Ad Astra - 2020 A year to remember - The Geelong College
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Ad Astra Issue No 139 | December 2020
2020
A year to
remember
Changing of the Guard - Welcoming our new Chair of Council
From the Editor
Somehow, after many months spent
socially distanced and communicating
online, we still find ourselves shouting
a combination of ‘Can you hear me??’
and ‘You are on mute!’ at our device
screens.
2020 has been a remarkable year for all the wrong
reasons. It certainly will be one we will never forget. But
across the community we have relearnt how to learn with
our adaptability, creativity, and resilience.
In this edition, Dr Peter Miller talks about wonderful
achievements across our school. Meanwhile, Dr Hugh
Seward reflects on his 14 years as Chair of the College
Council as he hands over to Professor Richard Page. As
a community we are very grateful for Hugh’s enormous
impact and strong leadership.
As you read this edition, you will find a common theme
running through – innovation – as our teachers, students
and alumni community overcame the challenges of the
year in many different ways.
Arguably those most heavily impacted were our Year
12 students, whose final year has been extraordinary.
It hasn’t been all bad – Their bonds of friendship and
connection have strengthened as they supported each
other admirably. We wish them well for their exam results
and for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Several Old Collegians prepared wonderful video
messages of encouragement and advice for our Year
12s, which can be viewed below.
As 2020 draws to a close we should all celebrate our
courage and resilience over the festive season with
In this edition
friends and family. We look forward to seeing as many
of you as possible in 2021, and hopefully in person and
without COVID-19 restrictions!
Merry Christmas!
View the Old Collegians’
Mike Howell, message to Senior School
the Year 12s.
Director of 8 Year 12 in the middle of COVID-19
cutt.ly/Year12
Community Relations 11 Creative disruption
14 Leading the pack
Editorial Team Design
Emma Chandler Nicole Roache Emma Chandler Middle School
Mike Howell Niki Nurnaitis Sam McIntosh
20 Putting a face to the writer
Contributors 21 The importance of feedback
Mellisa Barnes Lachlan Houen Georgina Rolls
22 Writing: A dance between theory and
Nick Betts Sandy Hutton Leanne Russell
Christie Barrett Kevin Jess Marita Seaton practice
Georgie Cullen Thane Joske Caroline Stok
Edwina Davis Peter Lawson Matthew Thacker
Leanne Earl Rory McElligott Coral Turner Junior School
Reilly Eddy Andrea McGucken Kelly Watson
Emily FitzSimons Chelsea Matheson Emma Watters
24 The official opening of our Junior School
Joan Gill Andrew Maureder Sondra Wood 26 House connections
Jessica Henderson Photography Steve Wright
Photography Dr Peter Miller
Cover image: Jessica Henderson Photography
2 Ad Astra Issue No 139
Our College Our Community
4
Changing of the guard
A message from outgoing Chair of Council, 40 Foundation President’s Report
Dr Hugh Seward AM. 41 Dr Bill Williams Tjungurrayi Scholarship
5 New chair of council 42 Remembering Rev. Sir Frank Rolland
A message from incoming Chair of Council,
Prof Richard Page. 44 OGCA President’s report
6
2020 – The year that was 52 Thought Leaders: Positive Action for Now
A message from Principal, Dr Peter Miller. 54 Morongo Girls’ College - a place to call
18 Through the eyes of a teacher ‘home’
28 Chaplain’s Corner 57 50 years of the Stuart Laidlaw Memorial Pool
58 Lab-grown ‘mini-kidneys’ with lifesaving
29 A year to remember – perspectives from potential
boarding families
60 Smith of Dunesk Mission
32 School Activities
62 Our home-grown American football star
35 New deputy Principal 66 Farming in 2020
36 Staff departures 72 Year 12...Where to next? Como Park!
74 Farewells
76 Reunions
Changing
of the Guard
DR HUGH SEWARD AM (OGC 1966),
CHAIR OF COUNCIL
The entrance was not
through a gate in the hedge
but over a small stile like one
you would find along an old
English hedgerow. At the age of four, holding
my mother’s hand tightly, wearing my school
uniform and green cap for the first time, I
stepped up the three steps and over that stile
into a whole new world.
The small junior campus for grades have been filled with excitement and With the help of the Foundation, twelve
prep, one and two on Aphrasia Street many unexpected challenges. years ago, we purchased a beautiful
was a cluster of three timber buildings, section of farmland along a stretch of
The Council is responsible for
and doors with lots of small window- the Barwon River at Fyansford. This will
appointing the Principal of the school
panes looking out onto a front yard of provide room for expanded sporting
and during my time I have had the
green grass. But the backyard was the facilities and school growth in the
pleasure to work with three Principals,
wonderland for play with a sand pit, an future. It will also provide a “land-bank”
Dr Pauline Turner, Mr Andrew Barr
old boat to clamber over and let the which I hope will assist the funding of
and Dr Peter Miller. With every change
pirate imagination run wild, and several long-term infrastructure improvements
of Principal the school experiences especially at the Senior School. In 2014
peppercorn trees that always left brown
a readjustment to changing times, we also purchased one hundred acres
climbing stains on your hands.
educational trends and parent adjacent to the Cape Otway lighthouse
Then it was just called the Kindergarten, expectations essential for the school to facilitate our learning outdoors
later the buildings were moved to the to grow. However, preserving the programs, which will continue to grow
“New Prep” site in Aberdeen Street and essential character of the school and its and develop in the next few years.
became Campbell House. It grew over values has been a focus of the Council
time until the mix of timber buildings throughout this time. Nearly ten years ago we refurbished
and converted portables could no the Middle School to facilitate growth
The distress of some past students and meet modern educational needs.
longer meet the school’s needs.
