Woodleigh Messenger
- Celebrating growth in Term 1
- New Woodleigh App - Download Now!
- School Transport Conveyance Allowance - Term 2, 2023
- Myki Bus Travel Updates
- 2023 Homestead Athletics Carnival
- Activities Program Reflections from our Year 7s
- Work Experience at Taronga Zoo: A Reflection
- Melbourne Foodies Camp Reflection
- Gippsland Lakes Sailing Camp Reflection
- Victorian School Team Sailing Competition success!
Celebrating growth in Term 1
On Wednesday at our Senior Campus Assembly, I asked the students to reflect on their growth this term, what has happened for them and how their experiences this term have shaped them as individuals and as learners. This may have been a camp, an activity, or a learning experience. Each of these may or may not have contributed to their development as human beings and how they learn to understand themselves and interact with those around them.
Adults are not immune to growth. As teachers, we are fortunate to share many of our students’ experiences. Like the students, we often experience growth through those shared experiences. For some families, the experiences extended beyond the classroom and into homes, particularly for our Penbank families, who recently hosted students from Wugularr School as part of the Wugubank Partnership. Many of these families have reached out to me during the past week to express the extent of this experience’s impact on their entire family. These experiences are potentially life-changing.
For me, this has been a term of growth and reflection on many fronts. From my time on the Overland Track in Tasmania to attending an IB conference in Adelaide and hearing from outstanding educators such as Helen Street and Jane Jarvis. We were also very privileged to hear from and spend time with June Oscar AO, who presented on indigenous education and the Studio Schools program in Western Australia. Part of this session involved hearing from indigenous people from Hawaii and New Zealand and the amazing way that they connect with their culture and customs through education, decolonising their curriculum.
Each of these experiences allowed me the opportunity to reflect on our philosophy at Woodleigh and think about how we are preparing students for their future. These were positive experiences, affirming, and also challenging. The opportunities for our school are boundless, and the responsibility of our task weighs heavy on our shoulders.
I hope each of you have experienced growth this term and that, as human beings, we continue to be excited about possibilities and energised about what we can do for our students both now and in the future.
I wish all of our families a wonderful Easter break. I hope you have time together as families, camping or holidaying, or simply relaxing at home.
DAVID BAKER
Principal
New Woodleigh App - Download Now!
We are excited to announce the Term 2 launch of Woodleigh's new School Stream app, which will improve how we communicate with families and keep you updated with all the latest news and events at our school.
Please download the app before Term 2 starts on Wednesday 26 April.
We will be starting the new term using the app as our primary parent communication tool.
Up to Date and In the Know
The new app has been designed with modern families in mind. You will receive notifications about important events, school news, and updates directly to your mobile. School Stream integrates with our Tass student database, meaning you will only receive the news and information relevant to your children and family. This means you will never miss an important announcement, whether it's news about an event, a change in the school schedule, or upcoming parent-student-teacher interviews.
The app enables easy access to our Learning Management platforms – SEQTA and Seesaw – where you can check on your child's timetable, progress, assignments and teacher feedback.
Get Started
To get started, please download the School Stream app from the App Store or Google Play, search for Woodleigh School in the app and sign up using the mobile number you have registered with our school database. Once you are signed up, you can explore the app's features.
We understand your time is valuable, and by keeping you informed and connected to the school, we hope to foster a stronger sense of community and support for your child's education.
Please download the app and start exploring its features today. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact the comms team via email: news@woodleigh.vic.edu.au
ADAM LIDDIARD
Director of Community Relations
School Transport Conveyance Allowance - Term 2, 2023
The Conveyance Allowance only applies to students attending Senior Campus and students attending Penbank Campus. These families are eligible to receive help with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest school or campus. The allowance is a contribution towards transport costs, and is not intended to cover the full cost. It is available to students travelling by public transport, private car or private bus.
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 were deemed ineligible.
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 stating 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 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) and be submitted to the School no later than Friday 19 May. 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 2023.
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 Woodleigh Campus
- The Department of Education and Training’s main criteria for student eligibility is:
- The School attended is the nearest appropriate school (or attach supporting letter, as above)
- The student resides more than 4.8 km 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 proof 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.
Lodgment of Applications
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 installments. Completed applications need to be received by Friday 19 May, 2023 to be included in the Term 2 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 will be fully refunded.
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.
ROBYN KENT
Bus Co-ordinator
Myki Bus Travel Updates
Travelling on Woodleigh School’s Non-Contract Myki Buses
Valid Myki cards are required
All Woodleigh School students travelling on public buses must have a valid Myki card. These are not free buses and it is the student’s obligation to touch on and touch off with a valid Myki when boarding and disembarking. Fare evasion is a serious offense and can incur substantial fines. Non-compliance could also result in these bus services being withdrawn by PTV (Public Transport Victoria).
Student ID cards for students aged 17+
Students aged 17 and over are also required to carry a valid VPT School Student Id card or government-issued proof of age card (ie/ driver's licence, learners permit) to travel.
Cashless transactions
Please also note that cash transactions were permanently removed from Myki-enabled buses in 2020 in support of safer bus journeys. Alternatives available are:
- Instant Myki money: top up via the PTV app
- Online at ptv.vi.gov.au/myki
- Myki retailers
- Quick top-up machines
- Myki machines
- Ticket offices, including train stations and PTV Hubs
More information and application forms are available on the PTV website.
