Aspire News | June 2026

The end of Term 2 and Semester 1 is always a busy time at Elevation. In amongst all this activity it’s important that our students remember to find some time to relax and take a break over the coming school holiday period.

Year 12 Formal

Last Friday evening our Year 12 formal was held in a highly successful event at the Grande Reception and Function Centre in Epping. 140 students and 50 teachers enjoyed the night together, celebrating 13 years of education with food, socializing and dancing. Thanks to the Senior School team including Asli Dulger, Jing Ci Li, Stacey Cartwright Smith and Kylie Tillbrook for their work in organizing the evening – and supporting the Year 12 students to have a wonderful night.

General Achievement Test – GAT

This Tuesday our Year 12 students and accelerated Year 11 students completed their General Achievement Test – an important test in the whole scheme of their VCE and milestone on the way toward Year 12 completion.

English Year 12 Orals

A major aspect of the Year 12 English course in the Unit 3 Oral Presentation. I was excited to observe our whole cohort of Year 12 students in action last week completing these presentations. I was really impressed to see how seriously our students took the task and the amount of thorough preparation that had gone into them

Work Experience

Next week our Year 10 students head out onto Work Experience for the week. Good luck to everyone on these placements.

Year 10 Exams

Our Year 10 exams are well and truly underway this week. Once again, I have been witness to students preparing themselves really effectively in class, after school in the library and at break times talking with their teachers. On Wednesday I sat in for the first exam and once again was really impressed with the seriousness with which our students took the exam. Exams are where preparation begins to pay off and the effort and rigour that students have put in over their time at Elevation can be seen in their approach to these.

Bheaviour & Suspensions

Finally I wanted to write a brief message about the use of suspensions in schools and as a serious consequence for behaviour. There has been some talk in the media recently about suspensions – much of it misguided and a lot of it plainly wrong.

As most of you are aware, we take misbehaviour very seriously at Elevation. Many families have chosen us as a school because we do have high expectations of student behaviour and our actions on behaviour lead to a safer school environment and classes which are more focused on learning than in many other schools.

Let’s be very clear. Misbehaviour disrupts learning and impacts on student and staff safety. Safety and learning drive everything we do here. Suspensions are issued for major behaviours that impact on student safety and wellbeing and severely disrupt learning.

When a suspension is issued, someone has always been impacted in a negative way.

When a suspension is issued, things have been made less safe for other people.

When a suspension is issued, learning has been disrupted in a severe way that impacts on the learning of all the other students in the class.  

Suspensions hold students to account for their behaviour. The vast majority of students who do receive a suspension do not repeat their behaviour.

All schools have misbehaviour – students will often do the wrong thing, make a poor decision or make a mistake. Consequences (including suspensions) are an important step in rectifying that behaviour.

The decision to suspend is never taken lightly. All staff are invested in creating a positive and safe learning environment that aligns with our school values and behavioural expectation of Aim High, Work Hard and Be Good.

Principal Team Changes

We would like to thank Mr. Liam McKenna – Middle School Assistant Principal for his strong leadership over the last 18 months. Mr. McKenna will be returning to the UK at the end of the term and we thank him for his contributions to Elevation.

For the remainder of the year, Middle School will be managed by Mr. Williamson and Mr. Schutz. Mr. Williamson will manage the Year 9 cohort and Mr. Schutz will manage the Year 10 cohort, in addition to Year 11 and 12.

Planning is underway for a revised and expanded Assistant Principal structure for 2027.

I would like to congratulate Ms Angela Lane who has just been promoted to Acting Principal of Sunbury Downs College for the rest of the year. This is a wonderful achievement for Ms Lane who moved to Sunbury Downs from Elevation at the end of last year. This means that two Elevation SC Assistant Principals (Ms Lane and Mr Stock) have been promoted to Principal positions in the last 6 months – a wonderful recognition of their work at our school.

Winter School Holidays

Wishing all of our students a safe and restful winter break. School returns for all students on Monday the 13th of July. We know that many families travel during this winter period. If you are lucky enough to do so, wishing you safe travels.

Colin Burke
Principal

As we approach the end of another busy and rewarding term at Elevation Secondary College, we would like to thank our families and carers for their ongoing support and partnership. Working together allows us to provide the very best opportunities for our young people to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

At Elevation Secondary College, we remain committed to creating a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment where every student is known, supported and challenged to achieve their best. High expectations, strong relationships and consistency between home and school continue to underpin our work as we support students to become respectful, resilient and successful members of our community.

