NATALIE MCLENNAN: FINDING YOUR SPACE
2023 has been the first year in so many that has held momentum, and it has pushed us all to keep pace. After years of stop-start frustration, a prominent and productive year feels like a triumph. Now that it's coming to an end I can look back at the new, the different, and the forward-moving agenda with satisfaction. To do that, however, we must acknowledge the solid Woodleigh culture that rests quietly in the background of all the ‘new.’ Without that, we couldn’t push ahead as courageously as we do.
As Deputy Principal of Woodleigh School, a recent Masters of Educational Leadership and Management graduate, and a former art teacher, I have a unique lens through which I view education and progressive leadership. New and different can feel unpredictable or lightweight without a strong underpinning. I’m proud to lead a school with clear philosophies and an identity as robust as Woodleigh’s. We are a school that can afford to ask questions, always innovative and challenging of the status quo. Confidence in thinking beyond conventional boundaries can be seen in our new Year 10 Regenerative Futures Program—a closed-loop, open-source learning experience and a great example of our courage and commitment to pushing educational boundaries.
Creativity isn’t simple, and it takes courage to be innovative. This ethos extends to our students who, like their school, have the freedom to be courageous. As a community, we create spaces where they can confidently be themselves and not only find - but use their voice. The desire to show ourselves and to belong remains constant, yet the spaces we choose evolve. Finding spaces promoting creativity and learning opportunities could be our music program in the Jago Centre, drama in the hall, digital design in IT, Visual Arts in the Arts Courtyard, Science in the labs, or the quiet of the wildlife reserve.
When students find their place or space, connections naturally develop through incidental meetings, teamwork, and conversation. For our students, finding a space they care about opens opportunities for social-emotional growth, optimism, determination, a sense of balance and perspective, and a growing maturity.
As we look ahead to 2024, we are thinking on our feet and taking purposeful steps forward, grounded in the values of our school. I look forward to making a secure leap into the new year, building upon the foundation we have laid in the year behind us.
Impressive Efforts in Chemistry
In Term 3, our Year 11 Chemistry class participated in the Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s exciting Titration Competition. This involved schools around Victoria being sent samples of solutions with unknown concentrations for analysis.
205 teams competed and were ranked according to the accuracy of their findings.
Woodleigh’s best effort ranked 31st, thanks to Tahran Holmes, Angus Lee-Smith and Patrick Seymour, and received a Silver Certificate. Three additional teams participated and received a Participation Certificate for their impressive efforts.
ALEXANDRA NEMKEVICH
Science Teacher
Woodleigh Women Soar at Peninsula Aero Club! ✈️
The Sky's the Limit
It was just a flippant mention about the aviation program that led to 3 Year 10 girls taking an opportunity to spread their wings and take flight at the Peninsula Aero Club in Tyabb.
Meet Tilly, Jorja and Shayla, a trio of young pilots who embarked on an unforgettable adventure to experience their very first Trial Introductory Flight with the highly trained and experienced team at the Peninsula Aero Club, Tyabb.
The day kicked off with a buzz of excitement as the girls donned their aviator sunglasses and stepped onto the airfield, ready to embrace the thrill of flight. Guided by seasoned pilots and instructors, they were introduced to the intricacies of the aircraft, from the cockpit controls to the art of navigating the skies.
As the engines roared to life, you could feel the anticipation in the air. The Cessna taxied down the runway, and before they knew it, our intrepid trio was airborne, witnessing breathtaking views of the Peninsula from a whole new perspective. From the sparkling coastline to the lush green landscapes, every moment was a snapshot of sheer awe and wonder.
The smiles on their faces upon landing spoke volumes about the transformative power of this experience. Tilly, Jorja and Shayla not only conquered the skies, but they also discovered the thrill of flying.
This adventure isn't just about the flight itself—it's a testament to the power of curiosity, courage, and the pursuit of dreams. It's a reminder that, regardless of age or background, anyone can reach for the stars.
Woodleigh has such a unique program that offers such choices to explore. Who knows, the next generation of aviators may very well be taking their first flight today!
If you haven’t ever tried a flight before, ask these girls what it was like.
MICHAEL SCOTT
Aviation Coordinator
Its in the Bag
The Homestead 4, Year 8 students have supported the organisation Share the Dignity which runs the ‘It’s in the Bag’ drive each year at Christmas time. We have collected donations, held Frozen Friday to sell zooper-doopers and shopped with the money we raised. We bought essential items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, period products and soap. Then with the money left over, we went to Woolworths during lunchtime to purchase some gift items to spread the message that we care and hope that we are able to make someone’s day a little better.
Moriah, Hugo, Kingston, Bec, Milla, Cathy, Persephone, Grace and Juliette (organising committee)
Why am I Still Here?
Year 11 student, Noah Hull, wrote a poem in response to Raymond Antrobus’ poetry, aiming to explore a fictional character’s feelings of alienation.
WHY AM I STILL HERE?
‘Wish I was there’ – Frank Ocean
I feel like a shadow,
Unseen unless shined upon.
Am I still here?
I’m lingering
Like a bad smell.
Am I still here?
I sit in the living room,
Surrounded by bodies,
Bodies who share the same blood.
We should have a connection, right?
Wrong.
I still sit here, unnoticed.
Invisible in plain sight,
My presence a fading hue,
My voice drowned in noise around me,
Lost in a sea of audio,
Aching for validation.
Am I still here?
Yearning for an embrace,
A touch of warmth and care.
Yet I'm a ghost in their midst.
Am I even sitting in this living room?
I’m here but I’m not.
What did I do to deserve this rejection?
