I have spent over two decades watching teenagers become adults, and as a teacher and now Principal and Head of A.B. Paterson College, it has been an honour being involved in that process time and again.
While I tend to be somewhat reflective as we head toward the closing of another term, our students seem to be buoyed and excited; to hear about who has earned the Major Awards as part of our College Speech Night, who is going to receive Leadership and Service Honours, and who are the group of students who will form the Student Leadership Team for 2021.
Some of my favourite comments made about students in determining those award recipients have been: Intentionally brave and authentic in their approach to leadership this year, involved, creative and being the first to get online to start our A.B. Reading at Home, checking in with other students in their cohort and across year levels – just to see how they were managing, and because they missed each other, constantly reliable, my go-to person, they use their social capital for the greater good, he is the reason my homeroom functions as a pseudo family… Now, if someone were to speak about me in this manner, I would be pleased, and I often have to remind myself that we collectively are speaking about 17 and 18 year old young adults.
To find out the recipients of our annual awards, please join us online on Tuesday, 17 November for our 30th Annual A.B. Paterson College Speech Night, where we can collectively celebrate our students' achievements across this past year.
On another note, just prior to their external exams, our Year 12s had the opportunity to hear from Mr Brent Livermore. Mr Livermore, an accomplished hockey player, was first selected in the Australian team in 1997, and was awarded the Kookaburras Player of the Year award in 2001. He has played over 300 matches for the Australian team, and has scored 30 international goals. He spoke to our students about perseverance in the face of adversity, never giving up and that every opportunity should be embraced. He illustrated much of this with his own career high and low lights, but the one resounding message that came through continuously was... a good work ethic holds you in good stead for life.
Joanne Sheehy Principal/Head of College
BUHMUN Conference 2020
The 2020 COVID-19 edition of the Bond University High School Model United Nations (BUHMUN) conference at Bond University on Friday 30 October was attended by a delegation of nine A.B. Paterson College students.
BUHMUN is Australia’s first university-run High School Model United Nations conference. The conference theme for this year was:
‘To promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.'
In addition, there was a clear focus on the global refugee crisis and toxic narratives about refugees. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, addressed the conference in a video in the opening session.
In Committee 1, we had Mariam Joy representing Hungary, Jade Mikael standing for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Lauren Woods advocating for South Sudan on challenging toxic narratives about refugees. In Committee 2, we had Charley Ellwood representing Turkey, Eden Harder speaking for Cuba, Bita Mahani acting for Czech Republic, Charles Morris appearing for the United Kingdom and Robyn Paskell representing Bangladesh on the impacts on refugees’ access to education. Chloe Britton tackled Committee 3 as Sweden in a challenging and vibrant group on countering toxic narratives in the media. We participated with students from around ten schools.
BUHMUN was a poignant experience, particularly as all global citizens have faced the challenges provided during the pandemic, but these are severely exacerbated for refugees who already face significant challenges. We conducted negotiations and diplomacy on key issues that affect the refugee crisis today. Bita was nominated the Best Delegate from Committee 2, while Chloe Britton was given an honourable mention as the second-best delegate in Committee 3.
Chloe’s reflection:BUHMUN 2020 was an amazing experience that I will cherish forever. It was a great opportunity to get practice public speaking, debating and learning about issues facing our planet. It was also a good way to learn about the ways in which these issues can be solved and it has taught me a lot about teamwork, confidence and the United Nations. I enjoyed public speaking and taking on the persona of my country, Sweden. Even though it was out of my comfort zone, I feel as though it has prepared me for the future, especially in leadership and public speaking.
Charley’s reflection:As someone with aspirations for diplomacy in the future, the BUHMUN conference was the perfect opportunity to expose myself to the realities of international relations. Through teamwork and the art of negotiation, we were able to create new ideas to promote the access to education for displaced asylum-seekers (without breaking too many international laws). The experience was truly memorable, and I hope to attend again next year.
