As we come to the end of a vibrant Term One at Padua College, we reflect on the meaningful moments that brought our Senior School community together.

Physics Excursion

On Monday 3 March, Padua’s Year 12 physics students experienced the inner workings of Newton’s Laws of Motion at Luna Park. The VCE event allows students to analyse real-world examples on amusement park rides, delving into the study of circular motion, energy conservation and Newton’s Laws. Our class, along with a handful of other schools, observed and experimented with physics principles across a range of iconic rides. From the roaring centripetal force of the Enterprise to the Scenic Railway, which was a heart-racing demonstration of gravitational potential energy being converted into kinetic energy. The day was filled with the thrill of excitement and the sterner thoughts of figuring out values and calculations. Furthermore, it was adventurous to be able to apply our area of study to real-life situations. Overall, it was a memorable and informative experience that enhanced the theories we had been studying.

Catherine Lionakis, Year 12 Bernard

Self Defence

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Sports Captain Noah Koole organised for Mr Kenny Yeung to teach a self-defence class to the girls at Padua College Mornington Campus. Over 40 students learned multiple self-defence strategies along with the skills and techniques necessary to defend themselves in a variety of circumstances. The class was well attended and enjoyable, judging by the smiles on the faces of our student.

International Women's Day

This year, International Women’s Day was a resounding success, thanks to the leadership of Year 11 Mackillop Leader, Maddy Donoghue. Maddy’s dedication and hard work ensured that this day of great significance was both recognised and celebrated. The event was a fitting tribute to the achievements and contributions of women, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all involved in making it a memorable occasion.

Senior Swimming Carnival

The Senior Swimming Carnival was another highlight of the term, brimming with the community spirit that makes Padua College so special. Congratulations to Mercy House for their outstanding victory and to all the swimmers who gave their best and contributed to their House points. We also commend Callam Rossetto (Year 12) and Logan Shelley (Year 10), crowned the fastest male and female swimmers on the day. Their achievements, along with the positive and sportsmanlike behaviour of all students, made it an enjoyable event for everyone.

Outdoor Ed

Our Year 11 Outdoor Education Studies students had the privilege of encountering Burrunan dolphins, Australian fur seals, stingrays, and a variety of fish species aboard a Polperro Dolphin Cruise recently. The vessel featured trawling lines known as 'Mermaid Tails,' that allowed firsthand student observations of these fascinating marine creatures to enhance their understanding of theoretical concepts as part of their VCE studies

Fashion Illustration

On Friday, 14 March, our VCE Product Design and Technology Fashion students undertook a fashion illustration course held by the Whitehouse Institute of Design, a leader in higher education for the design and creative industries. According to Alex Taves, Whitehouse Institute lecturer, our students showed exceptional talent on par with his first- and second-year students. Our thanks to the Whitehouse Institute for another wonderful workshop.

Year 12 Retreat

Our Year 12 students had the unique opportunity to step back from their busy lives and engage in reflection during their retreat. This special time allowed students to connect with peers from their House, explore the role of faith in their lives, and consider its ability to provide comfort during challenging times. As they look to the future beyond Padua’s gates, this retreat offered the perfect chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Performing Arts

It's been a bustling two weeks for our VCE Performing Arts students! As part of their studies, students from VCE Music, VCE-VET Music, Drama, and Theatre Studies attended the prestigious Top Class performances at the Melbourne Recital Centre.Top Class showcases the highest-scoring performances from last year's VCE Performance exams, featuring an array of talent in music ensembles, solo performances, drama solos, and theatre studies monologues. Additionally, VCE Drama and Theatre Studies students attended the MTC production of The Robot Dog as part of their assessment on Theatre and Drama analysis. This cheeky comedy explores the loss of cultural identity in the not-so-distant future, featuring an actual robot dog as a character on stage. Our students were inspired and motivated by witnessing these top-tier performances. Stay tuned for more updates on our students' artistic journeys!

Learning @ Melbourne Zoo

The second year VET Certificate II Animal Care class consolidated their learning on the topics of ‘Provide Feed and Water’ and ‘Mammals’ with a visit to Melbourne Zoo recently with the following reflections:

“I enjoyed seeing behind the scenes and the reality of working at the zoo.”
Lily Cockerham

“I enjoyed learning how much it takes to actually run a zoo.”
Molly Gallagher

“I learnt about the meerkats and how they have to stay in families to avoid fights and also how if their mothers overgroom them, their tails stunt in growth. Zoology is something that I would consider studying so it was interesting to see how things work.”
Ava Masterson

While the students were there, they investigated how food and water can be provided to wild animals in a captive environment in such a way as to provide enrichment and stimulate natural behaviours. They also had to apply their knowledge of different classification systems of animals such as dietary, habitat, social groupings, conservation status, etc. We were lucky enough to be invited on the day to trial some new activities that the Zoo educators are planning to introduce for VET students, including enrichment for the meerkats, a tour behind the scenes which included visiting the carnivores feed preparation kitchen and being able to develop a refurbishment plan for an empty enclosure. The day provided the students with a fantastic opportunity to see some of the reality of working in a zoo and also to apply their learning within an operating animal workplace.

Claire Stipic
VET Certificate II Animal Care Teacher

As we conclude Term 1, we extend our deepest thanks to our staff and students for their hard work and dedication. Wishing everyone a safe and holy Easter break.

Student Photo Permissions

At times, photographs or videos of our students will be published in newsletters, on the school intranet or website, or in our social media. Copies of our Standard Collection Notice and Privacy Policy are available on the College website in the Enrolments section of our Policies page. Please note that consent to use these images in this way, if provided at enrolment, may be withdrawn at any time by contacting our marketing team via email: marketing@padua.vic.edu.au .