Science Archives - Ģ��Ƶ

Paige Rae – Class of 2016

Bronte Stead — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:31:56 +0000

I attended Ģ��Ƶ from 2010 to 2016. One of my favourite subjects at Ģ��Ƶ was Art with Miss Gillard. It provided a creative outlet that was a refreshing break from subjects like English and Maths. I also really enjoyed classes with Mr. McCallum—his sense of humour and ability to make lessons fun, especially during the pressures of VCE, made a lasting impression. Lastly, Ms. Evans had a huge influence on me, particularly in helping me grow as a leader. Thanks to her guidance, I had the honour of becoming College Captain, which was a defining moment of my time at Ģ��Ƶ. This role allowed me to transition from being a student to taking on more adult responsibilities, leading a team, and seeing projects come to life.

After finishing at Ģ��Ƶ, I launched my own womenswear label, which was successful but ultimately didn’t align with my long-term goals. I then transitioned to a role as a diamond consultant at Diamond Exchange on Collins Street, where I developed strong communication and problem-solving skills. This experience led to a promotion as Assistant Manager.

During my time at Diamond Exchange, I dealt with some significant health issues, which eventually led me to a dietitian. That experience sparked my interest in nutrition, and I realised it was the career I wanted to pursue. At 21, I started a Bachelor of Health Sciences, majoring in nutrition and exercise science. After completing my undergraduate degree, I moved to Melbourne to pursue a Master of Dietetics while working at Nutrition Plus alongside Melanie McGrice.

I graduated last year and have recently finished my graduate year as a clinical, community, and food service dietitian at Colac Area Health. I absolutely love the work I’m doing now.

My biggest piece of advice is not to put too much pressure on figuring out your career path right away. Opportunities will arise, and it’s okay to explore different paths. I never imagined in school that I would end up as a dietitian, but taking time off after high school helped me discover what I truly wanted to do.

The post Paige Rae – Class of 2016 appeared first on Ģ��Ƶ.

Year 7 Ecosystem Excursion

Bronte Stead — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 01:41:54 +0000

On Monday 20th October all Year 7 students went on an Ecosystems Excursion to the specific destination that they nominated to attend. Students went to either the Ballarat Wildlife Park or Queenscliff. If they went to Queenscliff they then participate in a marine experience on the bay or went to explore the beach, rock pools or fresh water environment. While on their excursion the studied the ecosystem that Australian animals or creatures live in and participated in discussions about food chains and food webs.

��

‘The environment at Rocky Shores showed Ruby, and I how there were sharks in the water because there were shark eggs. The worker showed us the different types of shark eggs. Their teeth and jaws were so big. The worker showed us starfish. The worker also showed us how pufferfish eat shells and break it in their mouth and spits out the shell and only eat the meat inside. They showed us the seaweed and different types of coral. After that we went to the touch pool. The touch pool is and small pool with fish that were not poisonous. You could touch them.’ – Alice O’C 7B and Ruby C 7B��

‘While walking though the Wildlife Park Zoo in Ballarat, we saw lots of animals. We liked looking around for all the wallabies and kangaroos. We got to hug them and give them pats. We got to see a big crocodile named Crunch. There was also a small one named Baller. The big crocodile was 5 metres long. We looked at the reptiles and the aligator We went outside and saw the other animals. As it was not good weather, most of the animals were inside their cages and not coming out. We got to pat the lama and the emu. Our favourite animals were the tigers and all the kangaroos.’ – Briah C 7G and Lily B 7B

‘Being at the Rocky Shores made me think about how water is so fun. I observed the sea and the rocks. We found a shark egg. It was so cool. WE SAW FISH! ��I think that we sword wear flipflops.’ – Ella W 7B

‘During our visit to the Marine Centre, we saw a lot of fish. One tried to eat me and kept scaring me. I also got to see swamp animals, and it was so much fun (Maya). We learned about feeding fish and got to touch some shark eggs and a bone of a fish. It helped us understand more about fish (Mila).’ –��Mila K 7B and Maya T7G

‘During our visit to the beach comb, we noticed the sand, ocean, the light house, seaweed, rocks, spiders, shark eggs, fish, boats, fisherman, dolphin, people that were looking for seashells, a crab shells, seashells, sea horses, star fishes, pufferfish and zebra fish. From this experience, we learned that there were different type of fish and sea horses, and that the male sea horse carries the babies.’ – Willow M 7G and Georgia K 7B

