ReImagining Education
Last weekend the Woodleigh Institute hosted the ReimaginED 2022 conference, on-site for the first time since 2019.
The purpose of the conference is to bring together some of the most innovative and creative educators from across the globe to discuss and become immersed in provocations regarding the current state of education across the globe. The conference is structured around four provocations and provides ample opportunity for personalised learning, as participants choose their own breakout sessions through the weekend. Our keynote speakers included Valerie Hannon, Sandra Milligan, Peter Senge, Jan Owen and Hayley McQuire. Each of our keynotes are well known globally as thought-leaders in education, and provided the audience with significant provocations to invoke thoughts about what education currently is for young people and what it could be.
Possibly the most important speakers and presenters on the weekend were our students. When we speak about what education could be for students the people who can help inform our future direction and the direction of education globally. Our students think differently from us as they have grown up in a completely technology-rich and environmentally aware culture. They are also aware that they need the skills and competencies to think regeneratively in the future.
Our conference started with the voices of two Woodleigh students, Nia Charlesworth and Char Palmer. They set out the expectations for educators as to what they need from modern and progressive education. They need to feel heard and respected. The want to hear diverse voices and perspectives in their education. They want an education that is inclusive and strives for equality. They want to have the skills required to look after themselves and to be able to thrive in the world, and they want their learning to be relevant and ‘real world’ focussed. To quote Peter Senge, what our students don’t want is the Euro-centric western invention that our education system currently provides. A system that is based on the memorisation of facts and figures for regurgitation in outdated assessment processes. How do we build an education that recognises the profound interconnectedness of our world and builds our capacity to understand the interdependence of the many systems, both manmade and natural, in which we live and learn. This will require a renaissance in education that intimately links families with communites and educators and helps our students understand who they are, how to connect with others, and what part they play in any system of which they are a part. This will build resilience, confidence and socio-emotional understanding. As a school, we aim to challenge a traditional education and build capacity within individuals and communities to enable and support practice around a more holistic education. This has always been at the heart of a Woodleigh education; however, now we have the science and the research to be more deliberate and purposeful in the manner in which we develop the young people in our care. This is the leadership challenge of our generation and the main goal of education in the future.
I would like to thank Dr Richard Owens (Director of the Woodleigh Institute) for convening the conference and bringing together some of the most influential thought leaders from across the globe. Richard stands with these thought leaders as a leader of innovation and practice and we are very fortunate to have him leading our school vision and our strategic actions. The Woodleigh Institute is designed to build capacity within our community and through its current location at ‘The Springs’ at Penbank Campus, it provides a place a learning for our staff, our Board, our students and we are aiming to offer opportunities for our parents in the future.
Thank you also to our amazing Community Team and IT Team for working tirelessly over the weekend to meet the needs of the 200-plus delegates that attended.
From a personal perspective, I loved the look of awe on our guests' faces when they moved around the Senior Campus and learned in our magnificent homestead spaces. For many of them, they couldn’t believe a school like ours exists. I was very proud of our school throughout and I feel very privileged to be leading this community.
For those interested in the future of education, a 5-minute ReImaginED highlight reel, put together by our Community Team, can be viewed below.
DAVID BAKER
Principal
At Woodleigh, Adventurous Minds Day is an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in an area of passion. We encourage families to plan the day, look for opportunities that are outside and do not involve technology, and if possible, something creative.
While staff will remain on campus writing student reports, this will be a student-free day.
I look forward to hearing about and seeing your adventurous minds day projects.
DAVID BAKER
Principal
In Living Colour, the 2022 Woodleigh Senior Campus Arts Week, was a visual feast! Students and staff dove straight in, loving the cross-age projects and open-door workshops for staff and students. Artists worked on multiple projects, allowing the curious to join.
The week opened with our VCE Arts and Design Exhibition and Arts Week Showcase on Monday night. Product Design, Visual Communication, and Studio Arts artworks, products, and solutions, spread across the Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery. Three hundred people were in attendance; David Baker and Arts Week Director, Bryn Bowen opened, Milani Khoza introduced the show and was awarded our inaugural Woodleigh School Acquisition Prize.
Artists in residence this year were; David Booth, Sophie Harle, Fiona Cabassi, and Woodleigh Alumni, Pip and Remi Chynoweth and Cassius Tutton.