Attendance and Engagement

Learning is extremely important at Elevation Secondary College and strong school attendance is critical to the development of our young people to support their progress and attainment.

Family and school partnerships are important in developing a strong sense of education and supporting your child’s learning. However, we understand that some absences are unavoidable, such as illness or a serious family situation. Where absences can be avoided and are within the control of the parent or carer, we would like to draw your attention to the impact that absences can have over time.

When your child misses just…	They miss each year…	Equates to…over their school life…
5 minutes per day	3 days	5.5 weeks
30 minutes per day	18 days	18 weeks
1 day per fortnight	4 weeks	Over 1 year missed
1 day per week	8 weeks	Over 2.5 years missed

Every lesson matters. Beyond the academic impact, attending school regularly helps students establish routines, develop resilience, build friendships and maintain a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

If your family is experiencing circumstances that are affecting attendance, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We are committed to working alongside families to identify strategies and supports that enable every student to engage successfully in their education.

Punctuality Matters

Alongside attendance, punctuality remains an important focus across our school.

Students who arrive at school and lessons on time are better prepared, organised and ready to learn. Arriving late not only impacts a student’s own learning but can also interrupt teaching and disrupt the learning of others.

Many families have adjusted their morning routines to support students arriving by our 8:30am start time and we are grateful for this ongoing commitment. Throughout the day, students are provided with sufficient time to transition between classes. We encourage students to move promptly when the bell music begins so they can arrive settled and prepared for learning.

Developing good punctuality habits is an important life skill that supports success both at school and beyond.

Early Pick-Up Procedures

Where an early pick-up must occur, such as for a medical appointment that cannot reasonably be scheduled outside of school hours, the following process should occur:

1. Your child brings a signed and dated note from home explaining the reason for the early departure and intended departure time.
2. The note is presented to the Year Level Coordination Office before Mentor Group.
3. Your child receives a signed Early Leaver pass.
4. At the designated time, your child presents the pass to Reception and signs out before being collected.

If collection must occur during a timetabled lesson, students should show their signed Early Leaver pass to their classroom teacher before reporting to the office. School staff are unable to collect students from classes or make announcements during lessons except in emergency situations.

Holidays and Looking Ahead

The upcoming school holidays provide a wonderful opportunity for families to relax, recharge and reconnect.

At the same time, we encourage students to ensure they are prepared for a positive start to Term Three. This includes completing any outstanding work, replenishing equipment and ensuring that uniform requirements are met.

Term Three promises to be another academically challenging, rewarding and exciting period of learning. We look forward to continuing to work alongside our students and families to support every young person to achieve their potential.

Uniform and Cold Weather

As we move through the colder months, there are many ways students can layer appropriately while continuing to meet our uniform expectations. 

We recommend students:

• Purchase long-sleeved school shirts, allowing additional long-sleeved v-neck tops or thermals to be worn underneath.
• Wear the school jacket or blazer, which are designed to provide warmth and protection from the cold.
• Consider thermal bottoms underneath uniform pants if additional warmth is required.

Items of non-uniform clothing should not be worn.

• Track pants worn instead of academic uniform pants.
• Non-uniform sleeves showing.
• Non-uniform PE pants.
• Academic jumpers worn with the PE uniform.
• Hoodies or other non-uniform outerwear.

Equipment and Organisation

Whilst many students keep their lockers organised, with separate books per subject, labelled folders, a pencil case, charged laptop and diary on hand, some students have reached the end of exercise books or rely on an “everything book”. This is not ideal.

Now is a great time to stock up on equipment, purchase additional exercise books and replenish stationery supplies. Labelling resources and ensuring students are organised allows them to start the new term positively, remain prepared and engage successfully in every lesson.

Pleasantries

We continue to be impressed by the number of students modelling positive pleasantries throughout the day.

At Elevation Secondary College, we treat all staff and students with respect. Something as simple as saying “Hello”, “Good Morning” or “How are you?” genuinely contributes to a stronger sense of community and belonging.

These small interactions can have a significant impact on another person’s day and are part of what makes our school such a special place. We encourage our students to keep it up.