‘At the Marine Centre we saw so many different sea creatures, like lobsters blow fish and catfish. It was so fascinating to see and learn about all the different��sea creatures. Some of the students were lucky enough to go on a boat and look at the small shrimp, oysters, fish and crabs. We learned about the importance of seaweed. We also got to see some��larger animals like dolphins and seals.’ – Juliet K 7B and Lily S 7B

‘Exploring Ballarat Wildlife Park helped us understand that there’s different habitats and where they came from and how they adapted to their new area. We observed the animals such as crocodiles, snakes, turtles, kangaroos, dingoes and a whole lot more. The Wildlife Park had heaps of different animals to explore, and we also got to experience a kangaroo fight.’ – Amarlie R 7G and Maddie P 7B

The post Year 7 Ecosystem Excursion appeared first on Ģ��Ƶ.

Science Week 2025 Highlights

Bronte Stead — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 01:41:29 +0000

On August 11��to 15,��Ģ��Ƶ celebrated National Science Week with a range of different activities. Some highlights included a visit from the Grade 3 and 4 students from Holy Spirit who participated in some science week activities.

Year 10 students had a GEMs in STEM presentation where they heard from a range of guest speakers working as Engineers in the region. Key messages such as “love what you do”, “have fun”, “the water industry is a vocation”, and “the climate crisis needs your help”��resonated deeply with the students, leaving them inspired and informed.

The winner of the photo competition was Meredyth W with her photo Mushrooms.

Mushroom:

Mushrooms are important for ecosystems as they are key decomposers. They break down organic matter like dead plants and dead animals and then recycle nutrients back into the soil. Without mushrooms, many ecosystems would collapse due to waste overflow and lack of nutrients.

The post Science Week 2025 Highlights appeared first on Ģ��Ƶ.

Madeline Baker – Class of 2015

Bronte Stead — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:25:57 +0000

I have so many fond memories of my time at Ģ��Ƶ.��I was always motivated to learn, and felt��incredibly supported to embrace every opportunity. In Year 11, I had the privilege of travelling to East Timor – an experience I will always cherish. Additionally, I was fortunate to represent Ģ��Ƶ at World Youth Day in Poland through my role as a Liturgy Leader. Mrs Kiernan, in particular, was an absolutely incredible teacher who offered invaluable support, both in my leadership role and throughout my broader education journey. Holding a leadership position helped build my confidence and has inspired me to take on leadership positions as an adult. This has opened up so many opportunities over the years and I am very thankful to Ģ��Ƶ for encouraging me from the outset.��

My favourite subjects were Psychology, Health and Biology – these subjects were really useful in my first year of university!��Further Maths was another subject I really enjoyed. It introduced me to the foundations of statistics — something I use quite a lot in research!

Since leaving Ģ��Ƶ, I completed a Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry and worked in the public health sector as an optometrist. I later returned to academia, where I was employed as a Research Fellow and Associate Lecturer in Vision Science. In March of this year, I commenced my PhD, investigating the relationship between eating disorders and ocular health. Alongside my doctoral studies, I work part-time in policy and advocacy, in addition to my role as a Teaching Fellow at Deakin University – (you might say I enjoy being busy!). In my spare time, I enjoy walking my puppy, Maple (who is a bubbly Bichon Frise x Toy Poodle) and exploring the outdoors with my family.

The post Madeline Baker – Class of 2015 appeared first on Ģ��Ƶ.

Where Can Science Take You?

Bronte Stead — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:07:19 +0000

Where Science Can Take You – Ģ��Ƶ Alumni in Focus

This National Science Week, we’re celebrating four incredible Ģ��Ƶ alumni who are making their mark in the world of science.

From Ģ��Ƶ to Global Conservation – Meet Emma Day

Inspiring change from local roots to international waters!

As part of National Science Week, we’re proud to celebrate Emma Day (Class of 2009), whose career has taken her from the classrooms of Ģ��Ƶ to global climate and conservation leadership.

After studying biology at ANU and completing a Masters at Oxford, Emma’s journey led her through international NGOs and government, from marine plastic pollution to whale conservation.

Today, as Assistant Director at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Emma represents Australia in the International Whaling Commission, championing the global protection of marine species.

