天美传媒

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Term 3. I trust that the break provided an opportunity to recharge after a busy end to Term 2 and everyone seems to have returned in good spirits. We finished the first semester with a flurry of activity, with a wide range of co-curricular and extracurricular programs. I want to offer my thanks to the coordinators of these programs and the many staff who contributed to the success of the week.

Principal Announcement

By now you will likely be aware that I have made the difficult decision to leave 天美传媒 at the end of this academic year (January 2024). 天美传媒 feels like home to me and I have informed MACS of my intentions with mixed emotions. It is truly a privilege to have served the 天美传媒 community for the past 10 years. I will offer thanks for the many blessings that I have received more fully as we get closer to the end of the year. In the meantime, MACS will commence a process to appoint my successor and I am confident there will be great interest. Whoever is offered the opportunity to lead our amazing learning community will indeed be fortunate.

World Youth Day

We wish safe travels to Mr Aiman Aiashi and five 天美传媒 students who depart for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal this week.  They join almost 600 young Melbournians in what will be the largest ever contingent from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne to attend an overseas World Youth Day event. The pilgrims will join more than one million young people from around the world from August 2-6 to share their faith in Jesus Christ through prayer and celebration.

School Advisory Council Seminar

Our School Advisory Council gathered for our annual seminar last night to discuss the topic of School Improvement Frameworks. We are reviewing our accreditation with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and investigating a new pathway that they are offering. We are also discussing the MACS School Improvement Framework and their survey instrument that we will be using later this year to allow for feedback from our community. The School Advisory Council finished the evening at our restaurant night, enjoying the fine food and service provided by our VET Hospitality students.

Subject Selection Expo - August 24 - No Student Classes

Between 2pm and 8pm on August 24, the College will be open and subject teachers available to provide advice and guidance in regards to the selection of subjects for 2024. It is important to try and get as much information as possible to assist in making good decisions about next year. More information about the Expo will become available as we get closer, but as for advance notice, there are no classes on this day as teachers are allocated Professional Practice time prior to their afternoon and evening commitment at the Subject Expo.

Staff Spirituality Day - August 25 - Student Free Day

Advance notice that August 25 is dedicated on our calendar towards the formation of our staff in regards to their roles and responsibilities as educators in a Catholic school. Students do not attend school on this date.

Senior Play - Almost, Maine

This year鈥檚 Senior Play was staged this week and it was a delight to be able to join the audience on Wednesday evening. The cast did a wonderful job of capturing the awkward, yet heartfelt, relationships between characters in a small rural town, set in the depths of winter. Each cast member played multiple characters and did so with aplomb. Congratulations to Mrs Greenwood, Director, and the cast and crew for a most enjoyable production.

Darren Atkinson

Principal

Subject selection for 2024

The arrival of Term 3 means students need to choose what they will study next year. The Subject Selection process commences with the release of the Subject Selection website to Students and families on July 25 and concludes when students submit their subject choices on August 28. Students will have assemblies that explain the requirements and the process, the website will provide information about every subject, and on August 24 there will be a Subject Selection Expo where parents and students can discuss choices, their implications and what future study will look like. 

Year 9

Students in Year 9 in 2024 will get their first choices of subjects. It will be a chance to experiment with some new subjects, as well as studying some familiar subjects for an extended period. There are compulsory subjects as well.

Years 10-12

Students moving to Years 10-12 refine their choices with a stronger future focus each year, working to ensure that at the end of their time at 天美传媒 they have a pathway that is interesting and engaging. A commonly offered rule of thumb about choosing subjects or courses is to choose subjects or courses that you like, you are good at and you need for the future, in that order. This ensures that students stay engaged and progress.

VET

Students can choose a course that is Vocational in nature from Year 10, providing they meet a few requirements. VET subjects should be viewed as a subject not a whole course and can be combined with academic subjects. Choosing VET does not mean that students must undertake an applied learning course (although they are very welcome to), many students incorporate a VET subject into an academic program. 

