Illalong Newsletter - 13 October 2023

YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

During the recent holidays, four of our remarkable students made their way into Queensland's parliament, representing A.B. Paterson College with distinction at the 28th annual YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament Sitting Week.

Amity Fielding (Year 12), Chloe Ward and Cherry Ge (Year 11), and Nevindu Dammannagoda (Year 10) were chosen to represent the electorates of Broadwater, Coomera, Cairns, and Bonney, respectively. The week-long event in Brisbane included five intense days at State Parliament, where they debated Youth Bills, they have worked on since April.

While the primary focus was on debating the Youth Bills, the week also encompassed speeches, presentations, activities, and lots of singing and dancing.

Two of our students received special recognition. Earlier in the year, Chloe Ward was appointed as the Minister for Science, Tourism, Innovation and Sport, and Digital Economy. But she was also further elected as the Government Chief Whip, a pivotal role in ensuring the Government’s discipline. Despite joining later in the program, Cherry Ge's dedication and knowledge earned her the position of shadow minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing, Resources, Agriculture, Trade, and Investment. Only 16 youth members are chosen to represent the 8 portfolios.

The Youth Bills passed in the Queensland Youth Parliament will be formally submitted to the Queensland State Government for review. There's potential that some of these bills may influence policy decisions within the State Government.

Out of over 500 applicants from across Queensland, only 93 were chosen to be members of the Queensland Youth Parliament. The fact that four of these talented individuals are from A.B. Paterson College is outstanding. This is an immense accomplishment. Well done to all involved!

Amity Fielding | College Leader & Vice Captain for Lawson House

Empowering Young Women’s Leadership Masterclass

On Tuesday 10 October, eight Year 11 students attended the Empowering Young Women’s Leadership Masterclass held at Southern Cross University. As we were left inspired and motivated, we were honoured to hear from so many phenomenal masterclass speakers who shared their experiences, wisdom, and insights. Among them were Sheree Young, the CEO of Body Science International and the Gold Coast Woman in Business of the Year for 2022, as well as Samantha Reynolds, who not only won the Department Head of the Year and Teacher of the Year at the Australian Education Awards but is also an entrepreneur and owner of Braeside Estate. These talented women shared their journey as leaders and left us with valuable life lessons of adopting an agile mindset; Failing forward is the key to progress. - Samantha Reynolds.

Karen Phillips, the Executive Director of Women in Business Australia, highlighted the importance of female leadership in the business world and the opportunities that await young women. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring of all was Lisa Blair, who holds the record of being the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica on her yacht, Climate Action Now. While Lisa set off to achieve a world record, she also collected important data on ocean health and climate change along the way to benefit Southern Cross University's Climate action program: ‘There is no planet B’.

On her next attempt at a world record, students who attended the workshop will find their sticky notes with what they do to help the environment on her yacht. Lisa encouraged our students to challenge perceptions and break free from self-imposed limitations. Her advice on embracing change and to seek help when needed, left an indelible mark on the audience.

In addition to the incredible speakers, the event offered an invaluable opportunity for networking. Our students engaged in one-minute conversations with other invited students from various schools, forging connections and discovering common ground. A.B. students left the event with a newfound sense of empowerment and a commitment to embracing leadership roles in their future endeavours. Their vision, resilience and empathy inspired us all. Despite the challenges and barriers, their voices inspired, their actions empowered, and their leadership paved an exciting light of new opportunity we can share in our own leadership journey. The Empowering Young Women's Leadership Masterclass was a resounding success, equipping our Year 11 students with the knowledge and inspiration they need to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Cate Ellwood | 2024 College Leader for Year 7-9 &
Tori Adamson | 2024 College Leader for Interact Senior

Banjo's Science Club News

Banjo’s Science Club is an opportunity for me and the UQ Science Ambassadors - Nicole Hu, Jacob Lahood, Cate Ellwood, Turab Shaw, Felix Chen and Alexander Readshaw, to share our passion for science every week over lunch breaks. Last term, these challenges included F1 Knex Balloon Racers, Neutralisation Solution, Red Frog Launch, Boat Float and Electrifying Electromagnets.

