Our 2023 Graduates gave their Principal a touching tribute
for his final Valedictory Season
Zara Badic, 12A, gives a rousing send off to her classmates
Phone: 9547 6822
Email: wellington.sc@education.vic.gov.au
Attendance: 9562 4762 or 0484 009 562
IT Helpdesk: helpdesk@wellingtonsc.vic.gov.au
Welcome
I wish everyone a warm welcome back to Term 4 and trust that your holiday break was a good one. We are all gearing up for a successful completion of 2023. With the VCAA VCE examinations underway for a range of VCE students this week, it will be the end of the year before we know it.
NASA Tour
Our NASA/USA Tour over the term holidays was an outstanding success. Assistant Principal Marina Stergiou led 5 lucky Year 10 and 11 students on the tour of a lifetime to NASA in the USA. I was privileged to be part of the “WhatsApp” group and could follow the photographs and student reflections (and parent responses) in real time. Student behaviour was exemplary, and I know Ms Stergiou is preparing, with the students, a more detailed report for this edition of the Journal. There are lots of photos as well!
Year 12 Valedictory Dinner
Last night we had the pleasure of celebrating the valedictory farewell for our Year 12 cohort. There are lots of photos in other parts of the journal. We wish the Year 12 students all the best in their upcoming exams.
Visit By the Former Premier
I was certainly surprised (as I think we all were) by the sudden retirement of our former local member and Premier, the Hon Dan Andrews. Dan has been a magnificent supporter of our school over his 20-year tenure in state politics and on behalf of the Wellington Community, I thank him, and his government for that support and indeed their advocacy for state education in the Education State. In this context it was a very pleasant opportunity to host him on the last day of Term 3 on what would be his final “official” visit to Wellington. We conducted a tour of the College, especially visiting the newly completed parts of the Building Project that he had not yet seen – and we agreed that the buildings spoke for themselves as vibrant, purpose-built learning spaces. A highlight of the tour was his genuine engagement with the students in the classes we attended. There are number of photos in other parts of the Journal that reflect this. We wait with interest for the political process to play out in the selection of the new local Member for Mulgrave.
Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Survey
During Term 3, DE Staff and Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Surveys were conducted. The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Survey results are available, and it is fair to say they continue to paint a very positive picture in regard to community satisfaction with our great school. Once again, I thank the 74 Parent/Caregiver/Guardians who completed this important survey, which was a little bit down on last year’s response.
I have included the results of the last two years to give a small comparative snapshot of the main factors:
2023 (74 Respondents)
2022 (110 Respondents)
3 Way Conferences
The on-line 3 Way Conferences held on the last Wednesday in Term 3 were a success. As a process it again seemed to be well received by parents/carers and teachers alike – and these sorts of meetings, whilst never fully replacing face to face contact, will certainly be reviewed and considered for our 2024 plans.
Valedictory Season
Our Year 12’s are embarking on the last phase of their formal schooling before they face the final examination hurdles, and what a year it has been. I am confident that they have been well prepared and that they will always conduct themselves in the “Wellington Way” over the next few weeks. In particular:
Hugh Blaikie
Principal
Despite the numerous flights, check-ins, check-outs and ongoing bus travel, our Space-X-Plore STEM and Space Tour to the USA was spectacular. Our students were involved in ongoing real-life learning while making new friends from other schools, experiencing a new culture, visiting famous attractions – and of course buying gifts and souvenirs!
The key intention for travel to the USA was for students to expand and strengthen their understanding of and engagement with STEM through real life application of Science, Mathematics, Technologies and Engineering skills. The trip promoted STEM-related career opportunities for students by engaging with professionals in these areas and seeing the real-life application of STEM skills in an authentic way. The use of the design thinking methodology was demonstrated repeatedly and broadened students’ understanding of divergent thinking and problem solving particularly in the aerospace sector. Students participated in a series of immersive learning experiences which fostered critical and creative thinking.
A three-day camp to Kennedy Space Centre exposed students to a range of collaborative and interactive activities connected to space travel. Led by trained experts in the field, students participated in an Astronaut Training Experience using technologies including virtual reality and augmented reality to explore life in space and the ways with which engineers and astronauts survive challenging environments through clear communication and effective problem solving.