VCEReady and VETReady

At 天美传媒, we like it when students study a subject a year ahead. We call this VCEReady and VETReady. It is our experience that this is beneficial to some students, so we have a process to check if this is an appropriate decision for each student. There are some hurdles for students who want to be VCEReady or VETready because we have found that for some students, studying a subject a year ahead is not always the benefit that it could be. We find out if the student is ready. Details are on the Subject Selection Website.

VCAL has become VCE VM

天美传媒 runs an applied learning program which is now called VCE Vocational Major. 鈥淭he VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a vocational and applied learning program within the VCE designed to be completed over a minimum of two years. The VCE VM will give students greater choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths and interests and develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life.鈥� It will have applied learning, work placement and vocational training. It is for students in Years 11 and 12. More details are on the Subject Selection Website and there will be explanatory sessions for parents and students at school and at the Subject Selection Expo on August 24.

This is all explained in detail on the Subject Selection Website. The Subject Selection website will be available to students on SIMON and to Parents on PAM on July 25. The Expo is held at 天美传媒 on August 24. More about that in a future Lighthouse.

Michael Box

Deputy Principal Learning

Supporting your child to be the best version of themselves

There is no doubt that some of the most influential people in one's life are their family members. It is amazing to see how much students rely on friendships and how much learning can be enhanced when similar interests and aspirations are shared amongst friends during their formative years. However, your child will most likely be in a position to share good values and a thirst to be the best version of themselves, when this is in fact role modelled for them by their parents or guardians. 

Role modelling is of paramount importance amongst young people for several reasons. As young individuals are still in the process of forming their values, beliefs, and behaviours, the influence of positive role models can significantly shape their development and lead to numerous beneficial outcomes. Interestingly, when young people all share similar views, they strongly influence each other.

Young people often learn by observing and imitating others. Positive role models can demonstrate desirable behaviours and habits, such as honesty, responsibility, kindness, perseverance, and respect. When young individuals witness these behaviours consistently, they are more likely to adopt them as their own. I always say to students that they represent their families in their actions. Important adults in a young person can provide them with something to aspire to when they show that success and personal growth are achievable through hard work and dedication. As young individuals set their goals and dreams, having role models who have already achieved similar things can ignite their motivation and inspire them to strive for success.

When young people see positive role models who share similar backgrounds, or face comparable challenges, it can boost their self-esteem. Identifying with successful individuals can help them believe in their own potential and capabilities. As adults, we know that life can present various challenges and obstacles to young people. Sharing with your child how you may have faced adversity, and how you overcame it, can provide them with coping strategies and resilience, showing them that setbacks are a natural part of life.

You can influence the development of your child's values and beliefs by embodying principles that are desirable and socially constructive, helping to shape the moral compass as a responsible young individual. Role models can challenge stereotypes and biases by exemplifying success outside of traditional norms. This can encourage young people to pursue their passions and interests, regardless of societal expectations based on gender, ethnicity, or other factors.

Creating a sense of emotional connection, especially if a child lacks positive role models in their immediate environment can be crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation. By observing others, especially those who demonstrate empathy and compassion towards others, can instil these qualities in young people. This can lead to a more empathetic and caring society.

Obviously, role models can be found outside of the family. In many settings, including the local community, sports, entertainment, and in historical figures, children can find good examples. However, it is indeed the influence of those close to them that will give the most impact to the person as they progress through their formative years. While positive role models can have a profound impact on young people, negative role models can also exert a detrimental influence. Thus, it is crucial for society as a whole to support and promote positive role models to create a healthier and more promising future for our students.

I wish you well as you continue to work in partnership with the school in supporting your child achieve their best through good example and a love for learning. 

