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College News

Robinsons Road, Frankston South VIC 3199 P: (03) 5971 6000 E: mount.erin.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au

Student Attendance Hotline: (03) 5971 6098

Principal’s Report School Review The School Review has begun. Wednesday 8th May was the start of our School Review. Every four years, a review process is undertaken to look at how the school has fared in regard to the goals and priorities set in the school’s Strategic Plan. Our plan was for the period 2016 -2019. The review process is undertaken by a Review Panel made up of the Reviewer, 2 Principals from other Secondary Schools who act as challenge partners, College Board President Jenny Ballard and members of the Principal team. The Panel looks at all our school data, including VCE and NAPLAN results; Student, Staff and Parent surveys, Attendance, retention and more. Focus groups are conducted by the reviewer with students and staff to discuss all aspects of our school more closely, to ensure a clear picture beyond the data, is gained. Staff and members of our Leadership Team reviewed our progress in regard to student achievement, wellbeing and engagement. Parents were invited to offer their feedback through a survey developed by the school and sent out via Compass. We were seeking feedback on things that are going well and areas we need to continue working on. Eighty-five parents completed the survey and I appreciate their thoughtful, considered and useful comments. I have met with groups of students to get their input into the review. We want to know what they think about their school: their learning and the learning environment, the support they get from their teachers, the opportunities for extra curricula activities, career planning, leadership and more. I really appreciate the honest and considered responses students have given. Their views about how we might continue to improve and do things better are highly valued and will be considered by the Review Panel. Two Field Days are conducted where the reviewer meets with different groups of students and staff, undertakes classroom observations and gets a feel for our school and what we are trying to achieve. The Panel reconvenes in the last week of term to pull together all of the information that has been gained and the reviewer will come up with recommendations to help inform the development of our next Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023. I appreciate the input into the review of many right across our school community. NAPLAN I was very pleased with the way our students approached the three days of NAPLAN testing that were undertaken recently. All Year 7 and 9 students were expected to participate and we had very high participation levels across both year level cohorts. Well done to Mr Main for organising the testing which presents considerable challenges with so many students involved at the one time. I was impressed that

students took it very seriously and did their best. This testing is undertaken across the country and is a valuable source of information about student learning. We know that NAPLAN is one source of information about student learning and growth and that there are many other elements considered when looking at each student and their learning progress at the College. Hockey Field Last Friday we had the official handover of the completed Hockey Field. It is a truly remarkable facility and I know the PE staff in particular, will be thrilled to be able to use it with their classes. There remains a little bit of site clearing to remove excess materials, grading and smoothing out the adjoining areas and restoring the driveway and entrance. That should be completed in the next week.

We are planning to have an opening in the coming weeks and will invite parents to attend. The Project has run to time and budget, which is terrific. We have been very fortunate with the weather over the 10 week project. The excess soil removed for the project was not taken away but formed into viewing mounds which have been grassed. This will provide great viewing access to games and will be well used. Security fencing has been placed around this area while the grass grows and we will be installing security to the area to make sure this wonderful asset is looked after. We remain in talks with Frankston Hockey Club and are investigating the development of a joint use agreement so the community will be able to access this competition standard ground. With Frankston Hockey Club, we are seeking financial support to install lighting for competition hockey matches and training to be held outside of school hours. Gym Tender process is completed and the tender has been awarded. No date has been given for commencement of work as yet, but I expect notification within the next couple of weeks.

# 5 30th May 2019

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Professional Learning Day Last Friday, all staff were involved in a professional learning day, the key focus of which was: How do we support all learners to make positive growth? A range of sessions were held over the day, all of which were focused on building staff capacity to improve learning outcomes for every student. Developing a clear understanding of a Growth Mindset is key to our work. We are very fortunate to have high level expertise within our staff and I was very impressed by the Leaders who planned and conducted the day. High performing schools have a very clear vision for education, are focused on student learning and build teacher capacity within the classroom. I congratulate staff on their continued efforts to review and improve their practice. Harmonies Unite – Peninsula Choral Festival was held on the evening of Thursday 23rd May, at the Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington. It was such a pleasure to see our students performing. Mount Erin College now has two choirs – Perfect 5 and Take Note and both performed at the festival. Perfect 5th sang a beautiful song called “Why We Sing” and an acapella version of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” Take Note sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” with the AMAZING piano accompaniment from Sena F, Y12. This was a very ambitious choice and they did it so well.