who were victims of abuse during their Then five years ago we engaged
Now, in 2020, we have completed a time at the school has finally been one of Australia’s finest architects
magnificent new complex. It seems acknowledged over the last six years. and Old Collegian John Wardle and
fitting that my final official act as the It was like an unrecognised wound that his architectural firm to create a new
School Council chair, was to join with lay dormant for years and finally broke infrastructure Master Plan for the next
my grand-daughter Winnie as she open. It has taken enormous effort 20 years. The new Campbell House-
unveiled the plaque on behalf of the from many members of Council and Junior School was the first phase,
Governor of Victoria to open the new our Principal Dr Miller to ensure that we now completed, and the Master Plan
Junior School-Campbell House. care for our fellow Collegians who were has just been reviewed to provide an
harmed, support them and attempt to inspirational guide for the school into
There is no hedge, no stile to climb, but
heal, but also ensure this can never the distant future.
the wonderland for play and the spaces
happen again.
to learn are beyond the comprehension Through all this activity the essential
of a small boy in 1957. It has been an During these challenges the Council has workings of the school has continued
honour to be given the task of leading maintained our strong financial integrity, – a celebration of 150 years since
the School Council. These last 14 years and provided for a sustainable future. our foundation in 2011, constitutional
4 Ad Astra Issue No 139
New chair of council
PROF RICHARD PAGE,
INCOMING CHAIR OF COUNCIL
Greek philosopher Heraclitus
stated a long time ago ‘the world is
flux only change is changeless’, this
remains very relevant and could
not be more true than in 2020.
This year has seen an As a past and current parent our
unprecedented amount of household has also shared some of
challenge and change for our these challenges, but the support
community including teachers, provided by the school to continue
staff and students at The Geelong an active learning environment has
College. helped smooth out the bumps.
In the theme of change I would like There have been some unexpected
to express my deep thanks and opportunities such as being able
to participate in a Science prac
pay tribute to Dr Hugh Seward for
(who knew you could get DNA
his stewardship over his extensive
from a strawberry in the kitchen!)
tenure on College Council,
or knowing a little more about
including fourteen years as Chair
English or Textiles assignments.
independence from the Uniting Church as he steps down and hands over
Catching up on some long-lost
developed, annual budgets were the reins. Math has been another unexpected
scrutinised, governance processes skill regained during the lockdown
During this time the school has
updated and risk management matured. periods.
seen significant change and
Our community was engaged, student
evolution. His wisdom, experience Although this has understandably
results were interrogated, and educational
plans were created and remodelled. and even hand have helped been very challenging for families,
guide the school and his positive it has enabled us to focus on some
Then finally, along comes the COVID-19 influence will be felt for many years of the simple pleasures of family
pandemic to challenge all our processes to come. It will be a privilege to time and enjoy more conversations
and educational structure, and that together.
follow in his footsteps, large as they
demonstrates the agility and ability of our
are.
wonderful teachers and support staff. As I write we are delighted to see
Navigating the challenges this the return of students at all levels to
So much has happened since I assumed
year has required strong effective the school into a period of ‘COVID
the role as chair of Council, but all this
leadership which has been amply normal’. Just as hospitals are not
has been the work of a great team of
provided by our Principal, Dr hospitals without patients, schools
Council Members, over 25 different people
Peter Miller and his Executive. The are not schools without students.
during that time, educational experts,
flexibility and willingness to adapt The grounds, buildings, gardens,
church ministers, farmers, accountants,
labs and studios eagerly awaited
lawyers, doctors, psychologists, leaders demonstrated by students, families
the return of students, as did the
of business, community and government and teachers has been exemplary
staff. To hear the echo of busy
departments. The breadth of expertise, to ensure 2020 has not been lost
classrooms and playgrounds is
and the collaboration and cooperation in the wilderness. Strong character
what our College has been waiting
amongst this group of extraordinary is the foundation for resilience,
for.
people dedicated to the school has been and this has been required in large
remarkable. To each and everyone of them quantities this year. Finally, I would like to acknowledge
I am most grateful. all families for the part they
Although there have been many have played in maintaining the
I wish my successor Professor events not able to be celebrated engagement and learning of their
Richard Page, the members of as part of the school calendar this children whilst in person learning
Council and Principal Dr Peter year, the skills required through the was not possible, and wish
necessity of adaptation will provide everyone well for the remainder
Miller every success in the future
a strong foundation for future of the year as we look forward to
and I retire with confidence that challenges for all of us. summer.
the school is in great hands.
Ad Astra Issue No 139 5
2020 – The year
DR PETER MILLER, PRINCIPAL
As an alternative approach to a review of 2020, I would like us to
reflect more on the achievements than the challenges we have
faced over the last 9 months. This is not to be dismissive of the
difficulties but to pay tribute to the outstanding commitment of our
staff, the patience of our parents and the quiet determination of our
students. It has not been the year we had anticipated for anyone.
The Remote Learning approach was The first area to celebrate this year approach to Remote Learning and
outlined in detail in the earlier edition of is, in fact, our exceptional staff. The little of the excitement we may have
Ad Astra. This was published ahead of experience of the earlier period of felt when first entering into Remote
the second COVID-19 wave resulting in Remote Learning significantly informed Learning in March. Our teaching staff,
the protracted disruption to school from our teachers in our second run at it students, parents and support staff
5 August to 6 October for students in (let me call it Remote Learning 2.0). worked extraordinarily well to ensure
Foundation to Year 6 and Monday 12 However, the Remote Learning 2.0 the commitment to maintain the best
October for students in Years 7 to 12. brought with it a more pragmatic
6 Ad Astra Issue No 139
that was
possible experience for our students in I would also like to acknowledge on teaching and learning spaces has
Remote Learning 2.0. the significant achievements in been maintained this year as we look to
relation to our facilities this year. The the future.
