2 – 2 0 2 2

GIVING UP A LUNCHTIME TO PROVIDE FOR SOMEONE ELSE T H E E AT U P P R O G R A M @ W O O D L E I G H

FOOD INSECURITY IS A MASSIVE ISSUE IN AUSTRALIA, WITH 1 IN 5 AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. According to Food Bank Australia research, 1 in 8 Australian kids are arriving hungry to school each day. Without a full stomach, children can’t learn, they can’t concentrate, and over time, they fall behind their peers. Since 2018, Woodleigh has paired with Eat Up Australia, a grass roots Australian charity providing a humble solution to millions of hungry tummies all over the country. We spoke to Eat Up Founder, Lyndon Gallea, about its humble beginnings, and how this grassroots movement has grown to feed children all over Australia. “It started in my mum’s kitchen about 10 years ago. I read a local newspaper story in the Shep News – our local newspaper – that there was an article that profiled two schools locally where kids were regularly being sent to school without anything to eat from home. I was really taken aback to read that,” explained Lyndon. “So, I pinched what I could from mum’s cupboard. Margarine, bread, cheese, vegemite. I bought a few extra loaves of bread. And together with mum’s help and a few mates, we made a hundred sandwiches for each of the two 14

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schools mentioned.”

remains the same.

“From that first drop off, I heard back fairly shortly after, asking if they could have more sandwiches please? When I got the chance to speak to the teachers at the schools, they said when kids were hungry it made it very difficult for them to concentrate. When kids can’t concentrate, it makes it nearly impossible to learn. That was the moment it dawned on me

Every 3 weeks, students volunteer to help make, wrap and stack around 1000 sandwiches in the 50-minute sessions. The sandwiches are then delivered by parent or community drivers to schools experiencing disadvantage, where they can then be frozen by teachers, and then toasted up and dished out to those in need in a way that is discrete and dignified.

E V E RY 3 W E E K S , S T U D E N T S VO L U N T E E R TO H E L P M A K E , W R A P A N D S TAC K A R O U N D 10 0 0 S A N DW I C H E S I N T H E 5 0 - M I N U T E E AT U P S E S S I O N S . T H E S A N DW I C H E S A R E T H E N D E L I V E R E D BY PA R E N T O R C O M M U N I T Y D R I V E R S TO LO C A L S C H O O L S E X P E R I E N C I N G D I S A DVA N TAG E

that we’ d have to try and find an ongoing way to provide these sandwiches.” Fast-forward 10 years, and Eat Up is running lunchtime sandwich making events at workplaces, schools and community centres all over Australia. At Woodleigh, with the support of Gareth and Gina Bolch, students have been running lunchtime Eat Up sessions since 2018, when Year 12 students Pearl Baillieu and Zade Omar got it up and running. Since then, Mimi Nutt, Ruby Broomhall, Summer Johnson, Lila McDonagh and Alex Hackel-Calvi have served as organisers, each year the baton is passed to a new group of student leaders, but the model

The beauty of Eat Up is that it’s a simple solution, students as young as Year 7 can get involved, and it really brings home the reality of food insecurity for our students who all live a relatively privileged existence here on the Mornington Peninsula. Giving back to the community in this way fosters compassion, empathy and ultimately empowers our students to feel that they can do more than simply acknowledge disadvantage; they can do something positive to make a difference in their immediate community.

BIGGER THINGS ROUND SQUARE

E XC HANG E

I THOUGHT I HAD MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY FOR EXCHANGE WHEN COVID HIT IN 2020. THE WORLD CLOSED ITS BORDERS TO EVERYONE, AND ALL INTERNATIONAL TRIPS WERE STOPPED IN THEIR TRACKS. AT THE START OF YEAR 10 IN 2022, WHEN THINGS WERE LOOKING UP, I KNEW THAT IF I DIDN’T ACT NOW, I MIGHT MISS A ONCE-INA-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE.