Positive Climate for Learning

Creating calm, safe and purposeful learning environments remains a shared priority across our school. Students learn best when expectations are clear, routines are consistent and relationships are built on mutual respect.

We continue to work closely with students and families to reinforce the importance of being ready to learn, treating others with kindness and respect, and taking responsibility for their actions. While young people will inevitably make mistakes as they grow and develop, these moments provide valuable opportunities for reflection, restoration and learning.

We are proud of the way many of our students demonstrate resilience, compassion and determination each day. Families play an essential role in supporting these values and we thank you for your ongoing partnership in helping our young people flourish both inside and outside the classroom.

The Importance of Sleep on Learning and Behaviour

Getting enough sleep is vital for positive learning and behaviour. Without enough sleep, teenagers can struggle more with emotional regulation, focus, concentration and memory. Sleep allows the body to repair, restore and consolidate memories and information. It supports a healthy immune system, helps regulate hormones and plays an important role in physical development.

On average, teenagers require between 8–10 hours of sleep each night.

Therefore, it is important for parents and carers to help teenagers establish healthy sleep routines. Good sleep hygiene includes maintaining a regular bedtime, creating an environment conducive to sleep and managing pre-sleep activities such as screen time.

The Western Australian Department of Health provides an excellent checklist and practical strategies to support healthy sleep habits: https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Mental-Health-Professionals/Sleep/Sleep—Information-Sheets/Sleep-Information-Sheet—04—Sleep-Hygiene.pdf

Mid-Year Assessments

Our Middle and Senior School students have participated in significant assessments in recent weeks to demonstrate their learning during Semester One.

Assessment tasks and practice tasks at Elevation Secondary College are designed with increasing complexity, challenge and duration over the years to provide students with authentic assessment experiences and highly useful feedback. These experiences allow students to refine and improve their performance over time and are an important part of preparing students for future pathways, including VCE.

Year 10 students have completed mid-year examinations across their core subjects and elective studies. It has been wonderful to see students approach these experiences with ambition, maturity and diligence.

Senior students have also undertaken a range of significant assessment experiences as part of their VCE studies. These opportunities provide valuable feedback, help students build confidence and ensure they are well prepared for future examinations.

The relationship between stress and exam performance is a complicated one. A little stress can enhance performance, while too much stress can become overwhelming. Research suggests that the amount of stress experienced by students is closely linked to how prepared they feel. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to support students during assessment periods is through consistent preparation, effective study habits and positive encouragement.

---

Thank you once again for your continued support throughout the term. We wish all our students and families a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break. As we look ahead to Term Three, we encourage our young people to continue to aim high, work hard and be good – striving to be the very best version of themselves in all that they do.

Sonia Loudon, Alex Mangione, Natalie Conboy, Liam McKenna, Matt Williamson, Gulsen Tankir and Kyle Schutz
Assistant Principals

The end of Semester 1 provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements and efforts of our Junior School students. We recently held a joint Awards Assembly, recognising students who have demonstrated excellence across a range of areas. Awards were presented for Academic Achievement, Attendance, Aspire Values, Diligence & Community. Congratulations to all recipients and thank you to our students for their ongoing commitment to learning and personal growth.

In Week 7, students enthusiastically participated in Aspire Recognition Week. This special event allowed students to redeem the Aspire points they had earned through consistently demonstrating our school values. It was fantastic to see students recognised and rewarded for their positive contributions to our school community.

Year 7

As we prepare for the beginning of Term 3, Year 7 students will be commencing new Art and Technology subjects. Please ensure that any required exercise books and materials are purchased and ready for the start of term.

The holiday break is also an excellent opportunity for students to organise their lockers, refresh folders, replace worn or full exercise books, and ensure they have all necessary equipment. Starting the new semester with organised resources will help students establish positive routines and set themselves up for success.

We look forward to welcoming our Year 7 students back for an exciting and productive Term 3.

Courtney Gorham
Year 7 Leading Teacher

Year 8

Coming to the end of Term 2, there have been a number of changes in the Year 8 Coordination Team. Jacob Heaton-Jones is now the Year 8 Leading Teacher.

Nico Watkins has been appointed as a Year 8 Coordinator.

They look forward to working with and getting to know the students. 

An exciting Humanities excursion to Organ Pipes National Park is on the cards in August. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about some of the fantastic geology in our part of Australia. 

