Unit 1–2 Modern History Classes Welcome Vietnam Vets to BMG
In Week 7 of Term 3, Woodlea and Maddingley students had the privilege of welcoming seven volunteers from the Vietnam Veterans Association’s West Melbourne Sub-Branch to our Maddingley Campus.
As part of the Unit 1–2 Modern History study, students have been exploring the causes, course and consequences of the Cold War. Within this study, they have been assessing the significance of the Vietnam War within the broader context of the late 20th century. VCE students from both Maddingley and Woodlea were given the opportunity to interview and converse with our brilliant volunteers and were very excited to delve into the realities of the conflict and its lasting legacy.
Students posed some fantastic inquiries, asking mature and poignant questions regarding the veterans’ experiences in the conflict. As a cohort, they learned from our volunteers about the different ways in which they were conscripted, their awareness of the Vietnam War within the broader Cold War context, and more personal aspects of their service—such as how they celebrated Christmas and birthdays. As a faculty, we were grateful to have welcomed veterans with such vast experiences, including representatives from the Australian Army, Australian Air Force, Royal Australian Navy, New Zealand Army and US Navy.
This was a fantastic morning enjoyed by all, and one in which students were able to maturely engage with the realities of the Vietnam War through their inquisitive historical inquiries. I am delighted to share that one veteran remarked upon how our students showcased a “mature, intelligent and courteous approach to history.”
On behalf of the school, I would like to extend my gratitude to our volunteers from the Vietnam Veterans Association’s West Melbourne Sub-Branch for providing their time, stories and experiences to give our students valuable insight into the Vietnam War. I would also like to thank the BMG Events Team for their assistance in organising a delicious morning tea, and the Maintenance Team for ensuring a safe pick-up and drop-off for our guests.
We look forward to welcoming our Vietnam War Veterans back next year.
Mr Joshua Armstrong – Teacher
The excursion to Maddingley with the Vietnam Vets was a very insightful experience that gave me a deeper understanding of both the war itself and the personal impact it had on those who served. One moment that stood out to me was when a veteran described going on six-week operations in the jungle, where they had no opportunity to shower or shave and even had to sleep standing up against trees. Hearing experiences like this made the challenges of the war feel much more real. The veterans also spoke in depth about ideas such as the domino theory, which directly linked to our class content and helped me connect what we’ve been learning in the classroom to the lived experiences of those who were there.
Sehaj K – 11WB
Pre-VCE Environmental Science visit Barwon Heads
On Wednesday 3 September, a group of thirty Maddingley and Woodlea students from Pre-VCE Environmental Science recently travelled to Barwon Heads to investigate and compare the rocky shore habitats of Victoria’s coast. Students began with a background study of rocky shore ecology and tidal movements, learning how these ever-changing environments shape plant and animal communities. They then participated in a guided field survey, using transects and quadrats to systematically document the distribution of organisms from high tide to low tide, directly connecting theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world experience.
During the excursion, the group discussed the specialised adaptations that enable local animals and plants to withstand exposure and rapid environmental change. This fieldwork not only provided insight into coastal biodiversity, but also laid a strong foundation for the students’ own future design investigations in Environmental Science.
Samantha Grant, Sarah Thomson & Fiona Davidson – Pre-VCE Environmental Science Teachers
Maddingley
10F Service Leadership – Mindful Colouring in the Hive!
As part of our Service Leadership initiative, 10F had the wonderful opportunity to run a Mindful Colouring session for Junior School students in the Hive. It was a relaxed and joyful experience where students could take a break from their busy days and enjoy some creative, calming time together. The Junior School students eagerly joined us, picking out colouring sheets and diving into their artwork with focus and enthusiasm. It was great to see how something as simple as colouring could bring smiles and spark conversation.
For us in 10F, running this session was both fun and rewarding. We loved connecting with the younger students and creating a space where they could unwind and express themselves. It reminded us of the importance of mindfulness and taking time out to slow down.
10F Students
Year 10 Inspire Program
As part of the Year 10 Inspire Program, students at the Maddingley Campus have been given the opportunity to strengthen their Service Leadership skills while contributing to a meaningful cause. This year, 10E is proud to support the ‘300 Blankets’ initiative, an organisation dedicated to providing warmth, comfort and dignity to people experiencing homelessness.
Our Year 10 fundraising program centred on collecting donations such as blankets, toiletries and anything else that could’ve supported people in need. Students, staff, and families were encouraged to contribute either through donating blankets directly or by supporting fundraising efforts that will go towards purchasing them. We were astounded to find donations that filled up to two wheelie bins and we thank everyone who gave up their time and money for our charity event. Every blanket donated represented more than just warmth, it symbolised care, community and hope for those still having it tough.