Her passion for science was sparked right here, especially through Ģ��Ƶ’s Sustainability Committee, where she first saw the power of local action.

Emma says “Don’t underestimate yourself and reach for opportunities outside your comfort zone,”

Let’s celebrate Emma and all the changemakers using science to build a better world.

Seeing Science Differently – Meet Madeline Baker

From Ģ��Ƶ classrooms to cutting-edge vision science, Madeline Baker (Class of 2015) is using her passion for health and biology to create real-world impact.

Madeline is currently undertaking a PhD exploring the link between eating disorders and ocular health, while also working in policy, advocacy, and teaching at Deakin University. She’s previously worked as a Research Fellow, Lecturer, and Optometrist in the public health sector.

Her scientific journey was sparked at Ģ��Ƶ, where Psychology, Biology, and Health inspired her future studies, and Further Maths laid the groundwork for her love of statistics.

A natural leader from her school days as Liturgy Leader and World Youth Day delegate, Madeline continues to lead in both the lab and the classroom.

And when she’s not researching or teaching, you’ll find her out exploring nature with her dog Maple!

Madeline shows us that science can take many forms and with curiosity, compassion, and courage, it can change lives.

Fighting Cancer with Science – Meet Maria Deronjic

From chemistry class at Ģ��Ƶ to the frontlines of breast cancer research, Maria Deronjic (Class of 2018) is using science to make a difference.

Maria is currently completing a Master’s degree focused on how manipulating metabolism could slow the progression of breast cancer. She’s deep in thesis writing (40,000 words!) and already turning heads, her recent research presentation was awarded the highest score out of 100 entries, competing against seasoned doctors and professors.

Her journey began with a spark for science in Chemistry and Biology classes at Ģ��Ƶ, inspired by teachers like Miss Tolan and Ms. Driessen.

Maria says: “I was captivated by science from a young age, it was clear my future would be in this field.”

Maria plans to continue her research, explore the world, and one day pursue a PhD. Her story is a powerful reminder that young scientists from all walks of life can lead the way in solving the world’s challenges.

Let’s cheer her on this National Science Week!

Powering Progress – Meet Lejla Makas

From Ģ��Ƶ to leading safety and environmental operations in Australia’s fuel industry, Lejla Makas (Class of 2006) proves that STEM can take you anywhere.

After starting a Commerce degree, Lejla realised her true passion lay in Chemistry and Maths -inspired by Ģ��Ƶ teachers like Ms Tolan and Mrs Curran. She pivoted into a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and never looked back.

Lejla’s trailblazing journey includes being one of the first female site operators in a petrochemical company and now leading a national team in Safety, Environment, Learning, and Emergency Management in the petroleum sector.

Lejla says: “Back yourself and give things a go. Don’t be afraid of STEM. These careers offer incredible opportunities and skills that can take you anywhere.”

This Science Week, we’re proud to highlight alumni like Lejla, whose determination and curiosity are fuelling change.

The post Where Can Science Take You? appeared first on Ģ��Ƶ.

Maria Deronjic – Class of 2018

Bronte Stead — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 01:05:11 +0000

I graduated from Ģ��Ƶ in 2018, and looking back, some of my fondest memories are the lifelong friendships I formed, many of which remain strong to this day. Of course, our year group’s banter with teachers also stands out. My favourite classes were always Chemistry and Biology. From a young age, I was captivated by science, and it was clear to me that my future would be in this field.

��

A special shout-out to Miss Tolan, who was hands-down the best Chemistry teacher I could have asked for. The science methods I learned from her continue to guide me in my studies. Ms. Driessen also left an incredible impression with her knowledge of Biology. I am incredibly grateful for teachers like Doc Nolan, Mrs Cromer, Mr Madden, Mrs Rush and Mr. Brownen,��who continually challenged me to push the boundaries of my knowledge.

��

After graduating from Ģ��Ƶ, I pursued a Bachelor of Science with a major in Human Biology. Following that, I took some time to travel and work before returning to academia for my master’s, which I’m currently working on. My research focuses on breast cancer, specifically investigating how manipulating metabolism could slow the progression of the disease. I’m in the process of writing my thesis, which will be approximately 40,000 words!