Pick Up Times
Please note that pickup times are given by Ventura Bus Lines as approximates only so students need to be at their stop at least 5 minutes prior to the pickup time listed on the timetable. To assist Bus Drivers to distinguish between the general public and Woodleigh School students, the bus lines also request that our students flag the bus down.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent at Senior Campus on 5971 6100 or email buses@woodleigh.vic.edu.au
2023 Homestead Athletics Carnival
The Homestead Athletics Carnival occurred at Casey Fields Athletics Track on Monday, 27 March. The sky may have been grey, but our Senior Campus students brought big colour vibes for the Junior Homestead Athletics Carnival.
The noise of support was loud as students ran, threw, and jumped for glory in a hotly contested competition that saw Homestead 2 make it back-to-back victories, with a narrow 5-point win over the gallant Homestead 3 crew. The novelty events saw some great battles take place, with an epic Tug-of-War battle seeing Homestead 4 out-muscle Homestead 7 in the final. The Sack races were evenly contested, with those demonstrating the best changeover technique having the most success. The mixed hurdle relays had it all this year, with great athleticism - and some falls - as the competitors pushed themselves to the limit.
Record Breakers
Congratulations to the following students who set new Homestead Athletics Carnival records:
· Owen Clark (HS 2) broke the Year 8 Boys Shot Put record with a throw of 13.23 meters.
· Owen Clark (HS 2) also set a new record in the Year 8 Boys Discus with a throw of 29.41 meters.
· Issy Hammock (HS 2) eclipsed the Year 9 Girls Long Jump record, which had stood since 2005, with a jump of 4.70 meters.
100m Invitational Sprint Championship
These races pit the fastest two male and female sprinters from each year level against each other to determine our fastest Junior Homestead runner. Students qualified for the finals based on their times in the 100m age group races earlier in the day. Making the final of this race is an achievement in itself. The boys’ race was won by Harry Holder (Year 10), followed by Zahn David (Year 9) and Bailey Medlin (Year 9) in third. Issy Hammock (Year 9) was victorious in the girls’ race, with Juliette Whinney (Year 8) and Luda Hobby Hughes (Year 8) running great races to fill the minor placings.
1500m Middle Distance Championship
Well done to all athletes who put their hands up to compete in this event. This race determines the best middle-distance runners on the day. The boys’ race was won by Orlando Clark (Year 9) ahead of Harvey Bedford (Year 9), with Miller Virtanen (Year 10) finishing in 3rd place. The girls’ 1500m race was won by Daisy Black (Year 9), with Moriah Elphinstone (Year 8) in second and Isla Goding (Year 9) in third.
Results
Homestead 2 was victorious overall, and also took home the Year 7 award. Homestead 3 won the Year 8 and Year 9 awards and finished second overall. Homestead 4 won the Year 10 award.
Year Level Awards
Year Level | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
7 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
8 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
9 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
10 | 4 | 2 | 7 |
Overall
1st | Homestead 2 | 841 points |
2nd | Homestead 3 | 836 points |
3rd | Homestead 4 | 814 points |
4th | Homestead 6 | 750 points |
5th | Homestead 7 | 715 points |
6th | Homestead 1 | 627 points |
BEN DAVENPORT
Director of Sport
Activities Program Reflections from our Year 7s
Skating at The Shed
I chose Skating at The Shed for my first Activity as I like skating and I wanted to learn new tricks. During the sessions, I learned to drop-in and jump off things on a skateboard. My favourite memory was when I dropping-in for the first time.
Oscar Crittenden
I wanted to learn how to skate, which is why I wanted to do this Activity. The skills I learned skateboarding were turning on the ramp, dropping off a small ledge and riding the skateboard on the two back wheels. My favourite memory was when I learned how to turn on the skateboard.
Harriet Cripps
Circus Skills
This Activity was something new that I hadn't tried before, and it had me interested. I learned how to use a bunch of circus equipment such as the unicycle, diablo, balance boarding, and many others. I also learned some other skills, like patience and resilience. One of my memories was when others in the group were trying to teach me things that I had no hope of learning well on my own.
Ozzy Cartwright
Snorkel Diver
Snorkelling is a new and different experience that I have never really done and something that stood out from the rest which is why I wanted to do it. During the sessions I learnt how to duck dive and be more confident overall in the water and around sea creatures. It was great seeing lots of fish and new sea creatures.
Zacharia Culley
I chose this Activity because I wanted to get better at snorkelling. I learnt some hand signals to communicate under water and my favourite memory was seeing my first wild stingray.
Zac Pollock
Futsal – Indoor Soccer for All
I used to play a version of Futsal when I was at primary school, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I decided to try it as an Activity. I learnt about fitness, teamwork, resilience, persistence, and many more. I will remember all the funny moments I had when I was goalie, especially when my friend was the goalie and the ball managed to get through his legs and into the goals.
Lachlan Palmer
Music and Theatre Technology
I chose this Activity as I am very interested in music and theatre having done a couple of musicals. During the sessions, I learned a lot about lighting, safety in theatre, and when high up, a lot of technical terminology. I also got to know a lot of people quite a bit better.
