Padua continues to provide outstanding educational opportunities and experience, and it is important that students continue to make the most of these opportunities. The gains made in term three will play a significant role in providing a great platform for term four and for the graduating Class of 2023, a renewed energy for life after Padua as their time at the College nears completion. For students currently in Year 10 and 11, the next few months are crucial in preparing you for your academic programs which begin on 20 November, when the College commences the 2024 academic school year, where all students will begin formal classes and assessments as Year 11 and 12 students.

The calibre of applications for 2024 College Captains was yet again outstanding and I wish to thank all who applied. For those who were unsuccessful in this pursuit, I encourage them to continue their leadership journey and apply for new leadership opportunities across the Year 10-12 Campus and that of House Captain. The 2024 College Captains were announced this week and I congratulate College Captains Oscar Donnelly and Yasmine McCoy, and Vice Captains Maya Denvir and Jack Galvin. These four students as a collective, represent all three of our Junior Campuses, bringing to life the notion of one College.

Outside of the classroom, the campus has been full of life. SIS Sport, Snow Camps, Year 11 eXcel day, Fit to Drive, and Music Galas, to name a few, have provided so many students with a range of opportunities to be involved in the life of the College and showcase their talents. Again, this is what makes Padua College a great community where learning is found outside the classroom as much as it is inside. The connections that are made between the students when engaging in these activities form the long-lasting memories of your child’s time at Padua, so I encourage you to ask your child about what they can value add to Padua.

Specific details around the Year 12 rites of passage assemblies and celebrations in term four are being finalised now and will be communicated to all Year 12 students and parents in the final week of term three. This is a most exciting time for the students and families and one in which we as a College look forward to sharing as a community.

As leaders of the student body within the College, and representing the College outside the gates of Padua, expectations of behaviour and commitment to the values of Padua are again highlighted and held to the highest account. Your support in this exciting time for your child in upholding these values and expectations is greatly appreciated.

As always, 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 a subject teacher as needed.

Senior Athletics Carnival

Our Senior House Athletics Carnival took place on Tuesday 15 August, with great House spirit, companionship, good humour and vigorous competition amongst the senior cohort on display. Well done to Jackson McCredden, Year 12 Elizabeth, and Stella Rogers, Year 11 Merton, on being awarded fastest 100m male and female sprinters for 2023. Congratulations to Francis House on winning the athletics carnival this year and thank you to our sports staff.

SENIOR HOUSE RESULTS

1. Francis (709)

2. MacKillop (637)

3. Elizabeth (623)

4. Djeembana (595)

5. Mercy (576)

6. Merton (529)

7. John XXII (332)

8. Bernard (132)

Intermediate Girls Soccer

Mornington teacher Madeline Hatley-Smith has had the pleasure of coaching our Intermediate Girls Soccer team this term at an exciting time in Australian women’s soccer.

The Year 9 and 10 girls attended a trial earlier this year, at which most admitted that they had never played before but in true Paduan spirit, were keen to give it a shot. As the Women’s World Cup got underway, the girls took inspiration and showed great commitment to their training and skills improvement. The girls were nervous for their first ever game, with some still learning the rules of the game, but they did very well thanks to their positive attitudes. Not only did they do a great job at encouraging each other but they cheered for the opposition too. “That first game was incredible to watch,” recalls Hatley-Smith, “the girls showed a tremendous amount of teamwork and comradery to win the game 7-0!”

The girls continued to improve throughout the season achieving three wins and a draw. Reflecting on their success, Year 10 player Hermione Hodson says: “The girls SIS soccer team has been undefeated, and I am so proud of them. Even though some girls have never played before, during every game we really came together and pushed through. Not only was all the hard work very rewarding, but we also had a lot of fun.”

Theatre Studies Excursion

Senior Theatre Studies and Drama students enjoyed an excursion to La Mama Theatre, Carlton last week to see a fabulous new play called Cactus. Funded by Rebel Wilson, this poignant and humorous play captured the importance and strength of the friendship of two Australian teenage girls as they face personal challenges in their final year at school. Classwork and assessment to follow a very civilised day out complete with lunch in Lygon Street.

Magistrates Court Excursion

Students undertaking Year 11 Legal Studies attended sessions at the Frankston Magistrates Court this month to learn more about how the legal system sanctions offenders. The Magistrates’ Courts in Victoria handle over 225,000 cases every year and are central to the Victorian Justice System. Students gained valuable insight by attending cases, asking questions of the Magistrate, and reflecting on the sanctions imposed on offenders. “The most common sanction imposed was a fine or a Community Correction Order. These were decided on the ownership the offender showed and the severity of the crime,” explained Bernard student Daisy Lowe. “The Magistrate was fair in the sanctions he handed down and had a strong focus on rehabilitation,” observed Sam Fraker, Year 11 Elizabeth.

Making the Most of the Season

Winter camping, hiking, snowshoeing, and snowball fights are all part of the exciting Year 11 Outdoor Education program, which our Year 11 students enjoyed at Mount Stirling this month.

Wheelchair Basketball Challenge

In order to increase their knowledge of community inclusiveness, our Year 12 VCAL students recently participated in a wheelchair basketball competition. Students were able to learn the skills involved in the sport of wheelchair basketball, as well as have discussions around the barriers that exist for those wanting to be involved in sport and who also have physical disability. It was a fun, high energy day with lots of new knowledge and skills gained.

Charlene Smith
Aspire9 Campus Leader and VCAL Teacher

Photos courtesy: Basketball Vicotria

Creative Upcycling Call for Materials

Our Technology Department is seeking broken skateboard decks and surfboard resin run off that can be repurposed by our Year 9 Jewellery students to create a series of ‘upcycled’ jewellery.

Skateboard decks made from coloured and stacked wood, can be turned into stylish and vibrant pieces of jewellery (pictured below) when cut and shaped. The Year 9 Jewellery students also upcycle the waste polyester resin caught while laminating a surfboard, which is usually sent to landfills. The students use these leftovers to cut out shapes and style them into jewellery with bright swirls of colours.

If any families in the community make custom surfboards or know of people who do, we would be grateful if you could email Vicky in our Technology Department, vronchi@padua.vic.edu.au

Donations of broken skateboards would be gratefully accepted by our Wood Technology teachers.