I was very proud of our students who have come such a long way in a short time. With increased numbers joining the choir and under the amazing tutelage of Maggie Doyle, both groups were outstanding. A big thank you to Mary Whelan - Head of Music, Laura Main – Music teacher and Sarah Parker – ES staff. Your enthusiasm and dedication was clear to see. Well done. Year 10 and 11 Exams We have passed the midway point in the Term and the mid-year exams for senior students (Year 10 and 11) have begun. I encourage students to take time to carefully revise and review the work over they have completed over the semester so they are able to perform at their best. There is no shortcut to high performance in exams. Developing consistent and dedicated study routines to revise work, not just to complete tasks is a vital element of success. Establishing these routines in Years 10 and 11 has a significant and positive impact on their approach to study as they enter Year 12. I wish them well over the exam period. Karen Lee Principal

Important College Dates

Term 2 2019 Week 6 LOTE Week 27th – 31st May (M-F)

30th May (Th) – Exams Start (Y10/11)

Week 7 3rd – 7th June (M-F) – Exam Week (Y10/11) Week 8 10th June (M) – Queen’s Birthday (No School) 11th June (T) – Course Counselling Day (Y10) 12th June (W) – General Achievement Test (Y12) 13th June (Th) – Art Academy Preview Night – 6pm Week 9 17th June (M) – Semester Two Classes Commence 18th June (T) – Course Counselling Day (Y9)

Week 10 25th June (T) – ASPIRE Awards Night (Y10/11/12) 26th June (W) – Course Information Night (Y8 into 9) 27th June (Th) – VCAL Expo 28th June (F) – Las Day of Term Two (2:30pm finish)

For more information about ‘TOPS’, please contact the College Wellbeing Team.

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Deaf Education Centre (DEC) We are now just over half way through Term Two and there is so much happening around the College.

Year 10/11 Exams Students are busy preparing for exams that commence at the end of this week. Finishing work, making revision sheets and completing practice exams in class. This is all part of the study strategies our students are using. We wish them all the best of luck!

Course Counselling Over the next few weeks, students in Years 9 – 11 will undertake course counselling to assist them in making the best pathway choices for their chosen career. This will give them guidance on what subjects to study and the opportunity to make any changes needed to their subject selection. DEC staff will be available and in attendance to support the students when meeting with their course counsellor.

Student Support Group (SSG) Meetings SSGs will be held during Monday 3rd June (Week 7) – Thursday 13th June (Week 8). Sarah will be in contact with parents this week to organise a time to meet with Lynnette.

Student Success It is wonderful to walk around to the class electives that our students are in, to see the work that is being produced in Art (Y10/11), Visual Communications (Y10)

and Design Technology (Y9). We are very proud of the work they have completed.

Here is a ‘Pop Art - Australian Icon’ piece from Jasmine – Y10 and a ‘Wolf Clock’ from Jordan – Y9 with his Tech teacher, Mr Garnett. Keep up the great work everyone.

Important Update from Australian Hearing We received new information today about future service provision by Australian Hearing (AH). Our visiting AH audiologist told us that all students who currently receive hearing technology such as Hearing Aids, Roger transmitters or other assistive devices will need to register with the NDIS. All Australian Hearing Services will be provided under the umbrella/funded through the NDIS program by mid-year 2020. If you would like assistance from Australian Hearing, they are more than happy to help you register with the NDIS and provide input about your child’s hearing needs. Please give them a call on (03) 8781 3700 (Frankston office) Please get in contact with NDIS to register your child as soon as possible.

More news: There is now an office in Dandenong for all your Cochlear needs. You do not need to travel to Melbourne to have appointments with Cochlear. Their new office is located with Australian Hearing in Dandenong near the train station.

South East Cochlear Care Centre: Phone: 8738 4801 OR 1800 002 018 Email: carecentre.southeastern@cochlear.com Address: 44-46 Halpin Way, Dandenong 3175

Australian Hearing Visit Tuesday 25th June, 2019

DEC Staff Lynnette, Sarah, Kathryn, Anne

Newsletter The next issue is due:

Term 2, Week 9

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Year 7 Student Leadership Team

Congratulations to the following students who were elected as the Year 7 Leadership Team for 2019.

Year Level Leaders Flynn R. 7A Zoe T. 7B Jack H. 7E

Laylah C. 7G Class Captains – 7A Class Captain – 7B Quinney B-H. Kayla O. Nandan K. Mackenzie Z. Shae P. Class Captains – 7C Class Captains – 7D Cameron O-P. Damon L. Indianna A. Dakota N. Class Captains – 7E Class Captains – 7F Amelia K. Cooper M. Isabel W. Tia R. Class Captains – 7G Class Captains – 7H Isabella D. Ella H-P. Ethan U. Nicholas W. Anastasia P.

