Wellbeing and Resilience 

Despite the most recent restrictions and our unfortunate snap lockdown, it was pleasing to be able to hold Wellbeing sessions during Week 3. Year 7 students completed the Shut the Duck Up Program through Stride Education, which focused on developing and understanding of our inner voice and our ability to reframe thoughts coming from a negative viewpoint.

Year 11 students participated in two-hour workshops. Tomorrow Man enabled reflection and stimulated discussion on ways to re-write the rules on what it means to be a man and Tomorrow Woman encouraged students to rise above social pressures and expectations and to value being brave over being perfect.

Both the facilitators and the staff who joined in with the programs commented on the maturity and the level of engagement of our students in these workshops. This is particularly reassuring at a time when our School values of Respect, Compassion, Inclusion, Integrity and Excellence are so highly appreciated in a rapidly changing world.

Kate Morgan
Head of Senior School

Online Science Competitions

COVID restrictions have meant that many competitions have taken on a new online format. During term 2 our students competed in two of these online competitions.

Firstly, interested students were given the opportunity to apply for the Big Science Competition and six students from Years 8–10 took part.

Congratulations to:

Jacinta Mentiplay, Sahasra Tadavarthi and Gurleen Kaur—Participation

Kai Jackson and Nick Schwenden—Credit

Jack Witterick—High Distinction

Reaching New Heights

Students also took part in the Reach competition that is designed for students to excel at any level. The more correct answers a student gives, the harder the questions become. The competition results can also help students with their future subject choices in Science. All Year 8 and Year 10 students sat this competition in the last week of term 2.

Students and their parents can see their individual results by logging into ICAS. Each student has an individual TAP-ID and PIN. The TAP-ID and PIN are printed on the student letter and can be used by parents to log in to online reports for students.

Please see your science teacher if you are having difficulty accessing the ID and PIN.

For more details on how to interpret results please visit www.icasassessments.com.

Ten students in Year 8 and nine students in Year 10 received a score of 90 – 98% which is classified as Commendable.

Three students in Year 8 and two students in Year 10 received scores of 99 – 100% which is classified as Outstanding. 

Congratulations to Brendan Tan, Brynn Mills, Thesan Mahagedara, Dong-Ting Chen and Jashneel Nand for their Outstanding achievement.

More Competitions Coming Up

On Tuesday, 27 July, 37 students from Years 7 to 10 sat the International Science Olympiads competition. Described as ‘the Olympic Games for science students’, the competition covers Physics, Biology, Earth Science and Chemistry. We wish our students well as they await their results.

EP Science Championships

During Science Week on Monday, 16 August to Monday, 23 August, Education Perfect holds a different type of competition that runs for the whole week. Students answer as many Science questions as they can and the more questions they answer, the higher they move in the rankings.

Prizes are given to the top students and spot prizes are handed out every day. Science teachers will be reminding all students about the event closer to the date.

Gina Upward

Science Teacher

Casey Quill 

During English this semester, Class 9B flexed their creative writing skills with the topic, A Pickle & Potato Sandwich. 

Please see below for a selection of student articles.

An English Story by Emily O’Keeffe.

As I eat my pickle and potato sandwich, I watch the sun slowly fall down after its long and exhausted day. The sky begins to paint with pastel colours and the moon casts its shimmer onto the world. I love watching the stars dance across the sky with purpose and joy. I think we all desire to be like the stars, free and beautiful. I can honestly say I’m finally becoming a star. I relised one day by making my slow march to my bedroom mirror. My mirror was my worst enemy, I would scream at the poor, lost girl on the other side. As I anxiously took the leap of faith, I stood in front of it, staring at my 14 year old self. My biggest insecurities seemed to fade. My uneven teeth stopped being hidden by a small, tight smile. In fact my smile grew three times its size that day. Here I am two years later feeling pure excitement by the little things in life.

As the moon adjusts to the dark night, I run back through the flower fields on a quest to find my way back home. Dramatic music plays in my head and I feel like I am the main character. I let my brown messy hair fly through the wind as my little legs try to leap through the open fields. As I run through the darkness of the night, I can see a shadow running beside me. Fear infects my body at first but then a familiar voice calls my name. “River?” I call out with uncertainty in my shaky voice. Then River grabs my shoulders as if we were in a horror movie. I don’t even flinch, his goofy behavior has been around since the moment we could talk. I’m pretty sure his first words were a knock knock joke. As we arrive to my farm house I walk through the beautiful wooden doors and can instantly smell mums famous spaghetti. The smell brings back memories of food fights and family gatherings.