What I will remember most about this Activity was creating the lighting on the computer. It was so great to see the room light up and be able to control it. We also found some sound effects and heard a bunch of emergency sirens and decided on which ones were the scariest. That was fun. I also really enjoyed going up on the bridge and using the gobos, which create lighting effects.
Isaac Russo
I wanted to do this Activity to learn more about audio and lighting and how shows worked. We were shown how to change lights and set pre-sets. I also learned how to set up physical lights and connect audio to the speakers. What I will remember most is doing scenes with the lighting.
Archie Gay
Big Clay Pots
I wanted to do this Activity because I love being creative and trying something different. I learnt how to make a pinch pot as well as how to connect clay together. My class-mates made me want to come to the Activity, they made me smile and laugh the whole way though.
Willow Adams
The Woodleigh Farm
I wanted to do this Activity because I love animals and working with them. I also wanted to try something different. During the sessions I learnt how to handle a goat properly and handle stick insects
Evie Aitken
Graphic Novel and Comic Creation
I love drawing and anime have always wanted to make my own manga, so I thought this Activity was a good way to do it. Being a part of this Activity helped me become a better artist.
Eve Johnston
I really enjoy art and comics and I thought this Activity would be fun. I learnt a lot of art skills and ways to make my comics more comical and a lot about storyboarding. What I will remember most is how many compliments I got about my art.
Ella Sargeant
Brian Henderson Reserve
I know that I am really good with building things and when I saw that a board walk was being built I wanted to get into this Activity. I learned how to work as a team, sometimes you just have to do as you are told and then it all works out well at the end. My favourite memories were feeding the animals, it’s always good to have to tell the emus to wait for their food! The funniest moment was when we did not have Dr Simpson as the teacher and we led the fill in teacher around the reserve, the emus were very excited to have a new person there!
Samuel McKenzie
Archery and Other Sports
I had previously done archery but it was a while ago and I remember quite enjoying it which is why I chose to it in Activities. I learnt how to shoot a bow and arrow as well as patience and teamwork in some of the competitions we did. I made a really great friend who was also in Year 7 and in the same Homestead.
Audrey Loxton-Banks
Indoor Rock Climbing
I like climbing and I thought it was going to be a good experience which is why I chose this Activity. I skills I learnt were knowing where to place your hands, concentration, and using your strength carefully because you run out of strength during the climb. What I will remember most about this Activity was how hard and challenging it was.
Finn Lawson
Laser Cut Technology
I chose this Activity as I wanted to get to use and explore the laser cutter, 3D printers, and sticker machine. During the sessions I learned a lot about Adobe Illustrator and my memory of the Activity will be making things I enjoy.
Syve Chapman
Printmaking
This Activity appealed to me as I wanted to learn more about lino cut and printmaking overall. What I learnt most during the sessions were to be patient with designs and sketching.
Maya Mason
Work Experience at Taronga Zoo: A Reflection
I found the experience of working at Taronga Zoo, Sydney very educational and fun. It wasn't all fun though as I had to do lots of dishes, cleaning, and preparing food. There were other kids doing work experience at Taronga as well, some who also came from Victoria.
When I applied, I had to choose a division of the zoo that I wanted to work in. There were 5 or 6 different divisions that I could choose from such as exotic animals, birds, marine, reptiles, and Australian mammals. The divisions I chose to do were marine and birds. I got birds, which I was very happy about.
I found working with birds very different from what I thought it would be like. I thought that there would be less work with birds and around 10 zookeepers working in the bird division. I was very wrong. There were hundreds of birds that needed particular requirements and A LOT of staff to attend to those requirements. The jobs that the staff had me doing weren’t too different to what they were doing, such as cleaning / repairing habitats, preparing food, feeding, and helping with the bird shows.
One of the things that I found most interesting was the food prep. I found food prep interesting because, to my surprise, not all birds eat bird seed. Most of the diets consist of fruit, vegetables, small mammals, maggots, and crickets. What shocked me the most was that they gave some birds shell grit - made up of small, crushed up shells - to supplement them with minerals and calcium.
The journey to and from work added to my experience since I caught the ferry every day and got to live in Sydney City. Overall, I learned a lot, made new friends, and most importantly, had fun. I give my experience a 9/10.
CHARLIE GARCIA
Year 10
Melbourne Foodies Camp Reflection
During Camp Week I got to experience the most amazing tastes that Melbourne has to offer. I tried things that I never thought I would like, and some things that I had never even heard of.
Everything I ate on this camp was incredible. All the dishes had different flavours, tastes, texture, and smells, which made for some of the best food I have ever eaten.
The most surprising thing I ate would have been the duck fat chocolate tarts, because I had never eaten duck before, and the chocolate was so rich and smooth, and didn’t taste like duck at all. Eating oysters for the first time was also a strange experience because there were so many flavours and textures but altogether it tasted amazing.
We visited different restaurants and markets but some of the ones that stuck out to me was The Langham and Epocha. The Langham offered a lot of incredible foods. I have never eaten so much food in one sitting. I ate seafood, Indian, roast meats and I tried about 10 different desserts.
Epocha was my favourite place because we ate some of the best food that I tried all week. My favourite dish was the slow cooked lamb with duck fat potatoes that our group peeled and chopped.