Year 7 Humanities Studies As part of our year 7 Humanities studies, we have been looking at a unit on geography.

We recently went to complete fieldwork in the local area, focusing on what makes a community liveable. The students were able use their new skills to assess and view the community and document this in their photo essays.

A Different Kind of Warm The girl got up out of her seat, looked to her left and grabbed her rain jacket. It was going to be a long night. She lived in an old hut just outside of Minnesota. “Josephine…that was her name…a dear friend of mine, although she was my daughter, but…” The rain clouds started pouring in, with the sound of thunder filling the air; Josephine felt unsafe in her tiny hut… “Yeah…it was really bad… what happened to her…” Josephine went to bed, lying on what clothes she could scramble out of her bag… “She…got hit”. As Josephine drifted to sleep she felt warm, like no other warm she had ever felt before. It wasn’t a fire place kind of warm. It was a different kind of warm, like a warm that was just warm enough to be hot, but not enough to be too hot to burn her delicate skin…but then it got hotter… “the…the storm was too powerful for the little hut and…” and then the heat that was once a warm feeling got to an unbearable heat, until death, was the path shown by that blinding light of the storm… “The lightning…it…it hit her hut…my only daughter, Josephine…dead…can…can I go home? I want to be alone.”

Written By: Corey B – Y8D Lang. Enhancement

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1st May, 2019

We would like to congratulate all of our Year 7 students, teachers and families for their attendance and celebration at our annual Year 7 ASPIRE night! It has been a fantastic year together so far, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2019 has to offer. As a culmination of subjects and activities for our first term of Secondary School, our Year 7 form groups put together a display of their work and assignments. Many students volunteered to set these up, put their work out, and pack up the next day. This is a testament to the focus on our learning and growth in all of our subjects, as well as our ability to do our Personal Best every day. We also were able to see photos from our first term together, curtesy of Miss Andrews and her hard work collating and creating a photo montage. Your teachers would like to say thank you for an excellent start to the year. As we mentioned on the night, you really have made our jobs very easy so far and we are so pleased to have such a responsible and socially aware group of Year 7 students this year! As with all school events, it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of your Form Teachers, Year 7 teachers, or the Principals there to support you – please make sure you thank them all too.

Miss Bray and Miss Lockhart.

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Australian Landscape Painting The focus of the semester thus far has been on landscape. We began the unit looking at the work of Van Gogh with a particular emphasis on mark making. Each student completed a pastel copy of a Van Gogh Landscape. They then went on to do an Australian landscape painting. For many students this was the first time that they had used the medium of paint. These are the results.

Chloe D

Indi A Jazz M

Cam O P

Summer L Montana W

Mia F

Year 7C

Kaitlyn W

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Congratulations to the 2018 Year 8 Arts Academy class

who participated in the 2018 Wakakirri National Dance/Drama competition.

Along with their national success, students have been on radio numerous times, been interviewed by the National Wakakirri panel, attended private lessons with Jason Coleman at the Ministry of Dance, received financial scholarships (both individual and school level) for the program and have now been published in a highly prestigious dance magazine entitled Dancetrain.

This is amazing publicity for both the College and students within the Academy. Dancetrain partners with 5 of the major Syllabi and Associations:

• Royal Academy of Dance – Australia • Australian Institute of Classical Dance • Australian Teachers of Dancing • CSTD Comdance • Cecchetti Ballet Australia.

Further partnering with the magazine are Australia’s most prominent Performing Arts Facilities including;

• The Australian Ballet School • The McDonald College • Brent St • ED5International • Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance • TNSPA.Professional • NCAT • National College of Dance.