If you wish to discuss this further please feel free to contact me at the College or at rodeznone@aquinas.vic.edu.au

Nap Rodezno

Deputy Principal

World Youth Day

This weekend, we farewell our student and staff pilgrims as they head off to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day (WYD). 天美传媒 has three students and one staff member as part of the 700+ Melbourne representatives attending the youth faith event. In the words of Archbishop Comensoli, 鈥淲orld Youth Day is an incredible opportunity for our young people and emerging leaders to experience being part of the universal Church.鈥�

In John 14:6, Jesus said, 鈥淚 am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." 

Pilgrimage is a means of developing and strengthening your faith - to help find the way, the truth and the life. It does not have to be big like WYD or a journey beyond borders. Our Year 7 students experienced pilgrimage during our last week of Term 2 through the charism of our patrons. For those who are still searching, life could be a pilgrimage - moving forward, continuing to find the way, truth and life in all that we do, the people that we meet and the environment we experience.

Over the next couple of weeks may we keep not only our WYD pilgrims in our prayers, but all people who are searching for Jesus in their lives.

Below is the official prayer for WYD 2023 based on the theme Mary.

Our Lady of the Visitation,

you who left in haste towards the mountain to meet Elizabeth,

lead us also to meet all those who await us

to deliver them the living Gospel:

Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord!

We will go in a hurry, with no distraction or delay,

but with readiness and joy.

We will go peacefully, because those who take Christ take peace,

and welldoing is the best wellbeing.

Our Lady of the Visitation,

with your inspiration, this World Youth Day

will be the mutual celebration of the Christ we take, as You once did.

Make it a time of testimony and sharing,

fraternization, and giving thanks,

each of us looking for the others who always wait.

With you, we will continue on this path of gathering,

so that our world will gather as well,

in fraternity, justice and peace.

Help us,

Our Lady of the Visitation,

to bring Christ to everyone, obeying the Father, in the love of the Spirit!

Tania Grace

Assistant Principal Mission

Senior Years Report

Families regularly express that they have chosen 天美传媒 for their children due to the range of experiences and opportunities for learning on offer, which enables them the ability to pursue their strengths and interests. While many experiences are available, students who thrive in school engage deeply with the opportunities surrounding them.

The word engagement is often incorrectly viewed as a 鈥榯hing鈥�. Instead, engagement is a process. The very nature of the word engagement is a pact or commitment between people and their opportunities that will have elements of fun, hard work, struggle, and ultimately, reward. Engagement in learning is a process developed through actions and displayed in different forms - behaviourally, emotionally, and cognitively.

A new semester naturally provides success for students. Attendance, class tasks, and homework submissions are all reset. There is no overdue or unsubmitted work. Students in Years 7-10 gain new teachers and subjects. These realities allow students to make the most of a new chapter. Attending all days of school (when well), contributing to class discussion, being on task, taking on responsibility for completing tasks, and following classroom expectations are all indicators of behavioural engagement. Demonstrating students are actively driving learning and presenting themselves as proactive learners. Lessons are designed to promote engagement through choice of activity, collaboration opportunities and student input.

Being cognitively engaged is a different process that involves people going beyond what is generally required. They are participating in opportunities both within and beyond the classroom. Recent examples of students engaging beyond the classroom would be those who opted into the Big Science Competition, a demanding academic competition that students volunteered to participate in. This showed positive risk-taking, a resilience to failure and a desire to master knowledge further. The same can be said for students attending the music camp, or participating in the Senior Play and Musical.  

Now we are starting a fresh term, it is a perfect time to try something new or reattempt something that could be done better. I look forward to working with students to embrace challenges, dip their toes into something new, and share their interests with others. 

Finally, congratulations to the cast, crew, and production team on a wonderful performance of Almost Maine, this year's Senior Play. Seeing students transform from one character into a contradicting personality was impressive and entertaining. Attending performances is one of the great pleasures of working in a school. Seeing our students and staff engaged in the things they love is so rewarding. I look forward to the Seussical the Musical in the coming weeks.

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

Middle Years Report

We don鈥檛 have to look too hard to see some of the problems in the world today. In trying to make this a positive piece, I will refrain from listing them! I believe that education, research, and creative problem-solving is at the heart of dealing with much of this unprintable list.