The demand on teachers with a new
redeveloped Junior School is one of
tool kit for their practice required I would like to acknowledge some key
the most exciting educational facilities
significant on the job skill development people in this organisation. Elsewhere
in Australia. There is nothing like it in
and refinement. The approach has seen any other school in the nation. This is in this edition of Ad Astra you can read
students and teachers learning together, a purpose built, contemporary facility about the retirement from the position of
how to use the tools effectively. This has which links to the historic Campbell Deputy Principal of my most loyal and
significantly challenged the traditional House buildings in a very gentle way. dedicated colleague Mr Roger Smith.
model of teachers as experts on Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach His service to the College and its people
everything from content to the tools of to the education of young children
is second to none. At the same time, we
transmission. the spaces within the buildings are
welcome Mr Simon Young to the role
In many ways this complements magnificent in their ability to facilitate
from the beginning of 2021. Mr Young
the changes to teaching practice. learning and create an extraordinary
physical environment for our students has established himself with distinction
Over the last 20 years we have seen over the last three years as Head of
and their teachers. I encourage you
teachers relinquish absolute authority
to visit the Junior School at your first Senior School and we all look forward to
for, and complete control over, the
opportunity. his involvement across all three schools
content learned by students under
as Deputy Principal.
their supervision. This is because the The redeveloped Junior School
curriculum for many year levels is less buildings tell the stories of its Finally, I would like to acknowledge the
prescriptive in its content, we have occupants. In turn, it will play an change in the Chair of Council in the last
new tools to assist learning as well important role in shaping the stories of quarter of this year. Dr Hugh Seward’s
as societal changes. The sense of a the occupants for many years to come
14-year term as Chair has seen the
teacher as a facilitator, with intentions by setting a foundation for an ongoing
College through extraordinary times.
for student outcomes rather than limited love of learning, desire for inquiry,
His passion for and commitment to the
and prescriptive content has been a functional community interactions and
success for the students inhabiting the success of College is much admired.
significant development in teaching
spaces. It is also something I greatly respect. It
practice.
is important for the College community
Remote Learning 2.0 reinforced The Middle School continues to
to be reminded that members of
experience growth and in the 50th year
the development of contemporary The Geelong College Council are all
of the Laidlaw swimming pool is now
pedagogy where teachers are less of volunteers. In addition to their roles as
overlooked by additional classrooms.
the expert than ever before as they governors (board directors) they are all
These classrooms are magnificent in
operate in a virtual classroom rather concerned for and committed to ensure
their location and functionality which
than the traditional physical space.
will assist the opportunities for students the success of the students. They
However, the expertise of good teachers
in the important “Middle Years” of commit many hours of their personal
is evident in their ability to engage
schooling as they consolidate their time to this end. I warmly welcome
and motivate their students. It is fair to positive approach to learning. At the Professor Richard Page to the role of
say that although this is also a strong Senior School we have continued to Chair of Council and I look forward
feature of 21st century teacher practice work on the restoration and upgrade of
it is a long-held characteristic of good to working with him and the rest of
the oldest classrooms at College. Many
teaching. Therefore, in some ways so Council as we continue to advance our
of the classrooms around the Cloisters
much has changed while the essence wonderful College.
have been completely refurbished
of good teaching has remained exactly to create historically elegant spaces It has been a remarkable year of
the same – it’s the human component. with modern amenities. They are now achievements that confirm the
The excellent work of our staff in all their comfortable and practical spaces that importance of the people, place and
roles has greatly assisted in the success the students love to attend. Next year
community of The Geelong College.
of our students and their achievements will see the continuation of the upgrade
this year. in the downstairs classrooms. The focus
Ad Astra Issue No 139 7
Year 12 in the
middle of COVID-19
GEORGIE CULLEN & MATTHEW THACKER, THE GEELONG COLLEGE CO-CAPTAINS
Our school captains chat to fellow Year 12 students about the ups and downs of
completing their final year of school in the year of COVID-19.
Elli White myself procrastinating too much. Doing
this wasn’t efficient or helpful, so I
What has been your outlet, or thing
that’s kept you going?
What has been the biggest challenge formed a system where I made sure to Going outside to eat or chill out for a
for you this year? wake up with a plan for the day. I try few minutes has really helped me stay
Personally, my biggest challenge to do the more tedious tasks first, like grounded and clear headed, especially
has been staying motivated in all my studying, and then move on to the more if my dog or my sister is around. Having
subjects. I found it was very easy to fall enjoyable activities such as going for those deep and meaningful chats is the
behind and neglect some subjects. a walk or grabbing a coffee with some best outlet when struggling with school
How have you found the workload of friends. Knowing where your priorities or other stresses.
Year 12? are is a big help, especially when
visualising your main goals for the year.
At some points of the year I felt
suffocated by all the work and found
8 Ad Astra Issue No 139
Image: Andrew Maureder Photography
If you could give your Year 11 self a teacher to ensure I was not distracted schedule, I would always set a period at
who is about to start Year 12 one by my phone and being distracted by night time to dedicate to study which I
piece of advice, what would it be? my dog. I felt as though I improved in felt was beneficial in preventing me from
Don’t stress yourself over the little blocking out these distractions as we falling behind in work or even just sitting
things! Always know that there’s a plan got further into online learning. I left my at my desk and procrastinating about
B, C and D if everything else falls apart. phone outside my room, and shut the the work I needed to complete.
dog out of my room. If you could give your Year 11 self who
What has been the biggest thing
COVID-19 has taught you about What has been your outlet, or thing is about to start Year 12 one piece of
yourself? that’s kept you going? advice, what would it be?
COVID-19 has taught me to be patient At the start of the year I always looked I would just make sure that you can
and adaptive. With all the unexpected forward to footy pre-season, this would leave College knowing that you have
changes throughout the year, I needed always get me through the final few made the most of your time here,
to be calm and collected during all the periods of the day. Lunch and recess whether its studying hard, excelling in
unknowns. were also something I looked forward to sport or even just having a conversation
when it got half way through second or with someone that you rarely talk to. I
What do you hope next year brings?
fourth period and things were starting think if you can leave College being able
I hope next year brings more to feel dull. No matter if it was playing to honestly tell yourself that you made
celebrations with friends and family, chasey around the school or listening the most of your time then you will be
being locked away for most of the year to Paddy Sinnott’s hilarious stories it satisfied.
was stifling and frustrating at times. was always an exciting thought that What has been the biggest thing
Fingers crossed next year will be would get me through the end of these COVID-19 has taught you about
normal, or COVID normal. periods. yourself?