So, I sent an email to the Round Square Co-ordinator, Mr Bolch, asking if the Round Square Exchange Program was running and if we could have a meeting to discuss becoming an exchange student. I wanted to extend my horizons and become a part of the world outside of Australia and Woodleigh. I felt ready to experience independence and travel on my own.

faster. When my turn came to go to Canada in September, it felt surreal. I didn’t really comprehend it until I was driving through the streets of Ottawa. I was 16,560 kilometres from home and I didn’t really feel the distance until the first

they really made my experience what it was. They gave me the opportunity to travel to the US and visit New York City, as well as many places in Canada such as Montreal, which was beautiful and historic. Despite this, I found it hard to express the things I

like I learned a lot in such a short time. All the students and staff made an effort to make me feel at home. I made so many friends that I will have forever. On my flight home from Canada, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was excited to see my family

T H E F A M I LY I S TAY E D W I T H ( T H E M I TA L’ S ) W E R E A M A Z I N G A N D C A R I N G , T H E Y R E A L LY M A D E M Y E X P E R I E N C E W H AT I T WA S . T H E Y G AV E M E T H E O P P O R T U N I T Y T O T R AV E L T O T H E U S A N D V I S I T N E W YO R K C I T Y, A S W E L L A S M A N Y P L A C E S I N C A N A D A

week; communication was hard, either due to the time difference, or just not having the energy for communication. My occasional phone calls with family were still extremely important to me. I stayed connected through social media, but I also saw the things I was missing out on at home. While From the first email to Mr Bolch I was gone the Year 10’s had the to the moment we picked up Esha, formal and I couldn’t be a part of our Canadian exchange student, that. from Melbourne Airport felt like The family I stayed with (the a whirlwind. Her month staying Mital’s) were amazing and caring, with us in Australia went even

wanted ,like foods from home, I didn’t want to feel like a burden to a family who had already done so much just by taking me in.

and friends for the first time, but I was so upset to be leaving my new home and all the new friends I had made there, although I do still keep in touch with everyone through social media. I feel like I have proved to myself that I can do things that seem hard or scary, and that I can enjoy them. I’m proud for putting myself out there and thriving in situations where I would have previously felt anxious and out of place.

I was lucky to see a lot of Ottawa, the capital of Canada. Ashbury College, where I attended school, was all inside one building due to the extremes in temperature. That was such a shift from Woodleigh’s natural environment. I was in a uniform for the first time in four years and I actually liked it. I found the classes very engaging, and I feel PIPPA REMATO – Y10

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A R T S A N D C U LT U R E

HIGHLIGHT REEL

LIVE THEATRE IS BACK

IN LIVING COLOUR: IF LIVE THEATRE IS A SPARK, THEN AN AUDIENCE IS THE ARTS WEEK 2022 OXYGEN, as we discovered in term 3, 2022 when the Senior Campus Hall stage was set alight by not one but TWO Woodleigh productions. In August, our hearts were warmed by the Senior Campus production of Almost, Maine and early September, we went under the sea with the Minimbah whole school production of The Little Mermaid.

Productions of this scale and quality can’t be pulled off without NASAlevel direction, planning, and teamwork. Enormous thanks go to the Music, Performing Arts and Teaching staff at both Senior and Minimbah Campuses for their expert care, teaching, direction and patience. And to the Woodleigh families who support our performers (and staff) with rehearsals, costumes, hugs and snacks!

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WOODLEIGH ARTS WEEK MADE AN EPIC COMEBACK in October 2022, with In Living Colour! Improv, pottery throwdowns, music, drama, media, art and design; the week had wall to wall events, for all kinds of peeps! Those new to Woodleigh since 2020 didn’t know what they were in for. When it comes to the Arts, Woodleigh people do not mess around.

HEROES AND VILLAINS AT THE SPRING MUSICALE PUNTERS WERE THRILLED AND AMAZED by a Spring Musicale, which sold out in a record 24-hours! The theme was Heroes and Villains, as bands, soloists, ensembles and orchestras from Years 7 to 12 rocked, rolled and rhymed their way through a tight set list of songs from artists as diverse as David Bowie, Ngaiire, The Clash, No Doubt, Danny Elfman, and Rage Against the Machine. Gold coin donations on the night helped to raise an extra $484.15 for our community partners, Chumkriel Language School in Cambodia.

