As we embark with enthusiasm upon another academic year, the English team are delighted to commence a new year of valuable learning. The rich conversations and explorations of ideas and issues that shape and define society can once again truly come alive in our inclusive classroom environments.

New Staff

This year, we are delighted to welcome new teaching staff to our diverse and talented team. We are very fortunate to be joined by talented and enthusiastic teachers – (LtoR) Christopher McPhee, Ms Katy Philbin and Ms Olivia Stott. I am sure you will join with me in making them welcome as they work to support our students and serve the College.

Curriculum

As the semester begins in earnest, it is certainly a busy start to the year, particularly for our VCE English students. Inspired by the classic texts Macbeth and Sunset Boulevard, our Year 11 and 12 English students are channelling their creative and analytical energies to create thoughtful responses ahead of their first formal assessments. It has been superb to watch the students grow in confidence as they find new meaning in the texts and uncover their own ‘voices’ as authors and critics.

Meanwhile, in Years 9 and 10 students are exploring issues of gender and class in the divergent texts The Dressmaker and Billy Elliot. Our younger students in Years 7 and 8 commence their English studies learning about the ‘Power of Stories’ and examining representations of First Nations People. There is much to know, learn, understand and challenge in all the texts we read and view.

Once again, we have many exciting opportunities for the year ahead ranging from Debating and Public Speaking to on site incursions. We look forward to welcoming different authors to work with students across the year levels. Our Year 12 students will certainly benefit from meeting with VCE authors Rosaline Ham (The Dressmaker) and Toni Jordan (Nine Days). It is such an advantage to be able to meet with accomplished writers in person who can share their wisdom and insights to enrich student understanding.

Student Leaders

To conclude, I am delighted to present our English Student Leaders for 2023:
Mackenzie Galea (L) and Liana Kalpakoff (R).

In future editions, the leaders will be sharing news and updates regarding the great work I know they will do in fostering a love of English and in supporting their peers with their English studies.

Nicola O’Shea
Learning Leader: English