Students participated in workshops and learning activities where they were able to:
Additionally, students participated in the ‘STEM to STERN’ Program, aboard the USS Hornet to see how chemistry, physics and mathematics apply to the intricate architecture and operational functioning of a World War II aircraft carrier. Students spent several hours on the carrier with tour guides and were able to witness several aspects of living and working on this carrier; how Americans who enlisted during World War II lived on the sea for up to two years without setting foot on land, how technology was used in the 1940s to create the systems to make these carriers operational during wartime. It was overwhelmingly impressive to walk through aircraft and other exhibits which were on display across the three levels of the Hornet.
Attending the Exploratorium, an enormous science, arts and technology museum (equivalent to our ‘Scienceworks’, only much, much larger) enabled students to become active explorers using their curiosity in an inquiry-based learning laboratory exploring the world through science, art, and human perception.
Disneyland was a fun-filled fantasy experience where students and staff alike, were able to enjoy fairy-tale rides such as ‘Pinocchio’, ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Alice in Wonderland’, ‘Toy Story’ and ‘Harry Potter’ amongst many others. We all met and took photos with various Disney characters who were walking round the theme park. The day provided students with the opportunity to socialise, get to know each other more and have fun together. The highlight for me was riding on the same carousel as Mary Poppins! As well as playing Quidditch with Harry Potter against Draco Malfoy!
A tour of Universal Studios offered a unique opportunity for students to comprehend the complexities and, at times, deceptive reality of movie making and the special effects involved in these. We toured through many sets of TV shows and movies students were familiar with. I think the 3D tour of the Jurassic World set was a huge feature for most. I am not sure who was screaming and laughing the most; the students or the staff!
Riding on the street trolleys and cable cars in San Francisco was entertaining, and walking down the Lombard Street, one of the city’s most scenic streets with sharp hairpin turns was breath-taking. Walking towards the bay, we were astounded by the mansions and immaculate landscaping. It was amazing to walk along the famous Golden Gate Bridge with its sweeping cables and overarching towers. Finally, our visit to Alcatraz with an audio tour allowed us to understand the harsh isolation of incarceration for serious criminal offenders. The short ferry ride back to mainland was refreshing and the warm sea breeze and blue skies allowed us to leave the desolate cells and stories of the Alcatraz inmates behind us.
I would like to sincerely thank the College Council for supporting this trip for our students. I would also like to especially thank all our students who participated in this tour for their incredibly good behaviour, their politeness, their friendship and their willingness to look out for each other throughout the whole trip. Below are some of their reflections.
Ms Marina Stergiou
Assistant Principal
The Hon Premier Dan Andrews paid a visit to Wellington Secondary College on Friday September 15, only a few weeks before announcing his shock retirement. During the tour, he took the time to explore our school’s state-of-the-art facilities, demonstrating the dedication to supporting educational institutions across Victoria that was a hallmark of his time as both Premier and Local Member for Mulgrave.
Premier Andrews also had the opportunity to engage with staff and students and was genuinely interested in the well-being and aspirations of our students. His visit underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to education and to institutions that nurture students’ growth.
This week, Wellington’s Class of 2023 reached the end of their school journey and celebrated the conclusion of a remarkable year. Their final day of classes on Wednesday October 11 ended with the traditional countdown, followed by an emotional gathering in the locker bay and Senior School common area. The next day, students celebrated their Valedictory Day – the morning was filled with clever and amusing jokes as scores were settled – It is also worth recognising the inspired memes and other posters that went up around the school. A particular highlight was the (re)decorating of Mr Blaikie’s office with hundreds of messages from students – a lovely touch to mark Mr Blaikie’s final Valedictory season.
The mid-morning Year 12 parade is always a highlight, and it was wonderful to see it return to its home in the Northern Gym in front of a large audience of students – it was a highly entertaining and creative effort from the cohort with their costumes!
The day concluded with the Valedictory Dinner which made a welcome return to its traditional format at Wellington in the Southern Gym. The gym was beautifully decorated thanks to the hard work of a team of staff and student volunteers led by Ms Huffer, and overall the event was a great success. After enjoying dinner, students were presented with a range of awards, and Senior School reluctantly acknowledged the students’ second consecutive victory in the Staff vs Students Cup, and swore revenge next year. The dinner was also notable for Mr Blaikie’s final dissertation – a highly entertaining College tradition, and students have been provided with a copy to remember the evening by.
