From Year 9
It has been a very busy fortnight for our Year 9 students. Trimester 3 kicked off with the two final electives.
On Sunday 11th August, Year 9 students Olivia Sutherland and Desh Gonzales competed in the JLTAV Junior Speech Competition. They performed two conversations in Japanese; one was a set conversation while the other was an original. The original conversation involved Desh loving wasabi ramen, and Olivia getting invited to a wasabi party, which made the audience laugh. We commend them both on their efforts to participate in the competition. In other outings over the last week, students attended a Japanese film excursion at ACMI in the city to watch an animated film called 'The Concierge' while other some students participated in tutoring at St Brendan’s Primary School as part of the MercyRITES program.
The highlight was on Thursday when the entire Year 9 cohort attended a STEM experience in connection with Melbourne University and the STEM Centre of Excellence at Science Gallery Melbourne. This half-day program offered hands-on exposure to innovative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities, fostering their curiosity and enthusiasm for these critical fields.
Going to the STEM excursion was a great experience that helped me connect with my fellow classmates and explore my interest in different sciences. Everyone there was incredibly welcoming and made the excursion ten times better. Being a class captain has also become a good way for me to involve myself with the rest of 9A!
Erika B 9A
As of recently our school St Aloysius have been part of a partnership with the Melbourne University science. This means we will be able to visit the science/stem exhibitions as well as having people talk to us about different topics semi-regularly. On the 15th of August we were invited to have a look at one of the science exhibitions and the theme was “sci-fi”. It was filled with the brim with different interpretations of the future and how life would be if the world had a different scientific tweak to it, mostly being futuristic. It incorporated many different art types such as visuals, sound and feeling to make our experience memorable. We were then invited to engage in activities that taught us how the world would be if it had just been a little different getting us all to contribute and work together to come up with solutions and share ideas. All in all the experience of the STEM excursion was engaging and cooperative and something I would love to experience again.
Charlotte A 9A
Last week on Thursday, the year 9s had the amazing opportunity to attend the University of Melbourne's Science Gallery and Expo in Parkville. Guided by three welcoming hosts, we explored the gallery filled with artworks created by both Asian and First Nations' women, surrounding the central theme of 'Science-Fiction' and dystopia. We looked at how artificial intelligence and the environment play crucial parts in our lives and the world we live in, while also talking to many students and professors running their expos. After, we participated in a workshop where we sorted through AI-generated images of the future, and discussed ways new inventions can affect how society functions over time. Overall, an insightful and educational experience we look forward to attending in the future!
Catherine F and Beatrice L 9B
Last Thursday, Year 9 had the opportunity to go to the Melbourne University Science Gallery. The gallery explored science, technology, and bioethics in art, aiming to show us that the two do not always have to be separate. The gallery included AI elements and an expo section where we could learn and ask researchers questions about their research. The gallery was an interesting, interactive, and fun experience.
Chloe H 9C
Year 9 students are showing great dedication to learning and continue to strive for excellence.
January Ma
Year 9 Leader
The following article is written by Beatrice Lawson-Acar of 9B regarding her experience of participating in the Girl Power in Engineering and IT course at the University of Melbourne
As a student and a part of the Girl Power in Engineering and IT course at the University of Melbourne, I am constantly amazed by the quality of the University's engineering and IT programs. The University of Melbourne's Engineering and IT course's curriculum combines cutting - edge research with practical experience. Within state of the art facilities that make learning impactful and engaging! Allowing their students to be connected with state of the art professors with strong industry connections to open many doors for invaluable experiences and internships within the real world. As the University of Melbourne continues to succeed in preparing their students for the future and their future prospects.
My pathway in Engineering and It began with he Girl Power in Engineering and IT cohort, which continues to be a transformative experience for my peers and I. The rigorous application process is one that I vividly remember. Involving submitting a detailed application, while navigating the selection process and participating in a thorough interview with my potential peers in this amazing course. This process was to identify the passionate and talented individuals, which I am thrilled to be a part of just 30 students out of the hundreds of applications. This exceptional journey has allowed me to connect with like-minded peers and receive exceptional mentorship from outstanding professionals, including the inspiring Monica Duggan.
This camp allowed me to immerse myself in the University's lifestyle, as living on campus, eating all meals and staying at the University I gained such an amazing experience. Monica's mentorship, alongside the multitude of professors and educators, showcasing the University's commitment to their students. Nurturing and fostering a supportive learning environment. My connections I gained throughout the camp not only with my peers but with academics have shaped my career and academic aspirations.
Student Reflections
A couple of weeks ago we joined the year 10 French class on an excursion to the Alliance Francaise Centre in the city. We participated in a race around the city which included activities that tested our French skills at each location. Some of these activities were a spelling competition, a miming workshop, a pronunciation and memory relay, and an Olympics quiz. This allowed for us to improve our vocabulary and comprehension skills as we were exposed to the French language in a fun and interactive way. We had a great time on this trip and are very grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate.
Madeline H 9A & Josephine W 9C
As of semester 2, it's been great to be called class captain. So far, I have had nothing but a good experience of working with my classmates towards a better class environment and celebrating with them their achievements. When running for the role, I had a good idea of leadership, not being pronounced the title. I have learnt so much more about what it is to be a leader.
Heidi T 9C