One of the most inspiring aspects within the A.B. College Paterson community is witnessing students actively engage in fostering curiosity and sharing their passion for science with their peers. It is professionally fulfilling to see how our students take on the role of mentors to help fellow students cultivate a genuine interest in science. Through their enthusiasm and willingness to share knowledge and understanding, they develop an environment where curiosity flourishes, questions are encouraged, and the joy of discovery becomes contagious. This peer-driven enthusiasm not only enhances the learning experience, but also instils a sense of camaraderie and mutual support within our student body, reinforcing the belief that science is a collaborative journey where everyone’s curiosity matters.

As stated by Alexander Readshaw, one of our University of Queensland (UQ) Science Ambassadors at A. B. Paterson College:

“My mission is to ignite a passion for science and inspire everyone to embrace the wonders of the scientific realm. Science is not just about textbooks and formulas; it's an exhilarating journey of exploration and discovery.”

Alexander and some of the other UQ Science Ambassadors, Turab Shaw, Jacob Lahood, and Felix Chen, worked collaboratively to design an innovative paper airplane design challenge as part of National Science Week’s theme - Innovation: Powering Future Industries. The ambassadors invited students from Year 6 to 12 to join in friendly competition and supported them with their engineering and design within specifications provided, using materials allocated.

One of the UQ Science Ambassadors, Nicole Hu, was recently accepted into the Young ChangeMakers Program for 2023 at the University of Queensland. The 4-day program, to happen in late November, will be filled with innovative science activities that spark change in the community and beyond. We look forward to learning about Nicole’s experience from this program. Any current Year 11’s who may be interested in applying for this program next year, may visit the following link to find out more: https://young-changemakers.uq.edu.au/about-program

Other UQ Science Ambassadors at A. B Paterson College have had the privilege of attending some exceptional science programs available to our students outside of the College community. Jacob Lahood attended the Professor Harry Messel International School at the University of Sydney, and his experience is articulated below:

“Amidst a cohort of 150 driven students chosen from across the globe, I was chosen to attend the Professor Harry Messel International Science School at the University of Sydney, delving into an exciting two-week journey from July 2nd to 15th.

This prestigious event offered an immersive dive into the realms of cutting-edge science. Engaging with eminent researchers, I explored diverse domains - from nuclear fusion to dark matter and bio fluorescence - unveiling the forefront of scientific breakthroughs. We had the opportunity to tour state-of-the-art laboratories which was particularly captivating, offering me exclusive insights into the captivating world of scientific inquiry.

Beyond its academic façade, the Science School fostered holistic growth. Navigating life and collaborating with newfound international peers enhanced my communication proficiency and global outlook. Exploring the city's charms, they provided many engaging socials – including the infamous harbour cruise - and immersing myself in the India vs Australia cricket fervour, collectively forging unforgettable memories and friends.

This unparalleled experience has kindled an enduring passion for scientific exploration while nurturing essential life skills. The Science School was a journey of intellectual growth and personal development, leaving an indelible mark on my pursuit of scientific excellence.”

It is not uncommon for students to experience personal growth and development while participating in educational research programs, since critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and self-reflection would be part of the process. Developing scientific inquiry skills can also lead to personal growth as it often involves learning to think critically, analyse data, communicated effectively, and collaborate with others. These skills can be valuable not only in the context of scientific research, but also in several other aspects of life. Jacob’s experience in this program seems to have been quite enriching in multiple ways. Cate Ellwood attended the Student’s Performing Advanced Research Queensland (SPARQED) Research Immersion Program over her July holidays at the University of Queensland. Cate shares her experience below:

“Through a competitive application process with hundreds of applicants, I had the privilege of being selected to participate in the Student’s Performing Advanced Research Queensland (SPARQED) Research Immersion Program.

This program brought together 20 like-minded students from across Queensland for an intensive five-day biomedical science enrichment project. The project was centred around research groups at the University of Queensland in the fields of cancer, immunology, and genetics.

During this program, we had the opportunity to attend cutting-edge biomedical research seminars, explore state-of-the-art laboratories at the Translation Research Institute, observe professional scientific researchers, and participate in tutorials aimed at developing skills in academic research and science communication.

I am incredibly grateful for the change to further nurture my passion for scientific study, acquire complex scientific knowledge and laboratory skills, and establish new connections and friendships. Attending the SPARQED Research Immersion Program was a transformative experience that has greatly inspired my future pursuits in the field of scientific study.”

Year 11 or 12 students are open to apply for the program Jacob participated in. To learn more about this program, you may access the following link:

https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/industry-and-community/community-engagement/international-science-school.html

Any Year 10-12 students wishing to participate in the 2024 Senior Research Immersion Program 2024 that Cate participated in, should visit the following link:

https://www.tri.edu.au/sparq-ed

Year 8 and 9 students may also participate in the Junior Research Program 2024. Information about this, can also be accessed using the link above.