Finally, we say congratulations and farewell to the Class of 2023. Their work on the day was exemplary, inspiring, and fully represented the Wellington Way in a another challenging year – we thank them, and wish them all the best for their upcoming exams.
Mr Simon Coles
Head of Senior School
WIELC students were busy in the kitchen producing Sweet Chilli Chicken Tender Wraps and Fruit Kebabs – nutritious and delicious! The students followed their visual cookbook to prepare their food items with high sensory properties.
Ms Voula Rivans
Food Technology Teacher
Bonjour! On the 11th of September, the Year 9 French class was extremely privileged to use the school kitchens to make traditional French food. We chose to make profiteroles! These small balls of joy that come from France are often served as desserts, and they are made of choux pastry with a delicious custard filling. They can be enjoyed on their own, or with a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce.
We started off by making the choux pastry, which was such a fun experience! First, we had to melt butter and water in a saucepan, and after it had melted, we poured in our flour and started mixing until the dough came off the sides of the pot. Afterwards, we gradually added eggs until the dough became a smooth consistency. We placed it in a piping bag and piped it onto a baking tray to go into the oven.
Then, we moved onto making the custard. We started off with melting butter in a saucepan and then adding milk to the butter, leaving it to boil. Next, we added flour, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the milk and stirred until it had become a thick consistency.
Finally, we made the chocolate sauce by melting cream and chocolate together in a pot. Using the thick sauce to drizzle on top of our assembled profiteroles, afterwards. Overall, this experience was enriching, and vital to our understanding of French culture. Thank you Mr. Sookhareea and the Food Tech ladies who organised this special opportunity for us. We are extremely grateful for you.
Everest Lim
9M
Ella Cellent
9F
The French Cooking Incursion was an amazing experience as we got to make French food. My team made French Toast which was very easy to make. Actually, French Toast wasn’t actually made in France, in fact it originated in Rome around 300A.D. The Roman author Apicius included it in his cookbook titled “Cooking and Dining in Imperial Rome”.
The ingredients you need to have are:
Method:
Overall, the cooking incursion was fun and it was a tight contest as there was a prize/gift card on the line but my team won. We won based on the looks as it was fresh berries and it smelled really good when we were cooking the French toasts. That’s how we won.
William Ly
9E
Syamil Priyatno
9E
Hi, my name is Jeffrey Kaing. I am 15 years old and grew up in Melbourne Australia. I come from an Asian background where it is a half mix of Chinese and Cambodian. I have been playing volleyball for 3 years now – I started in year 7, competing in Interschool Sports, VVL (Victorian Volleyball League), school cups, competitions, tournaments and being part of the Victorian State Team for the under 16 Boys’ Blue.
I have represented Wellington Secondary College in numerous events and carnivals whether it is swimming, cross country, athletics or inter school sports. I am proud that I have been able to do my best for sports at Wellington Secondary College. Outside of volleyball I do some other sports such as badminton and swimming. I have been doing these sports longer than I have been doing volleyball, although they are more of a fitness activity where I can train more and play more.
Sporting Timeline and Highlights:
Statistics / Results:
| VVL Junior Boys’ 1 2022 | 2nd Place |
| Victorian Junior Open U19 Boys’ 2022 | 2nd Place |
| Mornington Junior Championship 2023 | 1st Place |
| Bendigo Dragon City 2023 | Runner Up |
Where I see myself in the future:
In the future I hope to represent Australia either at the Olympics or play at the VNL (Volleyball Nations’ League), I also want to be able to play at Aus Camps, Australia Volleyball Academy, Asian Volleyball Confederation for Australia and continually represent my state or country at the highest level.
Favourite Sport:
My favourite sport has to be Volleyball, because of how I’ve developed and grown into the sport. I enjoy coaching, playing or watching as it’s all a part of my journey to achieve where I want to be.
Favourite Sports Team:
My favourite sports team has to be Asseco Resovia, its is a professional men’s volleyball club based in Poland. The reason why Asseco Resovia is my best loved club is because Stephen Boyer, a volleyball player I look up to and watch, plays there. He is also a part of the France National Team.
