Arts Archives - Ģ��Ƶ

Future Creatives Exhibition – Geelong Gallery

Alicia Quarrell — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 02:43:04 +0000

Madelyn Forster, a 2025 Ģ��Ƶ VCE graduate, was selected as an Art Making & Exhibiting student to be part of the Future Creatives Exhibition held at the Geelong Gallery.

This annual exhibition celebrates the achievements and creative practice of young emerging artists living in Geelong and the surrounding region who completed their Victorian Certificate of Education in 2025.

Future Creatives��showcases young peoples’ creative talents in art and design and provides a valuable opportunity to support the professional development of career pathways and future tertiary studies in art and design.

Madelyn is following her dream of having a career in the Fashion & Textiles Industry and currently studying a Bachelor of Fashion Design at RMIT. Madelyn worked extremely hard throughout the year to achieve her goal and we couldn’t be more proud of her efforts, wishing her every success for her future in design. Read about Madelyn’s artwork below;

Artwork Title: Her ruin, her reign��2025
Materials: Linen, silk, satin, ribbon, beading, lace, boning, eyelets, tulle, assorted recycled materials, eyeshadow

Artist statement:
Her ruin, her reign��reimagines Marie Antoinette as a resurrected ‘queen of the apocalypse’: headless, powerful, and draped in a gown of both elegance and ruin. The silhouette—layered lace, bows, and exaggerated volume—is influenced by Rococo grandeur, while tea-stained fabrics mimic dirt and age. Scraps of second-hand materials such as bedsheets, tablecloths, and curtains symbolise decay and rebirth.

Pearls and red beads layered across the corset represent exposed ribs, while blood-red accents cut through the delicacy of the lace. The garment references Vivienne Westwood’s rebellious responses to history, Galliano’s theatrical storytelling and Dior’s opulent romanticism.

This dress challenges ideals of femininity and fashion. It is a statement about women reclaiming strength in the aftermath of destruction, about elegance surviving ruin, and about how fashion can be recycled, reshaped and reborn.

The exhibition is open Saturday 28 February to Sunday 17 May 2026 or you can access the exhibition online at��

Sally Gray

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Brigidine Centre Art Prize

Bronte Stead — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 05:23:06 +0000

The winners of the Brigidine Centre Art Prize were announced recently. The Brigidine Centre Art Prize is open to all Ģ��Ƶ students for an artwork that was created in 2025. An exhibition of short-listed art works was held in the library and a People’s Choice award was also included in the prize.

The winners of the prize were: Junior section, Iyah C, Year 7 and Ariane C, Year 12.

Both students received a $100.00 gift voucher from Cavalier Art, Geelong.

The People’s Choice award included an art pack and was presented to Iyah Cook, Year 7.

Thank you to all students who entered the Brigidine Centre Art Prize for 2025.

Brendan Ryan
Library Services Manager

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2025 VCE Art Exhibition

Bronte Stead — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:32:32 +0000

A Celebration of Creativity: The 2025 VCE Art Exhibition

Last week, the Ģ��Ƶ Visual Arts Department proudly hosted our Annual VCE Year 12 Art Exhibition — a highlight on the school calendar that celebrates the creativity, dedication, and passion of our senior students.

This year’s exhibition was particularly special, marking the debut of our first-ever “Art Making & Exhibiting” Fashion Parade — an exhilarating showcase of handcrafted couture pieces designed and created by our talented Year 12 students. Each student worked with two models to present their garments as part of a curated display they designed, constructed, and styled themselves. The runway show was a thrilling success, with the audience captivated by the creativity and craftsmanship on display.

Adding to the excitement, our guest speaker, Anna Egberts, a Ģ��Ƶ alumna from the Class of 2007, shared her journey through the arts — from studying Visual Communication Design and English at Ģ��Ƶ to painting, exhibiting, and designing professionally for Geelong’s own Kaisercraft. Her energy and insight reminded everyone that creative pathways are not only viable but vibrant and full of opportunity.

Following the runway, the VCE Media students presented their short films in a cinematic showcase that transformed the Nagle Room into a glowing theatre space. The room was also home to our Visual Communication Design displays, featuring impressive architectural and product design models, and our Art Creative Practice students’ evocative bodies of work — a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs from Units 3 and 4.

The night was beautifully complemented by our Unit 3 Food Technology students, who catered the event with a spread inspired by their family recipes, reimagined into exquisite canapés and platters. Their contribution added warmth, hospitality, and a sense of shared celebration to the evening.

