As we now come to the end of week four so much has been happening on the 10-12 Campus. Aside from the academic journey that all students are on, what brings that extra touch of Padua is the continued extra and co-curricular opportunities that the College provides through the wonderful and dedicated staff across so many areas. Providing these opportunities ensures that every student can continue to be their best and shine outside the classroom with their God-given talents.

The Padua College Production for 2023 is fast approaching and as all students and staff continue to rehearse weekly after school, seeing the St Clare Performing Arts Centre come alive with every accessible space to sing, dance, perform, and showcase their talents as the grand opening fast approaches, is the lived vision of the College. Students and staff from all campuses and all year levels come together with one common objective, demonstrating that we are truly a single community. Like many in our community, we look forward to seeing the final production but also take enjoyment and pride in seeing it develop over time. Kylie Donnelly and her wonderful crew of staff provide the skills and passion to the students, ensuring that each student has their moment to shine and feel part of production family.

Term one ended with Parent Teacher Interviews and provided many with the opportunity to speak to their child’s teacher about the continued improvement in their academic learning journey. The decision to continue with the remote model for interviews enabled us to offer the opportunity for these conversations to more parents and teachers, and we look forward to working in tandem with the student and family on the advice given to all.

The return of SIS sport for all students has seen an amazing response by the students wishing to represent the College. It has been fantastic to see so many students take up this opportunity to represent the College and share this experience with friends whom many may not play in the same local team on a weekend. Whilst the results are not the only measurable outcome or of total importance for those involved in sporting teams at Padua, it is important to note they have been very positive in the win-loss column which brings further joy to those competing.

This week also sees the cross-country team head off on their annual camp as students from all year levels and campuses gather as one to build team camaraderie and test their abilities through time trials in the final preparations for the SIS cross-country carnival in which Padua will be aiming for their 35^th consecutive overall champion.

Year 10 and 11 students will continue their push in their academic program as they work towards the exam period which begins on 29 May. This exam period is crucial to having the students experience exam conditions in preparation for their VCAA exams when the time arrives. For our Year 10 students, it is their first experience in this area and although it will be a challenge, the work completed over the year should keep the experience positive and rewarding. The College will use the exams and their semester one results as a measure for students wishing to choose an accelerated program in 2024 where this process begins at the start of term three.

As communicated with all parents, the College continues to hold the uniform in high regard and as the cooler weather has arrived, all students should be in full winter uniform. We continue to encourage that uniform is worn correctly as a response to feedback from students, parents, and staff. As always, I thank you for your support of the College if the need arises to discuss this policy with regard to your child. As always, in my communication with the students around expectations of uniform at the College, I have reiterated that the focus will only impact those students unable to meet the College expectations.

I encourage all parents to continue to be active members of the Padua community, engaging in conversation about what topics are being studied in class, keeping abreast of upcoming events, and making contact with subject teachers as needed.

Year 12 Formal

The 2023 Year 12 Formal last Friday 12 May was a night that many of us will remember for many years to come. The evening began with glamorous groups of students having professional photos taken in front of the themed backdrop at Mornington Racecourse. The Year 12 cohort voted on the theme of ‘The Grammys’ and this shone through in the decorations and the addition of a well-received photo booth. ‘Student voice’ was also reflected in the selection of music that was carefully sequenced by the DJ. Mr Ribet is definitely a name that comes to mind when the dance floor is mentioned! The teachers trusted our ability to conduct ourselves and behave respectfully throughout the night. Many of the Year 12s agreed that it was a great experience to see people from school and spend time with our friends in an environment away from the classroom.

Amelia Barrette,
Year 12 Elizabeth

Outdoor Education & Environmental Studies

It's been a busy term for our adventurous Outdoor and Environmental Studies students. The Year 11 students got to grips with top rope and multi-pitch climbing in spectacular scenery at Mount Arapiles, while students doing Outdoor Education enjoyed surf lessons down at Smiths Beach on Phillip Island. Year 12 OES students took to the Yarra River for white water rafting and conservation efforts in their clean up of the waterways.

Year 11 Economics Excursion to RMIT and the Queen Victoria Markets

On Thursday 27 April, Year 11 Economics students travelled into the city to take part in activities related to their studies in Unit 1. The students attended a session at RMIT with Jo Peryman an expert in the field of Behavioural Economics and the study of the influences on consumer behaviour and decision-making. The session was interactive with students participating in survey activities designed to demonstrate how marketing and framing can be used to influence consumer thinking.

The students then visited the Queen Victoria Markets in order to make connections between the theory and workings of markets in Australia. They were able to gather information about how the level of competition and market power influences prices. Thank you to Mrs Tara Delgrosso for attending with us on the day.

Kate Kerr
Year 11 Economics Teacher

Be Wise, Think Carefully, Act Kindly

On Tuesday 16 May, our Senior students were challenged by Alan Latu to BE WISE – THINK CAREFULLY – ACT KINDLY.

Alan Latu, who is a presenter for the Pat Cronin Foundation, shared real-life stories where people who acted out of anger changed their lives and the lives of others forever. Educating the students about the dangers of social violence, he left our students feeling empowered to speak up and challenge negative behaviours while stopping and thinking about their own behaviours.

#eXcel #PatCroninFoundation #AlLatu