Through this initiative, we not only learnt the value of service leadership but also recognised the impact small, collective actions can have on the wider community. This was a valuable opportunity for us to come together, show compassion and make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
We look forward to seeing the rest of the community continue through with this program, ensuring we can spread both warmth and kindness across Victoria to those who need it most.
Karina Nguyen – Teacher
Woodlea
Zazzle Genetics Practical – Pre-VCE Biology Year 9 and 10 Science Elective
In our Pre VCE Biology Year 9 elective class, we have been learning about cell structure, respiration, photosynthesis and genetics. To deepen our understanding of genetic transfer between two parents and its offspring, we performed a practical called the Zazzle genetics practical where we investigated how alleles (variants of a gene) can produce dominant or recessive traits (eg. straight or curly hair). Within the experiment we flipped counters that represented dominant and recessive traits to create our own creature (offspring) called a zazzle. We worked in pairs and thoroughly enjoyed embodying the process of genetic transfer by using play dough, counters, pipe cleaners and toothpicks to make our own zazzles.
Through this experiment I was able to see how the genetic transfer between parents and offspring, amongst an abundance of offsprings, resulting from alleles producing dominant and recessive traits, is affected by the probability of them, especially when dominant traits “mask” or present their phenotype over the recessive trait whenever they are within the genotype. Therefore, dominant traits are more likely to present their phenotype for that certain organism, as seen when we compared all of our zazzle creations and observed how mine was the only zazzle with the recessive trait; short antennae, while everyone else had the dominant trait; long antennae.
Ultimately, this practical broadened and reinforced my understanding of genetic transfer, alleles and dominant and recessive traits, allowing me to relate back to real life situations, making me wonder about all the possibilities and complexities of this topic.
Aqsa A – 9WB
Teachers Notes
Aqsa’s reflections accurately described the overall learning outcomes from this activity, which strengthened the students’ ability to grasp the abstract concepts related to genetic inheritance in a concrete manner. Further to the “academic” aspect of the activity, the lesson was intentionally designed to align with key points from our school’s philosophy and to provide opportunities for Character education and development:
1. A School that Values the Individual
- Students were given the opportunity to engage in the activity with their own interpretation of what the traits in the “Zazzles” would look like, tapping on their unique personal creativity.
- The activity further reinforced how each students’ genetic traits that were inherited from their parents are a unique combination to them only, that they are each a unique and valued individual.
2. A Calm Structured School
- The calm, friendly and purposeful environment enabled students to exercise their creativity in a structured manner, all while having fun creating their “Zazzles”.
3. Enjoyment and Enthusiasm
- The activity provided students with an opportunity to strengthen their skills in genetics and provided both excitement and challenge.
- The teacher-student conversations we had when reflecting on the completed activity provided much evidence for their enthusiasm for Biology as well as their motivation to see how this activity applied to contexts beyond school.
Kenny Ong – Teacher
Woodlea Year 10 Service Leadership Day
On Monday 8 September, Woodlea’s Year 10 students participated in their Service Leadership Day as part of the Inspire program. Working in House groups, each House partnered with a chosen charity, allowing students to engage meaningfully with community service.
House Charity Partnerships:
- Dale – Sewing for Charity
- Djerrawarrah – We Love Aintree
- Korroroit – Food Bank
- Lerderderg – Share the Dignity
- Parwan – Second Bite
- Pykes – SES
- Pyrites – Knit One, Give One (KOGO – knitted blankets)
- Toolern – Red Nose
The program commenced on Friday 5 September with a BBQ Breakfast at school, supported by four SES members.
On the Service Leadership Day, students participated in a range of activities to support their charity. These included:
- Excursions to the Food Bank and Second Bite where students toured the facilities and delivered collected donations.
- A visit to Aintree SES, involving mock rescue exercises and help with station maintenance.
- Tree planting in Woodlea in collaboration with We Love Aintree.
- On-site service activities such as sewing, crocheting, knitting and preparing clothing for the Red Nose Foundation and care packages for Share the Dignity.
The day provided students with the opportunity to connect with local organisations and develop leadership skills through hands-on involvement. House Leaders played a key role in guiding their peers, coordinating fundraising efforts and managing donation logistics.
Service Leadership Day was a very popular day with all involved, and we look forward to an even bigger day next year!
Nicole Heywood – Assistant Principal: Head of Senior School (Woodlea)
