John Monash Science School Exchange
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Two of our Year 10 students, Bridie Baker and Kate Campbell, attended the John Monash Science School for three weeks on an exchange program. The program provides amazing opportunities for students to explore their passion for science.
“Over our time there we were put into classes with other students and worked as they did on a normal school day. From the first day I got there it seemed so different to our school back here in Rochester, the main difference was how there was so many people and so little space. At school it was really fun and challenging in some classes because some of the students are so advanced. We also had to learn to live with a different family for three weeks. My family was very different to my own, mainly because we lived different lives because the mother of the family I stayed with was Brazilian and the father was Turkish. Although we were so different I felt welcomed and comfortable and the food they had was amazing. Overall it was an amazing experience and I would absolutely do it again and I recommend it for all students who have a passion for maths or science and are willing to go out of your comfort zone to have a go. “- Bridie Baker
“Spending three weeks in Melbourne and going to the John Monash Science School went by so fast, I honestly wish it went longer. Attending John Monash Science School every day was the best, as we met new people and had new experiences, such as trips to Monash University with each week visiting a different part of the university. We learnt something new with each visit, going into the university wasn’t just educational it was extremely fun, as we participated in hands-on activities, looking at sharks and fish species and also walking around the campus following clues. The school was a great experience, learning new topics and undergoing new subjects, they offered a range of science-based and non-science subjects that we were able to try. While attending John Monash Science School we had to stay with a host family. The host families were extremely kind and open and we visited places each weekend so we could fully experience their life. It was also a great experience living with our host families to really get a feeling for their lifestyle and how a normal day would work for them in the city. On John Monash Exchange you meet tons of new people and make new friends who show you around and help you in class and just help you adjust to the differences. The teachers at John Monash were very helpful and guided us through the first week until we settled in. They also took as on a tour explaining each room and how the school works. One main thing about the John Monash exchange is that it’s a growing up experience, you’re away from home, you’re in a new area with a lot of people you’re not familiar with, but it honestly is one of the best things to do. I encourage anyone with an interest in science or who wants to experience something new to apply. - Kate Campbell
Dare to Dream The Year 10 Business class attended an entrepreneurs' workshop called Dare to Dream. Australian entrepreneur Paris Volpe spoke about what it takes to be successful when it comes to starting up your own business. Students collaborated and took part in making their own businesses. The students spent the day using their creativity and imagination to produce future innovations. Out of the four schools who participated in the workshop, our school was by far the most successful. Students had roles in the winning group, while Tahlia Pain took out the overall reward, which included $1,000 worth of goodies and an opportunity to work with a variety of entrepreneurs for work experience. This day was enjoyed by all students and they all walked away with smiles and new information for the future. - Elle Palmer and Dom Palmer
Familiarisation Lessons in Week 8 It was fantastic meeting so many Grade 5 and 6 students this week from St Joseph’s PS, OLSH, Nanneella Estate PS, Colbinabbin PS and Elmore PS, as they participated in two familiarisation lessons. These lessons provide the primary school students with a sneak peek about how school lessons look, sound and feel like. Students meet our teachers and have a chance to talk about any worries they have about starting secondary college. Mr Sanders ran an exciting and energetic PE lesson; Ms Doller a creative printing lesson; Ibu Lean a challenging but fun Indonesian lesson; Miss McLeod an informative science lesson and Mr Dimovski and Mrs Pudney shared their love of English. All students left their classes with big smiles and were excited to share their experiences with their class teachers, families and friends. The students wrote headlines about their experience at Rochester Secondary College: “St Joseph’s kids had the best time of their entire lives” (Justice) “Exciting Learning Day” (Ellie) “Exciting and made us work outside our comfort zone” (Harrison) “Group of 5/6s have a great time visiting Rochester Secondary College” (Matilda)
In one of the English classes, we worked on improving our writing skills through observation. One of our visiting Grade 5s wrote about their observations while sitting out in the yard: I sit on the edge of the garden bed, With the sun in my eyes. Birds chirping, Leaves swaying, The hotness beating off my skin. What a wonderful day, I say to myself. Children playing, laughing, smiling, in the hot spring breeze. Bees buzzing, Flowers shining, as bright as ever. I know this day will end, but I can’t forget my life isn’t over I will still see flowers, bees buzzing, birds chirping, My friends playing and the sway of pretty green leaves. This is my best life, I say to myself as a beautiful rosella flew by. - Amelia Woodfine
Around the College
ART IS EVERYWHERE! "VCE Studio Arts broadens students’ understanding of, and ability to engage with, artworks. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue an art studio practice and follow tertiary and industry pathways in fine art, research and education. The study also offers students opportunities for personal development and encourages them to make an ongoing contribution to society and the culture of their community through lifelong participation in the making and viewing of artworks" (2017 -2021 VCAA Studio Arts Study Design). Last week Year 11 and 12 Studio Arts students ventured to Melbourne to complete an outcome on different gallery spaces. Having visited a public gallery (Shepparton Art Museum) in Semester One, students were given the opportunity to compare the roles at Outre, a salon style gallery and RMIT gallery in the Melbourne CBD. A highlight of the day was Jheuban Medina pasting one of his Studio Art folio pieces in the famous bluestone laneway that has made the Melbourne urban art scene known across the globe, Hosier Lane. Jub’s eyecatching sticker focuses on the environment and the impact human waste has on our marine life. During the day we were also lucky enough to witness a traditional Chinese fan dance in the Ian Potter Centre. The dance has been a part of China's heritage for more than 2,000 years. Considered to be an ancient form of folk dance, the fan dance serves various purposes and is highly regarded by the Chinese. See https://dance.lovetoknow.com/chinese-fan-dance. This was another amazing experience, as country students rarely get to experience such traditions. When taking students on any extracurricular activity you always feel responsible for their safety and wellbeing, so when students listen to instructions and work with you it is appreciated so very much. This years Year 11 and 12 students were absolutely amazing. They were a respectful and fun group to take to Melbourne and I would like to thank them for their co-operation. A big thank you also needs to go out to Gen Keenan for giving up her time to accompany us on the day. Thanks everyone, Ms Nichol Hester
Vegie Garden Last term three of our Year 11 PDS students, Mitchell Cricelli, Nash Hocking and Chase Lind, refurbished our school’s vegetable garden by putting in new watering systems donated by Campaspe Irrigation in Rochester and new plants donated by Bunnings Echuca. The hope is that the school's canteen will soon have some fresh produce to use in school lunch orders. It has now been approximately five months since the garden was renewed and the plants are currently thriving through the winter weather. The gardens are now looking in the best condition yet, thanks to the PDS class.
Rochester Secondary College is SUNSMARTWe have received our Sunsmart accreditation and all staff and students will be required to wear a hat and sunscreen during term 4.