How have you found the workload of COVID made me realise that anything
Charlie Pleming Year 12? can happen, if someone was to tell me
What has been the biggest challenge At the beginning of the year I found it when I was in Year 11 that we would be
for you this year? difficult to balance the work load with completing Year 12 through a worldwide
Adjusting to a range of distractions external factors, such as sports training pandemic I would have laughed. I think
during remote learning - eg - Not having and other social commitments. I found one of the biggest lessons COVID
it really beneficial to stick to a study taught me was that even in the worst
Ad Astra Issue No 139 9
Image: Andrew Maureder Photography
situations you are still able to pull out
aspects of positivity, although we haven’t
Sam Rowbottom Obviously, this year has encapsulated a
lot of change, most of it unforeseen, so
been able to spend as much time What has been the biggest challenge if I was to only take one thing away from
together as we would have liked, I know for you this year? the experience, I would definitely have to
that myself and so many others have still The interchanging between home say the importance of versatility.
been able to obtain countless positive learning and on campus learning was What do you hope next year brings?
memories from this time. definitely a big challenge this year.
I am hoping that next year the world will
What do you hope next year brings? With real life social interactions more
reach some form of normality again.
restricted than ever before, home
I hope next year and into the future I’m Although I don’t think society will ever
learning was a very unchartered
able to maintain and strengthen the be the same, in some ways I believe
experience. We were very lucky to have
close bonds that I have been able to this has the opportunity to be a real
such an in-depth and sophisticated
achieve throughout my time at College. positive. Next year, I am hoping to study
system in place, it certainly made Year
commerce at university and am looking
12 much smoother than what it could
Tom Roberts have been. Without a doubt the year has
forward to exploring some new hobbies.
What has been the biggest challenge gone very differently to what many of us
for you this year? expected.
COVID-19 (obviously) and the What has been your outlet, or thing
remote learning throughout the year. that’s kept you going?
Regardless, I believe The Geelong Given my competitive nature, I’ve always
College staff and teachers managed the wanted to perform at the highest level I
home learning very well! can. Regardless of a pandemic, making
What has been your outlet, or thing the most of my opportunity here at
that’s kept you going? College has always been a priority, so
Footy – and especially the ‘Tiges’ working hard to achieve my best results Simon is pictured above with School
has been enough motivation for me to Co-Captain, Georgie Cullen.
winning the granny!
keep going.
How have you found the workload of 125 special deliveries
Year 12? How have you found the workload of
Year 12? The Year 12 jumper is a valued
This year, there wasn’t much else to do
but study. I definitely improved my study Unfortunately, with the pandemic, a lot of memento of our students’ final
skills compared to other years. my extra-curricular activities were either year. With COVID-19 restrictions
postponed or cancelled for the year. necessitating Remote Learning,
What do you hope next year brings?
With the additional workload of Year 12, students were unable to collect
Hopefully no face mask wearing and a the lack of other commitments helped
Richmond three-peat! their jumpers at school.
me find more time for my schoolwork.
If you could give your Year 11 self Our Head of Senior School, and
If you could give your Year 11 self
who is about to start Year 12 one who is about to start Year 12 one soon to be Deputy Principal,
piece of advice, what would it be? piece of advice, what would it be? Simon Young travelled more
Don’t forget to chill out right up until the than 200 kilometres in a single
The year will present a lot of challenges,
end of the holidays – next year is going day to deliver jumpers and care
regardless of a pandemic, so make sure
to be full on. packages to 125 of our Year 12
you are organised and find ways to keep
What has been the biggest thing motivated. students around Geelong and
COVID-19 has taught you about surrounds.
What has been the biggest thing
yourself?
COVID-19 has taught you about Simon was interviewed
Pretty proud of myself for not giving up – yourself? on ABC radio, listen at:
found I can be quite resilient when faced cutt.ly/Y12jumpers
I think COVID-19 has shown me how
with adversity.
important flexibility and balance is in life.
10 Ad Astra Issue No 139Student artworks, clockwise from top left: Ethan Tran, Lila McRae-Palmer, Louisa Bath and Catie Hodge.
Creative disruption
BY KEVIN JESS, HEAD OF DESIGN AND CREATIVE ARTS
Finding ways to complete Year 12 Art and Design subjects during remote
learning required creative thinking and flexibility.
Creative disruption is a term often moments. However, for our Year 12 the effort as they get scaled down’.
used in business, economics or Design and Creative Arts students, However, in a year like 2020 what has
marketing. ‘Disruption’ often occurs this disruption has become a new become increasingly more visible are
through a new threat or competitor challenge and an opportunity to the real reasons why we encourage
appearing within a given sector; exercise their creative resolve, the study of art and design-based
‘creative’ solutions are then needed resourcefulness and self-driven subjects. It is the creativity and
to adjust, reinvent or combat the problem-solving capabilities. These problem-solving skills that are
threat. are all transferrable skills, essential gained in such subjects that enable
to thrive in today’s world and keenly a student to develop as a resilient
As we all know too well, 2020 has
sort after by employers and tertiary learner.
indeed been a disrupted year.
institutions alike.
Perhaps for some more than others? As articulated by Lila McRae-Palmer,
I speak particularly of our Year 12 ‘Folio subjects’ are often Year 12 (VCE Art) “If anything, 2020’s
cohort; this disruption has blanketed misrepresented as ‘too hard’, ‘too rollercoaster of a year has taught
a year of so many significant much work’ or worse still ‘not worth me that creation is not linear – it
Ad Astra Issue No 139 11Baxter Kay designed film poster for ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ which formed part of his ‘CINOFLIX’ project. The images
above show the design process from concept development through to completion.
is not a direct process of idea to final resources and the Austin Gray Art and Baxter Kay demonstrated this in his
work, it is an up and down journey, full Design facility has meant that every Visual Communication Design project
of mistakes and failures and changes student had to adjust, reconfigure, or for ‘CINOFLIX’ – a movie streaming
of direction. COVID-19 has further even reconsider and redevelop their channel bringing old classic movies to
prompted us as art students to accept directions. a younger demographic. His original
setbacks, and to keep on trying, as intention was to use paper collage, a
Throughout the Remote Learning
nothing is guaranteed. It’s challenged powerful technique from the 1950’s, to
experience, students were supported
us even further to think outside the box, create designs for his movie graphics.
by their teachers via online classrooms.
when the artistic resources were so
They were able to share and showcase With the restrictions of remote learning,
limited throughout the year, which has
their work. Private channels in MS Baxter was unable to access the range
encouraged our creativity to blossom in
Teams became a dossier of progressive of papers and materials from the design
abundance.”
images of student work, recorded room that he had intended to use. In
Throughout this year of disrupted discussions with their teacher and response, Baxter adjusted his thinking.
learning programs with extended conversations of detailed feedback. He re-imagined his concept into an
periods of remote learning, our Year 12 exquisite, energetic digital collage,
Design and Creative Arts students have Teachers converted their kitchen tables appropriating images from the original
used their creativity to adjust. No longer to mini studios, using cameras to movies and manipulating them into
would they have the open access to the demonstrate techniques and creating striking, contemporary posters.
many wonderful facilities, resources, libraries of ‘how-to’ support videos.