The festivities continued on Friday, as classes paused to take a walk through and a staff morning tea inviting our wider school community to view the exhibition. It was a wonderful opportunity for staff to connect with the creative outcomes of our senior students and to reflect on how artistic practice inspires innovation, problem-solving, and imagination across all learning areas.

Overall, the 2025 VCE Art Exhibition was a resounding success — a true celebration of our students’ vision, perseverance, and creative spirit.

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Joanna Wiltshire
Learning Leader: Arts

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Arts Week & Brigidine Day

Bronte Stead — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:28:08 +0000

Brigidine Arts Week and Brigidine Day: A Celebration of Creativity, Community, and Compassion

This week, Ģ��Ƶ came alive with the vibrant spirit of Arts Week, a time dedicated to celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the enduring legacy of Saint Brigid. Our students embraced a diverse range of workshops, performances, and exhibitions, each reflecting the school’s commitment to nurturing the whole person—mind, heart, and spirit.

Creation abounded across all disciplines; crafting cards in a Matisse inspired workshop to the innovative Recycled Textiles Workshop. Screening of Unit 3/4 Media Movie Showcase captivated audiences with past VCE student films, while live performances gave our musicians from the Rock Band, String Ensemble and Concert Band an opportunity to preform to an audience. The week also featured the annual House Dance Competition and the premier of the new House Wearable Art Competition. Ending the week with a powerful Year 11 VCE Dance Class performance and the Ģ��Ƶ Performance Showcase that highlighted the depth of talent across all year levels.

Across the week the Year 11 VCE Art Creative Practice class exhibited their Collaborative Exhibition ‘The Gaze’, interactive artworks displayed throughout the school, giving everyone a chance to appreciate the conceptual depth and playfulness of imagination from our senior artists.

Thursday marked the acknowledgment of Spring for Ģ��Ƶ, Brigidine Day, a meaningful celebration that connects us to the legacy of Saint Brigid—a woman known not only for her faith and compassion but also for her remarkable creativity. Saint Brigid’s monastery was a beacon of artistic excellence where manuscript illumination and metalwork flourished, exemplified by the legendary Book of Kildare, said to be crafted by angels.

This year, Brigidine Day introduced the House Wearable Art Competition, a brand-new event that challenged each House to design wear about artworks as fashion pieces using recycled and repurposed materials. With the theme of Hospitality – Where Spirit Welcomes Creativity, each House explored sub-themes such as Table of Welcome, Home as Hospitality, Rituals of Care, and Garden of Generosity. These themes invited reflection on connection, inclusion, and the power of art to bring people together, while emphasising sustainability and teamwork.

Our Wearable Art judges, including a local artist Melissa Laffy, who has a rich background in sustainable fashion and storytelling. She was joined by our Art Making and Exhibiting textiles teacher Ms Sally Grey, and Mr Jarrod Manie a dapper member of staff from the English department. Our judges praised the students’ creativity, craftsmanship, and commitment to environmental responsibility. Placing Finian in 1^st place, Leila 2^nd Xavier 3^rd and Kildare 4^th.

The day’s festivities were energised by the much-loved House Dance Competition, judged by renowned dancer Grace, whose unique journey from small-town jazz and line dancing to international hip-hop and commercial dance exemplifies the power of storytelling through movement. Her passion for dance as a means of building confidence and connection resonated deeply with our students. The competition was a testament to the courage, dedication, and imagination of all involved—especially our senior student leaders, who choreographed, organised, and inspired their teams. Our judge placed; Finan 1^st, Xavier 2^nd Kildare 3^rd and Lelia 4^th.

The spirit of Brigidine Day continued with the traditional lunchtime celebration of RU OK Day, led by the Year 12 VM class, underscoring our school’s commitment to well-being, mindfulness, and community care.

Arts Week and Brigidine Day were more than events—they were living expressions of our school’s values: faith, compassion, creativity, and community. Through artistic expression, collaboration, and celebration, we honoured Saint Brigid’s legacy and strengthened the bonds that make Brigidine a place where every student can grow and thrive.

Joanna Wiltshire
Learning Leader: Arts

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Introduction to Arabic

Bronte Stead — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:06:28 +0000

An Introduction to Arab Calligraphy.

