The Times – Term 4 Issue 1 2024

Ms Dani Bedohazy – Assistant Principal 

As we move through Term 4 there is a palpable sense of endings and new beginnings in the air. This time of the year is always a unique blend of reflection and anticipation. We look back on a year filled with growth, challenges and accomplishments, and we look ahead to the exciting opportunities that await. For our graduating students, this term represents the culmination of years of learning and friendship, preparing them for the next stage in their life journey. For others, it’s a chance to finish the year positively, set new goals and lay the groundwork for the new year.

We congratulate our Year 12 students on the successful completion of their final weeks at PVGC. The manner in which they conducted themselves during this time has been outstanding. With a mix of relief and nostalgia, students thanked their teachers with thoughtful gifts and class parties and signed each other’s uniforms and graduation bears. On their final day, students enjoyed dressing up in costumes and sharing lunch with their peers before celebrating with family at the Graduation Evening. Our Year 12 students and their proud parents joined with staff to celebrate the completion of their formal schooling. Thank you to the Senior School Team for supporting and working with Year 12 students and their families throughout the year.

As graduates move forward to new challenges and adventures, we wish them every success and look forward to hearing about what’s next for them. For those sitting exams, stay focussed so that you can achieve your best. Year 12 exams will conclude on Wednesday 20th November with results released on Thursday 12th December.

Exam season is here for other year levels too. This is a crucial time for students to focus on revision and putting in their final effort to showcase all they have learned. We know exams can bring some stress but teachers are here to guide students, providing resources and strategies to help them feel confident and prepared. Please check Compass for further details and exam timetables. Exams will be held as follows:
Year 11 – Wednesday 6th to Wednesday 13th November
Year 10 – Friday 15th to Thursday 21st November
Year 9 – Wednesday 9th to Thursday 10th December

Plans for 2025 are also being finalised. Based on students’ subject selections completed last term, a timetable is being constructed and classes for next year are being settled. 2025 subjects and classes will be confirmed for all students before the end of the year. Course confirmation days and orientation classes will take place for Year 10 & 11 students in November. See Compass for more information. The final school day for each year level is as follows:
Year 11 – Friday 22nd November
Year 10 – Friday 29th November
Years 7-9 – Friday 13th December

Finally, I would like to outline some curriculum initiatives for 2025. After thoughtful feedback from students and staff, we will introduce ‘Explore’ electives as part of the Year 8 curriculum. Year 8 students will complete one elective each semester choosing from Ceramics, Design, Performing Arts, Sewing and Wood. The introduction of these electives will give students choice and increased ownership of their learning. For Year 9s, we are planning a day each term for EBC (Engagement, Belonging and Connectedness) activities including a range of excursions and incursions. These days are designed to enrich students’ experiences, spark curiosity and equip our students with knowledge that will benefit them well beyond their school years. We’re confident that these new initiatives will inspire students to explore fresh ideas and find greater purpose in their learning journey.

Dani Bedohazy

Merri-Bek North Education Plan

Dear school community,
I am pleased to write that the Merri-Bek North Education Plan has been published.
As you may know, work on the plan began in 2022. The Department of Education consulted the Merri-bek North community about local secondary schooling. The Department heard from staff, students, teachers, parents, families, carers and the wider community from the Merri-bek North area.
Over the next 10 years the plan will increase opportunities for students and staff. Students will have even more broad and engaging learning opportunities, and schools will collaborate more with their communities.
The schools involved in the plan are:
Coburg High School
Glenroy College
John Fawkner Secondary College
Pascoe Vale Girls Secondary College
Under the plan, our four schools will share their expertise and resources. We will support all students to succeed and achieve their goals.
The Merri-Bek North Education Plan is responding to community needs. It promotes inclusion and supports students. It encourages excellent teaching and student-focused learning. It ensures that there are more opportunities for students, families and school staff to learn about the world of work, growth industries and tertiary education providers.
Read more about how the plan will benefit our school community Education Plans | vic.gov.au

Kay Peddle, Principal

Important Reminders 
Mobile Devices
Students are to secure their mobile devices in their locker from 8.35am to 3.05pm. The school will provide a combination lock that must be used on your locker.
Students who do not comply will have their phone stored at school until a parent or adult guardian comes to collect it.
Uniform
Students are expected to be in either full summer or full winter uniform from the beginning of the term. Please support the school by ensuring your child has their correct uniform
Student Laptops
Students need a suitable lap top ready for the beginning of the year. We will help you get set up on the school network.