BANDICOOT

TA L E S A TOPIC OF GREAT EXCITEMENT ON SENIOR CAMPUS ARE THE SOUTHERN BROWN BANDICOOTS WHO NOW CALL THE BRIAN HENDERSON WILDLIFE RESERVE HOME.

The Southern Brown Bandicoot was once widespread across the Mornington Peninsula. Twenty years ago, you could still see them on the grounds of Senior Campus: now they’re endangered and only found in select sites, such as the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. This makes their return at Woodleigh a wonderful event, as they are safe behind our predator proof fence. Arriving in August 2022, the animals were sourced from a private conservation property based near Ballarat operated by Pails for Scales Conservation. Students volunteered their time to prepare for the new arrivals, with enclosures being refurbished and cameras being placed to monitor them. Twelve bandicoots made the journey to Woodleigh, with nine being released into the Reserve and 3 placed into captive breeding enclosures. DREAMING WITH HEARTS OPEN

PENBANK FAMILIES WERE TREATED to a beautiful night of storytelling, music and dance as students from Prep to Year 6 presented their End of Year Finale, Dreaming with Hearts Open. The finale showcase was a culmination of a year’s worth of learning, as students from each year level collaborated with their teacher and Arts Specialist staff to create a unique performance.

T H E S O U T H E R N B R OW N B A N D I C O OT WA S O N C E W I D E S P R E A D AC R O S S T H E M O R N I N G TO N P E N I N S U L A . T W E N T Y Y E A R S A G O, YO U C O U L D S T I L L SEE THEM ON THE GROUNDS OF SENIOR C AMPU S

WHERE ELSE COULD YOU BUY an original t-shirt from a hot new brand, get your hair cut and buy a handmade Chrissie present for your Nan? Where else, but the Woodleigh Arty Market. Back in fine fettle, with over 70 stalls, and around 1800 visitors, the twilight market on Friday 2 December was a smashing way to conclude a brilliant year.

CHECK OUT OUR

ART Y

MARKET ALUMNI

That population has grown recently with the arrival of a single male from the conservation program overseen by Dunkeld Pastoral Company, and the confirmation of three joeys emerging from the pouch in the captive breeding enclosures. Watching these joeys grow and develop has been a highlight for all, their bold behaviour and inquisitive natures meaning these joeys often come out during Activities sessions and Reserve tours, entertaining everyone with their antics. You can tell if the animals are nearby in the Reserve by spotting their conical diggings. Bandicoots are ecological engineers, as they turn over the soil and enrich the growth of native seedlings while limiting the spread of weeds. With the creation of a management plan, we look forward to seeing the Reserve’s bandicoot population grow in coming years, and we look forward to being able to provide bandicoots to other conservation and breeding programs across the peninsula and beyond. We can’t thank our dedicated field gnats enough for all the work they have done. THOMAS HENNESSY – Land and Animal Management Assistant N A M A L ATA S E M E S T E R 2 – 2 0 2 2

LIVING O U R VA LU E S

STUDENT COMMUNIT Y SERVICE

WALKING FOR A CAUSE Our Penbank campus ran for a cause in term 4, with students from Prep BLUE DRAGON to Year 6 doing a sponsored Colour Run to raise money for Melbourne MARATHON WALK Zoo’s Orangutan breeding and enrichment program. The students ear 12 students Tealia managed to raise a staggering $22,000 donation, which will be passed Holmes, Cara Eades and on by a group of students and Ibu Pru to Melbourne Zoo in early 2023. Lachie McComb, Year 9 students Sophie Matthews and Zoe Heffernan, and Senior Campus Teacher Greg Davies walked a lazy half-marathon (21kms) to raise funds for Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation in October. PENBANK COLOUR RUN