As we settle into my nature inspired bedroom, I reach for something in my DIY handbag. I pull out a painting on a tiny canvas. “I painted the sky tonight for you, happy early birthday” I announce to him. His face lights up and his smile becomes contagious. After a few minutes of small talk, River makes his journey next door. We say goodbye our own special way, by doing the handshake we’ve had since we were 8. I reach into my bag one last time and find the rest of my pickle and potato sandwich from tonight. I throw it as if it’s a football to River. River smiles and says “You better bring me another one for tomorrow, Hazel.” I giggle and rush back to my peaceful room. As time passes I lay in my bed wide awake at 12 o’clock at night. River can’t seem to get off my mind and then I realize, maybe I’m starting to have feelings for River.

Written by Emily O’Keeffe

An English Story by James Dawson.

The salty brine squelched under pressure, the crisp potatoes crackled and soft bread gave way to his stained teeth, as he ravenously tore away at the sandwich which he had been so anxiously waiting for. Liam sat there in his white shirt, now stained with pickle brine, waiting for his accomplice. Liam never thought he would have to stoop this low. He felt that he was always an honest, hard-working man, however what he had to do now would tarnish his image.

Grasping his pierced left ear, which showed his affiliation with his gang, he reminisced about the events leading up to now. Although he could not remember it, his foster parents had told him that his mother and father left him for the poker table. He still had a scar on his head from when they threw him to the steps of the orphanage.

Even though he eventually found a home with two foster parents, he never felt anyone could understand him, so he went running from every foster home he could, until he found two people who truly cared about him. His foster parents were generally well off, his foster dad worked as a doctor and made more than enough for the three of them. Still, Liam wanted to be able to provide from himself, but after getting turn down at the past 12 jobs he applied for, this was his best option.

Liam slept at the top floor of the family’s two-story house. His room had a Queen-sized bed, a desk and a large closet, each painted dark blue. On his desk, he had a penholder, pc and an office chair to sit on. He liked that desk, mainly because it was his welcome gift when he came to live with his foster family. His foster parents went out of their way to spend their own money on this complete stranger, so Liam cherished this desk and the memories it held very dearly.

At that desk, he remembered spending Friday afternoons playing video games with his two good friends, Noah and Oliver. Gaming was one of his favourite things to do because it allowed him to spend time with his friends, even when they could not meet in person. Liam also really enjoyed hiking. He liked it because it allowed him to unwind and clear his head after a long day.

Being left alone at a young age had always made Liam strive to provide for himself. He never wanted anyone to do anything for him, because he felt he did not deserve it. As a result, his ambition was to be able to provide enough for himself, and hopefully, a family.

He had been waiting at the restaurant for a while now, but then he saw a man dressed in black enter. His black leather shoes, clearly polished, squeaked on the shiny tile flooring. Tipping his black hat has a sign of respect; he sat down across from Liam and shook his hand. “Hello Mr Liam” he said “Ready for some work?”

Written by James Dawson

An English Story by Nicholas Riet. 

This story starts with me doing my favourite thing, eating a pickle and potato sandwich. It is my main quirky personality trait. I know what you are probably thinking. Ewww a pickle and potato sandwich! Is this person crazy? The answer is no, I am not crazy. My mother had me tested. You should try one. They actually taste so good. Trust me you will not regret it. Anyway, to the story now. This is the story of a childhood experience that changed my life. Oh how rude of me. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Augustus McSandwich. Okay, now that I have introduced myself, it is time for the story. It all happened on a sunny day in September when I was 12 years old …

I had just left my home; a small apartment in a 5-storey apartment complex in Winter Park, a town located near Orlando in Florida and had a population of approximately 28,000. My family was quite poor back then. My ambition was to come a professional speed eater. Every day, I would train and train and train for the monthly town fairs we would have. Today was one of the days when we would have this competition. I was so excited because this month they said they were picking a unique food that we had to eat and that there was a celebrity guest host.

When I arrived at the fair, it was busy as always. I signed in, got to my seat and waited for the event to start as usual. Adrenaline was pumping so fast through my blood. Finally, the host came from back stage. It was none other than the world champion speed eater, my idol, Doug Speedster! I was so excited. I knew I had to win this competition. “Hello Winter Park! It is me, Doug Speedster, here to host this months speed eating competition! Now, let’s get to the competition! Bring out the food!” Doug had said. On cue, the food was brought out onto the table in front of us contestants. Slowly, the cloth that covered the food was taken off to reveal the mystery food. “Today’s contestants will be eating pickle and potato sandwiches! Whoever eats the most pickle and potato sandwiches in 5 minutes is this month’s champion and gets to go on a special professional speed eaters experience! Now, let the competition begin!”

