Vice Principal's Report
As we continue to move swiftly through term one, we wonder where the time has gone. The year started at a frenetic pace on the 10-12 Campus and the students are to be congratulated on the manner in which they have commenced 2020. Over the first week all students were challenged to be their best in every aspect of the time at Padua and we continue to see many students rise to this challenge and acknowledge them accordingly. We don’t shy away from setting high standards for our students, supporting them in reaching these standards or lending a hand to lift them up if they fall short.
Our eXcel program again defines the development of the whole person in what makes Padua different from other schools on the peninsula. We embrace positive education because we recognise the increased need to educate our students about their own wellbeing and give them the tools for optimal human functioning. Our positive education program is called eXcel which stands for E= Engage; X= Student and Faith; C= Connect; E= Enable; and L = Learn.
All Year 10, 11 and 12 students are now firmly settled into their subject pathways. As always we invite students to be the managers of their learning and proactively seek the support of their subject teachers. Learning is an ongoing journey where we develop skills and knowledge for future endeavours. Building skills in organisation and setting short-term goals can assist in managing those periods of high stress when assessment builds up. Time taken to set up study timetables is highly recommended.
All our Year 11 students took part in our ‘Fit to Drive’ Road Safety program on Monday 2 March. Fit to Drive is the second instalment of the three-year program that helps educate your child on being safe in a car as a driver and passenger through interactive discussions that provides strategies that support road safety. I encourage you to have a discussion with your child about this program.
Some of our Year 12 students were invited to the Rotary International Women's Day Breakfast held at the Mornington Racecourse on Wednesday 4 March. The theme for 2020 was ‘Each for Equal’, and the event involved two inspirational guest speakers with history-making Olympian Lauren Burns and highly accomplished Humanitarian Dr Alice Hill sharing their own remarkable journeys, inspiring our young women of today to be the amazing leaders of tomorrow. More information on the breakfast can be found below.
As we begin to see a change in the weather and students add more layers for warmth, it is important to note that any scarves worn are to be Padua blue or white and in block colour. No pattern or print on the scarf is permitted. It is also a time when non-uniform items can start to appear and we thank you for your support at home in ensuring this does not happen.
As always I encourage all parents to continue to be active members of the Padua community, engaging in conversation about what topics are being studied in class, keeping abreast of upcoming events and making contact with subject teachers as needed.
Curtis Stone
Vice Principal
Head of 10-12 Campus, Mornington
International Women's Day
Wednesday March 4 marked the sixth annual Rotary International Women’s Day Breakfast, celebrating the quality and achievements of the extraordinary women in our community. As a small group of Senior Student Council members, we were given the opportunity to attend the event and listen to the words of some incredible female speakers.
The first guest speaker, Lauren Burns OAM, was an Olympic Gold Medallist who made the first win for Australia in Taekwondo during the 2000 Summer Olympics. She spoke of her time as an athlete, encouraging us all to do things we are passionate about. We even got to do a little trial session with her which certainly woke everyone up!
Dr Alice Hill was the second speaker of the morning, explaining to us the importance of equality in our society.
Though this event had inspirational speakers, we were able to take a moment and share a meal with some of the most important female figures in our lives. International Women’s Day is such an important day to all of us girls and we are grateful to be part of a group capable of changing so many lives in our future.
Chloe Lieberman and Lucy Hutchins
Senior School Council
VCE Theatre Studies and Drama News
One of the biggest highlights of VCE Theatre Studies and Drama is a ticket to see live professional theatre! On Thursday 27 February our students attended a modern adaption of Oscar Wilde’s Comedy of Manners classic, The Importance of Being Earnest, at the Malthouse Theatre, Southbank.
Two actors played nine characters between them, adding additional humour through hilarious visible costume changes and physical theatre, giving our students plenty to discuss and analyse for their upcoming SACS.
Kylie Donnelly
Performing Arts Co-ordinator
Bon Voyage!
Emily Chabalier joined John XXIII House for the beginning of this year from France. She is in Australia with her Mum and younger brother who is attending a local primary school. John XXIII were lucky enough to have Emily speak to them at their assembly this week, where she shared a comparison between her school in France and Padua. Emily attends College Sainte Jeanne d'Arc in Sceaux, which is only 9km south of the centre of Paris. Among the many interesting facts that were shared with us about her schooling, John XXIII students were most astounded to hear that students in France attend school from 8am till 6pm four days a week! Emily studies her native French, plus English and Italian, she does not have as many subject choices as our students and there are only 410 students at her high school. We wish Emily the very best as she heads back home to Paris!
Sharon Marshall
John House Co-ordinator