Tuesday’s highlight was The Great Pottery Throwdown; a woke mix of the Melbourne Cup meets Art School. Students vs. Staff. We laughed, we saw, we cheered. Staff blew us away with their spinning, and students met the challenge, making a cup with a handle within 5 minutes. The winner, student, Sophie Matthews, Year 9, took a block of porcelain as her prize. Jaymi, our pre-service Product Design teacher made a deconstructed postmodern cup that won the heart of the judge, ceramicist and artist, Sophie Harle.
Minimbah and Penbank ECC students visited and viewed the artworks in the gallery, led by Year 12 Studio Arts students, Milani Khoza, Summer Johnson and Lally Penna. The ECC children drew in the gallery with artist, Fiona Cabassi, they made a raku fish with Sophie Harle to contribute to a wind chime. They were absolutely inspired.
David Booth worked on our newly appointed ‘Soft Space’ in the Visual Arts Studio 2 with a small group of students. Students have led this project, self-directing the creation of tables, cushions and a mural. Bass Peach and Brook Boscott (Year 7) created food-inspired soft sculptures. Sophie Harle led cross-age pottery workshops; students have found joy and confidence through working with the medium. Fiona Cabassi worked with students from Year 7-11, directing and contributing to a collaborative paper installation in the gallery’s Studio. Past students, Pip and Remi Chynoweth worked on a lino print mass hessian quilt, which will find a permanent home in Visual Arts studio 1. Cassius Tutton shared their expertise in Graffiti and lead art workshops with senior students. This amazing tapestry of art, design, immersion, and culture was so inspiring.
We look forward to continuing the excitement and curiosity for Arts Week 2023.
EMMA CLEINE
Head of Visual Arts
The last weekend of Term 3 was the final trip to Mount Rothwell Conservation Reserve made by the Woodleigh School Field Gnats for 2022. Mount Rothwell is a 400-hectare fenced property located near the You Yangs, and is crucial to the recovery of many threatened species.
We departed Woodleigh School at 8:30am on the Saturday. Everyone was excited about returning to Mount Rothwell for the third time this year. We also had some newcomers joining, including Mrs de Jong who lent some much-needed assistance to Doc Simpson and Mr Hennessy (as well as providing some delicious snacks; yum!).
We set out to work at once starting with cleaning out the pens that are part of the captive breeding program for the endangered Bush-Stone Curlew. We were all delighted to see there were some newly hatched chicks in with their parents.
Also needing some enclosure cleaning and refurnishing were four Spotted Tailed Quolls (mainland Australia’s largest surviving native predator). While groups set to work weeding and cleaning out animal pens. Others ventured out into the reserve to retrieve browse (the name given to cut branches the animals get enrichment from), fallen logs, and leaf litter to line the enclosures.
Mt Rothwell is preparing to capture and release Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies onto a large reserve near Avenel, so we finished off the day with a walk around the reserve where we placed hay into traps. By placing hay, we are encouraging the animals to investigate the traps prior to the proposed relocation date.
After completing the days' jobs, we returned to the main centre where Mr Hennessy prepared some lovely Gnocchi Carbonara (and Creamed Spinach Gnocchi for the vegos). While dinner was underway, animal feed out took place where Curlews, Dingoes and Quolls were given their evening tucker. A round of Mt Rothwell bingo was played after dinner where students attempted to spot up to 5 species within the picnic area. The prize was a packet of Maltesers. Once the winners were declared, everyone prepared for a night walk through the reserve ending on the lookout where everyone could see the Melbourne skyline. Bettongs, Bandicoots, and even small elusive quolls were spotted by the excited students and staff. A particular highlight was witnessing a small group of Eastern Bettongs in the woodland, Eastern Bettongs are extinct in Victoria and were only released at Mt Rothwell in 2020.
Sunday was another productive day. Some early risers took a walk up the hill to see Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies with Mr Hennessy leading the group. Liam, a newly christened Field Gnat, also spotted a Little Eagle patrolling the hillside. After this walk, a good breakfast was in order, after which we returned to our work on the animal pens. Soon it was packing-up time, followed by lunch. This was a highly productive weekend and we’d like to thank ex-Field Gnats Lucy, Alex, Callum and Carl for tagging along to help, a wonderful way to conclude 2022 for the Woodleigh Field Gnats.
Now we look forward to what next year brings and what we can hope to contribute in 2023 to this and our other wonderful partner organisations.