I ate and ate as fast as I could. My mouth was chewing at a thousand miles an hour. All I thought about was eating more and more of these sandwiches. Surprisingly, they tasted delicious. Well, I had thought so at least. Some of the other competitors didn’t seem to agree. This gave me an advantage. A buzzer sounded. “Stop eating! Time is up. Judges, count the sandwiches,” Doug had announced. The judges went to work counting the sandwiches. I was happy with the amount I ate and it didn’t matter if I won or lost because I knew I had tried my best. Although, of course I did hope I had won. Once the judges were done, one of them came up to Doug and handed him a card. “And the winner is … Augustus McSandwich!” “Yes!” I yelled as I jumped in the air, like in those Toyota ads. Confetti rained down on me and Doug handed me a trophy and an envelope. ‘Good job kid. Here is your trophy and in this envelope is everything you would need for the professional speed eaters experience,” he had said. “Thanks Doug. You are my idol. I can’t wait to go on this experience,” I had replied with.

A month later, I had the experience. It was so much fun. I got to race against some professional speed eaters and ended up landing myself a contract to become one professionally. Ever since that competition in September, I have been eating pickle and potato sandwiches, like I am doing now as I narrate this story. That day had changed my life forever. Now, a year after the competition, I am able to support my family and get to live out my dream. That is the story of how I became Augustus McSandwich, the professional speed eater.

Written by Nicholas Riet

An English Story by Sarah Iurescu. 

Case file No.1

  • Case File
  • Last name- Stone
  • First name- Sapphire
  • Age - 7 and 4 months
  • Description- Dark blue eyes and orange curly hair. Carries a small white polka dot umbrella with red spots. Last seen in a black dress after running away from her mother’s funeral.
  • Missing for a year and 6 months.

Flopping on his bed, his half-finished pickle and potato sandwich falling on his lap, tired and worn out, John Smith sighed in frustration. Another day passed and no new leads on the missing case. Being the youngest detective in the agency, with only 18 years of age, he had much to prove as many believed he was not sufficient enough to hold his own, so every day was a constant battle to prove his worthiness. This was his first case and if not solved soon, his last. People were critical of John being a detective, their judgmental eyes followed him wherever he went, just waiting to undermine him in any way if an opportunity were to present itself. The fan made his brown curly hair press against his forehead, blocking his view of the ceiling. The room was small, but he did not need much space. With only a small desk, bed, and wardrobe he had enough to keep the bare necessities. Most of the day John was out at the graveyard looking for something to lead to the missing girl. Once again he sighed and his eyes fluttered closed and quickly he fell asleep only to restart the same day he had been living for months.

John didn’t need to take on this case. He chose to. Her story sounded familiar to him as he had gone through something similar, only from a different perspective. When he was younger, around Sapphire’s age, his brother ran away from home after the loss of their parents. Not being able to cope with the pressure and responsibility of raising his younger brother, he ran away, leaving John on his own. With the new need to survive alone, he had to learn the ways of the world, with nothing to fall back on which meant that he learned all the lessons most learn in adulthood, in his adolescence. Every time he goes to the graveyard he feels like he can see her, standing by her mother with her polka dot umbrella. Close enough that he can see her but far enough that he can not reach her. Every day the same thing just a repeat of the same cycle. Determination is a fragile thing and if you keep hitting at it, it will shatter. Stripped of his position, nothing was left for him. He was not upset about the position he lost, he did not grieve for the loss of his job, more for the shame and disappointment he felt within himself.

Each day he visited the graveyard and with each passing day, he grew older. Visiting not only Sapphire’s mothers’ grave but his parents’ as well. He watched as others came to pay their respects or mourn over lost ones. Depressing, but it was the only thing keeping him sane.

A girl, only about 16. The black dress, the umbrella. John could see it so realistically that he thought he hit the deep end, which at this point would not be a surprise to him. With her silent tears, she reached forward and touched the cold stone, closing her eyes. A moment later she looked back at John, tilted her head and smiled. “I hope you don’t mind… But I wish to remain lost,” she said as John felt frozen in place. He felt the cold touch of the umbrellas tip spear through his back, now visible at his stomach. His hands get a feeling of warmth as he merely grazes the blood seeping from him. As many years prior, his eyes fluttered closed as the last thing he sees is a girl walking away twirling her red polka dot umbrella, with his bloodstains now joining her mothers’.

Written by Sarah Iurescu

An English Story by Sophie Adam.

