Since moving into the more senior part of high school, a lot has changed. I am a dedicated, organised, and hard-working member of the Cowan House Council, which I love. I have represented All Saints’ in swimming, tennis, French, and badminton over the past few years. I am also an active member of the service community, as I attend Cooking for the Homeless, I peer tutor, and I am currently working on an award that requires 36 hours of service, hard work, and adventure.
In Year 11, I have had some amazing opportunities. I was fortunate enough to work as a Peer Support Leader, and guide Year 8 students to learn the college values through fun and interactive games. I have also been volunteering as a girl guide Junior leader for 11 months, attending sessions every Thursday afternoon to work with girls aged 6-10, and help them earn badges. I have also received Year 11 awards in House, Drama, and Tennis. In September this year, I will be heading off to France as part of the French Exchange. This will teach me how to overcome challenges especially with communication.
In Year 10, I was a member of the school rowing team, which taught me how to work effectively in a team to achieve an outcome. I also earned a lead role in my musical theatre class year playing Isabela in Disney’s “Encanto” for Year 4-6 students. This taught me how to engage an audience, and how to use public speaking. I also earned Merit Certificates in Health and Science. In September last year, I headed up North to Exmouth on a girl guides trip for 5 days, where we carried everything and kayaked around the coast, and camped on beaches. This taught me how to lead a group, and how to tackle new experiences.
For my 9/10 Drama Class, we were given the task of creating a costume design for one of the characters featured in our Musical Theatre production of Encanto.
For my costume design, I decided to focus on Isabela, because that is who I played in the production.
She is the oldest of Abuela’s grandchildren in Encanto, therefore she has more expectations pushed on her.
Her magical gift is she can make flowers and plants grow under her control.
Everyone sees her as graceful. Mirabel sees her as selfish and snobby. Abuela sees her as the “golden child.”
She is betrothed to get married to Mariano, which she doesn’t want to do, but is doing anyway to please her family. With the help of Mirabel, she eventually breaks free from her perfection and expresses who she truly wants to be.
I chose to focus my colour on purple and pink, because they represent perfection, femininity, and beauty.
My Mood Board
For my character, I decided to have a white shirt with lace sleeves, to not only represent simplicity, but lace is often used to make women feel more elegant and feminine. This also adds more shape to her appearance. For my skirt, it was a long, flowy purple dress, with pink flowers on it. This is was to be more accurate to the movie, so our audience would understand who plays which role, but also to represent Isabela’s powers with flowers and nature. As for shoes, whilst I did originally plan to wear purple slide on shoes to be accurate to the movie we all went barefoot. We also had to take off any watches, bands, or jewellery off our wrists and ankles, as they are distracting, and would break our characters. In my hair, I wore a flower decoration to yet again show my character’s power.
Pink and Purple Colour Scheme – represent her floral abilities, her perfection and beauty, and to be accurate to the movie
Before I found the right costume, I did find it hard to find a costume that would fit her character. I originally wore a short purple dress with a plait around the collar, with flowers on it, but the colours didn’t match her character. I then found the right shirt, but then needed to find the right skirt. I originally used a pink skirt, which looked right for the character, but was very similar to another cast member’s skirt, which would have confused the audience, because we play two separate characters. In the end I found the perfect skirt that matched my character that I was able to use to spin in and move like Isabela.
Camp was a blast! We had so much fun participating in various activities such as rafting, abseiling, team building, and an amazing race, but also, it was an opportunity to develop our capabilities in an engaging and visual way. Some of the capabilities that I improved on are; being collaborative and communicating well whilst rafting with my partner Adeolu, being resilient whilst team building and being last out of the maze, and being inquisitive when rock climbing, and falling upside down very high up.