Fraser Yeaman had a similar experience
materials and rich exemplars of previous Teachers used every tool available to
when developing his project for Product
students that the Austin Gray Centre ensure students’ experiences were as
Design Technology. Being unable
houses. close as possible to the face-to face
access the College workshop during
learning they were used to. Despite
These students have used their Remote Learning meant he was unable
this, student success was still heavily
creativity to explore ‘ways forward’. To to make small prototypes for his Flight
reliant on the ingenuity and self-directed
re-imagine their showcase final folios to Simulator. Fraser used his creativity to
capabilities of the student.
something new. The disruption to their generate impressive 3D renderings and
program, isolation from the school’s mechanical drawings using an industry
12 Ad Astra Issue No 139Fraser Yeaman generated impressive
3D Renderings using industrial
design software, Fusion 360, before
completing his final project.
standard industrial design software, The adjustments made have,
Fusion 360. understandably, reduced the volume of
artworks or completed products required
State-wide adjustments to all VCE
of the students. Considering this, and
subjects aimed to compensate for
the challenges our students have worked
disruptions and support students in such
with, the range of creative works they
an unusual year. It was still our student’s
have presented this year is amazing.
positivity and creativity that enabled
them to so successfully complete their Our Design and Creative Arts students
studies. have demonstrated a resilience and
dedication to their learning that they
As Olivia Allen, VCE Art (Year 11
should be most proud of.
accelerator) explained, ‘2020 has made Virtual Art Exhibition
me realise how much The teaching team at the
we take for granted
2020 has made me Austin Gray Centre for With COVID restrictions, and
as a society and the realise how much Design and Creative Arts
the unpredictability around
them, hampering our ability
opportunities we waste. we take for granted congratulate all our final
to hold our annual in-person
Having spent most as a society and the year students. Their ability exhibition, we have developed
of lockdown isolated opportunities we waste to use their creativity to a virtual exhibition in a bid
on the farm, I’ve adapt to the challenges to reach out to our whole
indulged myself in new - Olivia Allen, VCE art student presented and navigate community to showcase the
experiences and really the disruption to produce amazing efforts of our students
appreciated the opportunities that I’ve final outcomes of such standards is in 2020.
been given. Coronavirus has made me highly commendable. We wish them
You can take a
more creative due to being at home, every success in the future as they move tour of the 2020
which has restricted the resources I out into the world beyond school. We VCE Design and
could use throughout my artistic journey, know with the creativity and resilience Creative Arts
which therefore gave me new ideas for they have demonstrated this year…they Virtual Exhibition
at:cutt.ly/transit2020
my folio.’ are truly ready for anything!
Ad Astra Issue No 139 13Leading the pack
NICOLE ROACHE, MARKETING MANAGER
Stephanie Williams left her home in Wagait Beach on the Cox Peninsula, just 8kms or
a ferry trip from Darwin, aged 11. She left her mum and sister, for the opportunities an
education down south presented. Little did she know that after three years at Worawa
Aboriginal College in Healesville, that a Smith Family Scholarship would bring her to The
Geelong College, and then to the Geelong Cats as the College’s first listed AFLW player.
Steph describes her childhood memories have the good father role model to teach and that there might be more
of football as mixed. While she loved me about footy, so it felt male dominated opportunities for her football if she stayed
kicking things, balls, plastic bottles, and negative to me.” in Victoria.
basically anything she could find on the
It all changed when her friend invited her “They told me I should probably try to do
ground, she hated what football stood
for a kick of the footy when she arrived the harder schoolwork in a mainstream
for, in her mind.
at Worawa, where they had a girls’ footy school. They also said because I was
“I loved all sport, but we never really had team. good at footy, I should stay in Victoria.
the time or money for all the sports that
“My friend changed my whole view. “I put in heaps of different scholarship
I wanted to play. My mum really didn’t
When we were out kicking the footy, she applications, in Adelaide, in Sydney,
want me to play footy because it’s so
told me I was good at it and asked me MLC, Pymble Ladies’ College and
physical, and it wasn’t for girls, so I only
to be on the team, so I thought whatever Wesley, basically any school you could
really had the opportunity to play netball.
and I did.” think of. Some of them fell through and
I hated football; up north at the time
all I could relate footy with was a lot of From there Steph began to turn heads my mum wasn’t too fond of the purple
alcohol and a lot of violence. I also didn’t with her dashing game style and natural colour, so she said maybe not Wesley.
talent. “In December I got an offer from Geelong
“Eventually I got really good and College! Out of all the options, for some
people noticed. I started playing in reason, this was the school…
different teams in Victoria and the NT, “Honestly, I didn’t think I would stay for
playing a lot more and getting different even a week. It was daunting, totally
opportunities. I found I loved it because different to what I was used to. I saw the
of the sisterhood, looking after each flash uniform and I thought oh no, this
other, celebrating each other and the big school might be too flash for me, but
team environment. Also, I had a whole
I just moved past that and met all the
oval to run… I love running, especially
lovely people.
running away from people, it’s very
exhilarating. When the ball would go “In my time here I think that’s what has
somewhere, I would pick it up and run really got me through, all the different
with it. Sometimes a bit too far so people people you meet. It’s been a good time.
were telling me to bounce the ball, which I’m getting a bit emotional now it’s almost
I had to learn.” over, but it’s been good.”