Not only did we get to eat incredible food all week, but we also learned about hospitality and how restaurants ensure customers have the best possible experience, even before they walk through the door. The farmers grow and harvest the produce and sell it at the markets for restaurants to buy. The chefs spend months thinking of unique flavours that they can incorporate into their dishes. The restaurant is decorated to set the mood as soon as the customer walks through the door, and the staff make sure that the customers are always comfortable throughout their dining experience.
This camp week really opened my eyes to the different flavours of not only Melbourne, but to the flavours from around the world and how much thought and effort goes into every single dish. I have also found a new gratitude for the process that happens behind the scenes at restaurants and markets before we even think about going to a restaurant.
PHOEBE AZZOPARDI
Year 11
Gippsland Lakes Sailing Camp Reflection
A robust, untameable, surging, swell attacks the yacht. However, it remains infallible because of its precise, streamlined hull piecing through the choppy, treacherous, menacing water with help from the ever-powerful, relentless, inexorable wind. The only thing that proved stronger than Mother Nature was the willpower, determination, and courage that was intertwined and coursing within the optimistic crew assembled onboard. These traits formed a beautiful, advantageous culture that cultivated trust, love and a perfect ambiance for learning. The crew felt loved, happy, and safe every time they entered the vessel thus falling into a flow state where the crew became unconquerable, succeeding in all aspects within their memorable journey across the Gippsland Lakes. The almighty crew of the three vessels laughed and shared memories, gaining powerful skills that can be employed in our everyday life, to flourish and further expand our adventurous mindsets.
To quote Timmo Purdie, past Woodleigh student and adventurous risk taker, “Life is amazing!” This sentiment was stated readily and frequently, because there was nothing better than waking up with an awesome crew and heading down to a crystal clear, glistening ocean to create everlasting memories.
I would also like to thank the traditional owners of the Gippsland Lakes, the Gunaikurnai people, who would have sailed the lakes. We will continue to treat our land with respect and love, conserving its breathtaking beauty.
LUKE REYNOLDS
Year 12
Victorian School Team Sailing Competition success!
Last weekend, the Woodleigh Sailing Team competed in the Victorian School Teams Sailing Championships at Mornington Yacht Club. Our campaign for this regatta started in Term 4 of last year, with our team competing against other schools on Wednesday afternoons at Davey’s Bay Yacht Club. These smaller competitions and weekly training sessions gave our team a great opportunity to compete upfront for a chance to go to nationals.
During my time on this team, there has been a massive growth in the size of the team. When I joined in Year 7, we barely had enough for one team, and we would train only half as much. The team has now grown to 16 people, and we had two very competitive teams in this regatta.
Day 1 saw us racing in heavier breeze with waves rolling through from the south-west. The race officials were trying out a new format of racing called the ‘Swiss League’, which meant pairings were recalculated every ten races, and we would race once in a cycle. Our team was strong, and we had come out of the blocks well, only losing to the incredibly dominant Brighton Grammar team. This put us in second place in the standings, and we were very excited.
Day 2 brought lighter winds and an early start. Races kept rolling through before a rain squall put us under postponement, which gave us a slight break. Racing was extended until 5 pm, which meant we had been racing on and off since 9:30. This was a long day, but Woodleigh held on strong to 3rd position in Division 1 of the championship, just behind Scotch College, and tied with three other teams.
Day 3 had us scratching our heads, wondering if we would race, with the forecast showing light winds throughout the day. After waiting onshore and hyping each other up, racing got underway for the Division 1 sailors, with us fighting for a spot in the Grand Final. The day began with our first race against Scotch, the team that everyone wanted to beat.
Before we headed out to the racecourse, nearly every school was wishing us luck to beat this team, and the mentality was strong. We went out and tried our best but couldn't get the job done. This was unfortunate, and the team was feeling the defeat. A gap in races had us sitting around, waiting for our chance again. Meanwhile, our Division 2 team were smashing it out there and fighting their way to the top of their division. This was awesome to watch our friends compete from the pier, especially with us being right on top of the racecourse.
Our chance came again, but this time it was against the undefeated team, Brighton Grammar. We knew this would be a tough race, but we kept our heads up and tried to defeat them. As we entered the racecourse, they were fierce, and their tactics were incredible. It was great to see the attention to detail in their racing, and they eventually got the win, which meant we were sent into the fight for 3rd place, a final fight for that national spot we had all been working towards this moment.
Our final challenge was against the much-beloved team from Scotch College. It was to be decided in a best-of-three match. We hadn’t yet beaten this team, but we knew deep down that their dirty tactics wouldn't be a match for us. That was our mindset heading into Round 1. We came out of the blocks strong, attacking each boat. This threw them off their game and gave us plenty of opportunities to make gains. We finished that race in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions.
We had only one more race to secure the nationals spot. We had to refocus ourselves and agree on the same tactics. The pre-start was incredibly pivotal in the outcome of the race, and that's where we made our biggest gains. We forced errors in the opposition, and my favourite moment of this regatta was forcing the opposition into the Mornington pier right under all the spectators. This resulted in one of the Scotch boats needing to either force a tack from me or gybe around, both giving us a great advantage. We rounded the top mark in a winning 1st and 2nd position and held that position right around the course, solidifying our place.
