Ceramics Adventures at the Joshua Centre:
The Joshua Centre has recently introduced ceramics lessons for our students, providing them with a hands-on experience in the world of pottery and clay. Under the guidance of ceramicist Karen Bishop-Webb, students have been exploring their creativity and expressing themselves through the art of ceramics. From crafting unique clay pieces to learning various techniques, our students are not only developing their artistic skills but also gaining a profound appreciation for the art form. Our student’s masterpieces were recently showcased in the Primary Art Exhibition, allowing families to witness the beauty that emerges when passion meets clay.

Making Waves at King Swim, Mornington:
In the spirit of holistic development, our students have taken a plunge into the world of aquatics! King Swim in Mornington has opened its doors to our Joshua Centre learners, providing a safe and supportive environment for them to hone their swimming skills. These lessons not only promote physical fitness but also instil a sense of water confidence that will undoubtedly prove invaluable. We extend our gratitude to the instructors at King Swim for their dedication to nurturing the next generation of confident swimmers.

Primary Art Show Extravaganza:
Prepare to be dazzled by the artistic brilliance of our Joshua Centre Students’ artwork under the guidance of inspiring art teacher Jane Horn. Students displayed their art in the Primary Art Show this Term, showcasing their diverse talents that flourish within our creative community. It was a celebration of individuality, and a testament to the vibrant spirit that defines the Joshua Centre.

Two Joshua Centre Students Qualify for Triathlon Team:
Olivia Dugandzic and Jacob Casa have qualified for the upcoming Triathlon at Crib Point Oval and Pool on Thursday, November 16. We extend our best wishes to the entire team, and celebrate the achievements of these two remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of success that defines the Joshua Centre community.

Thank you:
As always, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the parents, teachers and community members who continue to support and nurture the growth of our Joshua Centre students. Your encouragement plays a pivotal role in shaping these experiences into lifelong lessons.

The Grade Fives recently spent a couple of double periods in the secondary science lab undertaking experiments in Light. The students enjoyed exploring convex and concave mirrors, seeing how refraction works and experimenting with light and colours.

Thank you to Mrs. Priest for organising such interesting and interactive lessons.

Miss Smith & Mr Wilson
Grade Five Team

Dear Flinders Families,

Spring has unfolded its vibrant tapestry, casting a spell of excitement and discovery over our Ag Studies Garden. From our youngest learners to the seasoned high school students, the gardens have been a canvas for hands-on experiences, exploration, and growth. Here's a closer look at the latest flourishing activities in our educational haven:

Junior Students Embrace Nature's Wonders:
Our junior students, like little nature detectives, have been on a mission to unravel the mysteries of our feathered friends. They've immersed themselves in investigating nests, crafting their own eggs, and pondering the intricacies of beaks. This hands-on exploration has not only connected them with the wonders of avian life but has also fostered a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of nature, including the correlation between beak structure and the types of food birds consume.

Grades 3 and 4 Dive into the World of Classification:
In the heart of the bustling gardens, Grades 3 and 4 have not only delved into the classification of living things but have also taken an active role in cultivating vegetables. This immersive experience has allowed them to witness the life cycle of plants firsthand, deepening their appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living organisms.

Sheep, Chickens, and Daily Farm Interactions:
Amidst the flourishing crops and avian explorations, the daily interactions with our resident sheep and chickens add an extra layer of charm to our AG Studies Garden. Students experience the joys of tending to the needs of our woolly friends and feathered companions. These interactions not only provide insights into animal care but also cultivate a sense of responsibility and empathy among our young caretakers.

Urban Bird Survey and Garden Harvests: Grades 5 and 6 Investigate Local Avian Residents:
Our older students have not only been surveying the skies for urban birds but have also reaped the rewards of their efforts in the gardens. The bountiful harvest of potatoes and onions has been likened to a treasure hunt, with the excitement akin to gold mining. This metaphorical connection emphasizes the sense of discovery and accomplishment that comes with nurturing and harvesting the fruits of the earth.

Cross-Grade Collaboration: Y9 Woodward Students Inspire Y7 Peers:
The collaborative spirit continues to thrive, with year 9 Woodwork students generously sharing their insights and ideas for innovative designs at the farm with their year 7 counterparts. This cross-grade exchange of knowledge exemplifies the supportive learning environment we strive to cultivate.

Biomimicry Adventure at Cranbourne Gardens: Y8 Explores Nature's Solutions:
Grade 8 students, fresh from their biomimicry adventure, bring back a wealth of inspiration. As they explore innovative solutions inspired by nature, the lessons learned in the AG Studies Garden continue to resonate in their creative endeavours.

Blooming Gardens and Beneficial Insects:
Our gardens are not just a source of nourishment but also a visual delight. Vibrant flowers burst with colour, creating an inviting space for beneficial insects. This symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna underscores the importance of biodiversity within our school ecosystem.