Collaboration and Communication whilst Rafting
During our camp on the second day, we were lucky enough to have gone rafting in Three drops in the Collie River. Whilst in the river, we had so much fun sliding down the rapids, despite the freezing water. We were the luckiest of groups, having the best weather to go in. Rafting was all about collaboration and effective communication, because we were required to have a partner, and share a raft. I was partners with Adeolu, and together we worked so well together, and had so much fun! We were able to effectively communicate when navigating and steering the raft with our oars, and flipping over into the cold water (despite being reluctant), we were talking about how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it. We also collaborated together well, splitting up the jobs of carrying, seating arrangement (front or back). Overall, it was an amazing experience that was also a communication learning opportunity.
Adeolu and I going down the last rapid.
Being Inquisitive whilst Rock Climbing
At the start of the subject, we started to rock climb on the ASC wall. Whilst we were climbing, we also had to learn numerous knots including a reef knot, overhand, bowline, double fisherman’s, figure eight, figure eight on the bite, figure eight follow through, and clove hitch. Once we had all learnt how to tie these knots, we could solely focus on rock climbing. Amongst other capabilities, we really needed to beinquisitive with rock climbing, finding different ways and routes to make our way up the 4 walls and touch the roof showing success. Not only did we have to climb, but we also had to belay each other, which involved helping others finding their way up, whilst holding the rope they are attached to, supporting their weight in case they fall. Being inquisitive on the wall (and off the wall) has helped me to touch the rock climbing roof multiple times.
Rock Climbing on the ASC wall.
Resilience whilst Team Building
On the last day of camp, we were given the opportunity to reflect about our time on camp with our group, by playing some team building games. The first game we played was a rope maze, that had been set up by Mr J. and Mr Stevens to challenge our senses, as we had to be blindfolded. Everyone was challenged throughout this process. Some people got out very quickly. Others took longer. I was the last one on the maze. I was struggling, but I was determined to keep going and finish the maze. When I eventually got to the end, I realised that everyone else had already finished. I felt a little embarrassed, but I laughed it off and bounced back to participate in the other two challenges. Resilience is really important to get on with life, otherwise, you will spend all of your time dwelling on past mistakes, failures and/or setbacks. The most positive way to go through life is to stay positive with resilience.
Before we set off on camp, we cut up everything so there would be less sunlight wasted on chopping. When we were on camp, we saved about 30 minutes of time just by having everything pre-ready.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Throughout our camp, we set up our tents on the ground. We needed to pick a place that was away from disturbing nature and wildlife, but also so we weren’t sleeping on rocks. We also had to make sure that our spot wasn’t wet, because it rained on our journey there.
Dispose of waste properly
Whilst we were on camp, we had nowhere to put our rubbish, considering we stayed in a natural area. The only thing we could do was to burn paper in the fire. We prepared for this by not taking rubbish with us such as plastic food wrapping, and if we had any rubbish, we waited until we got into town to dispose of it in the correct bin.
Leave what you find
Our camp was surrounded by incredible species of plants and wildlife, meaning we couldn’t disturb them otherwise their ecosystem would be interrupted. The only things we did take with us were bits of rubbish that we found lying around the bush, that despite not being ours, was still polluting the environment.
Minimise campfire impacts
Once we had finished with our campfires, we had to make sure that no wood debris, or rubbish was left around that wildlife could eat. By clearing the debris, this would give the next person using it an easier way to light the fire.
Respect wildlife
We had numerous amounts of wildlife coming through our camp. Most of them were birds such as wandering ducks, magpies, and other assorted birds that woke us up in the morning. We were careful, not to disturb them, by letting them wander (within certain boundaries i.e. not near our tents) and not feeding them any food that they may not be able to digest.
Be considerate of other visitors
Whilst on camp, we didn’t really share the campsite with general members of the public, but with the ones we did, we were considerate by not talking and making noise too late in the night, and by not invading private space.
What ‘Leave No Trace’ guidelines have you learnt about and met during this unit?
During this unit, we have really gone deep into the impact of man-made objects, and how they damage wildlife. We had to pick up our rubbish, and other bits of plastic debris, that could potentially harm the wild animals.
