Category: Uncategorised

On the 3rd of March, Catalyst held All Saints’s famous “Swap Shop” outside the Library.

Every year, Catalyst gets students, staff and parents to donate pre-loved/unwanted clothes to All Saints, which are then sold in an op-shop style, in order to raise money for a charity. This year, the funds went to Anglicare. It was the 2nd Swap Shop we had held, and the first one I had been able to participate in.

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Overall, we raised $330.50 for Anglicare. It was a tremendous effort to get all of those clothes folded and ready, and I am extremely proud of the whole Catalyst team.

In December of 2020, I auditioned for our school’s musical, Mamma Mia. I passed that audition, and after passing another round of auditions, I was accepted into the cast.

I was first accepted as part of the ensemble, but as the cast shuffled around, I was given the role of Ali, who is Sophie’s bridesmaid. Months passed – learning choreography, learning my acting dialogue, learning all the songs.

There was something about Mamma Mia that made it very special. Of course there was the show itself, but there were so many other things – from all the inside jokes to funny moments. There were also the little edits we made, from moving the play to Penguin Island to the beautiful puppetry.

Participating in the musical was one of the best parts of 2021. Although rehearsals were long, the final show was amazing. Everything came together- the beautiful singing, brilliant acting and intricate choreography made the show come to life. After it was postponed briefly due to a COVID-19 lockdown, it was back on in weeks. It was the first College Production to receive a standing ovation, and it happened on all four nights!

Dear Year 8 Me

What’s that? A guide to year 8? Sure, I would have wanted one.

What was your best learning experience of Year 8?

Academically or in general? Mine would have had to be learning to use all the woodwork tools both in Woodwork and InnovatED. They all looked so complicated when we first saw them, but through the constructions of both the box and the library I have gained more confidence. This is applicable knowledge which I can actually use at home.

What was the most enjoyable experience of Year 8?

This is split between two things. First was Camp. It was a great experience when I needed it most. It helped me to get to know my House better as a group and also expanded my friendship group Second were my friends – they made me feel They made school fun and interesting for me that helped me get through 8 with a great attitude.

What would you change about Year 8?

Some things that I would change about this year (and important things I learned along the way)

• Get more sleep. I learned the importance of that.
• I would correct the silly mistakes I made (which I hopefully will never make again)

Where did I make the biggest contribution to the school and why?

I was in the Middle School Production for 2019, and I think that is where I made most of my contribution. It took up a lot of my energy and dedication but it paid off. It was a great performance. I learned lines and performed movement sequences as both the Monster and Ms Godfrey.

What did I learn about myself from Year 8?

I learned that I had more skills than I thought I did. I took on a leadership role in the form of

Advice for anyone entering Year 8?

If you put all your efforts into Year 8, it will be awesome. Study but give yourself relaxing time in whatever you do.

Where can I start? I participated in an AMAZING production of A Monster Calls, which is a beautiful story. It was about a boy called Conor, and his mum is dying. This monster visits him every night at 12.07 and tells him stories, until Conor tells his own. Such a great thing to do. Auditions were early Term 3, and I got the role of Conor’s caring teacher, and also was the only one to participate in the ensemble from the roled cast. I loved every minute of rehearsals, which sometimes went to 6.45pm, especially leading up to the two performances. We had such great energy and props. It was hard work, but it was such a great production, especially with the lighting. It felt so real, but so tiring. All my friends and family came to watch, and I got some great responses.

It was a great learning experience for me personally and I would love to thank the director, Ms Parker, Mr Glencross and the lighting crew, Ms Hafid and the rest of the cast for such a great production.

(I was not here for the second debate, but it was won)

Our third debate which I did for O’Connor, we were against Cowan House. Our topic was that “Climate change is the biggest threat to human existence” and were the negative. We thought that this would be unwinnable, so it was so much more special when we actually won! There was only one point in it.

I would like to thank my head of House as well as the Year 11 debate coaches, Fynn and Jazmyn. They really helped us and I enjoyed the experience of debating. I had prior experience but it was so challenging. I hope I can do more in the future.

Today I debated for my House, which is O’Connor. We were against a strong Stirling team, but we won out on the end. Our topic was that “computers are making us dumber” and we were on the negative side.

As an avid rower, I compete in numerous regattas for Curtin University (the club I row under). This one I am talking about was the Schools State Championships this year. My Doubles partner and I were racing, and about quarter-way into the race, the crew in front of us veered sideways into some bushes.  until we passed them. This was about halfway, and we were in first now. We rowed with all our might, and I was exhausted 50 metres before the finish.

Now, for some quick facts- I was the stroke (the front), leading the bow (my doubles partner). When I slow down, she has to slow. She was the one who kept me going with “Just a couple of strokes” and “Speed up!”. This was reinforced from the rowers and parents shouting our names.

We did end up coming first, and there is this iconic photo in my family of just after the race was finished, which consists of me leaning backwards onto the riggers (the things that hold my oars in place. in pure exhaustion. It was one of the best moments of my life- the rowing mums and my coach were highly impressed- I even managed to get a hug from the Captain, who can be very cold.

But what did I learn about a growth mindset? Rowing is a fixed sport in repetition and technique. You are taught to be unchanging. I learnt that the support of others is more important than you think. I am very individualised, so that was a good lesson.

This is a list of some of the various things I have done as hobbies- the bold ones I still do now.

Ballet- 2010-2011

Surf Life Saving- Until I was 10

Robotics- 2015-16

Rowing- 2019

Crossfit- 2019

Debating- Year 6/7