Science Week and Mural

Last week was Science Week, an opportunity for staff and students to enjoy an array of intriguing science-based activities including incursions, excursions, quizzes and experiments. A highlight of the week was the creation of this fabulous mural on the wall adjacent to the science building. Mural artist Alexander Grilanc held staff and students spellbound as they watched the mural take shape. Now complete, it brightens up what was a dull and grey space. Thank you to Mr Michael Vandenberg (Head of Science) and the Science Department for organising our fabulous Science Week activities and special thanks for Mr John Palomares and the Art Department for organising our artist-in-residence. His work is truly inspirational.

JS Parent Teacher Interviews

Our Junior School Parent–Teacher Interviews were a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the progress made by our students in semester one. They also facilitated conversations where parents and teachers could collaborate on how to support each child’s learning over the coming semester. Thank you to all parents who met with their child’s teacher.

Educator Awards

The Educator Awards were held on Friday 9 August. A nervous group of Casey Grammar staff attended the award ceremony to cheer on our finalist for Primary School Teacher of the Year Award 2024, Mrs Danielle Searles. Mrs Searles was one of only eight finalists from all around Australia. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and think she is a most worthy finalist. I remain grateful for all that Danielle has achieved during her time at Casey Grammar. While she might not have taken home the prize, she is a winner in our eyes.

Senior School Staff vs Student Debate

Last week we launched our House Debating Competition with a Staff V Students Exhibition Debate. The debate was conducted in front of the Senior School who soon learned that debates can be very entertaining and a lot of fun. Congratulations to our very skilled Year 12 debaters Hiba K, Tina M and James D who were narrowly beaten by the teachers Mr Kearney, Mr McDermott and Mr Chanter. Thanks to this debate, there is increased interest in, and excitement about, the House Debating competition.

Fiona Williams

Principal

Prepare Your Child for the Path, Not the Path for Your Child

The adage ‘Prepare your child for the path, not the path for your child’ encapsulates the value of outdoor education programs. They aim to foster self-efficacy, independence and connection among students. Our camp programs are thoughtfully designed to enhance and complement the learning that takes place in the classroom, not distract from it. 

The concept of antifragility (as conceptualised by Nassim Taleb, in his book of the same name) is helpful when thinking about the value of outdoor education programs. In the natural world, students encounter the unexpected — weather changes, navigation challenges, and the need for teamwork. These ‘shocks’ are not merely obstacles to be endured; they are opportunities for growth.

As students navigate through these experiences, they develop their capacity to adapt and flourish in the face of adversity, which helps to build character. In a world that often seeks to shield the young from failure, disappointment or challenge, outdoor education programs stand out by doing the opposite. They prepare students not by clearing obstacles from their path, but by equipping them with the resilience to face and overcome them. This approach aligns with the broader educational goal of preparing the young people in our care for life, not just tests.

The skills developed through outdoor education — amongst them, problem-solving, decision-making and leadership — are transferable to academic pursuits and beyond. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, to remain composed under pressure, and to turn challenges into stepping stones for success are qualities that benefit students in all areas of life. Like any learning, there is no progress without challenge. 

It is natural that some students and parents may be concerned or apprehensive about camp programs, especially if such programs have not been a part of their own educational experience, however, avoiding such challenge means missing out on the opportunity for connection and growth, and the pride that comes from overcoming challenge. 

The students who recently attended our Year 8 Outdoor Education Program attest to the fact that it is worth participating in these programs. Casey Grammar School believes that they are a critical part of a well-rounded education.

Robert Jacob

Deputy Principal