During the holidays, it is an excellent chance to recharge. Additionally, stationary and exercise books may need to be bought for the second half of the school year. We are looking forward to seeing the continued growth and development academically and personally in the cohort, as they continue their journey through Junior School.

Jacob Heaton-Jones
Year 8 Leading Teacher

Year 9

A select group of our Year 9 students recently attended the VET Discovery Expo at Broadmeadows Town Hall. These students had the opportunity to explore a wide range of vocational education and training pathways available to them in the future. 

The event provided valuable insights into different industries, career opportunities, and training options, helping students make informed decisions about their future studies and career aspirations. Students were able to engage with various organisations and establishments such as Melbourne Polytechnic, The Australian Federal Police and many more! 

In addition to this, the Year 9 Leadership Team has successfully conducted student leadership interviews for the School for Student Leadership Camp, coming up later in the year. Students demonstrated excellent professionalism throughout the process, arriving punctually, well-prepared, and ready to showcase their leadership qualities. 

The Year 9 Leadership team is currently working through shortlisting candidates for the leadership camp. We congratulate all applicants on their efforts in the interviewing process and look forward to commencing the shortlisting process over the coming weeks. 

Lastly, our Year 9 students can look forward to our upcoming Semester Awards Assembly. This assembly will showcase students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their corresponding subject areas as well as our mentees of the term. The Year 9 leadership team looks forward to sharing our award winners with you in our next newsletter. 

Year 10

Work Experience

Following exams, students will participate in Year 10 Work Experience during Week 10. This compulsory program provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience in a workplace and explore industries and career pathways they may be interested in pursuing in the future.

Work Experience allows students to develop employability skills, build confidence, and gain a greater understanding of workplace expectations. We encourage all students to make the most of this opportunity by approaching their placement with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a willingness to learn.

We wish all Year 10 students the very best with their exam preparation and look forward to hearing about their Work Experience placements and the valuable insights they gain.

Matina Konstantinakos
Year 10 Leading Teacher

Senior School

On Friday the 12th of June, the Senior School hosted the annual Year 12 Formal. This was a fantastic evening for our Year 12 students to celebrate all the hard work of VCE so far.

We want to thank the Formal Committee of Kade, Danisha, Harkirat, Morientes, Larisa, Ata, Selena and Wasay for all their hard work in helping put the evening together. With special thanks to Mrs Kylie Tilbrook for ensuring that it was a memorable evening for our students.

Careers

In Term 2, Year 10, 11 & 12 Elevation Secondary students have attended Career Events to engage with a range of Industry groups; Local Businesses; Employment Agencies and Course Providers. Students gained first-hand exposure to a variety of career pathway options (with more to come in Term 3).

Some of the Events have included:

• Future Skills & Career Expo (Convention Centre – South Morang)
• VET Discovery Expo (Town Hall – Broadmeadows)
• Trade & Tech Fit Career Expo (Melbourne Convention Centre – CBD)
• ABCN: “Interview 2 Impress” (Lonsdale Building – CBD)

With so many options and pathways, I encourage all students and families to undertake further research by investigating the Career Bullseye posters on the schools’ careers website (see below). 

Elevation SC Career Targets – Bullseye

Career Bullseye Posters

The Career bullseye posters connect school subjects to long-term career pathways by mapping specific industries and occupations to 4 distinct qualification levels. This tool help families navigate subject selection and tertiary training options together. 

1. Understanding the Bullseye Structure (Level 1, 2, 3 & 4) – Each of the subject-specific posters is organised into 4 levels that show the training needed for each job:

• Level 1: Requires Year 10, a Senior Secondary Certificate, or a Certificate I/II (e.g., entry-level apprenticeships / traineeships).
• Level 2: Requires a Certificate III/IV (via TAFE) or equivalent trade experience / apprenticeship level
• Level 3: Requires a Diploma or Advanced Diploma (often via TAFE or VET providers).
• Level 4: Requires a Bachelor Degree or higher university qualification.

2. How Students Can Use the Posters

• Target favourite subjects: Pick a poster based on a school subject you love to see what jobs rely on that knowledge.
• Broaden career horizons: Look beyond obvious jobs to discover hidden roles within that subject. 
• Go interactive: open the online myfuture Career Bullseyes tool, where every occupation links directly to real-world salary data and job duties.  

