Illalong Newsletter - | A.B. Paterson College

Christmas Carols on the Green

A.B. Paterson College wishes our community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The weather may have challenged us, but we were excited to bring the joy of Christmas Carols to our A.B. community as we celebrated the end of another busy year!

We look forward to seeing you back in 2024!

To watch the A.B. Christmas Carols video CLICK HERE.

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying and Practice Camp - 24-25 November

Last weekend, 17 Bronze students took part in a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying and Practice Camp. Unlike the more traditional expedition orientated camps which have been based in the tropical rainforests surrounding the Gold Coast, this camp took place in the parklands and natural surrounds of Brisbane as part of an Urban Exploration.

Students explored the city environment working upon personal projects based around urban related topics. They carried out a comparative study of the predominantly manicured Brisbane Parks with the Gold Coast’s more natural untouched parklands. Topics included the impact of humans on the environment, how do cycle paths/designated pathways and footpaths etc impact on the natural features on the park and what is the impact of artificially designed parks on the natural environment (fauna and flora). A slight distraction from their project was a game of touch with a community police unit who were set up in the Botanical Gardens. A.B. students of course came out on top, narrowly winning 4 -3.

All students had a great time, cooking, and camping as a large group. Team spirit and enthusiasm towards all leadership tasks during the weekends activities was excellent. The weather, although cloudy and cool was perfect for walking and exploring previously unknown parks and gardens. Students walked within the environments of Street Parklands, New Farm Park, Brisbane’s Botanical Gardens and Mount Coot-Tha Botanical Gardens. Highlights of the Mount Coot-tha visit were the Japanese Gardens and the Planetarium. Students were also lucky enough to get the opportunity to visit the Brisbane Powerhouse complex at New Farm Park and view the exceptional artwork on display.

Special thanks to A.B. Paterson College staff members, Kate Lawrence and Louise Spiteri for accompanying me on the weekend.

Andrew Sole | Head of Outdoor Education

Dr John Thomas Awarded Excellence in Stem Teaching

On Tuesday 28 November, I had the pleasure of attending Griffith University to see A.B. Paterson College’s very own Dr John Thomas be awarded the prestigious Griffith University '2023 Beverly and Jock McIlwain Award for Excellence in Stem Teaching'. This award is presented to a teacher for exceptional science teaching and service towards achieving the objectives of Griffith University’s Science on the GO! science outreach program.

Please find below a copy of the speech that was read out about John as he received his award:

I have had the pleasure of being John’s chemistry teaching partner for approximately 17 years now. During that time, I can honestly say that I have learnt more about chemistry and the best ways to teach it from John than I ever did in my previous studies.

John is an outstanding educator who has a knack of taking even the most difficult chemical concepts and presenting them in a way that is not only easy to understand but also fun at the same time. John knows every exciting demonstration that exists, and students are desperate to get into his chemistry classes.

Around the College, 'Dr Thomas' is known for his quick sense of humour and for constantly setting off explosions! So much so, that John is supposed to call the front office and warn them before he performs most of his demos (not that he always remembers to).

Outside of the traditional classroom, John has spent many years putting on chemistry shows for students from Prep to Year 12 both at our College and for the A.B. Paterson Science ‘Innovators of the Future’ program. He has even managed to do a few shows here and there with Sid Hooker from Griffith Universities Science on the Go Team. To be honest, I think even Sid has been shocked a few times by his antics – especially when he blew the side out of a wheely bin using liquid nitrogen! John has a healthy disdain for workplace health and safety, and I remember one time when he was performing a show here at Griffith University, one of his explosions actually brought down all the light fittings in the lecture theatre!

Recently John has ventured into the modern world, setting up his own Youtube channel called 'Dr T does Chemistry'. His videos explaining not only the chemistry content of the senior syllabus but also talking through how to approach the assessment tasks have made him quite the legend right across QLD. He is often mentioned on the QCAA chemistry Facebook pages and students are constantly saying how much his videos are helping them with their chemistry studies.

John has helped countless students throughout the years and is by far the best chemistry teacher I have ever seen. I was thrilled to hear he was receiving this award, and I could not think of a more worthy candidate. It has been my honour to work alongside him this whole time.

Congratulations John. We are all exceptionally proud of you!

Melissa Presland | Acting Head of Senior Studies

News from the Year 6 Classrooms

In Year 6, we have been exploring the captivating world of living things. Within our classrooms, we have transformed into enthusiastic scientists, conducting engaging experiments that have broadened our understanding of the world around us. One such experiment involved immersing flowers in various food dyes, uncovering the fascinating process of nutrient absorption and vibrant results.

But our explorations do not end there! We are currently engrossed in another intriguing experiment, where we are investigating how plants thrive under different environmental conditions. Our variables include poor soil quality, light exposure, and water salinity. We are observing the impressive adaptability of these green companions as they grow and flourish.

These photos offer insight into the scientific endeavours of the Year 6 students, reflecting the curiosity that drives our learning experiences in Year 6.

This term, our technology unit centered around an innovative and engaging approach using Minecraft Education. Students delved into the fascinating realm of sustainability, exploring key aspects such as food, waste, transport, and energy within the virtual confines of their own created city. The immersive and dynamic nature of Minecraft Education allowed them to apply theoretical concepts in a practical setting, fostering a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of sustainable practices. The students' enthusiasm was palpable as they navigated the challenges of building a city that thrived on eco-friendly principles. Through this interactive experience, they not only honed their technological skills but also developed a profound appreciation for the real-world implications of sustainable living. The unit's success was evident in the students' unwavering engagement and sheer delight throughout the learning process, showcasing the potential of gamified education to captivate and inspire young minds.

The Year 6 Celebration Night was an unforgettable event, marking the culmination of the students' journey through junior school. The theme, "Glow in the Dark," added an electrifying and enchanting atmosphere to the festivities. The parent coordinators showcased their creativity and dedication, transforming the venue into a luminous wonderland. The glow-in-the-dark decorations were nothing short of spectacular, setting the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with excitement. The Lolly bar, snow cone machine, and the presence of an epic DJ heightened the festive vibe, ensuring that the kids had a blast. It was a joyous occasion that not only celebrated the end of junior school but also created lasting memories for the students to carry with them into the next chapter of their educational journey.

Tahlia Dilkes, Kelly Harker, Dean West & Hannah Caspen | Year 6 Teachers