In 2017 Steph was told that she In her final year at College, Steph was the
should try mainstream schooling and Mossgiel Captain, a Prefect and Captain
encouraged to apply for scholarships, of the Inaugural College AFLW team.
14 Ad Astra Issue No 139“I love it all, being a leader was good. I know if footy was going to be my thing one girl and then she ran away, so I had
didn’t know if I could do it, but obviously anymore.” to get it back and kick the goal!’”
I could! Being a part of the first girls’
And then COVID-19 hit, and seasons, Fast forward to 6 October in the girls’
footy team was awesome. I loved how it
games and draft combines were boarding house and a nervous Steph
was some of the girls’ first time playing
cancelled, so Steph headed home for is watching a live stream of the draft,
footy. four months and decided to hit the waiting for her name to be called, and
“In a few years, maybe one of them will training track, hard. In those last few hoping she will get to stay in her adopted
say ‘Steph taught me to kick the footy.’ games in Geelong, recruiters had noticed home of Geelong.
her and her form in the NT backed up
“It’s also good because it’s a real change what they saw. “I kept thinking I hope they still want me
for our school. With girls’ footy, football because they were calling out
is a girls and boys sport at our school, “I played one game down It is a dream all these other girls’ names. I
at Kardinia Park for Joeys,
just like it is everywhere else. It’s a good come true, I thought what if they don’t want
thing for the girls, they can choose to I didn’t realise at the time, me, or if they don’t get me in
because of COVID-19, with didn’t think
play footy if they want to.” time someone else might… or
everyone in their masks and it would ever someone else might not…
While at school Steph continued her in their cars, but a lot of the happen and I’m
football journey playing at St Joseph’s Cats people were there. still pinching “But then 27 came and I
and for the Geelong Falcons, as well as They could also see footage thought they might pick me and
making state teams for the NT. After her from my NT games from last
myself. that it would be cool because
2019 season was disrupted with injury, year, when I played pretty alright in some I was born on the 27th of January. Then
and she was devastated by the passing of them. they said my name and I just started
of her sister, Steph was unsure if footy crying.
“In one game, I think it was just a fluke,
was for her after all.
I handballed it to myself and I kicked a “It is a dream come true, I didn’t think it
“I didn’t really play footy that much, I put goal. Everyone thought it was awesome would ever happen and I’m still pinching
on a bit of weight, I was eating a lot of and I was like, ‘it wasn’t supposed to myself. I think I will be for the next two
cookies and getting a bit sad and I didn’t happen, I was supposed to handball it to years.”
Ad Astra Issue No 139 15Painting The College ‘rainbow’
LACHLAN HOUEN, YEAR 12 STUDENT
Since its founding in the middle of 2018, The Geelong College Rainbow Alliance
(GCRA) has strived to create an open and inclusive environment for its members. We
aim to foster such an environment and extend it to the wider College community.
While the central focus of the Rainbow this year in support of the LGBT+ was a fun and engaging way to celebrate
Alliance is upon creating greater community, attempting to create new one of the most important events on the
opportunity and feelings of involvement and imaginative ways to promote LGBT+ calendar.
for our school’s LGBTQIA+ students, greater awareness and acceptance
Being the chairperson of the GCRA this
our ideals extend much further than that, within the school community. This has
year has been an absolute pleasure, as
aligning with the College’s values of importantly included flying the rainbow
it has given me the chance to work with
Community with Diversity and ensuring flag on our very own flagpole in Helicon
some incredible individuals who have
that each and every member of our Place to celebrate Pride Week in June,
shown me that the future holds great
school’s community feels valued and a clear visual symbol of how far our
promise for an open and welcoming
appreciated. community has come
world, filled with people
Taking over from Connor McGucken
in accepting those “The future holds great who respect and
from diverse sexual promise for an open and appreciate those around
at the start of this year was no easy
orientations.
task, but I am proud to say that even in welcoming world, filled with them.
these trying and tumultuous times, the Another moment people who respect and I encourage all in the
GCRA has managed to stay committed we have cherished
appreciate those around College community to go
to meeting with each other online and is sending out care
them.” out into the world with
organising events in support of the packages to all of our
these values in mind, and
LGBT+ and College community. members with a letter of appreciation
to above all respect the people you meet
and multiple LGBT+ stickers to remind
It was admittedly a strange feeling to simply for who they are, not what their
them of our support during this difficult
be addressing a group of people over predispositions may be.
time.
Microsoft Teams (most of whom you
I look forward to seeing how this group
could not see!) but it was certainly Wear It Purple Day (WIPD) was
blossoms and expands over the coming
something we got used to and grew into, celebrated quite differently this year, with
years, and have hope for even greater
as much of the College community has members encouraged to wear purple
acceptance of all members of the
done with the Remote Learning model. items of clothing and use the WIPD
College community in the years to come.
Teams background in their classes and
Aside from the digital leap, the GCRA
during our fortnightly meeting, which
has been involved in multiple events
16 Ad Astra Issue No 138Wellbeing in 2020
JOAN GILL, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT WELLBEING - PROGRAMS
This year has presented us with challenges that no one could have predicted.
Lockdown heightened our concern for students’ wellbeing and adapting our TripleR
programs to remote learning was very important.
Wherever possible during remote some of our previous Some of Paul Dillon’s
learning, we ensured our students could exchange students who key messages:
still engage with a range of speakers and heard him when they
• Adolescent brains are
wellbeing presenters albeit as webinars. were on exchange here
wired for them to push the
two years ago and have
Paul Dillon has been presenting to boundaries
taken his message to
Geelong College students for over • Adolescents weigh risk/
the other side of the
a decade so his webinar was much reward differently from
world!
anticipated by our senior students. The adults. They don’t down
key to his success is the relationship he The evening webinar grade the risk, but they give
builds with the students over their final proved exceptionally more weight to the payoff
three years of schooling. They trust him popular and very timely • Reward increases around
and know that he genuinely cares for for parents trying to their peers
them. negotiate the new • Parents need to make sure
realities with their their conversations go
Such is his reputation that the image
children. beyond the pandemic
pictured (right) was sent to him by
Asking the
question: RU Ok?