3. How Families Can Participate

• Spark open conversations: Use the poster as a visual cue to ask, “Did you know studying this subject could lead to these types of jobs?“
• Map reality vs. expectations: Discuss the time & training investment required for different levels. 
• Co-explore pathways: Click through the myfuture course search tool together to find local TAFE courses, apprenticeships, or university degrees that match the levels your child finds interesting. 

Ms. M. Watt, Ms. L. Panuccio & Mr. J. Tikulin
The Careers Team

Supporting Teenagers to Learn, Feel Well and Thrive

High school can be demanding. Between learning, friendships, homework, sport, family life, part-time work and screen time, regular meals and sleep routines can easily slip. Yet these everyday foundations play an important role in how young people learn, feel and cope.

Teenagers need steady fuel across the day to support concentration, memory, mood and physical activity. When students skip meals, eat very little, or rely mainly on processed snacks and caffeinated drinks, they may find it harder to focus, manage stress and stay engaged in learning.

A balanced day of eating does not need to be complicated or expensive. The food pyramid reminds us to include grain foods such as rice, bread, oats, noodles, pasta or potatoes; vegetables and fruit, including fresh, frozen or canned options; protein foods such as eggs, yoghurt, beans and legumes, tofu, fish, chicken or meat; and dairy or calcium-rich alternatives such as milk, yoghurt, cheese or fortified soy milk.

Simple snacks can also help keep energy up, especially for students who are growing quickly or playing sport. Fruit, yoghurt, toast, cheese and crackers, or leftovers can all help support energy through the day.

Hydration and sleep matter too. Water is the best everyday drink. Energy drinks, strong iced coffees and other caffeinated drinks can affect sleep, especially in the afternoon or evening, which can affect mood, memory and learning the next day.

In schools, we commonly see teenagers with low iron levels, particularly students who menstruate, have heavy periods, eat little or no meat, are highly active, or have restricted eating patterns. Vitamin D, calcium and B12 can also be low for some young people. If your young person is often tired, dizzy, low in mood, struggling to concentrate or experiencing headaches, it may be worth speaking with a GP. Supplements, especially iron, should only be used with medical advice.

If you are concerned about your young person’s eating, tiredness, mood, sleep or concentration, please speak with your GP. Families are also welcome to contact the school to speka with Inger Ross – Mental Health Practitioner, to discuss.

Looking for School Holiday Activities?

School holidays can be a wonderful time for young people to stay active, social and engaged. Families may wish to explore the free and low-cost activities offered through the Hume City Council School Holiday Program for young people aged 10–24.

For more information and bookings, please visit the Hume School Holiday Program:
https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Community-Services/Youth/Whats-on/School-Holiday-Programs

Warm regards, 

Wellbeing Team

Curriculum, Data & Assessment

These past few weeks have been assessment-packed for our senior students after the beginning of the year was dominated by assessments at the junior year levels, such as NAPLAN.

Firstly, our Year 12 Cohort, as well as students completing a Year 12 subject, completed their GAT Test. This is the first VCAA Assessment in the 2026 calendar, the rest of the Calendar is now accessible on VCAA’s website. 

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a key component of the VCE and VCE Vocational Major (VM). All students completing a Unit 3–4 subject must sit the GAT. It assesses general knowledge and skills in literacy, numeracy, and reasoning. The GAT does not directly contribute to study scores, but it plays an important role in ensuring fair and accurate results. It is used to check the accuracy of VCE assessments and can contribute to derived scores if a student is affected by illness or other issues. For VCE VM students, the GAT confirms literacy and numeracy standards required for completion. 

Following a successful trial GAT in April students took this assessment seriously and many were happy with how they performed. We look forward to seeing how they progress towards their End of Year Exams. 

Our Year 10 cohort have also sat their end of semester exams. These exams prepare students for the rigours of VCE. Students were met with the strict rules of examination rooms as well as gaining an understanding of the processes and language that is used throughout exams.

Year 10 students will complete another round of exams at the end of the year and we look forward to seeing their improvement. Students are encouraged to consider what study strategies they used this time and decide whether they should continue using these strategies or experiment to maximise their results.