Name and describe five significant events that happened over the past 2 terms in Muir personally
Rottnest Island, snorkelling. The water was clear blue, it was a beautiful day, and we even saw a seal!
Klout shooting in archery. We had to shoot over a long distance, and it was so fun.
Manning Park orienteering. We went on the look for markers set up by Orienteering WA.
Coogee beach snorkelling. We watched all of the beautiful fish, around Omeo Shipwreck.
Orienteering around the school, looking for different coloured markers in very unusual places…
What was the funniest most memorable moment in Muir so far?
Going to Manning Park, in a group with Georgia, Tiana and Pritika, and we were trying a really hard course with 8 markers. In the end, we found 2 markers, a rotting couch, a rusty car, and a pumpkin. It was a very funny experience.
What have you learnt about yourself in the course?
I have learnt that I can take charge and help a group to get back on course.
How can you use this in the future?
This could be very helpful in the future, working with a group and needing to get something done.
How have you felt about being in natural environment?
I have felt very connected to our beautiful earth, but also sad, that it is very polluted. I loved being able to experience animals in their beautiful natural habitat.
What skills do you need to improve on? Why?
I need to improve on my pacing. Our group often went too far or too close and missed our markers.
Name 3 strengths of yours
I am friendly, cooperative and an effective communicator with my peers.
What is the best thing about Muir?
Getting to go on such great excursions and make new friendships.
For the first part of Semester 1, we were fortunate enough to get involved in snorkelling. We ventured to the Aquatic Centre, as well as the Omeo Shipwreck in Coogee, and The Basin at Rottnest Island. During our time at Omeo shipwreck, and had to work together as a team to make the best out of the day. During our time, we used these capabilities; Self-aware, during our snorkelling course, we needed to be mindful that we were publicly representing the college. We were able to do this when we went to Coogee and Rottnest Island. Inquisitive, we needed to be inquisitive, and think about the different kinds of fish, and natural wildlife throughout our courses and natural environment. We were able to do this when we went to Coogee and Rottnest Island.
Approaching Term 2, we started to look into orienteering. Orienteering is all about speed and accuracy, which we learnt about through our practice courses around the college. When we had gained more experience with map and compass reading, we were ready to travel to Manning Park. The course involved orange and white markers set up by Orienteering WA. For this topic we needed to develop these capabilities; Inquisitive, we needed to look for markers in places that we did not expect to be there, and find alternative routes to get to our destination. Effective Communication, we needed to work together as a team and share the workload.
As our last topic, we were very privelaged to be shooting arrows with Mary in archery. We tried different styles of shooting such as; target shooting (30m and 40m) and Klout shooting (shooting up into the distance). As part of archery, some of the capabilities that were required were, resilient, when our arrow hit the outside of the target, we were able to bounce back and develop our skills, as well as effective communication, we needed to listen to instructions from Mary otherwise we could potentially harm ourselves or others.
Snorkelling at The Basin, Rottnest IslandMy group and I working together to plot our courseShooting from a 40m distance
While our legal system tries to prevail justice, these standards aren’t always met. Lloyd Rayney was a 44 year old WA Barrister, when he was charged of the wilful murder of his wife. After being sent to court for trial, Mr Rayney was sentenced not guilty by the retired NT Judge Brian Martin. In this case, some of the injustices include, Equal Treatment before the law, impartial judge and Jury, and Burden of Standard and Proof. However, the principle of Justice met was Independence of Courts. This essay will explain in detail that Mr Rayney’s verdict was accurate, and that his 2.26 million dollar defamation claim was rightfully earned.
On August 7 2007, Mrs Corryn Rayney was reported missing after her weekly boot scooting class in Bentley. A few days later, police find her bloody car parked outside of Kings Park, a few hundred metres from the family home. Police say they followed an oil leak coming from the car to find her body. With no evidence guaranteeing anyone’s guilt, police name Mr Rayney “the prime and only suspect.” Police then go on to speak publicly about the case through media, suggesting Rayney’s guilt. After his trial, retired NT judge Brian Martin says the case lacks ‘logic and crucial evidence’. Mr Rayney’s verdict was approved not guilty by the judge. 4 years later, Mr Rayney wins 2.26 million dollars of defamation claims.