��

In the future, I hope to secure a position in a lab, take a well-deserved break, and do some more traveling. Eventually, I plan to return to my studies and complete my PhD. Recently, I was honoured to receive an award at a research showcase, where my presentation earned the highest score among 100 submissions, even competing against doctors and professors with over 10 years of experience in the field.

The post Maria Deronjic – Class of 2018 appeared first on Ģ��Ƶ.

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.

The post From the Principal appeared first on Ģ��Ƶ.

Year 7 Science

Bronte Stead — Fri, 30 May 2025 01:09:39 +0000

In Year 7 Science this term, our focus is in the physics space as we looked at forces. Over the past two weeks, students have participated in a collaborative task in which they created and flew planes. This task required them to follow instructions to make a plane out of balsa wood and a small motor, and fly it using a centrifuge machine. Students needed to test the height and speed of their flight, incorporating some key maths skills. Once they had collected data from this flight, they needed to collaboratively decide on a modification to make to their plane, using their knowledge of forces. This modification needed to improve their plane’s height or speed during flight, so ultimately reducing the drag or increasing the lift forces acting on their plane. Over the next week they will analyse their data and determine the effectiveness of their modifications. All students engaged positively in this task and were able to support each other in getting their planes off the ground.��

Lance Houlihan
Wellbeing Community Leader Yr 07

��

Here are some comments from our Year 7 students:

My favourite part of the activity was building the plane because I liked building it with my team. Lily B 7G

One of my favourite bits was testing if it would fly, I was really interested to see if it was going to fly or not. Georgia K 7B

Through this experiment, we learned that it’s not easy to make a plane. You have to make sure you follow the right instructions, so it doesn’t flop. Amarlie R 7G

One of my favourite bits was testing if it would fly. I was really interested to see if it was going to fly or not. Alice O’C 7B

My favourite part of the activity was seeing our plane fly first try which was really exciting. Our modified plane went up first try too. Maddie P 7B

We noticed that our plane was going really slow on the first fly and then we made some changes to our plan. It went faster on our second. The thing that we changed was putting a little thing on the top of the wing so then it would be more reliable. Briah C 7G

I enjoyed working with my group because we all worked really well together and made our plane amazing. Mila K 7B

This was one of the most fun activities we’ve done because we were learning during the whole day. It didn’t feel like it though because of how interesting the whole day actually was. Lily S 7B

The post Year 7 Science appeared first on Ģ��Ƶ.

Valuing Competency – Year 9

Bronte Stead — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 03:25:51 +0000

As part of the Year 9 Pathways Program, teachers are maintaining our focus on competencies as part of the learning design in Science, English and Mathematics.�� The same competency is taught in each learning area and these teachers will be responsible for assessing student progress in the competencies of Agency and Quality Thinking. ��As you can see from the snippets below, the competencies are made part of how we approach the learning of the content and skills of these subjects.�� Thus, the competencies enhance student learning and gives us all a shared language around what great learning looks like.

Students in Year 9 have been working with the language of competencies since Year 7 and are well aware of how they operate within their subjects.�� At the end of this semester, you will receive another report from the University of Melbourne in the fan reports on Agency in Learning, Quality Thinking and Active Citizenship.�� In Semester 2, the focus will be on Agency as the foundational competency and Communication and Acting Ethically.�� The Science, Maths and English teachers are the New Metrics raters for Year 9.�� All other subjects teach, assess and report on the General Capabilities in the Victorian Curriculum (2.0)

At Year 9, with students starting to think about their first jobs, the fans can be very useful in bolstering your young person’s application.�� When they apply for their first��position, they often have little in the way of specifics they can articulate but with the University of Melbourne New Metrics Competency report, they can demonstrate categorically, that they are able to take initiative, communicate, act ethically and work collaboratively – whatever their strengths are that apply to the position they seek.�� This could bring your young person’s application to the attention of a potential employer because it is an objective measure of what they can do.��

In addition, students who demonstrate strong capability in Student Agency through their solid work in the Study Lessons and in their studies in English, Science and Maths, can apply for a Study Passport in Term 2.�� A Study Passport allows a student with high agency to study independently anywhere in the school instead of remaining in the Study Hub.�� They attend the Study Hub and have their names marked off and indicate to the teacher where they are going to study in that lesson and off they go! ��Moreover, as we introduce Augmented Learning through Term 2 for Term 3, students will need to demonstrate that they can indeed be responsible for their own learning, if they want to apply for an online course.�� This is because they will undertake the course on their own (with support from a teacher who touches base) from universities across the world to personalise their Year 9 experience.�� More information on that will follow.