Robyn Dewar | Science Teacher

Year 12 - Authentic Art Experience

On Day 2 of their Authentic Art Experience, the Year 12 Visual Art class visited Mint Art House, an artist-run gallery and studio space housing 14 talented artists.

They heard from Natalie Popovski, a self-taught artist and one of the co-founders of Mint Art House. She spoke to the students about how the studio operates, shared her experiences of applying for grants and other opportunities, and led an oil painting workshop.

Michael Motteram-Smith, best known for his large scale murals, also shared his experience working as a commissioned mural artist and conducted a practical spray paint, street art style workshop.

Students ended the day with a tour of Huxley's School of Make Up and saw some special FX face prosthetics being made. They also had an exclusive sneak peek at some fashion photographs from a professional shoot that are yet to be released.

Jackie Olivier | Assistant Head of Learning Enhancement & Visual Art

Students commenced their Year 12 Art Course by attending Day 1 of the annual Authentic Art Experience in Brisbane on Tuesday 10 October.

Beginning at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, they toured the 'sis' Pacific Art exhibition that explores three decades of art making from a sisterhood of artists across Oceania. They viewed the 'Gone Fishing' exhibition and participated in an immersive art experience by Natalya Hughes.

Their artistic adventures continued at the Queensland Art Gallery, where students saw the 'Living Patterns' exhibition focused on Abstraction in Art.

Next, at the Brisbane Powerhouse, they admired historical architecture and saw the Brisbane Portrait Prize Competition.

They finished the day by drawing and reflecting on what they had seen, sitting amongst the inflatable sculptures that have been installed for Night Feast!

Jackie Olivier | Assistant Head of Learning Enhancement & Visual Art

Queensland All Schools Touch Tournament Results

The Annual Queensland All Schools Touch tournament is the pinnacle of school touch football in the state. Drawing over 520 teams and nearly 7000 players, the weekend is jam packed with back-to-back games over 29 fields for five days.

Both our Open A Boys and Open A Girls Squads attended the tournament and competed in the 18 years division and played on Friday 6 and Saturday October 7, 2023. Both teams registered wins on Day 1, with the girls winning their opening game against a touring New Zealand team, 5-1. The pace of the games was lightening fast, and the teams quickly adapted and worked hard for their teammates, rising to the occasion.

Both teams experienced significant growth and produced their best performances of the season. Unfortunately, the teams didn’t progress to the Top 8 Finals on Sunday but gained invaluable experience. We look forward to seeing these teams take this experience into the final rounds of the APS Competition. We look forward to the continued growth and success at the College in years to come, with our teams including players from as young as Year 8.

The boys were fortunate enough to play on the prestigious Field 1, which is live streamed and officiated by high level referees. Please see the link below where you can watch their final game of the tournament - https://youtu.be/4BuYSBKNZXA?t=17296

A big thank to Tait Rolfe who coached both teams over the weekend and our staff, Ms Lauren Brake, Ms Erin Keogh and Ms Sara Eade for their support on the Friday night and Saturday.

Matt Stopel | Head of Athletics & Assistant Head of HPE

Another Successful Open Day!

On Wednesday 11 October, the College welcomed prospective families to explore the College at our Term 4 Open Day event. We commenced Open Day welcoming families in the Dawn Lang Performing Arts Centre where they were greeted with an exceptional performance from our Senior Big Band. The students’ performances were outstanding, and it was a delight to witness the smiles and dancing it encouraged from the young children in the audience. Our College Principal, Ms Joanne Sheehy, addressed our guests and described the myriad of opportunities available at the College, that range from sporting, performing arts, public speaking to the Academic Academy.

Waiting with anticipation, we had our Junior and Senior tour guides waiting patiently to take our guests on a journey through the College, sharing their individual experiences and memories that they have developed over their time at A.B.

A huge thank you to all students from the Junior and Senior School for their amazing efforts in touring prospective families. The feedback we received from the tours was incredibly positive and this is a credit to the individual story that each student weaves as they take their guests on a journey through A.B. Paterson College.

Thank you to the many staff involved both on the day and in the lead up and set up of the event. We look forward to welcoming more families in 2024!

Charlotte Brook | Head of Senior School