The 13 students of the Year 9 Introduction to Arabic undertook a two introduction to Arab calligraphy with artist Zahidah Zeytoun Millie. Students are into their eighth week of learning Standard Arabic and have already learnt eight of the 28 letter alphabet: أ, ب, ت, ث, ج, ح, خ, ن

Zahidah introduced students to Kufic, Kairouani, Thuluth, Maghrebi, Diwani and Ruq’ah styles of writing. Then, we were straight into the progression from pencil, through calligraphy pen to quill and ink. We also used a stencil and spray paint to produce large scale stylised and coloured letters. Students plan to display work produced in the Library in Week 9.

The class is very grateful to Zahidah for sharing her expertise, and to Danyl Lunardelli and Joanna Wiltshire of the Art Department for supporting the class. Projects for Term 4 include a cooking lesson to make tabbouleh and an excursion to the Islamic Museum of Australia in Coburg.

Daniel Millie
Teacher

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From the Principal

Bronte Stead — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 02:50:49 +0000

What were the days from your College experiences that were the most memorable?��

Oak Centre Opening��

Often it is the days of celebration that etch themselves into our collective memory. Last Friday’s Opening and Blessing of the Oak Centre was one such day. Under the most perfect spring blue sky we gathered with representatives of our Trustees, Board, broader Geelong community along with our builders Rendine and architects Life Architecture and Urban Design. The students in attendance were wonderful ambassadors representing our student body. In our Oak Centre our Science and Technology learning areas have found a home worthy of our commitment to excellence in these subjects. For 69 years, Ģ��Ƶ has empowered young women to question, explore and innovate. Our alumni include trailblazers in medicine, research, engineering, environmental science and technology—women who, inspired by their education at Ģ��Ƶ, have gone on to shape the world through their careers in science, engineering and technology. The Oak Centre is more than a building; it is an environment purpose-built to foster curiosity and critical thinking. The state-of-the-art laboratories and learning spaces will enable our students to engage deeply with scientific and mathematical inquiry, technological design processes, collaborate boldly and develop the skills essential for their future success. We prayed that the Oak Centre may stand as a lasting symbol of what we can achieve together, an enduring source of inspiration, opportunity and hope for all who enter. A place where we come to know the gifts that can enrich our lives revealed to us through our creator God. A place to nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers and activists who will use what they have learned in this space to transform the world.

Brigidine Day��

The celebrations continued yesterday with Brigidine Day coinciding with RU OK? Day. Our liturgy focused on Brigid the Peacemaker. We reflected on peace for a world experiencing greater instances of conflict and violence, inner peace for ourselves seeking positive mental health for all and finally peace with our environment. September 1 marks the beginning of the Season of Creation where Christian churches around the world pray for justice for our earth.��

The liturgy was followed by house dance and wearable art competitions. The wearable art was a new initiative this year by our Visual Arts department. Both provided opportunities for students who have passion and expertise in fashion design and creation or choreography and dance to lead and showcase their talents. The ��پ��’s statement for the wearable art demonstrated a deep understanding of our core values and the interpretation of our faith tradition into the design and message of the art pieces. In true Ģ��Ƶ style these activities were inclusive and ensured house spirit was fostered across the year levels. We were most grateful for the support of community experts Melissa Laffy and Grace who helped with the judging.��

Our Year 12 VCE VM students then hosted a lunchtime of fun and food to bring the message of RU OK? Into prominent focus. With pops of yellow being seen across the College it was certainly a day of joy celebrating all that is good.��

We thank all staff and students who supported these activities. You can read more about this here.

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Australian Education Council of Leader Leadership Award – New Metrics��

As one of the partner schools with the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics for Success we have been named with them in receiving the ACEL Leadership Award for 2025 which will be recognised at the 40th Annual National Awards in Sydney at the ACEL upcoming conference in September.

The Leadership Award acknowledges individual educators and teams who have demonstrated outstanding leadership through specific projects or initiatives. This award celebrates leadership excellence in driving innovation, conducting impactful research, or influencing educational policy. Recipients of this award are acknowledged for their role in achieving measurable improvements for students and/or colleagues.��

I will attend the conference on behalf of the College to be a part of the awards ceremony. This is a wonderful testament to the dedication of the staff here at Ģ��Ƶ led by Jo Ryan who has worked consistently over the past 5 years to understand and implement these new measures of success.��

As the work matures in the research partnership to ensure the rigour of the warranting process for the Australian Learner Competency Credential we have been involved in a moderation process with three other partner schools from across Australia who examined and critiqued our evaluation of our current system and processes in relation to the 7 criteria in the warranting framework. By the end of the year our Year 12 VCE VM students will again receive the credential alongside their VCE VM certificate.

