Brain Bee Australasia 2007

The College is very proud of and warmly congratulates our Year 11 student, Quinn McGennisken on winning the Brain Bee Australasia competition. This prestigious and competitive event draws interest from around Australia and New Zealand and the final four came down to Quinn and three other students from New Zealand. Quinn has been competing in the various stages of this challenge since the beginning
of the year and continued to study diligently in preparation for the fi nal round. She maintained her concentration and calmness under arduous conditions and was rewarded with a placement in the international competition in Baltimore USA next March. Congratulations to Quinn, her family and her teacher Mrs Bormanis.

Dux of the College 2006

Jordan Breed achieved an ENTER of 98.65 which placed him inside the top 2% of the 45,000 students state-wide who received an ENTER in 2006. This is a truly outstanding achievement. At the first Kildare Campus Assembly on Thursday, February 15 this year, Jordan spoke with eloquence and a depth of understanding of what is required to achieve excellence in learning. He presented himself as a fine role model and a source of inspiration for both students and staff. In recognition of this achievement, the College presented Jordan with a Certificate, a plaque and a cheque for $500. He has chosen to defer his studies this year to work and travel and will commence his course in Bio-medical Science at Monash University, Clayton in 2008.

Spirit of ANZAC Prize School Competition

The Victorian Premier, the Hon. Steve Bracks announced 10 winners in the Spirit of Anzac Competition. Annie Ferguson of Year 10 was selected from over 400 entries, at an awards ceremony on Friday, February 16. She will represent Victoria and Australia as a winner of the 2007 Spirit of Anzac Prize and will tour Anzac sites of historical significance throughout Turkey, France, Belgium and Britain culminating in the Anzac Day ceremony at Gallipoli.

Annie completed a research essay on the Anzac Spirit with a focus on indigenous soldiers in World War I. Entrants were also required to demonstrate their personal community involvement, reflect on the courage and initiative of the Anzacs and discuss how this legacy has influenced Victorian communities of today.

After the announcement was made by Premier Bracks, Annie was one of 3 students selected to respond to the Premier and invited guests. She has also been approached to speak at the Remembrance Day Service at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance on November 11.

The Anzac legend has been of significant personal interest to Annie. Her research revealed that several family members had fought for Australia overseas. This study tour (April 13 - 27) will be the realisation of a long held dream. Annie has always actively supported Remembrance Day and Anzac Day services at the College.

Australian Brain Bee Challenge

The Australian Brain Bee Challenge is an Australian and New Zealand neuroscience competition that four of our Year 10 students from last year entered. This is a three-stage competition involving the studying of a book on neuroscience and then responding to test items. The competition is coordinated by the University of Queensland, and involves academics from all states. The first test was last October. It was extremely challenging. The students (Ashleigh Dyer, Quinn McGennisken, Jessica Edwards and Melanie Boom) volunteered and studied in their own time at home, but kept in touch with Mrs. Mara Bormanis. They attended an intensive after-school tutorial prior to the actual test. We were informed that all four of our students had passed the test and were eligible for the second stage. We congratulate them.

Pictured (left to right):
Quinn McGennisken, Jessica Edwards, Ashleigh Dyer, Melanie Boom

Young Australian of the Year

At the Australia Day Ceremonies this year Robert Bruzzese was awarded the Young Australian of the Year. Robert has contributed on a voluntary basis to local soccer in the region and has been an inspiration for younger students. Robert visited Japan last year as part of the Latrobe City Sports exchange. We congratulate Robert and we are sure that we will hear more of his achievements in the future.

Apprenticeships 2006

School Captains 2007

Melissa Germano School Captain	Jeremy Waanders School Captain	Monique DeCarli Vice Captain	Brendan Smith Vice Captain

VIS Soccer Scholarship

The College congratulates Braydon Dunne on his gaining of a full scholarship with the Victorian Institute of Sport Soccer Program. The VIS is committed to the pursuit of excellence in sport and life and will work collaboratively with the College to ensure that a supportive structure is in place that achieves optimal performance with Braydon's study and soccer arrangements.