MINIMBAH FOUNDATION PYJAMA DAY AT THE END OF A VERY BUSY TERM 3, Minimbah’s Foundation class ran a donation drive for local charity Mothers Supporting Families in Need (MSFIN), collecting new socks, jocks and pyjamas for vulnerable people in our community. The students created posters, delivered collection baskets, and confidently explained the day to all the other classes in our school community, before collecting it all for pick up on their annual Pyjama Day. THE MINIMBAH COMMUNITY DONATED: 573 pairs of socks 336 pairs of boys’ underwear 368 pairs of girls’ underwear 270 pairs of pyjamas 11 hoodies 12 dressing gowns 2 baby bibs 1 pair of shoes And 2 colouring books! MSFIN were delighted to pick up the donations. For further information about MSFIN’s work in our community, to volunteer or to donate, visit msfin.org.au. 18

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reel, which has now been viewed Late in Term 3, on Tuesday 6 almost 4000 times! September, Senior Campus The day was a great success celebrated R U, OK? Day with as seas of yellow flooded the each Homestead running fun campus and students actively activities in tutor groups or as participated. Thanks to the help a whole. The aim was to help of Lola Dwyer-Morris, Gina educate and raise awareness Bolch, Charlotte Gray and Karen around mental health; to Charlton-Mills, we were able to normalise checking in on each raise over $300 for the R U OK? other and get the message across Charity, and more importantly that mental health is health! open up discussion around We encouraged students to mental health and removing the write messages of support and stigma that can surround it. It was encouragement to each other great to see everyone enjoy and through a school message participate in the day. However, board as well as organised an we emphasised that this was not ice breaker activity of a Lolly Jar the end of the conversations we started and urged everybody to Guess for each Homestead. Thanks to Adam Liddiard and keep checking in with their mates, Harry Robertson from the having important conversations Community Team, we were able and staying connected. R U OK? DAY 2022

to reach our larger community JACOMO through a short social media DWYER-MORRIS Y12

Blue Dragon is a non-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing women and girls from human trafficking in Vietnam, and providing street kids access to essential food, education and medical care. The fundraising walk also aims to raise awareness of human slavery and sex trafficking in Vietnam. Combined with their efforts in semester one, the team have raised close to $3000, which is enough money to rescue 3 young Vietnamese girls from becoming victims of human trafficking. All funds go toward crisis support, trauma healing and critical advocacy work to improve laws and policies to offer better protection for vulnerable people. ARTY MARKET STALL FOR SALVATION ARMY Year 8 students Fergus Gleeson and Lachie Holbrook took the initiative to sell goods generously donated by Endota at The Arty Market on December 2. They managed to raise $319 for the Salvation Army, just in time for Christmas.

CAMBODIA

FAR LEFT WOODLEIGH STUDENTS RETURNED TO CHUMKRIEL L ANGUAGE SCHOOL AFTER A T WO-YEAR L AYOFF DUE TO COVID. 16 L APTOPS WERE DONATED FOLLOWING THE GROUP’S FUNDR AISING EFFORTS.

NIGHT FUNDRAISER

& THE RETURN TO CHUMKRIEL

WOODLEIG H’ S R E L AT I O N S H I P WITH CHUMKRIEL L A N G UAG E SC H OO L (C L S ) I N K A M P OT, CAMBODIA, S T R E TC H E S B A C K TO 2 0 0 8 .

Despite all the disruption and disconnection caused by the pandemic, our Annual Cambodian Fundraiser and Broadening Horizons trip were able to be held at the end of 2022. The extended Woodleigh community banded together in late November for a brilliant night of music from our student bands, and in doing

CONNECTING

so raised a total of $6000. The funds will go towards 16 new laptops for CLS, to support their valuable work providing education in English and Khmer, sanitisation, water, recreation and hygiene activities to the local community. Thanks also go to Frankston North Rotary Club for their generous donation to CLS. The Cambodian trip

MINIMBAH PFG

COMMUNITY

After 2 Covid-effected years, the Minimbah PFG were keen to rally and facilitate that feeling of connection in school life again. We did more ‘fun’ raising than fundraising this year, but after a couple of years of feeling disconnected from each other, fun was exactly what our community were after.