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Year 12 students counting the days��

With only four days until the beginning of practice exams for Year 12 students it is time to start thinking about how our Year 12 students will spend their final weeks and days here at Ģ��Ƶ. Every day counts! Whether it is for finalising learning, for revising, for acting on feedback from staff, for discussing pathways, for creating healthy study habits or putting your best foot forward in practice and then actual exams. Year 12 families will receive clear communication as to the expectation, operational arrangements and information about the end of Year 12 events.�� Our Year 12 teaching staff are well placed to support our students with academic, wellbeing and pathway support. Please ensure your daughter optimises these supports especially revision and feedback processes. We hold our Year 12 students in our prayers as they start the final lap towards the end of their secondary school years.��

Blessings��

Luci��

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Ģ��Ƶ Arts Showcase

Bronte Stead — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:50:24 +0000

Friday night Ģ��Ƶ hosted The Ģ��Ƶ Arts Showcase, put together by students Ella and Lily.

The Ģ��Ƶ Arts Showcase was born from a simple idea: to give students a chance to perform, have fun, and celebrate the amazing talent across our school. What started as a small idea quickly grew into a whole-school event, with students from all year levels coming together to sing, dance, and act. It’s been a huge team effort, with lots of lunchtime rehearsals and planning sessions, and we’re so proud of what we’ve created. Thank you to everyone who supported us, the showcase was a huge hit!

Many thanks to Marcia Howard for her committed teaching in music and drama, to Natalie Ferrarese for her invaluable contribution to dance, and for both of their efforts in bringing our ideas to life. Much gratitude also to Claudia Bove for her generous assistance in singing. Their unwavering support, insight, generosity and encouragement have been crucial in making the showcase a reality; without them, this production would not have been possible. Their backstage presence has given students the courage and confidence needed to shine, and for them we are all forever grateful.

Ella P, Year 10 and Lily M, Year 11.

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From the Principal

Bronte Stead — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 23:47:20 +0000

We are almost in the middle of this short Term 3 and all the staff and students are busy in not only their academics, but in the many and varied ways in which schools operate.�� So, let me take you through some of them.

In my last newsletter entry, I spoke of the Ģ��Ƶ Showcase that was on July 30 and what promise it held.�� Well, it was a wonderful night.�� There was a very strong support from a warm audience of around 150 people who were delighted with performances that ranged from ‘The Mean Girls’ to ‘Les Miserables’.�� Congratulations to all the girls who performed and took the opportunity to shine.�� I would also like to note the efforts of the Student Leaders, Ella P assisted by Lily M, ��who not only spearheaded the evening but instigated it.�� Again, I acknowledge the selfless efforts of our Performing Arts staff: Natalie Ferrarese and Marcia Howard for their support of the students. Hopefully, it won’t be the last time. Read more about this here.

This week is Science Week.�� The Science teaching team have put together a program of terrific activities to highlight the profound importance of Science in our world and our lives.�� I think we have all come to understand the way in which science is seeking to protect us and our world and keeping a highlight on the value of science and scientific thought, is wise for all of us.

Dr Judi Newman has been working with us as a school for two years in developing the staff understanding of how the brain works – especially the teenage brain.�� Some of our staff have undergone further work with Dr Newman and this has led to our designation as a ‘Brainwise School’.�� Congratulations to everyone involved.�� Did you know that there is no such thing as multi-tasking?�� In reality, the belief that we can do two things as once is a myth.�� The human brain simply is not wired for this. What we are actually doing is switching between tasks rapidly – and this leads to reduced efficiency and accuracy.�� So, if your young person is reading they can’t be listening.�� If your young person is writing, they can’t be watching Netflix.�� To do well, they need to focus their brain on one task at a time.

All subject selections for 2026 have finished.�� Later this week I will be sending you the list of subjects that are running in 2026.�� For some students, this will mean that their reserve preferences have been brought into their programs.�� It is important to note that we are running a broad range of subjects on sometimes very small numbers but there are times when there are simply not enough students to make a subject viable.�� It is also true that some students might find they have a subject clash when the timetable is being developed.�� In that instance, the reserve is also brought into play. Where a subject does not run because the numbers are critically low, students can consider Virtual School Victoria as an alternative.�� More information will follow.�� In addition, I would like to thank Sarah Clark (Applied Learning Leader) and Maggie Smith (VET Leader) for their incredible work in interviewing all the students wanting to enter PreVOC in 2026.�� This vibrant and inclusive course suits students for whom mainstream and academic subjects are not meeting their learning needs and dispositions.�� They have brought to the process their energy, their expertise and their belief in this program for some of our young people.��

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the staff members who got together for the latest Community Cook up, lead ably by Eileen McKenzie and Indy Mintram-Porter.�� The staff and students filled the freezer with nutritious and delicious food to support our local families and staff who are experiencing difficulty.�� Thank you for your efforts in this area.�� We are grateful that these young people give their time and effort for members of their community, exhibiting kindness and citizenship. You can read more about this here.