That鈥檚 one of the reasons I loved seeing the recent work undertaken by our Year 8s in Global Green, which took place in the last week of Semester 1. Students were required to largely deal with environmental, financial, structural, and social issues that face our world and come up with solutions to problems that confront many people from a wide range of countries and cultures. 

They were required to research, investigate, trial, fail, negotiate, create, and collaborate, often with peers they had never met. This can be uncomfortable, messy, complicated, and time-consuming. Understandably, for many, this was a great challenge. However, it was pleasing to see so many students persevere and hopefully learn that great outcomes often come with a host of challenges, and these tasks don鈥檛 just reach completion in five minutes. (Although, allegedly, Axl Rose wrote 鈥淪weet Child O鈥橫ine鈥�, and R.E.M wrote 鈥淟osing My Religion鈥�, in five minutes, so now I don鈥檛 know what to think!?) But our Year 8s also came up with excellent results after their week-long process, building prototypes such as 鈥淭he Gourmet Giraffe Feeder 1.0鈥�, the 鈥淐lean Water Creator,鈥� and 鈥淭he Ultimate Life Straw鈥�, just to name a few. I鈥檒l let you decide what these creatively named prototypes set out to solve!

For those who had trouble working in this format, I encourage parents to continue to expose them to it. So many occupations require creative problem solvers that can collaborate effectively with different people.

My sincere thanks and appreciation goes to the teachers who threw themselves into these projects at the end of the term. Special thanks also to teachers Alysia Silvagni, Chloe Dux, and Karyn Myers, who coordinated the program. The students received a glimpse into what they do in the seven days of Global Green and I witnessed the incredibly long preparation that goes beforehand. These teachers have hopefully planted a seed in many students that will go on to do fantastic things for our community and beyond in the future.

Phil Box

Head Middle Years

鈥淐harity is the cement which binds communities to God and persons to one another…鈥� — Vincent de Paul

Term 2 Winter Appeal

In Term 2, our focus was on supporting the St Vincent de Paul Society with their amazing work in our local community. I am happy to report that once again 天美传媒 College has stepped up to the challenge and given with incredible generosity. 

We raised $1,431.50 ($496.50 at the VCAL Mother's Day stall and $935 at the Winter Sleepout), and collected 3,326 items of non-perishable food items and toiletries. Added to this were 1000 small toiletry kits for the homeless, which had previously been put together by a group of students in Term 1 SEB week. All of this was delivered to St Vinnies at the end of Term 2.

All in all, a fantastic effort! Thank you to the staff and students who helped out in some way - whether big or small. Your contribution of items, money and your time especially (collecting, sorting and packing donations) is greatly appreciated. 

From the President of the Croydon Conference of St Vincent de Paul:

Coming Up…

Our Term 3 project is the Fair Trade Fair. This event will be held towards the end of August, and more details will be shared with you in the coming weeks. 

There is however some preparation you could help us with ahead of time. If you have any clothes in your wardrobe that you no longer wear, or books you no longer wish to keep - we鈥檒l happily take them off your hands for our second hand stall. Details of exactly where and when you can drop off these donations will be shared on SIMON notices, so keep an eye out for those updates.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support. I look forward to seeing what our wonderful 天美传媒 community will accomplish in Term 3! 

Martha Mugamu

Justice & Outreach Coordinator

Plastic Free July

Plastic free July is a global challenge to help reduce plastic pollution and form part of the solution.

Small change will collectively make a substantial difference to landfill and plastic pollution ending up in the environment. Some ways you can have a positive impact this July are:

• Reusable coffee cups
• Reusable shopping bags
• Reusable fruit and vegetable bags
• Use drink bottle rather than purchasing bottled water
• Put off purchasing new synthetic clothes that are a major contributor to micro plastics.
• Choose natural fibres or repair damage clothing to extend its life.

Hot tip from 8 Aqua student Mia George:

Try to bring your lunch in reusable or recycled containers.