So, as you can see, developing students’ competencies start to make a significant difference in school and out in the world.��

Should you have any questions, please contact me at the College.��

Jo Ryan
Assistant Principal (Student Learning and Wellbeing)��

The post Valuing Competency – Year 9 appeared first on Ģ��Ƶ.

Year 7 Science Excursion

Bronte Stead — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 23:59:38 +0000

Science Excursion: Is life on the Brink of Extinction?

The Year 7 cohort went their separate ways and explored one of six different habitats. They were challenged to be able to name 10 different living things and identify some of the pressures on the survival and health of the habitat. They were also expected to be responsible for their learning and support others, to be respectful and empathetic to the experts that they were working with. We also wanted them to engage in dialogue, which most students did.

Marine excursion:

Students journeyed on a boat into Port Phillip Bay and learnt about the seals, dolphins, birds and other life forms. They became aware of introduced species and the impact that they are having on the food chains.

Mudflats excursion:

After visiting the Queenscliff Maritime Museum and thoroughly impressing Phil, one of the guides at the museum, with their manners and engagement, the students excitedly jumped on a bus and headed to the mudflats at Swan Bay. They were met by Harry. He spoke to them about the animal life in the area and the need to preserve what is there. Harry passionately spoke about not interfering with the animal and sea creatures that inhabit the area. The students enjoyed handing the small crabs found in the sand-well most anyway. Harry was super impressed with the manner in which the students conducted themselves and asked many questions.

Freshwater excursion:

Students made their way to Ganes reserve, a wet land that is continually fed by stormwater, creating a series of freshwater ponds. The students explored the many different life forms that exist in the freshwater ponds. They identified many different insects and the small organisms; the highlight was seeing a baby dragonfly. They enjoyed getting to touch the many different animals at the Queenscliff Marine and Freshwater Discovery centre and learning about the threats to this vital habitat.

Rockpool excursion:

The students and teachers initially got lost, but then they found their guide who explored the Point Lonsdale rock pools with them. They looked at three different types of seaweed, and ate some of it, tasted a bit like salty cucumber. They looked at the animals living in the rock pools, and the different types of snails. They learnt about the intertidal zone and the dangerous nature of being so close to the opening of the bay. They discovered the petrified trees that are encased in the rocks. Everyone learnt so much and developed a greater sense of the environmental and human impacts on the rockpool habitat.

Moorabool River excursion:

The students planted in the riparian zone, stabilising the riverbanks and providing new habitat. They saw a koala and kangaroo tracks and learnt about the difficulties the Moorabool faces as it makes its way to the sea. In the afternoon they created some art works using the observational art technique. The students represented Ģ��Ƶ with great pride and the volunteers Felicity and Peter from and Kate and Katie, the Nature Reserves Officers from City of Greater Geelong, were delighted with their efforts in planting and enthusiasm for learning.

Anglesea Heath excursion:

Great outing supported by the organisation ANGAIR: a volunteer organisation that supports other agencies with helping maintain indigenous ecosystems of the Anglesea and Aireys Inlet districts. Eradication of noxious weeds is one of their many roles. Following a small informative chat at the ANGAIR office where students looked at preserved specimens of the local flora and fauna, we travelled to a part of the Heath near the old Alcoa power station which has been inundated by this weed which was originally introduced to Australia to stabilise our sand dunes. It was explained with no natural predators and the huge amount of seed produced how anything of this nature can very quickly become invasive and have huge consequences to our ecosystems. The students were eager to pull as many boneseed plants as possible from the area and in conjunction with efforts from other schools, made a great positive contribution to this cause as evidenced by the great pile of pulled plants. In addition, we were witness to the impact of the boneseed on plants of this area which are literally smothered by this weed and with this the knock-on effects on animal habitat and food sources. A great day that was informative, enthusiastic and fun.

Student comments:

‘Thank you staff and teachers for a beautiful fun day, I had heaps of fun exploring the new species!’

‘Thanks so much teachers and staff for making a amazing day for all of us’.

‘Thank you we had a fun day!’

The post Year 7 Science Excursion appeared first on Ģ��Ƶ.

Science Archives - Ģ����Ƶ