Bita’s reflection:Despite being held in the middle of a pandemic, BUHMUN 2020 certainly delivered, allowing for plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. It is my dream to become a diplomat or a human rights lawyer when I am older and this conference has allowed me to gain insight into the future career path that I want to take in a way that is both accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. I am incredibly grateful for the experience I have gained by taking part in this conference and value the friendships I have created throughout the course of the competition. This year marked my second time participating in BUHMUN, whereby I represented the Czech Republic, and I find that participating has allowed me to not only improve my public speaking and debating skills but my effectiveness as a negotiator as well. I appreciate the opportunity that my peers and I were given to gain ideas and learn from others’ perspectives whilst emulating the procedures followed by senior diplomats. There is no doubt in my mind that the web of international relations operating at the UN is incredibly complex at this time, yet I believe that youth participation is the key to discovering innovative solutions to modern problems. As part of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees’ (UNHCR) MUN challenge, BUHMUN has allowed me to consider different angles for helping combat toxic narratives surrounding refugees, as well as how to improve refugees’ access to education. Knowing that the resolutions drafted by our committees will be sent to the UNHCR to be considered by prominent diplomats and leaders is truly a humbling thought. For those who seek to create a difference in the lives of people who they may never meet, BUHMUN has been an incredible experience for me, and I encourage others to apply and participate.
Anthony Chetter Social Sciences Teacher
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice Camp
Last weekend, 25 Years 8 and 9 students took part in a practice Bronze Duke of Edinburgh camp. The practical aspects of the two day camp were to learn about map reading and navigation, safe bush walking skills, planning meals and cooking for themselves and their peers. They were accompanied by teachers Mr Sole and Miss Foster, parent helper Mrs Beh and Senior pupil, Matthew Hickey.
The focus of the camp was for students to develop both leadership and teamwork skills in a challenging environment whilst having fun. The Duke of Edinburgh program builds resilience and independent thinking in young people as part of its core philosophy.
Students took part in two days of walking and one night of camping. Due to the storms prevalent in the area over the weekend, walking destinations were local to the Gold Coast. On Friday they walked within the environs of Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area and were amazed at the rich variety of wildlife so close to a busy urban setting.
On Saturday, students explored a completely different bush walking setting. The Burleigh Heads National Park offered spectacular views of Surfers Paradise to the north and the northern New South Wales coast to the south. A popular destination for many locals, students had to dodge numerous joggers and mums running with their prams! A thank you to both Head of Maths, Mrs Lange and Matthew Hickey for their support and for helping to make the trip to Burleigh a meaningful and worthwhile event for all concerned.
Andrew Sole Head of Outdoor Education
News from the Year 5 Classrooms
Year 5 began the term with a bang as the students collaborated to build the best ‘Curious Creature’ they could for the 2020 Book Week. 5F took out the win with a fabulous Baby Groda. Everyone had a wonderful time and learnt some valuable STEAM skills in the process.
The second week of term involved science experiments and data collection. The students measured how far their paper airplanes flew and how many skips they could do in 30 seconds. They navigated the BOM website - now a firm favourite with students, worried that APS sport will be cancelled - to collect data on Gold Coast temperatures. Then they made balloons inflate using bicarb and vinegar and explored the mass and volume of solids and liquids. They have since experimented with ice and, rumour has it, Oobleck will be making an appearance towards the end of term as well! Who said learning couldn’t be fun?!
It didn’t stop there. In Week 4, the Bornhoffen Crew arrived for a day packed full of leadership games and challenges. They may have missed out on camp but the Year 5 leadership day organised in its place had the students crossing lava flows, number and letter jumping, untying human chains and communicating without words. Everyone enjoyed the day and learnt about problem solving, team work and, most importantly, what it means to be a good leader.
The race is on for leadership positions in Year 6 and candidates gave impassioned and inspiring speeches towards the end of Week 4. The students blew away teachers and the leadership team with their composure and well planned performances.
As we enter the last few weeks of, what has certainly been, an unconventional year we are all looking forward to a well-earned break but a little sad that it’s nearly over for another year.
Year 5 Teachers
Guys & Dolls Cast Announcement!
Please put your hands together for the incredible cast of our 2021 Senior School Musical - Guys & Dolls!