Favourite Subject:
Of all subjects, English has to be my favourite, the teachers that I have have all given me views on how to express my thoughts into writing or produce new ideas that can spark a good topic. Most importantly, it allows me to express myself in a unique way.
Jeffrey Kaing
9L
We eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued success and impact that Jeffrey will undoubtedly bring to the world of volleyball and sports in general at Wellington Secondary College. This is just the beginning of a remarkable journey, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for him!
Wellington Secondary College students’ showed outstanding talent and fierce competition at the EMR Athletics Carnival held Monday October 9 at the Knox Athletics Track. Athletes from across the Eastern Metro Region displayed their prowess on the track and field, setting new records and earning well-deserved medals. It was a day of athleticism, sportsmanship, and achievement, leaving spectators in awe of the remarkable performances.
| Student | Event | Result |
| Teodore Milijonic, 10G | Boys 16 High Jump | 1.75m – 1st |
| Kalen Ratnayaka, 8H | Boys 14 Long Jump | 4.91m – 7th |
| Yianni Rozakis, 10I | Boys 16 1500 Metre | 11th |
| Leiroy Whippy, 7H | Boys 12-13 Discus Throw | 31.01m – 2nd |
Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and organisers for making the Regional Athletics a resounding success. Teo will go on to represent Wellington at the State Athletics on Monday October 16 at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park.
Ms Kym Osmand
SSV Monash Division Coordinator (Secondary), PE & Health Teacher
Mr Adrian Wareham
PE & Health Teacher
On Friday August 25, French classes in Year 9 and Year 11 went on an excursion to the city to explore its French culture. Our day began with a delightful French breakfast at a cosy café in Melbourne – Croque Monsieur. But here’s the twist – we had to order in French! It was a fun challenge that allowed us to practice our language skills in a real-world setting. The delicious sandwiches and the sense of achievement made it a great start to the day.
Next, we explored the “French Fake News Exhibitions” in Melbourne. These exhibitions shed light on the world of media and misinformation. We learned about the challenges of distinguishing between real and fake news in today’s digital age. It was an eye-opener, reminding us of the importance of critical thinking and media literacy.
Our excursion continued at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Here, we immersed ourselves in the world of cinema, animation, and digital art. ACMI’s exhibitions were a visual treat, showcasing the magic of storytelling through moving images. It was a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the artistry of filmmaking, and it left us inspired to explore more. In conclusion, our day in Melbourne was a blend of delicious food, language practice, and thought-provoking insights. We’re grateful to our teachers Mr Sookhareea and Ms Fry for organising this memorable excursion, and for making it so enjoyable.
Tanishka Srivatsan
9M
Welcome back to Term 4! The Wellbeing team had a busy Term 3 with our term concluding with ‘RUOK? day celebrations! Following on from the RUOK? day, this term we are further promoting the mental health message to our school community.
October is Mental Health Month, and the theme for 2023 is ‘We all have a role to play’. This year’s theme encourages us all to promote activities and ideas that can have a positive impact on our daily lives and the lives of others.
Mental Health Month allows us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not. It also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives and encourages help-seeking behaviours when needed.
Will you be a community champion and connect those in your community to mental health services?
Will you be a workplace wonder and activate and motivate your colleagues to think about their mental health and promote Mental Health Month activities?
Will you be a school superstar? Bringing mental health awareness to your school as either a student, teacher, staff or parent.
Will you be an amazing ally? You can be a mental health supporter by listening and providing support to those who are experiencing mental ill-health.
Will you be an incredible individual? You can prioritise your own mental health this month and explore new ways to support your mental health all year round.
In the hustle and bustle of academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, it’s easy to overlook the importance of mental health. However, just as we prioritize physical health, it’s important to pay attention to our mental and emotional well-being. A healthy mind contributes not only to academic success but also to overall life satisfaction.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that help is available. Reach out to our dedicated Wellbeing team, teachers, or trusted adults. Additionally, external resources such as Headspace, Kids Helpline and Lifeline are available 24/7.
Let’s make Mental Health Month a time of reflection, connection, and self-care. Together, we can build a community that prioritizes and nurtures mental health.
Wishing you all a month with positivity, understanding, and growth.
Shannon Pook
Mental Health Practitioner