  • Name: George
  • Age: 21
  • Gender: male

George, a young man of about 21 years old, sat quietly alone on a park bench in the heart of London. He sat there with a book in one hand and a strange sandwich in the other, even though it was winter, close to 5 p.m, and the winds were bound to be blowing even harsher. George was a reserved man who was extremely shy around most people, particularly when invited to parties or in public places. However, inside he was a humorous person who enjoyed playing the piano, and every night, he would entertain his mother and sister with his joyful and creative songs, mostly joking about the snarky Mrs Kat, who always peered into other people's business and, last time, chose the wrong time to do so. Her scream echoed throughout the entire neighbourhood, obviously she learned her lesson, and fits of laughter from George and Olivia (his sister) with the clever stunt they pulled.

Now George was known for having a large thick book in his hands all the time and his tall, slender build, but he was also popular for his dazzling wavy blonde hair and his charming smile he hid away behind a fictional book.

George’s residence was a townhouse in London, with a nice garden bed at the front and a small backyard. The house wasn’t much but consisted of all the requirements necessary, especially the piano he worked all day and night on. He lived with his mother and sister; his mother was a kind woman that worked at the local market and his sister, Olivia was aged 6 and a pure gem. The house had a quaint drawing room and a small but modern kitchen.

His room was at the highest point of the house, which had a circular window at the back of the room that looked over the park and parts of the neighbourhood he could see. On the right was a single bed with the neatest sheets and on the left a closet full of suits and simple clothing. Inside near the window, the piano was grand, and stuffed with papers and pencils, and held a photo of his mother, sister, and father… he loved that photo because it was the day of his primary school graduation, you can see with a gal between his front teeth and the wholesome smile he expressed whilst hugging family.

George was passionate about his work, but with great passion came stress and frustration. However so, when he cannot get the right notes, he stabilises himself by closing his eyes and traces back to the day his father brought him to a concert. He despised the idea of going to a concert. He'd rather spend the day in his room, and read millions of books to practise and learn to become a professional writer. But no, no he had to go to a stupid concert and watch boring people play with cellos and violins in a boring hall. But his father insisted (more like threatened to throw away all his books if he didn’t) and they travelled to the hall, George complaining. He’d smile when he would recall his exact words “I hate music! It’s so boring!” and would rejoice in remembering the man that played the solo on the piano. Feeling the rush of passion and emotions throughout his body, and sparks in his fingers as he presses the keys. The smile beaming on his face watching the old man play, and the proud smile his father wore when he watched his son gleam.

Except for staying at home and working on his music, George had other hobbies of his. The two major being cooking and surprisingly swimming. He was a shy man, but he didn’t mind whenever he would go swimming and relax in the water. He didn’t care what others thought, he would just let the water go against himself and swim. He has a knack for cuisine and had exquisite abilities, always making the best food in the house. Thanks to his grandmother, he learned the best way to creating dishes.

Back in the past, George's ambition was to become a professional writer and influence all young minds in imagination. However, after the moment at the grand hall and the piano, his love for music rose and convinced George that music was him. Music was what he was born to do, and to move people with the melancholy melodies, the humorous beats and the romantic rhythms.

So George sat in the park, enjoying the novel “Go Tell It on the Mountain”, feeling the wind softly push against his skin and feeling the sot scarf wrap around his neck. His watch indicated that it was time for supper and he was expected home, but he continued reading, too engrossed in the book. The sandwich was becoming heavy in his hand and he sighed, taking a bite and beginning his walk home. However…. Widened eyes he spites the sandwich into the nearby bin and gags. What was that disgusting taste!!! Looking inside, he huffs and puts it in the bin, marching home and slamming the door open. “OLIVIA!!!” “Hello brother!” she happily skips down the stairs and hugs him. “YOU SWAPPED MY SANDWICH!” “Did I? I don’t remember doing so,” she smirks. George is fuming with anger, steam practically coming out of his ears. “You wouldn’t get mad at me… would you? Or let mother tell you off about being mean to me,” she says with her puppy dog eyes. Holding onto her pink dress, yellow pigtails falling on her shoulders and holding a teddy bear. God, she looked like a doll. He closed his eyes and sighed, frustrating leaving him. “You’re always going to do this to me.” she giggled and they walked to the kitchen where their mother was cooking. Of course, scolding him for being very late, but he didn’t mind. Just gave a cheeky kiss to his mother’s cheek and enjoyed the incredible shepherd’s pie. The family, as tradition, danced that night together, singing and laughing along with George’s astounding playing.

Written by Sophie Adam