Everyday became RUOK day in
lockdown without the daily face to face
cues that alert us to student issues.
Whilst no substitute for face to face
interactions, the regular check-ins with
students around their wellbeing were
critical.
September 9, the annual RUOK Day
was recognised across the campuses
with simple messages of support and
connection.
Mr Taylor’s
Year 9 Art class
captured the
essence and The Year 9 Art class created a photographic collage for RU Ok day during
context of Remote Learning.
the day with The Junior School were engaged adapt to Plan B when Plan A no longer
this striking in random acts of kindness as an works. How apt is this definition for the
collage. important way of showing care for circumstances we found ourselves in
each other. throughout 2020.
Mrs Russell,
Head of Mrs Russell’s feel-good We never take the wellbeing of our On behalf of all the wellbeing staff, I
Middle School video for RU Ok day. students for granted and being aware offer my praise to our students for their
encouraged and alert to their social and emotional resilience and adaptability.
her staff and students to appreciate the needs in lockdown was heightened.
value of a simple smile in her “feel-good” There are many definitions of resilience
video. but the one I like best is the ability to
Ad Astra Issue No 138 17Through
the eyes of
a teacher
On Tuesday 24th March 2020
schooling at The Geelong College, and
indeed all of Victoria, entered a new era.
Beginning as a flurry of activity to prepare for what we
anticipated might be a few weeks of students learning
Senior School – Melissa Barnes
from home, evolved into the single biggest disruption to When I realised I would be teaching remotely, I felt nervous
education in the State’s history. but reassured that the school was in a favourable position to
With up to 20 weeks spent undertaking remote learning, navigate our way through the coming challenges.
2020 has been a very different year for our school I consider myself fortunate to work with our students
community. We know that for students and their families, the and have never been more grateful for their kindness
challenges have been substantial. Teachers have supported and patience. I admired their resilience as they missed
Foundation children who, having just begun their first full many rites of passage; the 18th birthday without a banner
year of school, were sent home again. Students in their decorating Helicon Place, the triumphant first solo drive
final year of schooling have had to cope with achieving down Talbot Street, the toasted sandwich in the Year 12
under unusual circumstances and deal with unavoidable Common Room. Apart from occasional pranking by muting
disappointments as events were sidelined by COVID-19 peers mid-sentence, students were engaged, purposeful
restrictions. The experience for those in the years in and cooperative. They politely offered support and ideas to
between has been no easier – separated from friends and each other and me as we went through the learning journey
families, co-curricular activities curtailed, communicating together.
with their teachers only via devices. There is no denying that Teaching is a subtle
it has been a challenging year, one that no student (or their Teaching is a subtle art relying upon
art relying upon
families) would wish to repeat. communication between learners and the communication
teacher; slight changes in body language between learners
But have you thought about your student’s teachers? Never or facial expression inform our choices. and the teacher;
in their careers have they encountered such a seismic shift Sometimes teaching remotely felt like slight changes in
in their professional lives. gazing through a dirty windscreen. body language or
facial expression
“The personal relationships we have with our Was the work too hard, too easy, too
inform our choices.
students are the lifeblood of our days, and so boring? Sometimes conversations were
Sometimes teaching
awkward as students worried they might
adjusting to a wholly online or remote environment remotely felt like
be saying too much or silencing another gazing through a dirty
changes the very nature of what we do,” student. Breakout rooms helped and windscreen.
- Middle School Leader of Learning, Marita Seaton. sometimes a one-on-one virtual chat
Transferring the entirety of their teaching programs to was a perfect opportunity to regain the
a digital platform is not simple. Overnight, they needed immediacy of face to face teaching.
to become experts in Microsoft Teams, and deliver their This year has been a time of reinvigoration. Those software
curriculum in a way that not only kept students learning, but icons that previously raised only a mild curiosity are now
also kept them engaged. They needed be able to provide essential tools, and I see great potential for their future use.
assistance and support to every student, without the luxury
of face to face communication. Thanks to the herculean efforts of IT leaders as well as
the generosity of my peers, we reinvented ourselves and
As a community, we applaud our teachers for their learned to navigate through different platforms and shared
extraordinary effort this year. successes and failures.
Our Leaders of Learning across all three schools have This year has been a significant evolutionary event in
been invited to share their insights, personal challenges teaching practice. I look forward to seeing the changes as
and achievements for the year 2020. Enjoy reading their we return to class.
reflections.
18 Ad Astra Issue No 139Middle School – Marita Seaton Junior School
I’ll admit it, I liked remote learning in the beginning. For - Christie Barrett & Rory McElligott
someone who loves innovation and change it was the
We set our sights on ensuring we provided the most high-
perfect storm. Technology, apps and software that had
quality Remote Learning program we could muster. And
been sitting in the background, waiting for a gentle roll-
muster we did. From boardroom meetings, to home learning
out were suddenly thrust into the spotlight.
pack production lines, to teaching children to read over
It wasn’t just a matter of learning how to video Microsoft Teams – it became a continuous chain of flexible
conference; we had to take our entire learning program and agile decisions, made and communicated in all manner
and modify it to allow for online delivery and feedback. of nuances, via many channels.
We were lucky that SEQTA, with all its possibilities, had Teachers at Junior School feared the loss of hands-on
been introduced but entire units of work, built around experiences, knowing the importance of touch, exploration
immersive experiences like excursions, required a rethink. and seeing things in the flesh, and the significant part these
play in developing strong neurological pathways. How
Like any organisation, we had
We all missed the could we ensure this when learning would now be through a
our early adopters excited at the
smiles, the natural device?
prospect, the majority who needed We have a greater
banter and even the
time to adapt and a few were uneasy The key was to align deep planning
eye-rolls. Whilst I realisation and
about venturing into the digital within and across year level teams.
appreciated the effort appreciation for the
unknown. This ensured experiences designed human contact and
made by one student
to turn her mic on for children at home would be rich sense of community
As we scrambled to upskill and and individualised. Feedback received
and laugh at my joke, that comes with
modify I often thought about the during the first round of lockdown saw
it just wasn’t the same. attending school and
Alice Springs School of the Air - I’m us increase our live teaching, so that
I had already uttered the importance of this
sure they barely felt a ripple. They student feedback and assessment could for the development
those immortal
had 60 years to hone and adapt words: ‘Is this on? Can occur in real time. of our College’s
their methodology, we had a few you hear me?’. youngest students.
