Amnesty International Fundraiser

On Tuesday the 24th of June and 1st of July, Art Captain Anisah and myself held fundraisers for humanitarian aid with proceeds going to Amnesty International. The amazing members of art club created artworks to sell to contribute, and other students from the school made treats as well, and from these incredible contributions we were able to raise $335 for donation. We would like to thank the students who made items to sell and the students who bought them, and have contributed to an important cause!

Diversity Captain, Ellie Fisher

Coburg Region Debating Champions!

The PVGC A Grade debating team has achieved something remarkable this year, finishing at the very top of the Coburg Region after five challenging rounds that demanded months of preparation, persistence, and passion. The team poured their energy into crafting arguments, sharpening rebuttals, and refining their speaking, often spending long evenings at Coburg High School testing their skills against strong competition. Their commitment and teamwork carried them through to the regional playoff, where they narrowly missed out in a close contest. Though the final result was bittersweet, their journey reflects the hard work, resilience, and determination that make them such an outstanding team—and a group the whole PVGC community can be proud of. Our three speakers for the debates and final were Jasmine Mohamed, Fatima Basra & Elise Keles-Huseyin. They were expertly assisted by a number of other Year 12s. Congratulations everyone!

Mr. Ireland, Debating Mentor Teacher

Merri Bek Future Debaters 

In early September, ten of us Year 8 students had the chance to take part in a debating competition against Glenroy College. The debates were lively and gave us the chance to explore some tricky topics, like whether emojis make it harder to communicate, if artificial intelligence is more of a risk than a benefit, and whether energy drinks should be banned for people under 18. It was challenging at times to think quickly and respond to the other team, but it also helped us realise how important it is to listen, work together, and speak with confidence. By the end of the day, we felt proud of how much we had improved and how well we supported each other. The experience showed us that debating is not just about winning—it’s about learning new skills and finding our voice. We are all really proud of our efforts and looking forward to future debating competitions.

Year 8 future debaters.

Future diplomats in action at MUN!

Our PVGC delegation proudly represented the school at the 2025 Model United Nations, hosted at Melbourne Girls’ College in July. Over the course of a full day, students stepped into the shoes of UN ambassadors to debate the theme Pathways to Peace: Addressing War, Conflict and International Security. They worked tirelessly in the lead-up, researching their allocated countries, preparing position statements, and drafting potential amendments to a detailed UN-style resolution. On the day, they engaged in formal speeches, lively caucus debates, and intense negotiations—testing their skills in diplomacy, critical thinking, and collaboration. The experience culminated in a final resolution vote, giving students an authentic insight into the challenges of building peace on the global stage. Their hard work not only deepened their understanding of international affairs but also demonstrated the passion and capability of our young leaders to contribute meaningfully to global conversations!

Fatima Basra, Debating Captain

St John’s Ambulance

Term 3 has been a busy and fast-paced period!

During the term break, Aminah Alan competed in the Victorian Youth First Aid Challenge, where her first aid skills were put to the test through a first aid scenario, skill stations, and a presentation she had to deliver. We congratulate her and thank her for representing our division!

Throughout this term, the division has focused on completing two proficiency badges: the Communications badge and the Wellbeing badge. The Communications badge involved exploring radio communications, where our members learned how radios function, how to deliver a situation report when attending to a patient, and all aspects of radio communication.

The Wellbeing badge addressed health and wellbeing as general concepts, covering emotions, coping skills, healthy decision making and a variety of mental health topics. As part of this badge, members visited Alfred Hospital for their P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) program, so that the members could be better informed about the consequences of risk-taking behaviour. We heard from a senior emergency nurse, a trauma doctor, a police officer, a physiotherapist and a survivor of a traumatic motor vehicle accident. 

Shona Singh says that the part she enjoyed the most was the tour of the ICU and ED. Also being able to hear the trauma patient speak on how what happened to them affected their life, specifically when he talked about how this experience changed him in many aspects, which made him almost glad that it happened. I also enjoyed the free food because it was delicious.

What was the take-home message for you?

I learned to be friends with people who will have a good influence on you / make good decisions, and don’t stick around with people who will bring you into trouble. Even if your friends might be doing something that you don’t want to do, have the courage to say no because it’s your life on the line. 

Members also had the opportunity to obtain a nationally recognised Provide First Aid certificate. Lauren, our senior leader, successfully completed the 22556VIC Course in the Management of Asthma Risks and Emergencies in the Workplace, the 22578VIC Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis, as well as the Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Provide Advanced First Aid courses this term. She is preparing to become an adult member next year.