Year 12 Celebration Day

Our 2024 Graduating Class had their Celebration Day on Monday October 21st. Students & Senior staff had the opportunity to wear fancy dress and celebrate with lunch from El Jannah.

Year 12 Graduation
Students and their families gathered in the Michael Harris theatre on the evening of October 21st for an emotional Graduation Ceremony.  We’re very proud of all our graduating students.                                                      

CBD Urban Quest: Year 11 VCE VM excursion

WELL DONE YEAR 11 VCE VM!

Congratulations to the 29 VCE VM students that took part in the CBD Urban Quest excursion on Friday 1st Nov.
We are so proud of your efforts and know you had fun challenging yourself and working as a team to solve puzzles and riddles.

WELL DONE to our 1st place winners:

Isabella (Team Captain) Tima, Sydra, Eda, Maryam

Here’s what our VCE VM students had to say…

Alia – I enjoyed working with nice people.Alyssa – I learned how to travel around the city 😊
Aneesa – I learnt that working together as a group gets the work done!
Annesa – I loved my group and how we all tried our hardest to complete the challenges.
Aya – Today helped me learn how to get around the city.
Berra – It was fun working with people I don’t usually work with.
Danielle – Today was so fun 10 out of 10 would do it again!
Eda – I learnt how to solve tricky puzzles and riddles.
Eda – I liked being with my friends and eating lunch together.
Isra – It was a nice experience to work as a team to work through the challenges.
Jana – This task helped us work well in a team.
Marwa – In today’s excursion I learned how to work through challenges and tasks.
Maryam S – I learned to have patience and work well as a team with everyone involved.
Meyra – It was fun walking around the city.
Mina – Today I learned to work through challenges and work as a team to complete tasks.
Rayan – It was AWESOME!
Sana – I learned how to work in a team and navigate myself in the city.
Saraya – I learnt the importance of working as a team.
Shaima – This excursion taught me to focus on key information and patience!
Shaymaa O- It was very fun being with my friends I had lots of fun and enjoyed it.
Sydra – I learned that patience is key and I really enjoyed the time I had with my group especially Tima thank you for this opportunity.
Tima – Today was so fun. I learned that my teachers are truly amazing and supportive.
Wajiha – I liked how it helped me connect with my friends.
Yasmine A – I learned how to work through challenges and work as a team.
Yasmine E – Today I learned how to work in a team and get along with other VCE VM students that I’ve never spoken to.
Yaz – From this excursion I’ve learned how to navigate around the city better and work through challenges.

Wake Dodgeball

The Wake House Dodgeball match took place on Monday the 21st of October. Despite the warm weather, a decent crowd gathered to either play in the match or be a spectator. Teams comprised students from all year levels, coming together to participate in a riveting match of dodgeball. The students brought a mix of energy and enthusiasm to the field. Everyone brought out their competitive side and went against their opponents and played alongside their friends. It was great to see everyone engaging in the day and ensuring they bring their game faces but also remembering to have a good time. Overall, the event was a fun and engaging way for students to bond through friendly competition, making the most of the sunny day.

By Faraza Aziz; Yr 10 Wake House Captain

The Token Shop – Halloween Special 

The Token Shop celebrated Halloween by allowing students to trade in their hard-earned tokens for Halloween themed goodies! Amongst the treasures there were Halloween buckets, spooky accessories and candy for students to buy. A big thank you to our Token Shop leaders for all their hard work as usual!

 ‘Arc Centre of Excellence – Plants in Space / AgriBio Immersion Day at La Trobe University’ Excursion

On Thursday 17th October, selected Year 9 and 10 students participated in the ‘Arc Centre of Excellence – Plants in Space / AgriBio Immersion Day at La Trobe University’ excursion with other Melbourne schools. Students learned how Design Thinking in STEM can support future research, technology and scientific endeavour for developing sustainable foods and/or plants required for long-term space and off-Earth habitation.

Ms. Carolyn Drenen
Learning Area Leader – Science; STEAM Co-ordinator; Teacher of Chemistry, Science and Mathematics

‘Real XPerience 2.0’ Excursion

On Thursday 24th October, two of our students participated in the ‘Real XPerience 2.0’ excursion at Fortress in the CBD with our other local network schools, which provided insights into the gaming and creative industries careers. Students learned how they can link their 2025 school studies in the VCE Vocational Major to some of Victoria’s fastest growing and exciting industries, including: video game design; digital media and technology used to run and broadcast live e-sports events.