As we celebrate the wonders of spring, the Ag Studies Farm stands as a living testament to the boundless potential for learning, growth, and connection to the natural world. We eagerly anticipate watching these seeds of knowledge continue to blossom in the months ahead.

Warm regards, Siobhan and the Ag Studies Team.

Carrum Downs and Tyabb secondary music students showcased their musical talents in this year’s new big event: Battle of the Bands!

The evening involved ensembles from both campuses performing in the four main categories of Concert Band, Choir, Jazz Band, and Rock Band.

Each ensemble was provided ten minutes to perform two songs that highlighted their instrumental and ensemble skills.

Phil Ceberano provided adjudication for the evening and shared valuable feedback on each performance.

Phil is a highly regarded Australian musician who’s spent many of his touring and recording years as co-songwriter, collaborator and musical director/producer with his sister Kate Ceberano.

Phil shares his musical passion and expertise with young aspiring musicians through the Rock Academy music holiday program.

This was recently run at the Tyabb Music Department during the September school holidays and will be returning again during the term 1 holidays of 2024.

Phil’s professional advice was well accompanied by his entertaining commentary skills.

He awarded the best performing bands to the Carrum Downs Concert Band, Tyabb Jazz Band, Tyabb Modern Band, and a draw to the Carrum Downs and Tyabb Choirs.

Stand out performers were also awarded for their exceptional instrumental skills.

Massive congratulations to the Tyabb awardees Caleb Weber, James Bixler, and Liam Black.

All proceedings of the event have been contributed to next years new cross campus music camp.

This will take place during term two and involve two days of rehearsals at Don Bosco Camp in Dromana with a closing performance to family and friends.

The CD and TY Music teams look forward to sharing further details of this event earlier in the New Year.

Thank you to all the staff, and parents involved in the success of Battle of the Bands.

A big shout out to Joseph Rolleston from Carrum Downs for all his efforts in organising Carrum Downs involvement in the event.

We look forward to showcasing Battle of the Bands again in 2024!

The string students from the Primary and Secondary ensemble and instrumental program came together on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 November for a special mass live recording of “Christmas Bells”. Led by our talented string teachers, Greta Kerrigan and Cathy Hughes, the rehearsal on Thursday began on a high note with soulful and rejoice full melodies played by the full string section combining violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

The recording on Friday was highlighted with festivities via the combination of tinsel and colourful Christmas attire.

It’s a joy to see the string students come together as one community to share their appreciation and dedication towards music.

The live recording will be shared with the Flinders community later in the term as a Christmas gift to all the talented string musicians and their highly
supportive parents.

Thank you to Greta and Cathy for their continual efforts in running the string programs at Flinders and for sharing their passion and joy for music! The music team would also like to thank the Primary classroom teachers for their support and assistance, Vanessa for the photography, Monica for her support with the cello section, and Julia for her accompaniment.

The Flinders recording studio came to life for a professional recording session with the Flinders Jazz Band on Monday 23rd October. Jason McLaren, professional audio engineer, worked with the Jazz Band students for the day in an intensive four hour recording of over five songs.

Performance via live recording allows students hear the intricate details of their sound as an individual and group performer. This in hand aid’s further development on specific techniques such as tone, timing, articulation, dynamics, and communication between band members.

Students extended their recording skills through an exposure to recording equipment and techniques. Caleb Weber, an aspiring audio engineer, gained work experience by assisting Jason in setting up the recording gear and learning the ins and outs of being an audio engineer.

A massive congratulations to the Jazz Band members, James Bixler, Caleb Weber, Brynner Case, Bodhi Renn, and our amazing piano teacher, Julia Johnson,

on their achievements.

Year 10 Introductory Accounting & Legal Studies, along with Year 11 Legal Studies cohorts, embarked on an educational excursion to the Parliament of Victoria. The primary focus of this outing was to engage in a simulated scenario, elucidating the principles of Brodie's Law. Within this context, students actively participated in a role-play exercise designed to impart a nuanced understanding of the legislative process, specifically within the Legislative Assembly.

Brodie's Law, a significant component of Victoria's anti-bullying legislation, was enacted in June 2011. This legislation renders severe bullying a criminal offense, thereby subject to penalties of up to 10 years of imprisonment. The overarching objective of this legislative initiative is to address and deter instances of serious bullying within the societal framework.

In summary, this experiential learning opportunity provided our students with invaluable insights into the intricacies of lawmaking, with a specific emphasis on the legislative procedures governing anti-bullying measures. This immersive experience serves as a commendable addition to our students' academic journey, fostering a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks and societal responsibilities.

Shortly Year 11 student German Anna Douglas-O’Loughlin will be heading to Germany for ten weeks on an exchange trip. She is this year’s recipient of the very prestigious GASS (German Australian Students Society) scholarship. Pictured you can see Anna receiving her scholarship at the annual gala event and a photo of her with Year 12 student Alexia Liparoti, who was a scholarship recipient last year. We are so proud of these students who competed against applicants from many schools across Victoria. We hope you have an amazing trip, Anna and bring back memories of many wonderful experiences!