Jessica Smith
Learning Specialist – Curriculum, Data & Assessment

Science

Big Science Competition

43 Students from Years 7, 8 and 9 represented Elevation Secondary College in the Big Science competition on 12th May. Students completed a 50 minute, multiple choice competition run by Australian Science Innovation. They did a computerised test on science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and the questions were aligned to the Australian Curriculum but set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable (and interesting).

Students will receive a certificate for their performance, which is a great asset for future job, university or scholarship applications. Sitting the Science Competition could also lead to selection in science extension programs such as the Australian Science Olympiads and Curious Minds – Girls in STEM.  

Australian Junior Science Olympiad

Selected 10 students from Years 9 and 10 participated in an Online Australia wide Junior Science Olympiad. The Junior Science Olympiad is a staged science enrichment program for highly motivated students in Australian high schools in Years 7 to 10.  Students sat an online exam for 2 hours and demonstrated their extensive knowledge of Science curriculum. The program is designed to inspire and challenge young science enthusiasts. It supports thousands of talented students through national exams, digital talent development program, intensive residential school and international competitions. The JSO program aims to enhance student achievement in our Australian Science Olympiad Program.

Amanpreet Kaur
Learning Specialist – Science

Art

Visual Art

We are very excited to be coming to the end of Semester 1, where we have seen some incredible results across all year levels. It has been great to see how much students have grown since the start of the year and we look forward to seeing them continue to nurture their creativity at Elevation. A big well done to all the students, teachers, and parents for all their hard work and we hope you enjoy your well deserved break

Art Club has also been a real highlight of the term. It’s been a lovely, collaborative space where students have been working with clay or just making whatever they feel like, and it’s been really nice to see. All students are welcome to join us on Thursday lunchtime in Week A and Wednesday lunchtime in Week B.

A reminder that the best work from the semester will also be on display at the end-of-year Art Show, so watch this space! We are also really looking forward to welcoming our new Visual Arts students next semester and seeing what they bring to the department.

Elena Vidiella Lopez
Domain Support – Art

Music

As our first semester of the year comes to an end, we want to thank all the amazing music students, families and staff who have contributed to a wonderful start to 2026. Last week we had our Elevation Celebration, for first semester, and we were so impressed with how well our students performed and represented the college but also how many families and students came down to support them. Our students in years 7-10 will also be changing into new subjects next semester and we wanted to say thank you to all of those students. It has been a pleasure to see you all grow as people and musicians. As we look towards next term, enrollments in our instrumental music program for Semester 2 are now open. Lessons are being offered in Vocals, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Trumpet and Drums.

As part of our instrumental program, we also have the school band program where students will develop their ensemble skills and have fun playing with others.

Instrumental lessons are $150 for a semester with one lesson per week.

That works out to be only $7.50 per lesson, significantly less expenisive than employing a private music tutor.

For more information, please contact your child’s music teacher or email Hugh.Kirne@education.vic.gov.au.

Hugh Kirne
Instrumental Music & Band Coordinator

Hume Neighbourhood Policing Forum

Student Representative Council

Student Report

Hello from the SRC! As we are nearing the end of Term 2, some exciting projects have been underway, from previously mentioned events to new features worth waiting for.  

Starting off, many of you may remember the Athletics carnival that happened recently, and the costume contest that went along with it. We, as a school, are so proud of the imaginative, fun, and insane costumes prepared for the day, and want to let you know this tradition will definitely be continued next year. Firstly though, we need to thank our lovely SRC members for identifying this worthwhile project, and all the teachers who contributed to make this event happen. We’d like to especially thank the PE team and our teacher judges Mr. Favaloro, Ms. Wheaton, Ms. Richardson and Mr. Shaw. Nothing happens without major help from everyone! 

Speaking about projects, let’s talk about the student submitted bell music that you’ve been hearing recently. No need to worry about any  more delays, the IT staff is on it! Due to having to review the music, and various behind-the-scenes issues, it’s taken a little while for your ears to be graced with almost 200 new student-suggested bell songs! However, we would like to thank the IT for handling this dilemma and for all the help they have provided for executing stuff like this all throughout the year. 