National Schools Tree Planting Day is coming up, which students are looking forward to be involved in.

Karyn Myers

Environment & Sustainability Coordinator

While Semester 1 has now come to a close, we are presented with new opportunities for growth, involvement, connection and effort within the new semester. 

For some Year Levels, this is through classes and teachers changing, which allows students to start fresh and investigate different interests. For others, these opportunities are presented through the commencement of new areas of study and a determination to improve. 

The beginning of Semester 2 recognises that each student can come back to school with a clean slate, where we鈥檙e encouraged to carry over our productive habits and are challenged to change those that were unsuccessful.

We鈥檙e over halfway through the year, which means we鈥檝e already experienced two terms worth of trials and tribulations. As individuals, we have the ability to harness these and use the lessons learnt so far as tools to meet, adapt and overcome any challenges that lie ahead. 

We look forward to the semester ahead, and we hope you all enjoy it!

Chloe North-Coombes and Matthew Azzopardi

College Captains

Please find below the link to the latest eSafety News.

Do you find yourself gobsmacked that the contestants on Who Wants to be a Millionaire don't know the obvious answer?

Do you reach for Trivial Pursuit at the mere mention of a game night?

Do you have a brain full of random facts and don't quite know when or where to use them appropriately?

Do you have a group of friends/colleagues/acquaintances who know a lot about a little, but when put together are a trivia force to be reckoned with?

If you said YES to any of these questions, grab your calendar, gather your brains trust and save the date for the Annual Parents and Friends Trivia Night to raise funds for the 天美传媒 College community.

Prizes, raffles and laughs are promised...as well as trivia for all abilities. 

After four long years, we were finally able to return to the Northern Territory in 2023. Students were once again able to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of the outback as we journeyed from Uluru to Darwin. The students were nothing short of amazing with their positive attitudes and respectful nature throughout the trip. We hope that they take away lifelong memories of their adventures.

A huge thank you to the crew from Holland鈥檚 Coach Tours, who as always went above and beyond to provide an amazing, safe and enjoyable experience for our students. Thanks to all of the 天美传媒 staff that generously give of their time to make these trips happen.

Michael O鈥橦alloran

Camp Organiser

The opportunities and memories that the Kakadu Trip gave us were truly unforgettable. Spending two weeks with people you don't know very well was a great way to make new friendships and strengthen existing ones. It has been amazing to see all of these friendships continue on at school as well. Being able to explore places in Australia that most people don't get the opportunity to see is a blessing, and it was so much fun. 

Chloe Chambers

The trip to the Northern Territory was fantastic. With the help of our amazing and knowledgeable driver Johnny, we visited many amazing locations and learnt a lot along the way. We were able to swim in all of the pools to stay cool while dealing with the heat and I had a fantastic experience overall. I would return tomorrow if I could.

Bree Ennor

A trip of a lifetime began with an early morning wake up and a long travel day to Darwin. On arrival, we met our bus driver, Steve, and our cook, Aaron. Nicknamed 'Steverino' he became part of the 天美传媒 family. His wisdom and jokes got us motivated to continue each day through the heat, hikes and adventures. The second night we went to Mindil Beach Market, where we were able to watch a beautiful sunset with everyone, as well as see the delightful food and stalls. In Darwin, we also went to the Royal Flying Doctors, which was an amazing experience to learn about the services they provide. For us, our highlight was Mataranka, a special visit from Whippy Griggs, the hot springs and the communal bar area where everyone played games, especially Uno. The bus rides, even though they were really long, flashed by quickly due to singing, games, laughs and a special concert from Mr Harrington. Banka Banka was another night to remember, it was a night under the stars and gave us the opportunity to connect with people closer around the campfire. Throughout the trip we were able to build our awareness and knowledge about the First Nations people and it gave us the opportunity to learn new things about the cultures. Although we couldn't make it to Kings Canyon due to floods, we had the experience to stay in Alice Springs for an extra two nights, and were able to explore the area in more depth by going west and east along the Macdonnell Ranges. We stayed in a shed on the showgrounds to keep dry. On the end of the trip, we made our way down along the red dirt roads to Uluru, a living cultural landscape where earth and memories exist as one. 