Division 2 also saw a dominant finals series, with a win against Firbank and taking the title!
It's very satisfying to see our school at the top end of the results card, and I'm sure this team will continue to grow as we pass down the culture and team spirit it has always had.
Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Angelico for sorting out all the logistics and watching us do laps of the same course every Wednesday afternoon. I’d like to thank our coach, Will McKenzie, for giving us direction and growing the skills and knowledge of our team. Also, Daniel Laverty (Year 12) for being an amazing role model for me and the whole team since I joined. It's great to have achieved this result in your last year - who would have thought? Hopefully, I'll see you all in term 4 when it all kicks off again.
Fair winds and following seas.
PAT CUMMIN
Year 11
Results:
- 3rd place in Division 1
- 1st place in Division 2
Woodleigh Sailing State Championships team listed below in skipper/crew pairings:
TEAM 1 (Division 1) - going to Nationals in South Australia
Daniel Laverty, Ajax Calligeros
Pat Cummin, Sophie Matthews
Leigh Harvie, Zoe Heffernan
TEAM 2 (Division 2) - took out Div 2 State Championship title
Andre Nash, Alby Moorhouse
Digby Taylor, Charlotte Thurston
Lucy Laverty, Sofia Ceban-Geysman
Will McKenzie - COACH
We are excited to announce the Term 2 launch of Woodleigh's new School Stream app, which will improve how we communicate with families and keep you updated with all the latest news and events at our school.
Please download the app before Term 2 starts on Wednesday 26 April.
We will be starting the new term using the app as our primary parent communication tool.
Up to Date and In the Know
The new app has been designed with modern families in mind. You will receive notifications about important events, school news, and updates directly to your mobile. School Stream integrates with our Tass student database, meaning you will only receive the news and information relevant to your children and family. This means you will never miss an important announcement, whether it's news about an event, a change in the school schedule, or upcoming parent-student-teacher interviews.
The app enables easy access to our Learning Management platforms – SEQTA and Seesaw – where you can check on your child's timetable, progress, assignments and teacher feedback.
Get Started
To get started, please download the School Stream app from the App Store or Google Play, search for Woodleigh School in the app and sign up using the mobile number you have registered with our school database. Once you are signed up, you can explore the app's features.
We understand your time is valuable, and by keeping you informed and connected to the school, we hope to foster a stronger sense of community and support for your child's education.
Please download the app and start exploring its features today. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact the comms team via email: news@woodleigh.vic.edu.au
ADAM LIDDIARD
Director of Community Relations
The Conveyance Allowance only applies to students attending Senior Campus and students attending Penbank Campus. These families are eligible to receive help with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest school or campus. The allowance is a contribution towards transport costs, and is not intended to cover the full cost. It is available to students travelling by public transport, private car or private bus.
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 were deemed ineligible.
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 stating 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 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) and be submitted to the School no later than Friday 19 May. 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 2023.
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 Woodleigh Campus
- The Department of Education and Training’s main criteria for student eligibility is:
- The School attended is the nearest appropriate school (or attach supporting letter, as above)
- The student resides more than 4.8 km 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 proof 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.
Lodgment of Applications
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 installments. Completed applications need to be received by Friday 19 May, 2023 to be included in the Term 2 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 will be fully refunded.
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.
ROBYN KENT
Bus Co-ordinator
Travelling on Woodleigh School’s Non-Contract Myki Buses
Valid Myki cards are required
All Woodleigh School students travelling on public buses must have a valid Myki card. These are not free buses and it is the student’s obligation to touch on and touch off with a valid Myki when boarding and disembarking. Fare evasion is a serious offense and can incur substantial fines. Non-compliance could also result in these bus services being withdrawn by PTV (Public Transport Victoria).
Student ID cards for students aged 17+
Students aged 17 and over are also required to carry a valid VPT School Student Id card or government-issued proof of age card (ie/ driver's licence, learners permit) to travel.
Cashless transactions
Please also note that cash transactions were permanently removed from Myki-enabled buses in 2020 in support of safer bus journeys. Alternatives available are:
- Instant Myki money: top up via the PTV app
- Online at ptv.vi.gov.au/myki
- Myki retailers
- Quick top-up machines
- Myki machines
- Ticket offices, including train stations and PTV Hubs
More information and application forms are available on the PTV website.
Pick Up Times
Please note that pickup times are given by Ventura Bus Lines as approximates only so students need to be at their stop at least 5 minutes prior to the pickup time listed on the timetable. To assist Bus Drivers to distinguish between the general public and Woodleigh School students, the bus lines also request that our students flag the bus down.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent at Senior Campus on 5971 6100 or email buses@woodleigh.vic.edu.au
The Homestead Athletics Carnival occurred at Casey Fields Athletics Track on Monday, 27 March. The sky may have been grey, but our Senior Campus students brought big colour vibes for the Junior Homestead Athletics Carnival.
The noise of support was loud as students ran, threw, and jumped for glory in a hotly contested competition that saw Homestead 2 make it back-to-back victories, with a narrow 5-point win over the gallant Homestead 3 crew. The novelty events saw some great battles take place, with an epic Tug-of-War battle seeing Homestead 4 out-muscle Homestead 7 in the final. The Sack races were evenly contested, with those demonstrating the best changeover technique having the most success. The mixed hurdle relays had it all this year, with great athleticism - and some falls - as the competitors pushed themselves to the limit.
