From the Head of Senior School

Science Week

The theme for this year’s Science Week was Innovation – Powering Future Industries. The Casey Grammar Science Department went to great lengths to immerse students in a range of fascinating events that piqued the interest of our budding scientists. From spheroball races in the gym to a spectacular rocket launch on the oval, daily science quizzes, lunchtime hands-on sessions with drones, Lego Technic and Holograms, and a much-anticipated offering of insect snacks — the food of the future — there was much fun to be had by all.

Book Week

The love for literature, and for dressing up in costumes for Book Week, applies to the young and the young at heart. Well done to those who came dressed as their favourite book character on Friday, and to those who have sparked the interest of others to read something new!

Voices of Country

From the 2023 Year 11 Unit 2 Literature class:

During the course of Unit 2 Literature, we have been reading and analysing a myriad of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ texts, assisting us in gaining important skills and knowledge for our area of study — Voices of Country.

In particular, we have closely read The Visitors by Jane Harrison, Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe and Listen by Jazz Money, among others. This has truly displayed to us the various texts and perspectives open to non-indigenous people, which can help us all acknowledge the atrocities of the past and contribute to the movement towards conciliation as well as recognising Australia’s shared history.

On Friday, 18 August, we had the pleasure of sharing a ‘yarn’ session with Peter and Kyran from Wanyara, an Aboriginal company. Peter shared his own experiences as a First Nations Australian, allowing us to further comprehend and gain a better insight on Indigenous Peoples’ circumstances, both past and present. For instance, our yarn session involved conversations and questions regarding environmental practices, cultural beliefs and social aspects correlating with Indigenous Voice. 

This truly endorsed and transformed our current knowledge of First Nation’s history and understanding with the lived experiences Peter shared — rather than reading these accounts online or from colonial extracts. We were so pleased to hear that our session, the plethora of classroom displays, including the map of Indigenous Australia, our own acknowledgments of country and numerous Aboriginal author’s views, values and home nations allowed Peter and Kyran to feel ‘safe’ and comfortable in our school.

Moving forward, we have a greater appreciation and understanding of the salience of listening to First Nations’ experiences and supporting Indigenous Peoples in our community and nation. We are extremely grateful that Peter and Kyran took time to speak to us and share a yarn. Telling us about their individual experiences was an invaluable asset to our studies and helped us tremendously. Having someone who is a First Nations Australian speaking to us about topics we are currently learning gave us an insight that we could not have acquired otherwise, and helped shape our understanding of the Unit and the texts we analyse. 

As a result, we can make more informed decisions and contribute to the support and process of truth telling. Through simply being well informed and well educated it allows us to have a distinct perspective of colonisation and how our school community can come together and help support and embrace the First Nations people of Australia.

Thank you also to our teacher Ms Kearney for organising this incursion and enhancing our learning. As always, your enthusiasm and deep passion for this topic is inspiring and applaudable. Another thanks to Mrs Rivere-Pendle for her wide-spread efforts in our school community in acknowledging Indigenous Voice and promoting its importance as well as taking the time to join us in the yarn session.

Katerina, Naheed, Jay, Sarah, Tina, Hibha, Vanessa and Riley.

Sport News

Congratulations to Nereesa W (Year 7) who recently participated in the 50m freestyle at the Victorian Open Short Course Championships. A committed and talented swimmer, Nereesa shows commitment to her sport and is training hard to improve her times.

Keep up the great work, Nereesa!

Kate Morgan

Head of Senior School

Year 10 Art Excursion

On 1 August, Year 10 Visual Art students travelled to the National Gallery of Victoria to attend the exhibition of Pierre Bonnard. Students then attended a lecture regarding the Bonnard exhibition which was presented by an NGV representative. To finish off the excursion, students participated in a two-hour guided Bonnard painting workshop. Students gained knowledge and understanding of the materials and techniques used by Bonnard, and the diverse art styles Bonnard was involved in. The few days following the excursion, students spent time in class completing their Bonnard-inspired painting.

Bonnie Midwinter

Senior School Teacher

SIS Athletics Carnival

Last Monday our House Athletics champions represented Casey Grammar School at the Southern Independent School’s athletics carnival. We were blessed with beautiful weather which contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the day.

We placed 3^rd overall which resulted from fantastic student participation as well as outstanding performances across both track and field events in all age groups. Congratulations to our U16 and U17 girls who received pennants on the day!

Thank you to our competitors for demonstrating your best efforts and encouraging each other. A special thank you to those who filled an event on the day, particularly those who competed in higher age groups!

Jess Delgos

Sport Coordinator