Ms. Carolyn Drenen
Learning Area Leader – Science; STEAM Co-ordinator; Teacher of Chemistry, Science and Mathematics

2024 PVGC Australian Mathematics Competition Results

Well done to the 121 students from Years 7 to 12 who took part in the Australian Mathematics Competition in the first week of August. 

The results are in!

Congratulations to Sajanyaa Dhanasekaran (Best in School) of Year 8 who achieved a Distinction award for her results being in the top 20% of participants Australia wide.

Certificates of Credit were awarded to:

Year 7: Maryam Gulab, Akshaya Kunta, Shona Singh

Year 8: Ayesha Ahmed, Amihah Alan, Nurraydah Ashdiyah, Arissa Berryman, Emily Foreman, Rebeca Hoffmann, Rufaida Khaled, Sarah Kurian, Aaliya Memon, Inshirah Nor Ashraf, Isla Rookler, Thea Zino

Year 9: Ayesha Asim, Marwa Eissa, Kistra Giddings, Aliyah Surgers

Year 10: Alana Rookler

Year 11: Lizbeth Santos

Year 12: Maryam Ashraf Unnisa

Certificates of Proficiency:

Year 7: Sara Bracken, Dalia El Helou, Jasmine Mangrha, Saanvi Pandey, Rabia Parker, Zlata Safroniuk, Amaaya Saheed, Moonesa Saif, Isa Shelly

Year 8: Timah Alhaydari, Chiara Carfi, Zainab Fatima, Warisha Jasim, Milla Jeremic, Manha Mahbub, Salwa Nadiri, Hafssa Rafea, Suhani Rana, Lin Maria Sarish, Meghna Sinu Joy

Year 9: Nitya Aryal, Minda Buchhorn, Seraiah Fernando, Aamna Memon, Tala Nachabe, Mikaela Reyes

Year 10: Maimoona Aiyaz, Narjes Aljanabi, Vivian Ho, Dilni Jothiratnage, Sumaya Merhi, Archidha Rahul Varma

Year 11: Pavani Assalaratchy

Year 12: Elizabeth Rimy

Certificates of Participation:

Year 7: Hannah Broderick, Nora Hadbah, Shahid Obeidat, Hannah Palakat, Hibba Zainab Qureshi, Iris Santos, Isabel Solmon

Year 8: Sophie Crute, Kulsum Fatima, Bedour Moukhaiber, Georgia Nixon

Year 9: Aaliya Ahmed, Alice Curran, Pasindhi Dassanayake, Freya Graf, Charlotte Griffiths, Kyla Harding, Charlotte Hays, Lina Hemaya, Zobia Javed, Aiman Khan, Ishaal Khan, Ansley Kuriathu, Annika Maguire, Chloe McConnell, Asiri Muhandiramlage, Kristy Ngo, Mayar Obeidat, Sally Phan, Merleen Subin, Jessica Truong

Year 10: Sedra Abou-Eid, Isra Adil, Ayah Ahmad, Sarah Al Husaini, Batoul Aoda, Faraza Aziz, Hosanna Crute, Leila El Helou, Lara Erekinci, Nigella Grainger Twyman, Sophia Hammoud, Lucy Humphries, Yaman Jabbour, Maliha Jamil, Rumana Khan, Shae Kirk, Annie Le, Kevika Maharjan, Sara Nadiri, Binuli Rathnayaka, Sara Tokhi

Year 11: Marlize Aitu, Asmita Chowdhury, Anisah Nor Ashraf, Saleha Usman

Year 12: Binadee Abeysundara, Sithmi Aponso, Yasemin Bolat, Toby Fitzpatrick, Jiya Patel, Zeynep Sumbul, Eliya Vang

Certificates for all participants will be distributed as soon as they arrive in school this term. 

Well done everyone and thank you for your participation!