WITH THE PFG

SENIOR PFG Join Deputy Principal, Head of Senior Campus, Natalie McLennan for morning tea on Friday 17 February at 10.30am in our Science Project Room, to find out our returning Senior PFG group. MINIMBAH PFG @ THE ARTY MARKET

PENBANK PFG

The PFG is a lovely way to make friends and stay connected with your kids. My kids even think I’m the teeniest bit cool for being in the PFG, which is only going to last for 2 minutes. I just want to encourage all parents to sign up and volunteer for as many events as they can in 2023, including the Festivale du Minimbah on Friday 3 March. JO RESSOM Poppy and Jack’s Mum

is an important part of Woodleigh’s Broadening Horizons program, where a small group of staff and students travel to Kampot to be involved in teaching alongside CLS staff, developing the school’s vegetable garden, teaching in the salt fields schoolhouse and observations at the Night School centre in December each year.

PENBANK PFG The Penbank PFG reconvened in August 2022 with a number likeminded, enthusiastic new members joining the group. Despite getting together in the latter half of the year, already we have achieved so much, busy supporting a number of key events including the Harmony Day Picnic; Book week BBQ; Rock Quiz; Fathers, Friends, Footy and Fun Breakfast; the Arty Market and an end of year lunch for the kids. Funds raised contributed to the Indigenous Scholarship, kids t-shirts for the Year 6 Wugularr Camp and donations to Mums Supporting Families in Need (MSFIN). Thank you to the members of the PFG for your contributions and support in 2022. We look forward to an exciting year of PFG activities in 2023. EMILY MILDREN Tom and Savannah’s Mum N A M A L ATA S E M E S T E R 2 – 2 0 2 2

ALUMNI

Thank you to 2022 Year 12 students, Charli Brough, Pippin Seagren Hughes and Milani Khoza who organised this year’s Rainbow Day fundraiser for MyRoom CCC

“ W H E N YO U S E E B U T T E R F L I E S O R R A I N B OW S , T H I N K O F M E .” B O N N I E DA N I E L LO

Bon’s favourite charity was My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, whose mission is to work towards a 100% cure rate for childhood cancers. She was a great supporter and advocate for My Room – so please consider making a donation in her memory – and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the butterflies and the rainbows.

D O N AT E

HERE

V A L E B O N N I E D A N I E L L O 14/5/2001 – 13/9/2021 “It’s time for a cuppa” Bonnie Daniello Woodleigh School Magazine 2019 The treasured Gem of the Class of 2019 was the colourful and bright Bonnie Daniello, Bon, to us. Bon saw the good in everything and everyone. She made the colour code of brown, grey, green and yellow sparkle

Bonnie had an innate gift for drawing, painting, watercolour, resin, portraiture, woodwork, ceramics and sewing, essentially all arts and crafts. At lunchtimes, Bon and I would often gravitate to the art rooms, with her producing the most creative and immaculate folios I’ve ever seen. All the experiments she questioned looked like they could have gone straight

a particular way of seeing things with clarity. And her impact spread far. Every teacher who worked with Bon across her journey, whether in Homestead 7 or as a subject teacher, was inspired by her. She would want to acknowledge the cosmic talents of her VCE teachers – Ms Guthrie, Mr Rogers, Ms COME JOIN IN AT Ward and Mr Shinkfield. MINIMBAH PLAYGROUP Minimbah has created a fantastic Playgroup program for 2-year-old children. This program provides a rich and diverse play-based program, and children have the opportunity to explore all areas of At the end of Year 12, Bon’s the Early Childhood curriculum efforts, talent and folios were whilst building friendships and acknowledged with the Arts bonds with other children. Faculty Prize, and she was a worthy This program has also supported winner. as they become Bon’s departure was far children too early, but she left a legacy of comfortable with the Minimbah wisdom, friendship and laughter. Campus and enjoy the spaces Bon, you truly were a gem. Thank before transitioning into our ECC you doesn’t seem enough for the program. colour and brightness you brought For more information, please to us all. Now, with every butterfly contact Kerrie Brodie at Minimbah we see, we take comfort in knowing Reception 9788 6488. Bon is there, checking in. Please take a moment to pause, pour yourself a cuppa, smile as she always did and remember this beautiful individual, Bonnie Daniello.

