The first week of Term 2 has started smoothly. Last Tuesday’s professional learning day saw ECLC staff focus on their campus priorities while teachers of Prep to Year 6 students engaged in the ‘IB Evidencing Learning Workshop’ which examined the use of data, feedback, moderation and assessment. Teachers of Years 7, 8 and 9 students, along with other members of staff, enjoyed a keynote address from best-selling author and education consultant, David Bott, on ‘How might we help our students become better learners?’
The focus for the afternoon was Faculty collaboration, with work on the MYP Approaches to Learning and a Student Well-being session. Tailored to suit the various areas of our College, the day was both relevant and meaningful and we thank our staff for their active participation.
Once students returned to school on Wednesday, the Clunes Group 90 had their orientation and House meetings before departing the following day. We held our first face-to-face Campus and Heads of School Meetings, with special focus on the new Student Behaviour Management Policy. The cast and crew of Shrek resumed their after-school and Saturday afternoon rehearsals and Wesley Parents held their Annual General Meeting.
On Wednesday 27 April, our College community paused to commemorate those Australians who have served our country with dignity and fortitude, including those who were once students of Wesley College. Middle School Captains, Isabella Dissegna and Thomas Bassett led the service, with Junior School Culture and Traditions Leader, Kylie Sampson and Social Justice Leader, Angus Jackson, leading the acknowledgment, laying the wreath and reading The Ode.
The names of some of the Collegians who lost their lives in service of their country were read, whilst Kooyong House Leader and percussion student, Aarav Agarwal, struck the bell.
The Last Post and Reveille were performed by Music Captain, William Blakiston and Pastor Kaylea Fearn shared A Prayer of Remembrance. The Middle School Choir sang Lest We Forget and our Concert Band played The National Anthem and the reflective concluding music, Abide by Me. The occasion was one of acknowledgment and gratitude.
The Junior and Middle School assemblies held to celebrate Founders’ Day were a highlight of the first week. Hosted by Year 4 students, Anna Gray and Lucian Gu, the Junior School assembly saw the Choir perform We Will Remember, with Marco Chan and Amelia Blakiston on trumpet. Chaplain Kaylea Fearn led us in prayer accompanied by Year 3 students, Mathew McCrohan and Maddy Bellingham, while our College Principal, Nick Evans, spoke about the history of the College and the origins of our House system.
To test our youngest students’ knowledge and teach them a bit about the symbols within the Wesley Crest, Kieran McCrohan transformed our Junior School Founders’ Day assembly into a game show, ‘Who wants to be a Wesley Connoisseur?’ an imitation of ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’ With flashing lights, by the visuals and sounds engaged our Junior School students as they responded on mini whiteboards and shared their responses. With lights, sound and music all mimicking the real deal, our students were asked a series of questions and had to quickly jot down their answers before the ‘thinking music’ stopped. What a creative and engaging way to teach our students about the long, rich history of our College!
Mia Gu, accompanied by Alexandra Cameron played Concerto No. 2, 3rd Movement, followed by Henry Shieh who performed The Clown on piano. There was also a much-anticipated visit from Wes the Lion, to whom we all sang ‘Happy Birthday’. The celebration of Wesley’s birthday was even more joyful as we came together to sing All of Us are One, knowing we were experiencing our first face-to-face assembly in a very long time.
Led by Isabella Dissegna and Thomas Bassett, our Middle School assembly included the Big Band performing the Theme from Shaft, an oldie but a goodie. Clunes Group 90 students were awarded ‘The Principal’s Honour Roll’ and inducted into leadership rolls following an engaging speech delivered by our Principal, Nick Evans, where he shared the meaning behind the Wesley crest. We also heard from guest speaker, Katie Mactier (OW 1992), an Olympic cyclist, who spoke about the importance of life balance and being the best version of yourself. She shared how her experiences have shaped who she is today and why she is so grateful for her Wesley education.
The Big Band performed Tango for Jam Jam. Ben Marshman, current parent acting on behalf of the Caulfield RSL, then made a presentation to Dylan Quick who performed at the RSL’s ANZAC Day dawn service. Our special assembly concluded with students singing Wesley Spirit, Wesley Pride.
Jacinta Janssens, Head of Campus