Record Breakers
Congratulations to the following students who set new Homestead Athletics Carnival records:
· Owen Clark (HS 2) broke the Year 8 Boys Shot Put record with a throw of 13.23 meters.
· Owen Clark (HS 2) also set a new record in the Year 8 Boys Discus with a throw of 29.41 meters.
· Issy Hammock (HS 2) eclipsed the Year 9 Girls Long Jump record, which had stood since 2005, with a jump of 4.70 meters.
100m Invitational Sprint Championship
These races pit the fastest two male and female sprinters from each year level against each other to determine our fastest Junior Homestead runner. Students qualified for the finals based on their times in the 100m age group races earlier in the day. Making the final of this race is an achievement in itself. The boys’ race was won by Harry Holder (Year 10), followed by Zahn David (Year 9) and Bailey Medlin (Year 9) in third. Issy Hammock (Year 9) was victorious in the girls’ race, with Juliette Whinney (Year 8) and Luda Hobby Hughes (Year 8) running great races to fill the minor placings.
1500m Middle Distance Championship
Well done to all athletes who put their hands up to compete in this event. This race determines the best middle-distance runners on the day. The boys’ race was won by Orlando Clark (Year 9) ahead of Harvey Bedford (Year 9), with Miller Virtanen (Year 10) finishing in 3rd place. The girls’ 1500m race was won by Daisy Black (Year 9), with Moriah Elphinstone (Year 8) in second and Isla Goding (Year 9) in third.
Results
Homestead 2 was victorious overall, and also took home the Year 7 award. Homestead 3 won the Year 8 and Year 9 awards and finished second overall. Homestead 4 won the Year 10 award.
Year Level Awards
Year Level | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
7 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
8 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
9 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
10 | 4 | 2 | 7 |
Overall
1st | Homestead 2 | 841 points |
2nd | Homestead 3 | 836 points |
3rd | Homestead 4 | 814 points |
4th | Homestead 6 | 750 points |
5th | Homestead 7 | 715 points |
6th | Homestead 1 | 627 points |
BEN DAVENPORT
Director of Sport
Skating at The Shed
I chose Skating at The Shed for my first Activity as I like skating and I wanted to learn new tricks. During the sessions, I learned to drop-in and jump off things on a skateboard. My favourite memory was when I dropping-in for the first time.
Oscar Crittenden
I wanted to learn how to skate, which is why I wanted to do this Activity. The skills I learned skateboarding were turning on the ramp, dropping off a small ledge and riding the skateboard on the two back wheels. My favourite memory was when I learned how to turn on the skateboard.
Harriet Cripps
Circus Skills
This Activity was something new that I hadn't tried before, and it had me interested. I learned how to use a bunch of circus equipment such as the unicycle, diablo, balance boarding, and many others. I also learned some other skills, like patience and resilience. One of my memories was when others in the group were trying to teach me things that I had no hope of learning well on my own.
Ozzy Cartwright
Snorkel Diver
Snorkelling is a new and different experience that I have never really done and something that stood out from the rest which is why I wanted to do it. During the sessions I learnt how to duck dive and be more confident overall in the water and around sea creatures. It was great seeing lots of fish and new sea creatures.
Zacharia Culley
I chose this Activity because I wanted to get better at snorkelling. I learnt some hand signals to communicate under water and my favourite memory was seeing my first wild stingray.
Zac Pollock
Futsal – Indoor Soccer for All
I used to play a version of Futsal when I was at primary school, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I decided to try it as an Activity. I learnt about fitness, teamwork, resilience, persistence, and many more. I will remember all the funny moments I had when I was goalie, especially when my friend was the goalie and the ball managed to get through his legs and into the goals.
Lachlan Palmer
Music and Theatre Technology
I chose this Activity as I am very interested in music and theatre having done a couple of musicals. During the sessions, I learned a lot about lighting, safety in theatre, and when high up, a lot of technical terminology. I also got to know a lot of people quite a bit better.
What I will remember most about this Activity was creating the lighting on the computer. It was so great to see the room light up and be able to control it. We also found some sound effects and heard a bunch of emergency sirens and decided on which ones were the scariest. That was fun. I also really enjoyed going up on the bridge and using the gobos, which create lighting effects.
Isaac Russo
I wanted to do this Activity to learn more about audio and lighting and how shows worked. We were shown how to change lights and set pre-sets. I also learned how to set up physical lights and connect audio to the speakers. What I will remember most is doing scenes with the lighting.
Archie Gay
Big Clay Pots
I wanted to do this Activity because I love being creative and trying something different. I learnt how to make a pinch pot as well as how to connect clay together. My class-mates made me want to come to the Activity, they made me smile and laugh the whole way though.
Willow Adams
The Woodleigh Farm
I wanted to do this Activity because I love animals and working with them. I also wanted to try something different. During the sessions I learnt how to handle a goat properly and handle stick insects
Evie Aitken
Graphic Novel and Comic Creation
I love drawing and anime have always wanted to make my own manga, so I thought this Activity was a good way to do it. Being a part of this Activity helped me become a better artist.