B O N ’ S D E PA R T U R E WA S F A R T O O E A R LY, B U T S H E L E F T A L E G AC Y O F W I S D O M , F R I E N D S H I P A N D L A U G H T E R . B O N , YO U T R U LY W E R E A G E M . T H A N K YO U D O E S N ’ T S E E M E N O U G H F O R T H E C O L O U R A N D B R I G H T N E S S YO U B R O U G H T TO U S A L L .

and imparted life’s most valuable lessons. We were so fortunate to work and play alongside a true icon. Her strength, tenacity, bravery and authenticity were something else and an inspiration to us all. I will never forget the first day of Year 7, meeting Bon and thinking, wow, this girl is so cool! Her positive attitude to life was palpable. I remember thinking that if we could all have a little more “Bon” in our world, it would be a far better place. Bonnie added sparkle to everything she did (except, and Mr Shinkfield might agree here, maybe when I distracted her in English), but where she was most at home and where her vibrant light shone brightest was in the visual arts space. 20

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up in the gallery space, ready for exhibition. A slight perfectionist in the best way, I always admired Bon’s way of being. The Art rooms didn’t just yield creativity; it was a space that Bonnie filled with her laughter, jokes and daggy playlists (unless Jamie was there being the DJ). There was the usual talk of parties, post-school adventures, homework, and just keeping up with the goss. The kind of chat that bonds lifelong friendships. Bon’s opinions and advice on art and life were the only ones I genuinely trusted and valued. I knew she would only share the truth and speak with honesty. She delivered her advice with BIANCA JULICHER (2019) compassion and affection. Bon had

BOOK BOOK T U E S D AY

F R I D AY

IT’ S GOOD TO BE DIFFERENT Yvonne Kendall (1983) is an Australian sculptor based in Germany. Since graduating from Woodleigh, she has gone on to work and exhibit in Australia and overseas. She reflects on the enormous influence Woodleigh has had on her life.

WOODLEIGH PEOPLE H AV E D E E P RO OT S . S TAY C O N N E C T E D TO OUR COMMUNIT Y! AFTER A TWO YEAR PAUSE, WOODLEIGH IS DELIGHTED TO BE REINVIGORATING ITS ALUMNI PROGRAM.

I make sculptures out of found objects and materials. I respond to my life, and the world around me on a personal level. Environmental, political, social, spiritual, and scientific themes are always present in my work. I also find objects and materials, or am given them. These pile up in the studio waiting for the right moment to be brought together. Objects have a resonance. Textiles, household objects and utensils, old wooden toys or pieces of furniture: they all tell a story. My work has always been autobiographical. In the early days, I’ d go to the studio and make some seriously twisted, sad little number and look at it and think… oh, that’s how I feel about XYZ. If you look at the development of my work over the years, you’ll see that I have become clearer, more aware, and respond to the world consciously.

order do the pieces need to be constructed in? And so on. I like to make everything myself. It’s very rare that I get anything fabricated. And I have to be able to make it with my skill set, my tools, my materials. After finishing Year 12 at Woodleigh, I did a year at Frankston TAFE before undertaking a degree in Sculpture at Victoria College, Prahran, graduating in 1987. When I graduated, I started working in my own studio, travelled the world, came back, got a new studio, kept working and showing in artist run spaces. I had a studio at Gasworks in Albert Park for many years.