Congratulations to our performers who will take on character roles, supported by a wonderful ensemble of crap shooters, Hot Box girls, Mission Band members, and dancers - this is sure to be a huge hit!
Character Roles
Sarah Brown - Scarlett Smith Sky Masterson - Riley Collier Miss Adelaide - Lulu Mathers Nathan Detroit - Alexander Roberts Benny Southwest - Alastair McNamara Harry the Horse - Ellis Williams Nicely-Nicely Johnson - Charles Morris Arvide Abernathy - Alex Davies Angie the Ox - Aidan McElory Lt. Brannigan - Daniel Teren Rusty Charlie - Lachlan Kelly Big Jules - Angus Rogers General Matilda - Tara Lee Martha - Marissa Dirkx Calvin/Corporal - Christian Smith (Singing) Agatha - Bita Shahidzadeh (Acting) Agatha - Soraya Comley Master of Ceremonies/Joey - Campbell Rousley Mimi - Tylah Barakat Dancers
Addison Selby Chloe Britton Eden Harder Emily Moretti Hannah Grosser Holly Radisavlyevic Hudson McKee Sophie Burtenshaw Tylah Barakat
Crap Shooters/Chorus
Alastair McNamara Andrew Murphy Ashley Williams Alex Davies Alex Roberts Angus Rogers Aidan Mcelroy Christian Smith Charles Morris Campbell Rousley Daniel Teren Deniz Magden Ellis Williams Griffin Mckinnon Hugo Hawkes Hunter O'Hara Jasper Collier James Harder Jamie Lawton Jonas Longhurst Kim Teariki-Tautea Lauchlan Kelly Naad-e Ali Nate Tanner Rani Damen Sahas Gunaratne Timothy Yau Travis McNamara
Hot Box Girls/Chorus
Aliyah Luman Annika Singh Beth Roberts Bridget Henry Bree Holt Caitlin Wrunck Camilla Smatova Charlotte Middendorf Charlotte Squire Chelsea Howell Cherry Ge Chloe Ourari Chloe Wang Chloe Ward Diamanta Benny Dinuki Indiketiya Grace Mercer Hannah Ferguson Hyojoo Park Isabella Laredo Imogen Gay Jasmine Morris Jasmine Neuffer Jasmine Richardson Jessica Belinha Laura Gloster Lily Paterson Louise Lee Lucy Atlass Malia Adams Maria Nadezhdina Marissa Dirkx Matilda Grant Mieka Siganto Natalie Mohajer-Iravani Nicolette Ditchburn Niesha Garbharran Phoebe Blanc Sara Mohajer-Iravani Sienna Sampson Sinead McNamara Soraya Comley Sophie Chapman Sophie Kanaghines Stefanie Moody Stephaine Lincoln Suha Khan Tayla Cassidy Tiana Bartholomew Xierra Miller
Waiter
James Harder
Havana/Chorus Alex Davies Aidan McElroy Alaistar McNamara Angus Rogers Campbell Rounsley Daniel Teren Ellis Williams James Harder Lauchlan Kelly
Mission Band
Marissa Dirkx Charlotte Squire Isabella Laredo Bita Shahidzadeh Soraya Comley Alex Davies Christian Smith
Matched with a class from the same year group across Australia, students have taken part in the lost art of writing and receiving letters by post. Students have taken great joy in receiving a letter addressed to them and learning about a student in a different part of Australia. It has been wonderful for the classes to recognise the similarities and differences between them and their friends in different parts of the nation. Our A.B. Paterson College students took deep pride in writing back letters, many students including personal drawings and small gifts for their Pen Pals.
The Pen Pal Club has been a wonderful addition to the Lilly Pilly Learning Centre’s literacy and library programs.
Stephanne Siberry Coordinator of Library Services (Prep - Year 3)
Student Achievements
Year 6 student, Mitchell Chen, was recently awarded a Credit for his Grade Five guitar exam and Honours for his Grade Four theory exam. Congratulations Mitchell! Mr Leader and Mrs Walker-Joyce are very proud of your achievements!