Eve Johnston
I really enjoy art and comics and I thought this Activity would be fun. I learnt a lot of art skills and ways to make my comics more comical and a lot about storyboarding. What I will remember most is how many compliments I got about my art.
Ella Sargeant
Brian Henderson Reserve
I know that I am really good with building things and when I saw that a board walk was being built I wanted to get into this Activity. I learned how to work as a team, sometimes you just have to do as you are told and then it all works out well at the end. My favourite memories were feeding the animals, it’s always good to have to tell the emus to wait for their food! The funniest moment was when we did not have Dr Simpson as the teacher and we led the fill in teacher around the reserve, the emus were very excited to have a new person there!
Samuel McKenzie
Archery and Other Sports
I had previously done archery but it was a while ago and I remember quite enjoying it which is why I chose to it in Activities. I learnt how to shoot a bow and arrow as well as patience and teamwork in some of the competitions we did. I made a really great friend who was also in Year 7 and in the same Homestead.
Audrey Loxton-Banks
Indoor Rock Climbing
I like climbing and I thought it was going to be a good experience which is why I chose this Activity. I skills I learnt were knowing where to place your hands, concentration, and using your strength carefully because you run out of strength during the climb. What I will remember most about this Activity was how hard and challenging it was.
Finn Lawson
Laser Cut Technology
I chose this Activity as I wanted to get to use and explore the laser cutter, 3D printers, and sticker machine. During the sessions I learned a lot about Adobe Illustrator and my memory of the Activity will be making things I enjoy.
Syve Chapman
Printmaking
This Activity appealed to me as I wanted to learn more about lino cut and printmaking overall. What I learnt most during the sessions were to be patient with designs and sketching.
Maya Mason
I found the experience of working at Taronga Zoo, Sydney very educational and fun. It wasn't all fun though as I had to do lots of dishes, cleaning, and preparing food. There were other kids doing work experience at Taronga as well, some who also came from Victoria.
When I applied, I had to choose a division of the zoo that I wanted to work in. There were 5 or 6 different divisions that I could choose from such as exotic animals, birds, marine, reptiles, and Australian mammals. The divisions I chose to do were marine and birds. I got birds, which I was very happy about.
I found working with birds very different from what I thought it would be like. I thought that there would be less work with birds and around 10 zookeepers working in the bird division. I was very wrong. There were hundreds of birds that needed particular requirements and A LOT of staff to attend to those requirements. The jobs that the staff had me doing weren’t too different to what they were doing, such as cleaning / repairing habitats, preparing food, feeding, and helping with the bird shows.
One of the things that I found most interesting was the food prep. I found food prep interesting because, to my surprise, not all birds eat bird seed. Most of the diets consist of fruit, vegetables, small mammals, maggots, and crickets. What shocked me the most was that they gave some birds shell grit - made up of small, crushed up shells - to supplement them with minerals and calcium.
The journey to and from work added to my experience since I caught the ferry every day and got to live in Sydney City. Overall, I learned a lot, made new friends, and most importantly, had fun. I give my experience a 9/10.
CHARLIE GARCIA
Year 10
During Camp Week I got to experience the most amazing tastes that Melbourne has to offer. I tried things that I never thought I would like, and some things that I had never even heard of.
Everything I ate on this camp was incredible. All the dishes had different flavours, tastes, texture, and smells, which made for some of the best food I have ever eaten.
The most surprising thing I ate would have been the duck fat chocolate tarts, because I had never eaten duck before, and the chocolate was so rich and smooth, and didn’t taste like duck at all. Eating oysters for the first time was also a strange experience because there were so many flavours and textures but altogether it tasted amazing.
We visited different restaurants and markets but some of the ones that stuck out to me was The Langham and Epocha. The Langham offered a lot of incredible foods. I have never eaten so much food in one sitting. I ate seafood, Indian, roast meats and I tried about 10 different desserts.
Epocha was my favourite place because we ate some of the best food that I tried all week. My favourite dish was the slow cooked lamb with duck fat potatoes that our group peeled and chopped.
Not only did we get to eat incredible food all week, but we also learned about hospitality and how restaurants ensure customers have the best possible experience, even before they walk through the door. The farmers grow and harvest the produce and sell it at the markets for restaurants to buy. The chefs spend months thinking of unique flavours that they can incorporate into their dishes. The restaurant is decorated to set the mood as soon as the customer walks through the door, and the staff make sure that the customers are always comfortable throughout their dining experience.
This camp week really opened my eyes to the different flavours of not only Melbourne, but to the flavours from around the world and how much thought and effort goes into every single dish. I have also found a new gratitude for the process that happens behind the scenes at restaurants and markets before we even think about going to a restaurant.
PHOEBE AZZOPARDI
Year 11
A robust, untameable, surging, swell attacks the yacht. However, it remains infallible because of its precise, streamlined hull piecing through the choppy, treacherous, menacing water with help from the ever-powerful, relentless, inexorable wind. The only thing that proved stronger than Mother Nature was the willpower, determination, and courage that was intertwined and coursing within the optimistic crew assembled onboard. These traits formed a beautiful, advantageous culture that cultivated trust, love and a perfect ambiance for learning. The crew felt loved, happy, and safe every time they entered the vessel thus falling into a flow state where the crew became unconquerable, succeeding in all aspects within their memorable journey across the Gippsland Lakes. The almighty crew of the three vessels laughed and shared memories, gaining powerful skills that can be employed in our everyday life, to flourish and further expand our adventurous mindsets.