"Mount Rothwell was a fabulous weekend spent with a passionate group of Woodleigh students, past and present. For anyone wanting to have some time in nature, the Field Gnats are a supportive group with a keen interest in our environment and care of wildlife. We spent time exploring this beautiful landscape, refurbishing the Curlew and Quoll enclosures, and walking through the fauna-rich terrain. A lot of work was achieved, and I am looking forward to being part of this program again in the future."
Andrea de Jong
THOMAS HENNESSEY
Animal and Land Management
Namalata, the Woodleigh School Community Magazine, is back after a 7-year pause! Full of engaging stories about the goings-on from all corners of the Woodleigh community, it’s a beautiful publication of all that makes Woodleigh a place of such rich culture and purpose.
A print copy will be sent to current families in the coming weeks. The online version can be accessed via the Woodleigh website.
KAREN CHARLTON-MILLS
On behalf of the Community Team
The Student Conveyance Allowance only applies to students attending the Woodleigh Campus located at Langwarrin South and students attending the Penbank Campus located at Moorooduc.
The allowance allows families in regional areas to receive help with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest school or campus. The conveyance allowance is a contribution towards transport costs and is not intended to cover the full cost and is available to students travelling by public transport, private car and private bus.
Completed applications are due by Friday 11 November, 2022. This is your LAST CHANCE to submit your application for any travel in 2022.
For further information, read on:
The Victorian Minister for Education has amended the definition of the closest appropriate school/campus (Instrument of Specification). This may impact some of our families who have been unable to make a claim in the past or deemed ineligible.
Both Woodleigh School and Bayside Christian College are registered the same and classified as same type schools. Therefore, previously if you lived closer to Bayside Christian College you would have been deemed ineligible to receive the conveyance allowance. However, parents can now apply for consideration by providing a “signed letter” to the school why the closest school of the same denomination is not appropriate for their child. You must include your child’s name and demonstrate the below points:
- The student does not belong to, or associate with, the school’s particular religion, or engage in religious activity associated with the school’s religious doctrines; and
- The relevant school’s compulsorily requires its students to engage in religious activity associated with that religion or religious doctrines.
The Department of Education and Training will review individual applications on their merits. Please note that you must still meet the main criteria listed below.
Completed conveyance application forms must be signed by the parent or guardian (page 4) must and submitted to the School.
If you have previously submitted a form and there is no change to mode of transport or address details you are not required to complete a new form for 2022.
New forms must be completed for students attending the School for the first time or existing conveyance allowance claimants who have a change of circumstances affecting eligibility. For example:
- Moving residence or changing their mode of transport;
- Changing schools/campuses. Ie Penbank Campus to Senior Campus
The Department of Education and Training’s main criteria for student eligibility is:
- The School attended is the nearest appropriate school. (or attach a supporting letter as per above)
- The student resides more than 4.8kms from the school by the shortest practicable route.
- Students are of school age 5 – 18 years and enrolled at school for 3 or more days per week.
To apply for a conveyance allowance, parents are required to complete the appropriate forms.
- Travel by contract bus: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Bus Travel”
- Travel by myki bus: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Public Transport Travel". Must provide prove of purchase ie copy of receipt or ticket.
- Travel by car: “Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Car Travel” will need to be completed for each student, listing all students travelling in the nominated vehicle.
- Combined travel: Each appropriate form will need to be completed as above, e.g. drive further than 4.8km to catch public transport (Private Car/Public Transport).
Please note for Woodleigh Campus families: If you live within 4.8km of public transport (ie one of our Myki buses) and choose to travel by private bus or car you will not be eligible to claim the conveyance allowance.
The School will lodge 4 claims a year (1 per Term) with the Department of Education and Training. The Department will reimburse the school and the allowance will be credited to your fee account in instalments. Completed applications need to be received by Friday 12 August, 2022 to be included in the claim.
- Contract Bus Reimbursement is determined on the basis of the shortest practicable route from the student’s residence to the school and not the actual distance travelled in the bus.
- Public Transport The cost of fares is fully refundable.
- Private Car Reimbursement is made on the basis of the one-way distance travelled per vehicle and the number of students in that vehicle. Payment is made to the family operating the vehicle.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent on 5971 6100 or email rkent@woodleigh.vic.edu.au.
At the end of this year, four staff and thirteen Year 10 and 11 students will be travelling to Cambodia to work in partnership with Chumkriel Language School (CLS).
Woodleigh has been in Partnership with CLS since 2008. Staff from CLS have visited Woodleigh numerous times. The school provides free education in English and Khmer, as well as family support: including basic housing sanitation, water, recreation, and hygiene/health activities.