in the art department with Peter Strickland. In Year 12 he gave me the advice that it’s good to be different. Everyone paints, so do something else. So, I focused on sculpture. I don’t get back to Australia that much, about every 4 years. Growing up in Australia spoilt me. When we first moved to Germany, three quarters of the year was too cold to me. I’m used to it now, but have learned to make the most of the sun when it’s out. When I come back to Melbourne, it’s a bit nostalgic. I like to visit friends and go to places I used to go. This last time a highlight was when I visited Miffy Farquharson at Woodleigh. To see our old Homestead, see how the school has developed, to meet the art staff and talk to some of the kids; it was great. I go to the beach as much as I can. I really miss the sea.

I also got a job at the National Gallery of Victoria to pay the bills, and met some people there who helped me in my early career. During that time I was taken on by Niagara Galleries in Richmond, who Yvonne’s work is in collections in Australia We have a 3-storey house still represent me today. south of Stuttgart in Woodleigh had an enormous and around the world. She Germany. The top floor is my influence on my life. I had is represented by Niagara studio workspace. My creative been in the regular school Galleries in Richmond process is dependent on what system till Year 10 and hated niagaragalleries.com.au I’m making. Every time I it. My dad saw an advert and & Gallery Australia Sorrento. www. start a new series, I have to for a scholarship to go to in figure out how to realise it. Woodleigh, so I applied and andgalleryaustralia.net I can see it in my mind, but got it. I was there for Years 11 how will it hold together? and 12. What a difference it How will it stand up? What made! I spent most of my time

We’ve got big plans, but first things first: we need to stay connected! Head to the Woodleigh website and update your details to receive regular news and event details from our Community team: www.woodleigh.vic.edu.au/community#alumni WANT TO GET INVOLVED? We love having past students and staff members back on campus, sharing their wisdom and passion. If you would be interested in participating in any of the following, email us at alumni@woodleigh.vic.edu.au ARTY MARKET

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WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORIES We would love to share your latest news with the wider Woodleigh community. Whatever big news is unfolding in your life, whether it be profesionnal or personal, we’d love to hear about it! Drop us a line at alumni@woodleigh.vic.edu.au WE NEED MORE WOODLEIGH PEOPLE IN THE WORLD Priority is given to alumni when enrolling your children into Woodleigh. We invite you to come along and meet Principal David Baker at one of our regular Enrolment Information Evenings. Visit the Woodleigh website for further details. N A M A L ATA S E M E S T E R 2 – 2 0 2 2

GET BACK!

WHEN YOU LEAVE WOODLEIGH, THE WOODLEIGH STAYS WITH YOU. WE SPOKE TO THREE WOODLEIGH ALUMNI ABOUT WHAT IT FELT LIKE RETURNING TO CAMPUS FOR REUNION IN LATE 2022, AND THE WOODLEIGH QUALITIES THEY CARRY WITH THEM TO THIS DAY.

JESS MILLER (2001) I live in Sydney, but was in town for the 20-year Woodleigh reunion at the beginning of October. Everything had changed, but really nothing had changed. If I had to describe Woodleigh to Sydneysiders in three words: Footy. Wattle. Transformative.

Mornington High before I finally ‘made it’ to Woodleigh for Year 11 and 12 on a scholarship. The real struggle for me was getting to Woodleigh. When I arrived, I was so relieved and awestruck: it felt like where I belonged, but at the same time it came with pressure to perform. Managing that pressure was quite formative, but I never felt as though I had to do it alone; encouragement and belief came from every single teacher, reception person and friend I met along the way. It grew a sense of ambition and confidence in me that I could do anything. But to really do anything, you have to ask for help, be helpful and cultivate a community of support and reciprocity.