I've learned to wear this cloak,
A shield against the sting,
But each day it grows heavier,
As neglect becomes a chain I wear everyday.
How can they do this to their own child?
Am I still here?
I’m like puzzle missing its pieces,
A story left untold.
I dwell in the background of every scenario,
Feeling unwanted.
Invalidated.
Why am I still here?
by Noah Hull
Cooper Toomey-Charlton, Traineeship Success.
School-Based Traineeship success.
Year 10 student Cooper Toomey-Charlton has recently completed his School-Based Traineeship in Parks and Gardens. Throughout the year, he has attended his usual Woodleigh classes for three days a week, and for the other two, has attended his traineeship based at Somerville Secondary College. Cooper has developed his employability skills and also learned specific horticulture and landscaping skills. The program, facilitated by Advance Community College, has given him paid part-time employment over the duration. Cooper has even contributed to his VCE to the extent that he now has a Year 12 unit sequence completed, allowing more flexibility in his program when he gets to VCE. We are really proud of all that Cooper has achieved and look forward to continuing his vocational learning in different areas next year.
Derek Kirk
VET COORDINATOR.
In Term 3, our Year 11 Chemistry class participated in the Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s exciting Titration Competition. This involved schools around Victoria being sent samples of solutions with unknown concentrations for analysis.
205 teams competed and were ranked according to the accuracy of their findings.
Woodleigh’s best effort ranked 31st, thanks to Tahran Holmes, Angus Lee-Smith and Patrick Seymour, and received a Silver Certificate. Three additional teams participated and received a Participation Certificate for their impressive efforts.
ALEXANDRA NEMKEVICH
Science Teacher
The Sky's the Limit
It was just a flippant mention about the aviation program that led to 3 Year 10 girls taking an opportunity to spread their wings and take flight at the Peninsula Aero Club in Tyabb.
Meet Tilly, Jorja and Shayla, a trio of young pilots who embarked on an unforgettable adventure to experience their very first Trial Introductory Flight with the highly trained and experienced team at the Peninsula Aero Club, Tyabb.
The day kicked off with a buzz of excitement as the girls donned their aviator sunglasses and stepped onto the airfield, ready to embrace the thrill of flight. Guided by seasoned pilots and instructors, they were introduced to the intricacies of the aircraft, from the cockpit controls to the art of navigating the skies.
As the engines roared to life, you could feel the anticipation in the air. The Cessna taxied down the runway, and before they knew it, our intrepid trio was airborne, witnessing breathtaking views of the Peninsula from a whole new perspective. From the sparkling coastline to the lush green landscapes, every moment was a snapshot of sheer awe and wonder.
The smiles on their faces upon landing spoke volumes about the transformative power of this experience. Tilly, Jorja and Shayla not only conquered the skies, but they also discovered the thrill of flying.
This adventure isn't just about the flight itself—it's a testament to the power of curiosity, courage, and the pursuit of dreams. It's a reminder that, regardless of age or background, anyone can reach for the stars.
Woodleigh has such a unique program that offers such choices to explore. Who knows, the next generation of aviators may very well be taking their first flight today!
If you haven’t ever tried a flight before, ask these girls what it was like.
MICHAEL SCOTT
Aviation Coordinator
The Homestead 4, Year 8 students have supported the organisation Share the Dignity which runs the ‘It’s in the Bag’ drive each year at Christmas time. We have collected donations, held Frozen Friday to sell zooper-doopers and shopped with the money we raised. We bought essential items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, period products and soap. Then with the money left over, we went to Woolworths during lunchtime to purchase some gift items to spread the message that we care and hope that we are able to make someone’s day a little better.
Moriah, Hugo, Kingston, Bec, Milla, Cathy, Persephone, Grace and Juliette (organising committee)
Year 11 student, Noah Hull, wrote a poem in response to Raymond Antrobus’ poetry, aiming to explore a fictional character’s feelings of alienation.
WHY AM I STILL HERE?
‘Wish I was there’ – Frank Ocean
I feel like a shadow,
Unseen unless shined upon.
Am I still here?
I’m lingering
Like a bad smell.
Am I still here?
I sit in the living room,
Surrounded by bodies,
Bodies who share the same blood.
We should have a connection, right?
Wrong.
I still sit here, unnoticed.
Invisible in plain sight,
My presence a fading hue,
My voice drowned in noise around me,
Lost in a sea of audio,
Aching for validation.
Am I still here?
Yearning for an embrace,
A touch of warmth and care.
Yet I'm a ghost in their midst.
Am I even sitting in this living room?
I’m here but I’m not.
What did I do to deserve this rejection?
I've learned to wear this cloak,
A shield against the sting,
But each day it grows heavier,
As neglect becomes a chain I wear everyday.
How can they do this to their own child?
Am I still here?
I’m like puzzle missing its pieces,
A story left untold.
I dwell in the background of every scenario,
Feeling unwanted.
Invalidated.
Why am I still here?
by Noah Hull
School-Based Traineeship success.
Year 10 student Cooper Toomey-Charlton has recently completed his School-Based Traineeship in Parks and Gardens. Throughout the year, he has attended his usual Woodleigh classes for three days a week, and for the other two, has attended his traineeship based at Somerville Secondary College. Cooper has developed his employability skills and also learned specific horticulture and landscaping skills. The program, facilitated by Advance Community College, has given him paid part-time employment over the duration. Cooper has even contributed to his VCE to the extent that he now has a Year 12 unit sequence completed, allowing more flexibility in his program when he gets to VCE. We are really proud of all that Cooper has achieved and look forward to continuing his vocational learning in different areas next year.
Derek Kirk
VET COORDINATOR.