Burden of Standard and Proof is about using forensic, oral and physical evidence to be certain of an individual’s guilt. This is important as it is not enough in a trial to assume someone’s guilt, or say someone is probably guilty. In Mr Rayney’s case, no evidence was used to support Mr Rayney’s guilt. The only evidence the police presented was that Lloyd Rayney was probably guilty because the couple had a crippling marriage. This is not enough, as saying the Rayney’s had a crippling marriage does not say in any way, shape or form of evidence that Mr Rayney is guilty.
Mr Rayney winning his defamation claims against the WA Police
Equal treatment before the law means having no discrimination (race, gender, mental ability etc.) a right to safety in investigations and trial, a right to privacy, and a right to all police evidence. This is important because every individual deserves a right to fairness, and if they don’t have all police evidence or a right to privacy, the trial can be biased to them. In Mr Rayney’s case, the police did not use all evidence during investigations and trial, and did not keep his case prive, after expressing Mr Rayney’s guilt through media. Despite his case being bias in multiple ways towards him, he verdict was not guilty.
Mr Rayney was expressed the “Prime Suspect” to the wilful murder of his wife.
Impartial Judge and Jury is about having no prejudice against an individual prior to their trial. This is important because being bias can lead to an unfair sentencing, despite evidence proving someone’s innocence. In this case, police spoke publicly about the case, making it inevitably impossible for any WA Judge or Jury to be unbiased, as he was a well known part of the WA barrister legal team. As a result, Mr Rayney was granted a juryless trial and retired Northern Territory Judge Brian Martin.
Independence of Courts is about having a fair judge being the referee between the two sides, putting the law before their personal thoughts, and only making a decision based on their opinion from the evidence provided. In this case, because the bias pointed towards Mr Rayney’s guilt, he won the right to have a Northern Territory Judge (Brian Martin), who had not prejudice against Mr Rayney. He only acted based on his opinion from the hearing, from which he declared Mr Rayney not-guilty.
In summary, while our legal system aims for 100% fairness using the principles of justice in every person in every case, justice is not always achieved. In Mr Rayney’s case the main faults included were; Equal treatment before the law: A monumental lack of privacy (due to the police reaching out to the media to suggest Mr Rayney’s guilt), and Burden of Standard and Proof (a lack of evidence provided by the police). The final outcome has shown that justice isn’t always found right away. It took Mr Rayney 4 years to receive the defamation claims, and for his final verdict to deliver.
Tutoring was a blast. My Pre-Primary friends and I had so much fun together, as we learnt Maths, Science and Mandarin. I developed my capabilities as well as my patience with my 5 year old buddies. My main capabilities that I developed are collaboration and creativity. Looking at the world from a pre-primary perspective, it looks pretty fun. You are able to develop your creativity, through fun ways of learning, such as making jelly, with a maths and science lesson included. We had the chance to play lots of games with choices on what path we chose, expanding our creative skills. In pre-primary, you can’t get very far doing a task without the help of some friends, whether that be reading a book, playing outside, or even just playing on the iPad. The class that I was with are very good at collaborating with each other. I have improved massively on my teaching skills, especially with my resilience. Explaining something so a 5 year old will understand was presenting its challenges in the first week, but as I have got to knoe them, it has become easier for me to understand them and knowing how to get down to their level so they can understand. I found it challenging to communicate with them, as everyone wanted to talk at once and wanted their voice to be louder than everyone else’s, but I used leadership, and we all took turns with equal amounts of time and empathy given to everyone. I would like to showcase my understanding of these kids by asking them some questions about their time with me. This shows my growth in curiosity skills as I am asking for another perspective on the tutoring.