What we also underestimated at the time
days.
was the importance children placed on
Inevitably, the sense of adventure that the connections they have with their teacher.
was present as we entered this new era of learning was At Campbell House, as Homeroom Teachers we are normally
beginning to wane when we returned to our laptops in with our children for much of the day, supporting young
Semester 2. students not only academically but also significantly with
As I sat looking at the initialled dots on the screen, trying their wellbeing. Ensuring there was dedicated time during
to picture the faces they represented, I felt a sense of online sessions for social chats, discussions, sharing and
loss. mindfulness brought that much-needed personal touch to our
Remote Learning program.
Speaking to colleagues and students I discovered that I
We feel that Remote Learning was a success for our children,
was not alone.
and many ideas and ways of working have been enhanced.
We all missed the smiles, the natural banter and even However, we now have a greater realisation and appreciation
the eye-rolls. Whilst I appreciated the effort made by one for the human contact and sense of community that comes
student to turn her mic on and laugh at my joke, it just with attending school and the importance of this for the
wasn’t the same. I had already uttered those immortal development of our College’s youngest students.
words: ‘Is this on? Can you hear me?’.
Ad Astra Issue No 139 19Putting a face to the w
KELLY WATSON, YEAR 6 LEARNING MENTOR ON READING
This year, students in Year 6 have had the opportunity to meet two authors of novels
they have studied.
According to student Zac Edebone, you Referring to the main character in the mood and feeling generated by an
can’t get enough of a good thing. Tristan Bancks’ Two Wolves, Harry accompanying musical playlist.
“When you’ve really enjoyed the story, Garland commented,
At Year 6, students study novels
you want to meet the person who “In coming up with that character, using a Shared Inquiry approach.
wrote it. You want to find out more.” Tristan Bancks must have had quite In responding to open-ended
- Zac Edebone, Year 6 a lot of ideas about him that didn’t
questions, they clarify and interrogate
Putting a face to the writer humanises
make it to the page. I’m interested
to find out what they were.” ‘big ideas’ and underlying themes,
and demystifies the writing process. they develop arguments and seek
- Harry Garland, Year 6
It offers students insight into the supportive evidence, forming deeper
motivations, inspirations, frustrations The opportunity to engage with the
understandings.
and the process of writing. authors also provides students with
a range of approaches to gathering Spending time with the authors of the
“We get to find out more about the ideas. Michael Panckridge shared that texts they study allows students to
book, the meaning they intended,
what inspired them and what their some ideas are drawn from places resolve any unanswered questions they
interests are” he has been or experiences he has have. These experiences are highly
- Caitlyn Smedley, Year 6 had, whilst Tristan Bancks builds upon memorable and promote positive
images saved to a vision board and attitudes towards reading and writing.
They help students to not be simply
20 Ad Astra Issue No 139The importance of
feedback
MARITA SEATON, MIDDLE
SCHOOL LEADER OF LEARNING
The feedback and
reporting of progress
at the Middle School
happens on three levels.
Level one – The classroom
The most natural and immediate
feedback is given in the classroom.
The hundreds of small conversations Level three – The end of semester
report.
that occur in this space are powerful
and ongoing, providing learners The end of semester report provides
with instant and valuable feedback. the learner’s level of achievement
Spontaneous and genuine, this type when reported against the Victorian
of feedback is a particular strength Curriculum Standards. The
of the Middle School staff as they standards describe what students
draw from years of professional are able to understand and do as
practice, real-life experiences and a they reach each level. Through
fundamental passion for their areas the lens of expertise, teachers use
of learning. the evidence provided by tasks,
observations and assessments
Level two – SEQTA Learn and to decide where the student sits
Engage on this continuum of learning.
The second level of communication If the student’s demonstrated
is through SEQTA Learn and understanding and ability
Engage. Here the teacher corresponds with what you would
expect to see at their current level
riter
endeavours to capture the many
observations and evidence of of study they are considered ‘at
learning in timely feedback that standard’. As the curriculum is
is clear and helpful. Traditionally, scaffolded to build on previous
this type of communication was learning, it is therefore less
limited to the classroom, with the common to achieve ‘above’ or
occasional graded assessment ‘well above standard’ as it requires
making it home in the a demonstrated
We all seek
bottom of a school understanding of
bag. As the newest of
encouragement the next level’s skills
our reporting formats, and advice, it’s and knowledge.
SEQTA Learn is our human nature. What Whilst this report’s
consumers of texts, but active participants most transformative happens naturally, main purpose is to
in constructing meaning, developing critical and requires a shift report to the Victorian
is formalised in Curriculum Standards,
thinking and understanding that more than of viewpoint. Here we
one interpretation is valid; skills that build can see and follow education. it also provides a
capacity to tackle life’s challenges. the student’s growth valuable opportunity
as teachers guide them towards for Homeroom teachers and
“I like to hear how the author thinks
the next step in their learning. Learning Mentors to write a personal
about the things that happen in the
This ongoing and timely feedback comment focusing on the student’s
story....When we talked to Mr Panckridge,
replaces the teacher comment social and emotional progress.
we had different views about a
character’s actions and found different previously found on the end of Unlike an academic report, the
quotes that showed these. semester report; a statement that pastoral comment looks at the whole
Mr Panckridge told us what he was once tried to describe six months person and how they approach
thinking about some of the things we of learning in one pithy paragraph. day to day life as a member of our
asked, and there were some things that Now we have an opportunity to vibrant learning community.
he hadn’t thought about until we asked” make learning visible through a
comprehensive record of student
- Eliza-May Bartlett, Year 6
results, feedback and reflection.
Ad Astra Issue No 139 21You can also read