This will be my last newsletter as Acting Principal.�� It has been a privilege to lead this community for the last eight weeks.�� Thank you to the staff who have carried on being fabulous despite a different leader in the chair.�� I would like to acknowledge Peter Houlahan who continues to be a great support.��

Take care.

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Year 9 Saltbush Balnarring experience

Bronte Stead — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:32:49 +0000

On Wednesday July 23 our Year 9 students had Maree, Louise, Jo and Sally present to them on Saltbush Balnarring – one of our Kildare Ministry community works. Saltbush offer respite to families who need a break, including those who have experienced trauma or live with disabilities.

After the presentation students were given a piece of nature from Saltbush and drew and painted it. Below are some thoughts from our year 9s:

“From the presentation we learnt that being in nature helps families” – Dalia, Summer, Ruby

” We liked learning about the history of Saltbush – set up by the Presentation Sisters – and how its story continues to help people today” – Amber, Charlotte.

“We enjoyed hearing about the diversity of people who come at stay at Saltbush, how they are up doing the plantation and how much work the volunteers do” – Miki and Diva

“We enjoyed learning about how Saltbush helps people.” – Isabel

“Saltbush helps people who need it by giving them a holiday”- Madi

“We learnt how Saltbush is run, and how a big part of Saltbush is ran by volunteers.” – Edwina

” Saltbush helps the community and they help restoring the environment” – Mia

“The volunteers were passionate and in-depth about the regeneration of the plants.” – Willow

“We liked the art activity since we could paint the plants we chose.” – Glory

“It was really interesting to hear about Saltbush, especially when learning about the importance of nature and what it can do for your mental health.” – Alyssa

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Thank you to Ms. Dalton, Ms. Tolan, Ms. Starr, Ms. Howard Ms. Nolan, and Ms. Blythe who all worked with students during the workshop.

“I gained knowledge of how being in nature can make you calm and how it can also help with mental health.”

“I learnt about different kinds of plants during the activity and gained knowledge about how nature is positive tool for everyone”

��

Liz Sullivan
School Improvement Leader: New Narrative and New Metrics

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Year 10 Little Black Dress

Bronte Stead — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:35:22 +0000

Year 10 Design Challenge: Creativity Meets Collaboration!

This week, our Year 10 students took part in an exciting and imaginative Design Challenge that brought creativity, teamwork, and innovation to the forefront.

Working in assigned Design Teams, students were tasked with designing and constructing a themed paper gown. Each team began by selecting a unique theme, which guided their sketches, planning, and final construction. From concept to creation, every student played a vital role—whether designing the bodice, crafting the skirt, or adding intricate details like lace, flowers, and headpieces.

��What They Learned:

Creative Thinking: Students explored how to turn abstract ideas into visual designs.
Teamwork & Communication: Collaboration was key, with each member contributing to the gown’s construction.
Planning & Time Management: With a deadline and a prize on the line, students learned to organise tasks and manage their time effectively.
Material Techniques: A variety of paper construction methods were used, showcasing originality and craftsmanship.

��Judging Criteria Included:

Originality & Creativity
Theme Cohesion & Aesthetic Qualities
Complexity in Design & Construction
Variety of Paper Construction Techniques

This challenge not only highlighted the artistic talents of our students but also reinforced valuable life skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance. I’m incredibly proud of the stunning gowns and the effort each team put into their work! I can’t wait to see what we achieve this Semester together.

Mrs Sally Gray
Teacher

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Arts Archives - Ģ����Ƶ

Future Creatives Exhibition – Geelong Gallery

Brigidine Centre Art Prize

2025 VCE Art Exhibition

Arts Week & Brigidine Day

Introduction to Arabic

From the Principal

Ģ����Ƶ Arts Showcase

From the Principal

Year 9 Saltbush Balnarring experience

Year 10 Little Black Dress

Arts Archives - Ģ��Ƶ

Ģ��Ƶ Arts Showcase