Year 11 Ancient History Excursion 

The students of the Year 11 Ancient history class got the chance to visit the National Gallery of Victoria’s exhibit on Pharaohs. We got to have an introductory lecture by one of the NGV staff who gave us an overview of the structure of the exhibition. Each room consisted of a different theme which were; Egypt Land of the Pharaohs, Born of the Gods, the King as High Priest, the Royal Family and Jewellery, Ruling Egypt, Egypt and the World Beyond and an Internal Life. The rooms were to be visited in order and were identified by the lighting of the rooms as the colours reflect the Egyptian horizon from dawn to dusk. The exhibit was in conjunction with the British Museum, which had mass lended the NGV a total of 500 objects. The artworks featured were from numerous different eras such as Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom Egypt and the Intermediate Periods. The gallery featured iconic works we analysed in class and numerous pieces we had not looked at before. From statues, jewellery and stone tablets inscribed with hieroglyphs, every piece conveyed its own story and “highlights the role of visual culture in establishing and maintaining notions of power, authority and divinity among the rulers of ancient Egypt” (NGV). Overall, through this exhibition we were able to build on our understanding of primary sources from Egypt that display royal power and divinity and fantastic time.
Lucy, Esther and Hosanna, Year 11 Ancient History

Year 7 Pharaoh Excursion 

The most interesting thing I saw was the tombstone and statues of Pharaohs. I also liked seeing the hieroglyphics. I learnt that a lot of flasks were designed to look like scribes as a decorative piece. Something that stuck with me was the jewellery, it was one of my favourite rooms that really caught my attention. It really fascinated me that the rings and necklaces that they wore had magic in it. I want to learn more about the building and what may have motivated the way they had made the structures of them.
– Shona Singh 7A

I was interested in the afterlife of the pharaohs and how the corpses of the dead were to be ‘protected by the pharaohs’. I learnt that the jewellery had some magic in it, hence the name ‘magical jewels’. Something that was stuck with me was the sun god, Ra. I would like to learn more about how the scribes learnt how to write when there were a few people to teach them, and how the people who didn’t know how to read were able to decipher what the scribe had written.
– Isa Shelly 7A

Our visit to the NGV Pharoah exhibit was a truly captivating experience, an immersive experience into the lives of an egyptian. What truly brought this experience to its peak is the presentation that gave us historical context for every room and artefact we viewed, using comparison to help us see how giant the structures of Egyptian architecture really were. I loved learning about the Pharaohs and how the archeologists were able to decode these hieroglyphics into detailed stories that intrigued me. I learnt about how Egyptians, (specifically the rich ones) would wear intricate jewellery and their own decorative flasks, which goes to show that these people, no matter how old, are still humans in themselves. What also really stuck with me was the thought that the NGV put into this exhibition. Though the actual artefacts came from the British museum, the NGV created each room as a part of the day to make it seem as though we are going through the day of an egyptian. The first room was dawn, and the last was nightfall, making it, as I previously mentioned, a truly immersive experience. I would like to learn more about the female leaders/pharaohs of Egypt and how their rule and choices for the community and themselves differed from a male’s role as a pharaoh.
– Isla Jeremic 7A

The excursion to the Pharaoh NGV was a captivating journey into ancient history bringing the excitement of Egyptian civilization to life. One of the most exciting moments was seeing the stunning golden jewellery, which showcased the amazing artistry of the era. I learned about the rituals and beliefs surrounding these artefacts, especially their significance in the afterlife, and how they were meant to assist pharaohs in their journey beyond death. This experience deepened my appreciation for the rich culture of ancient Egypt and sparked my curiosity about the daily lives of ordinary Egyptians.I learned that this jewellery was not just pretty as it served important symbolic roles in Egyptian society. For example, certain pieces were crafted for pharaohs to wear in the afterlife, ensuring their strength and status even beyond death. The use of gold, associated with the gods and immortality, emphasised the divine nature of the pharaohs.
– Dalia El Helou 7A

Term 4 Important Dates
Thur 14 Nov Year 12 (2024) Course Confirmation
Fri 15 Nov Year 10 Exams Start
Fri 22 Nov Year 11 (2025) Course Confirmation
Wed 27 Nov End of Year Concert 
Tues 3 Dec Year 7 (2025) Parent Info Evening 7pm
Thur 5 Dec Awards Night
Tue 10 Dec Year 9 Study Day & Year 7 (2025) Orientation
Wed 11 Dec Year 9 Exams Start
Fri 13 Dec Year 7-9 Activities Day

Handy E-Resources
School Website: www.pvgc.vic.edu.au

PVGC Times: available through the school website

Facebook: pascoevalegc 

Instagram: pvgc_official