To quote Timmo Purdie, past Woodleigh student and adventurous risk taker, “Life is amazing!” This sentiment was stated readily and frequently, because there was nothing better than waking up with an awesome crew and heading down to a crystal clear, glistening ocean to create everlasting memories.
I would also like to thank the traditional owners of the Gippsland Lakes, the Gunaikurnai people, who would have sailed the lakes. We will continue to treat our land with respect and love, conserving its breathtaking beauty.
LUKE REYNOLDS
Year 12
Last weekend, the Woodleigh Sailing Team competed in the Victorian School Teams Sailing Championships at Mornington Yacht Club. Our campaign for this regatta started in Term 4 of last year, with our team competing against other schools on Wednesday afternoons at Davey’s Bay Yacht Club. These smaller competitions and weekly training sessions gave our team a great opportunity to compete upfront for a chance to go to nationals.
During my time on this team, there has been a massive growth in the size of the team. When I joined in Year 7, we barely had enough for one team, and we would train only half as much. The team has now grown to 16 people, and we had two very competitive teams in this regatta.
Day 1 saw us racing in heavier breeze with waves rolling through from the south-west. The race officials were trying out a new format of racing called the ‘Swiss League’, which meant pairings were recalculated every ten races, and we would race once in a cycle. Our team was strong, and we had come out of the blocks well, only losing to the incredibly dominant Brighton Grammar team. This put us in second place in the standings, and we were very excited.
Day 2 brought lighter winds and an early start. Races kept rolling through before a rain squall put us under postponement, which gave us a slight break. Racing was extended until 5 pm, which meant we had been racing on and off since 9:30. This was a long day, but Woodleigh held on strong to 3rd position in Division 1 of the championship, just behind Scotch College, and tied with three other teams.
Day 3 had us scratching our heads, wondering if we would race, with the forecast showing light winds throughout the day. After waiting onshore and hyping each other up, racing got underway for the Division 1 sailors, with us fighting for a spot in the Grand Final. The day began with our first race against Scotch, the team that everyone wanted to beat.
Before we headed out to the racecourse, nearly every school was wishing us luck to beat this team, and the mentality was strong. We went out and tried our best but couldn't get the job done. This was unfortunate, and the team was feeling the defeat. A gap in races had us sitting around, waiting for our chance again. Meanwhile, our Division 2 team were smashing it out there and fighting their way to the top of their division. This was awesome to watch our friends compete from the pier, especially with us being right on top of the racecourse.
Our chance came again, but this time it was against the undefeated team, Brighton Grammar. We knew this would be a tough race, but we kept our heads up and tried to defeat them. As we entered the racecourse, they were fierce, and their tactics were incredible. It was great to see the attention to detail in their racing, and they eventually got the win, which meant we were sent into the fight for 3rd place, a final fight for that national spot we had all been working towards this moment.
Our final challenge was against the much-beloved team from Scotch College. It was to be decided in a best-of-three match. We hadn’t yet beaten this team, but we knew deep down that their dirty tactics wouldn't be a match for us. That was our mindset heading into Round 1. We came out of the blocks strong, attacking each boat. This threw them off their game and gave us plenty of opportunities to make gains. We finished that race in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions.
We had only one more race to secure the nationals spot. We had to refocus ourselves and agree on the same tactics. The pre-start was incredibly pivotal in the outcome of the race, and that's where we made our biggest gains. We forced errors in the opposition, and my favourite moment of this regatta was forcing the opposition into the Mornington pier right under all the spectators. This resulted in one of the Scotch boats needing to either force a tack from me or gybe around, both giving us a great advantage. We rounded the top mark in a winning 1st and 2nd position and held that position right around the course, solidifying our place.
Division 2 also saw a dominant finals series, with a win against Firbank and taking the title!
It's very satisfying to see our school at the top end of the results card, and I'm sure this team will continue to grow as we pass down the culture and team spirit it has always had.
Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Angelico for sorting out all the logistics and watching us do laps of the same course every Wednesday afternoon. I’d like to thank our coach, Will McKenzie, for giving us direction and growing the skills and knowledge of our team. Also, Daniel Laverty (Year 12) for being an amazing role model for me and the whole team since I joined. It's great to have achieved this result in your last year - who would have thought? Hopefully, I'll see you all in term 4 when it all kicks off again.
Fair winds and following seas.
PAT CUMMIN
Year 11
Results:
- 3rd place in Division 1
- 1st place in Division 2
Woodleigh Sailing State Championships team listed below in skipper/crew pairings:
TEAM 1 (Division 1) - going to Nationals in South Australia
Daniel Laverty, Ajax Calligeros
Pat Cummin, Sophie Matthews
Leigh Harvie, Zoe Heffernan
TEAM 2 (Division 2) - took out Div 2 State Championship title
Andre Nash, Alby Moorhouse
Digby Taylor, Charlotte Thurston
Lucy Laverty, Sofia Ceban-Geysman
Will McKenzie - COACH