Each year we run an annual Cambodian Music Night to raise funds for CLS; there's food and music, and the money raised will be used by the school to buy new computers for their students and staff. We'd love to see as many of you there as possible! Tickets can be purchased at the link below. We hope to see you there for a night of brilliant live music, fun and to raise funds for a very important cause.
To find out more about the partnership and CLS click here, or click here to visit the Chumkriel Language School.
Thanks for your support,
THE CAMBODIA TRIP TEAM
Wanted: donations to be raffled off at our annual Cambodia Music Night on Friday 25 November.
We are hoping to receive raffle prize donations of the following: non-perishable food items for hampers, homewares, vouchers, artwork, and alcohol. Any monetary donations will also be gratefully received.
Please drop off your donations to Woodleigh Senior Campus reception by Thursday 24 November and include how you would like to be acknowledged.
CLS has specifically asked us not to bring donated stationary items, books, and sports equipment.
With thanks! We hope to see you there for what is always a fantastic night.
ROSIE CIAN on behalf of
The Cambodian Trip Team
Join us at Senior Campus on Friday 25 November from 5.30pm for the Annual Cambodian Fundraiser and help raise important funds for Chumkriel Language School!
Bring along your friends and family to a night of live music performed by Woodleigh students!
Be entertained by TOP STUDENT BANDS!
Pack a gourmet picnic or buy drinks on the night.
Most importantly, help raise funds for Chumkriel Language School in Kampot, Cambodia.
Tickets are just $10 for the audience, while performers come for free!
The Arty Market is back in 2022, and we need you!
Thought about starting a little creative side hustle? Got a killer cordial recipe? Need an excuse to get started? We need Arty Market stallholders for our upcoming whole-school event.
The Arty Market is a quintessentially Woodleigh occasion; a celebration of handmade, artisanal, quirky products, artworks, jewellery, food, and homewares designed and/or made by YOU!
We welcome stall holders who are students, staff, parents, and alumni. If you've been thinking about it, now's your chance! We will support you with signage, a trestle table, and assistance with setup.
The market will be held on Friday 2 December from 4pm - 8pm at Senior Campus, in the Visual Art Centre and Agora areas of the campus. Pop that date in your diaries folks!
It's free to have a stall at The Arty Market, however, a $20 stall donation would be welcomed. This donation contributes to the materials used for our student stalls; any profits on the day will be carried over for next year's event.
We look forward to seeing you there!
KAREN CHARLTON-MILLS
On Behalf of the Arty Market Committee
Hi, I’m Phoebe Azzopardi, I am a Year 10 student in Homestead 1. You might remember last year I did a fundraiser for Pinch-a-Poo. I collected donations from across all 3 campuses and I collected over 700 hundred toiletry and sanitary products. This year I am hoping to achieve the same thing.
Pinch-a-Poo is an organization that supports the 1 in 5 Australians families who have to make the choice of buying food or personal hygiene products each week. Their vision is to make sure that every Australian has access to basic hygiene products. Pinch-a-Poo is run by an amazing lady, Kate Austin. Kate was a part of a domestic violence situation and had to leave immediately. Her first instinct was to grab her toothbrush and run. She knew that wherever she went, at least should could brush her teeth.
Click here to hear more about Kate’s story.
How you can help
I will start collecting donations from Tuesday 11 October. I am hoping to have all of the donations collected by 25 November. There will be a box at reception for all of the donations. Pinch-a-Poo is a really easy way to help out the less fortunate. All you need to do it pick up an extra toothbrush, toothpaste or some other toiletries when you go shopping.
Please only donate unopen items.
Items that they are in desperate need of include:
· Roll on deodorants
· Toothpaste
· Toothbrushes
· Face washers
· Singe Use Soaps
· Hairbrushes
Other items to donate:
· Shampoo/conditioner
· Body wash
· Body Lotion
· Deodorants
· Kids Toothbrushes
· Kids Toothpaste
· Razors
· Dental products (floss, mouthwash etc)
· Hair ties
· Sanitary Products
· Hand Sanitiser
· Skin care
· Hair care
· Makeup
· Lip Balm
· Fragrance
· Shaving cream
· Baby care
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the cause visit me in Homestead 1, email me at azzop24@woodleigh.vic.edu.au or visit Pinch-A-Poo.
Thank you in advance,
PHOEBE AZZOPARDI
Year 10