The photography dark room has gone. The smoking spots are still there (and probably a bit easier to hide because the trees have grown up). The Agora is still exactly the same. The art room and gallery; 20 years on, that space has not aged a day and smells exactly as it did; a heady mix of timber, hot sun on glass, acrylic paint and ceramics. The trees have grown, and I think Brian Hendo would be very proud The loss of Kate Boden and Emily of how his banksias are looking. Masterton in 2000 deeply affected The path to Woodleigh for me all of The Class of 2001. The was not all that straight forward. way that loss was dealt with by I had a detour via Padua and 22

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everyone remains one of the most enduring examples of courage, kindness, and compassion I have ever experienced. To this day, I cannot walk past flowering wattle without remembering not only Kate and Em, but how elegantly and compassionately that loss was honoured, and how their lives were celebrated. That level of care, connectivity and value of community has remained, and will always remain with me. That to me is the ‘Woodleigh Way’ and has undeniably made me a kinder person, leader and friend. GABI STANSZUS (2012) When was the last time you were back on campus? I was back on campus for the 10year reunion in October 2022. If I could describe Woodleigh in 3 words, it would be … unique, adventurous, a privilege.

What has and hasn’t changed at Woodleigh? Although the new Homesteads are seriously lush, a lot of things haven’t changed; the VCE history classroom; the smell of Jago; the feeling of having the bush all around. Michael Norman is famous for his ‘no growth without struggle’ quote. What was a struggle you faced during your time at Woodleigh? And how did you grow from it? Ms Shep never believed me when I explained that it wasn’t me who took out the IOU at the canteen in Year 7, even though my best friend admitted to taking out debts under my name. Consequently, I was in the bad books of the most powerful woman at Woodleigh from Year 7 to 12. I tried to fix it by trying to suck up to her, which (unsurprisingly) never worked. I put my foot in it again and again. Eventually I gained the dual gifts

of acceptance and humour in the Besides our 20-year reunion, I have been lucky enough to be face of dire circumstances. They say when you leave Woodleigh, invited back by former head of the the Woodleigh stays with you. Arts Faculty, Kristen Guthrie to What’s the biggest Woodleigh run Photography lessons during element that has stuck with you out Arts weeks and Activities weeks. If I could describe Woodleigh in 3 in the Real World? Apart from my friendships, words it would be … probably the biggest lesson I took Grounding, creative, supportive. away from Woodleigh was the The main difference on campus is understanding that fitting in is …

the courtyard and senior area of the arts buildings. I spent a lot of time there, I just remember it being a lot bigger.

creative / art profession.

They say when you leave Woodleigh, the Woodleigh stays with you. What’s the biggest Woodleigh What was a struggle you faced element that has stuck with you out during your time at Woodleigh? in the Real World? And how did you grow from it? I guess that it’s not just about

making friends and meeting people in your own years; it’s also the people above and below you. Outside of Woodleigh I have seen and worked with more people in the years below me; A PA R T F R O M M Y F R I E N D S H I P S , P R O B A B LY T H E B I G G E S T L E S S O N I TO O K AWAY F R O M Tristan Graham, Francesca Laude WO O D L E I G H WA S T H E U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H AT F I T T I N G I N I S B O R I N G . C A R I N G (Pizzey), Thomas Rennie, Serrin A B O U T T H E T H I N G S YO U A C T U A L LY C A R E A B O U T – N O M AT T E R H O W N I C H E – I S T H E B E S T T I C K E T F O R A L I F E W E L L L I V E D . G A B I S TA N S Z U S McCallum, Marc Baker, Frances Richardson and Sam Davis, to name a few. The amazing thing boring. Caring about the things Maybe the same thing most people art teacher, Rachel Boggan (now is that we all get along because of you actually care about – no matter from my era notice, all the new Rachel Bryant), who stepped in the unique experience we had at to team-teach and switch up the school. how niche – is the best ticket for a Homesteads. classes. Looking at the photo from life well lived. What hasn’t changed is … that class, even with that rough RYAN WHEATLEY (2002) The smell of the Jago. Not sure time, there are now over half of When was the last time you were how or why, but it’s been like that that class working in some sort of since day one. Also, the feeling of on campus? Our Year 12 Arts class had a rough start to the year. We lost a brand new teacher right at the start of the year. It actually led to an amazing

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