Mary's Way December 2020

Vista 2020 Year 11
retreat
College
bound
Vista provides students with an alternative way of learning for
those who may find mainstream classes a challenge. In 2020,
the continuous change in conditions for pupils presented
many hurdles for valuable learning within a predominantly
home centred environment.
The year began with the Year 9 group preparing to
create a stall for the College Open Day; this included a
giant cardboard cut out of the Principal, a montage of
photographs and an Instagram competition to win a voucher.
They also assisted in the well-being of others by creating
packs of resources for a Respectful Relationships promotion.
During the school closure, students were lucky to have some
opportunities to be on campus where they were able to
access the College Trade Centre and sharpen their practical
skills. Another major activity for the Year 9 group was to
design and construct a Billy Cart for use in a showcase for the
Year 6 students to enjoy later in the year -they also had some
brief hands-on time exploring a unit on Robotics.
The Year 10 group began the year designing a more effective
and inviting space within the current Chill Zone area – this
included repurposing overgrown garden beds into sand pits
and upcycling materials into fun products for their younger
peers. At home, they were delivered boxes of groceries
to compete in a ‘Bluett Burger’ competition where they
had to follow a recipe and create a meal of burgers for
the family. Final results were determined by the incredible
photos submitted of some very mouth-watering creations.
In addition to this, they were also delivered a basic flat-pack
kit to challenge their DIY skills at home – the bonus was
they each acquired a piece of furniture for their room and a
physical reminder of the flexible learning that took place at
home.
The Year 11s were fortunate to be able to experience a
‘Retreat@Marymede’ in August this year in their House
Groups. Our retreat leaders created an environment of
stimulating discussion on Christian Service Leadership with
activities and input from our Principal, Mr Kenny, guest Youth
Minister - Josh Angrisano, breaking open the word with Fr
John Murphy and challenges and games led by our Year 11
Gamechangers. Many students commented that they didn’t
even feel like that were ‘at school’! Here are some further
reflections from our Year 11s.
I found the year 11 Retreat to be a wonderful experience
filled with many faith-filled and enjoyable activities. My
favourite part of the retreat was the session that we had with
Christian rapper Josh Angrisano, who gave an inspirational
and motivating talk. His discussion of leadership and how he
found faith in God during the hardest points of his life, was
truly eye-opening. The experience that we were able to have
with him was something that resonated with me personally
and it was the main thing that inspired me to step out and try
for a leadership position myself.
— Annrose Gigimon
By completing the Year 11 Leadership Retreat I ultimately
got a greater understanding of how to lead from behind
the flock, rather than in the spotlight as a role model. I was
taught how leadership is truly about building the confidence
of those within the community, encouraging them within their
own endeavours, and enabling those around me to be the
best versions of themselves as they possibly can be.
— Jarnai Brancaleone
This year the Year 11 retreat was prepared COVID style but
was still such an amazing experience which I got to share with
all the Year 11s. What resonated with me was discovering
the different types of leaders and seeing leadership in action
by the students in Chisholm house throughout the games,
activities and sessions.
— Nuwin Fernando
It’s official! Year 12 student Indiana Bodley has signed with
the University of Louisiana (USA) at Lafayette, to study and
play basketball in the NCAA Division 1 and heads to America
next year.
Beginning her basketball career in Under 8s, Indiana has
played basketball for the Eltham Wildcats, Whittlesea Pacers
and Coburg Giants. The question of College was raised after
Indiana led the youth league women’s Division 2 competition
in points per game and was nominated for Most Valuable
Player.
With her sporting career put on hold in 2020 due to
COVID-19 restrictions, Indiana is looking forward to playing a
season of basketball in Australia before heading to the USA
at the beginning of the US school year in August 2021. She is
excited to continue developing her skills and learning more
about the game she loves as well as explore the United
States and experience a new sense of independence.
Indiana hopes to one day play basketball professionally in
the WNBL. We wish Indiana the best of luck in this and all
her future endeavours.
Mary’s Way 14 15