We will never forget this trip and we are so thankful for the opportunity.

Gumak (thank you) and Bobo (See you Soon)

Maddison Bowden, Tara Wilson and Maddison Bromley.

The Kakadu trip turned out to be an unforgettable experience that not only strengthened my bond with my peers, but also brought me closer to the staff. Despite my initial reluctance to go camping, it actually turned out to be really fun. Throughout our journey, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich culture of the Northern Territory and try out new things. As the days passed, our group became much closer, which made the trip way more enjoyable. It was also really nice to enjoy the warm weather in what would usually be a freezing cold winter.

Anelise May

Last week, the 天美传媒 music students had the opportunity to go to the annual Music Camp held at Phillip Island Adventure Resort. These students (from Year 7-12) were the students from our core choirs, concert bands, guitar ensembles and strings group. The students went from Thursday to Saturday and were able to participate in a range of activities, such as the high ropes, giant swing and laser tag, as well as rehearsals; where students practiced their pieces and also the combined piece that all ensembles will play together towards the end of the term at the Senior Music Showcase. The combined piece rehearsed was the Back to the Future theme 鈥楾he Power of Love.' 

Music camp is a great opportunity for students to communicate and connect with others who share similar interests, and get support and help from students across a range of year levels and instruments. It is a way to inspire students, beginner and experienced, and a way for them to relate with people who play their instrument and have a passion for music. This year, we had the largest group of students to go on camp in many years! It was great to see so many people joining in on the program and trying something new.

As well as the rehearsals, it was a great chance for everyone to bond with other music students through activities like a music-based trivia night and movie night, where we watched the classic movie, The Princess Bride. We were also lucky enough to be joined by some of our past 天美传媒 students who helped around in rehearsals and during activities and even gave a few performances on the last day. Music camp was so much fun and we hope to see everyone there again next year (hopefully joined by some new students as well!)

Rose Ennis & Julia Peterson

Music Captains

On Wednesday, July 12 we had our Middle Years Cross Country Carnival. It was a great afternoon with clear skies and some mud puddles to make things interesting.

A special thank you to our staff who helped with the afternoon. This wouldn't happen without you! Well done to all who raced, and a special congratulations to MacKillop and our age champions. 

Here are the final results:

MacKillop - 949 points

Dominic - 932 points

Rice - 810 points 

Below is a list of our top three students from each age group, along with their times.

Jess Weltner

Sports Coordinator

Well, our girls are now officially 鈥渙n a roll,鈥� having won their last few games in impressive fashion on either side of the holiday break to be firmly entrenched in the final four, with four rounds left of the season.

Before the break, a hard fought win away against Fitzroy, (23 to 9), was followed on our return from holidays with a thumping of Northcote Cougars, 77 to 7.

We've come a long way and unearthed some real stars since introducing a brand new team at the start of the year, including Gabby Hooper, who was selected by the league to represent 天美传媒 at the recent Interleague carnival. 

We expect to see a number of the girls vying for these honours in the coming years.

As this strong team moves through the age groups in future seasons, we look to the next generation of under-12 and under-13 footballers to join our program. 

If you鈥檇 like to know more or would like join us in 2024, please reach out to our President via PresidentAJFC@gmail.com.

GO AQUINAS!

Brendan McKenna

AJFCA Secretary

Our Year 12 Biology students attended the University of Melbourne VCE Biology Workshop, which was run by the School of Biosciences, on Wednesday, July 19.

Students were provided with two laboratory based activities that underpin the key knowledge and scientific skills in Unit 4 Biology. These included collecting evidence for evolutionary change using Drosophila melanogaster (a model organism in genetics) and a case study into immunity and influenza. 

Shown below are some student reflections of the experience.