Just continuing this acknowledgement train, Refugee Week happened  in Week 9 and featured activities running all throughout lunchtimes. It is crucial to raise awareness about this experience and the various contributions, stories, and lives of anyone affected, or familiar with this situation. Resilience is one aspect of this week, but celebration is a huge part of acknowledging the creativity, knowledge, and skill of Refugees everywhere, because trauma does not define your future, you do! Huge thanks to Mr. Wheaton for running the event and allowing the SRC to help bring this important event to life! So, pop down at the library and participate, knowing that SRC members and library staff will be there to assist and make it comfortable for everybody! 

One last thing happened during Week 9: we wish luck to all senior students who sat the GAT, practice English exams, and the Year 10 students completing exams during this busy season! This will be the last time you see the Year 10s this term, as they head off to their respective work experience in the last week.  

Semester one is nearing its end, so as always people, keep smiling, exchange pleasantries, and make Elevation proud as you head off into the 2 week holidays! 

Asra – Year 10
SRC Member

Library News

Adopt-a-Shelf Initiative

This term, we’ve had our first two participants take over a shelf in the library as part of the Adopt-a-Shelf initiative. Loriana in Year 10 curated an eclectic collection of her most-loved books. Patresea in Year 10 curated a display of Shōnen Manga. Manga is the number one most-borrowed collection in the library. To learn more about the world of Shōnen Manga, read our interview with Patresea below.

To sign up to ‘adopt’ a shelf, fill out this form. 

Shōnen Manga Q+A with Patresea, Year 10

If someone had never read shōnen manga before, which series on your shelf would you hand them first and why?

By far Attack On Titan. This is the perfect shōnen to help you adjust to the genre as it has incredible world building, unexpected plot twists, and character development you only ever see in shōnen. The manga series’ length is also a factor I took into account whilst choosing an answer. The manga is lengthy enough to keep you entertained for a while, but not so long that it is daunting. The characters and plot are something that is very easy to connect with, so if you have never read a shōnen, I would hand you Attack On Titan.

What do you think makes shōnen manga so popular with readers your age?

Although shōnen is traditionally targeted towards young boys, the genre has expanded so widely over the years that it isn’t so much about the demographic it’s targeted towards, but more so the elements of the manga itself. Readers my age tend to like flashy panels with insane art, but they also relate to the characters within those panels. An example I have seen young men and women relate to is Denji from the series Chainsaw Man, who is a teenager trying to navigate life after being given a big opportunity. Definitely a situation I think any highschool student could relate to.

Which character from your display do you think would survive best at our school for a week?

Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul by a landslide! Even after becoming a ghoul, he would boost the grade average in every class he takes. Even with his struggles, he is still a top student who is always willing to help anyone who wants the help!

A lot of shōnen stories focus on friendship, rivalry, and determination. Which theme do you think appears most strongly in your shelf choices?

Definitely determination. Every single character on this shelf is determined for their own goals. From Tomie to Denji, they are all determined in their own ways, for their own reasons. Determination is a popular theme throughout shōnen, and that is because it’s so influential to the plotline and the reader.

If your shelf had an anime opening theme song playing in the background, what kind of energy would it have? 

With the theme of angst following through all these volumes, the energy would definitely have similar vibes to ‘Unravel’ from Tokyo Ghoul’s first opening, being heavy and heartfelt.

Ellen Stephens
Library Manager

Refugee Week

Week 9 at Elevation college was Refugee week, with June 20^th being World Refugee Day. To celebrate the differing journeys and experiences that many families have had, the library worked with the SRC team to organise a variety of activities for students to collaborate on during lunch times.

These included tasks such as sharing a phrase from a language they know, drawing a place they would like to visit or describing the cultural roots that their own family has. We then pinned these all to a ‘Wall of a Million Stories’ so that any visitors to the library can take some time to appreciate the shared efforts of those in the school.

Sam Wheaton
Library Literacy Officer

Term 1 Commences 28th January – Last Day 2nd April (Early Finish 1:20pm)

Term 2 Commences 20th April – Last Day 26th June (Early Finish 1:20pm)

Term 3 Commences 13th July – Last Day 18th September (Early Finish 1:20pm)

Term 4 Commences 5th October – Last Day 18th December (Early Finish 12:30pm)

Curriculum Days

Friday 27th November

Student Free Days

Tuesday 1st September – PPD

Tuesday 8th December – Year 6-7 Orientation Day

Student Learning Conferences

Thursday 13th August & Friday 14th August

Public Holidays

Tuesday 3rd November – Melbourne Cup