Year 12 VCE Unit 3 Art Making and Exhibiting students recently enjoyed an enriching art immersion excursion to the National Gallery of Victoria Ian Potter Centre, providing valuable insights into professional artistic practice and folio development.
The day began with an engaging education forum, where students learned about the expectations of high-quality VCE folios. Industry professionals and educators shared advice on developing ideas, refining concepts, and presenting resolved artworks, giving students a clearer understanding of how to approach their own Unit 3 outcomes with confidence and creativity.
Students then participated in a folio viewing session, which allowed them to closely examine exemplary student work. This was a highlight, as it provided practical insight into how successful students document their process, experiment with materials, and communicate meaning through visual language.
A visit to the Top Arts exhibition further inspired students. The exhibition showcased outstanding works from across Victoria, highlighting innovation, technical skill, and powerful personal narratives. Students were particularly impressed by the diversity of materials and approaches, reinforcing the importance of individuality and risk-taking in their own artmaking.
Accompanied by their teachers, students had a fantastic day immersed in creativity. The excursion strengthened their understanding of the study design and motivated them to elevate their folio work, making it a highly worthwhile and memorable experience for all involved.
Laura Dalta-Viota - Technology Domain Leader
As part of their Hazards and Disasters unit, Year 11 Geography students recently participated in a fieldwork excursion to Stony Creek. The visit provided students with the opportunity to investigate the environmental challenges affecting local waterways and explore the importance of sustainable management practices.
During the excursion, students met with Steve Wilson, who shared his knowledge of the creek’s history, ecological significance, and the ongoing community efforts to restore and protect the area. Students learned about issues such as pollution, habitat degradation, and the impact of urban development on the health of the creek ecosystem.
As part of their fieldwork activities, students conducted water quality testing to collect and analyse data on pollution levels and environmental conditions. This hands-on experience allowed them to apply key geographical skills and deepen their understanding of how hazards and human activity can affect natural environments.
Meaghan Paul -Teacher
Students from Mount St Joseph recently explored the vibrant world of design across Naarm, beginning their day at the Melbourne Museum for the Top Designs education forum, featuring inspiring First Nations designer Emma Stenhouse.
Students viewed the impressive 2025 Top Designs folios, including our own Lola R’s outstanding sportswear design, and gained valuable insight into the creativity, innovation, and dedication behind each project. The experience continued at the Koorie Heritage Trust’s Blak Designs exhibition, where students discovered the powerful connection between culture, storytelling, and contemporary design.
The excursion provided students with meaningful inspiration and a deeper appreciation of the impact design can have in shaping identity, community, and future possibilities.
Laura Dalta-Viota - Technology Domain Leader
During the last couple days of Term 1, our Year 11 Outdoor and Environmental Studies class conquered a three-day hike along the Great Ocean Walk. It was an unforgettable experience filled with incredible scenery, wildlife, and time spent with friends. We began our journey at Blanket Bay, hiking through coastal tracks surrounded by towering trees and stunning ocean views. Along the way, we stopped at the famous Cape Otway Lightstation, where we admired the rugged coastline stretching into the distance. On the first night, we camped at Bimbi Park, which was peaceful and surrounded by nature (including lots of Koalas!). Cooking dinner on our Trangia stoves made the experience feel even more authentic and adventurous.
On the second day, we hiked from the lighthouse to Aire River, passing through remote bushland and coastal sections with breathtaking views. We were lucky enough to hear kookaburras calling through the forest. That night, we camped at Aire River East, enjoying the calm atmosphere and relaxing by camp with friends after a long day of hiking. On the final day, we completed the hike from Aire River to Castle Cove. The entire trip was simultaneously relaxing and challenging but full of memorable moments, making it an amazing outdoor experience that brought everyone closer together.
Natalie Janius - Teacher
Year 11 VCE Legal Studies students recently had the privilege of hearing first-hand from two serving members of Victoria Police in a special guest presentation. The visit offered students a rare opportunity to connect what they are learning in the classroom with real-world experience.
The officers spoke candidly about the powers police hold, including arrest and search powers, and the legal frameworks that define and limit those powers. Central to the discussion was the ongoing challenge of balancing law enforcement with the protection of individual rights, a key knowledge point in the VCE Legal Studies curriculum. Students asked questions about how this was balanced and how the tensions played out in real situations the officers face.
Beyond the legal content, the officers shared personal insights into life on the police force, including the realities of shift work, the skills required to manage difficult interactions, and their reason for joining. Their stories brought a human aspect to topics students often engage with only through case studies and knowledge points.
Our Legal Studies students extend their sincere thanks to both officers for giving their time and for such an engaging and informative presentation.
Kirsty Fealy - Humanities Domain Leader
Our Year 10 students recently attended the VCE & Careers Expo, where they explored a wide range of post-secondary pathways and future career options.
With over 100 exhibitors, students had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from universities, TAFEs, training providers, and industry organisations. It was fantastic to see our students confidently asking questions, immersing themselves in conversations, and gathering valuable information to support their future decisions.
This experience will play an important role in helping students learn more about different industries and opportunities, as well as supporting their senior subject selections later this term.
We are proud of the way our students represented the school and embraced this valuable learning opportunity.
Naomi Nolan - Careers Practitioner/VET Coordinator