Mrs Lynda Schulz and Mrs Sandy Johnstone

VCE Biology teachers

The Year 12 Biology students took a trip into The University of Melbourne to explore its campus and undergo a student led workshop which comprised of two practical investigations. I was fortunate enough to be able to be a part of this enjoyable experience, which really opened my mind up to possible future pathways in the medicine field, specifically the biological side.  The excursion was a great way for me and my peers to gain hands on experience in a professional laboratory, and learn more about evolution and the immune system, both key topics within Unit 4 of Biology.  Overall, everyone was very pleased with the trip and we all learnt something new.

Charlotte Callanan

At Melbourne Uni, the Year 12 Biology students undertook practical activities in their science labs, consisting of the investigation of evolutionary change using Drosophila flies, and another case study on immunity and influenza. We were able to experience this in a lab we hadn't been in before, providing a snapshot of what biology looks like in a university setting, assisting us in our choice of further studies. 

By participating in these experiments in the university, students could refine their prior biology skills and knowledge in an advanced laboratory, preparing us for the typical university environment and practical investigations. 

Assisted by demonstrators, students were able to ask questions and receive clear instructions to partake in the investigations. 

Overall, the experience was a great opportunity for the biology students to consider further studies for the future, advance and refine prior biology skills and learn about evolutionary change and immunity to assist in our VCE studies. 

Sienna Osborne

On our Melbourne Uni excursion, we entered the lab to complete two pracs. We first experimented on multiple generations of flies to look at the effects of generational evolution and how recessive and dominant alleles are passed through generations. We used vinegar flies because of their short life span and rapid rate of breeding. We found that flies with the vestigial wing mutation were bred out over generations, not only because the dominant wild wing trait prevented phenotypical exhibition of the vestigial wing trait, but also because vestigial wing flies are unable to engage in courtship displays used by vinegar flies as they can't vibrate their crippled wings properly. 

In the second prac, we looked at immunity towards the influenza virus. We had six samples which had varying exposure to vaccination and the flu virus itself. We ran the tests eight times for each of the trials, additionally there were two controls (positive and negative). Of these samples, we saw that people recently vaccinated and who had recently had the flu displayed high levels of antibodies in the blood, whereas people who had the virus approximately 12 months ago had a less significant quantity of antibodies present. Those with no exposure to the virus or the vaccine presented no antibodies. The newborn, whose mother had been vaccinated, exhibited some degree of antibodies, as they had acquired them via passive immunity. This did not elicit the same high degree of antibodies that recently recovered or vaccinated individuals displayed, but had a moderate degree of antibodies. This prac highlighted the effectiveness of vaccinations in arming the immune system with effective tools to fight infection. 

Seth Gadsden

On July 19, 2023, Unit 3 & 4 Biology students had the opportunity to attend Melbourne University to explore and develop a better understanding of evolutionary change and immunity. We examined Drosophila melanogaster, more commonly known as fruit flies, and how genetic mutations can heavily affect their survival rate. After we observed the different phenotypes within the fruit flies, we began investigating immunity and how vaccines create more antibodies that increase an individual's immunity. All of the staff and teachers were incredibly helpful and understanding when it came to our queries and concerns. Overall, the day was very insightful and a great experience.

Kesia Babu

In our culturally diverse 天美传媒 community, we have many students who come from a family where a language other than English is spoken at home. This means that some of our students are on their way to being trilingual, as many have continued their language studies at 天美传媒. The following infographic encourages students speaking another language in the home setting, and also supports the notion that using all languages in one鈥檚 repertoire is beneficial. 

'As parents and educators, our role is to empower students to speak, read, listen and write all their languages' (as taken from MACS Language Newsletter Sep 2022). It also confirms that exposure to more than one language is not at all detrimental to the development of another language. The advantages of being bilingual, according to Esli Struy, associate professor of applied linguistics at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, are social communicative, emotional, cultural, meta-linguistic, cognitive and neurological. Let us celebrate this multilingualism and interculturalism of those in our community.

Nathalie Walshe 

LOTE Learning Area Leader