Staff Profile

Jason Tickner Learning Specialist – Professional Practice /

Year 11 Coordinator Describe your current role at Mount Erin College. I teach Physical Education, Health and Human Development and VCAL (PDS) within the Senior School. I am a Learning Specialist and part of the Leadership at the College. I am also the Year 11 Leader, recently taking on this role at the start of Term Two. How long have you worked here and what is your background in education? I am a new staff member at Mount Erin College beginning at the start of the year. My career has spanned 21 years in education having worked in Catholic education, TAFE, independent schools and now state education. I have worked exclusively within Health and Physical Education subject areas and more recently Personal Development Skills (PDS) within VCAL. I have also worked extensively within a range of sport and academy programs within schools specialising in coaching Athletics and AFL football. What do you enjoy most about working at Mount Erin College? So far I’ve been really impressed with the students at the school. As a general rule students are friendly, well-mannered and supportive of the learning environment created within the classroom. I can see that there are big improvements being made to facilities at the school and I love teaching in the new learning areas. Your College highlight so far this year is … Not having taught Yr12 Physical Education for some time, I believe this has probably been my highlight. Tell us about your hobbies or passion outside of school. I have 3 young kids at home so they pretty much take up a majority of my time with their interests and sporting activities. I still like to try and keep fit and have enjoyed a couple of sneaky games of football this year for my local club. I have a very close knit group of friends who now have kids also and we enjoy family holidays and outings together. Please share a message with the school community. The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today!

Brainteaser I’m thinking of a two digit number.

If you add the digits together and then multiply by three, you get the number back again!

What number am I thinking of? Answer: Page 10

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Congratulations and well done to the musicians and vocal group who performed at Baxter Village and Peninsula Health in the past two weeks. You

all played and sang to a high standard, and represented the College in a professional manner.

Well done!

Junior Concert Band (JCB) Reminder JCB runs every Thursday lunchtime in the music

room. We are working on two new pieces in preparation for our performances in Semester

Two. Keep up the great work band!

Take Note and Perfect 5th performed at the Peninsula Choral

Festival. Fantastic piano accompaniment from Sena, Y12. Thank you Mrs Doyle, for your

continued support with the choir.

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The senior girls have had an amazing start to the school sporting calendar by winning Volleyball, Football and Basketball in the Northern Peninsula Division. Special mention goes to Anja K – 12B, who played a big part in all three sports. Volleyball The Volleyball girls played three hard fought games against McClelland, Patterson River and Monterey, but with a home court advantage were too strong for the other teams. The girls moved on to play in the Southern Metro Finals at Dandenong Stadium where they won one out of their three games but came very close in each game.

Football The Football girls dominated the opposition on a perfect day for football at Lloyd Park. With no bench and little rest between games, the girls beat Frankston High, McClelland and Monterey comfortably to move through to the next round. Special mention goes to Mollie R – 12B who was voted by the umpires as player of the carnival.

Basketball

The Basketball girls also dominated their opposition by winning each of their games by over 20 points. They came out firing in the first game playing EMC and continued that intensity for the next three games of the day. A real team effort from start to finish but special mentions to Sara S – 12A and India B – 11D who played amazingly all day. The girls will move on to the Southern Metro finals later in the year.

AEP Coach Profile Mitch Gill-Furness

Peninsula Peak Physique At Peak Physique, we preach the importance of self-value and believe that true happiness isn’t defined by how we look, but more importantly how we feel. Through enthusiasm and excitement in a culture driven environment, it’s our mission to throw out the modern concept of a gym by creating an unforgettable experience each time you set foot through our doors. Come see for yourself what all the hype is about. Our concept is kept simple, we aim to create self-managed fitness enthusiasts who become the smartest trainee in any centre they walk into. Within an incredibly encouraging environment our supportive vibe will exceed your expectation of any gym. In saying that, we are much more than just a gym, we are a family!

http://www.peninsulapeakphysique.net.au/ Mitch works with our Athletic Enhancement Program (AEP) students in class and coaching sessions. He is a great addition to the team here at Mount Erin College Sports Academy.

Senior Girls Sporting Success

Brainteaser Answer: 27

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Starting in their art folios, students were encouraged to explore materials and techniques (in particular COLLAGE, FROTTAGE and INK WASHES) that they could use for their final, as well as different ideas and concepts. They also needed to annotate their explorations in order to reflect on and evaluate their processes.

General Art Y10

Self Portrait as Metaphor Project After viewing a slide show of works in which other artists had used self-portraits as metaphors, year 10 General Art students began to research ways in which they could make metaphorical self-portraits.

The students’ final artwork needed to display evidence of an innovative manipulation of materials and techniques. There should also have been evidence of precise links between intentions and conceptual directions explored in their folio and the development of the final art work.

Carter A

Miray A Adriel D F Lana J

Anna G

Jayme T

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Name: Georgia B 9C Role: Muse Why did you want to be a part of ‘Little Shop of Horrors? Because I have enjoyed being in the production for the last two years and it is such a great experience to have. You get to meet many new friends. Highlight so far? Meeting everyone in the cast and learning all the songs. Name: Bailey H 11C Role: Orin (Skid Row cast) Why did you want to be a part of ‘Little Shop of Horrors? Because I was a part of the production last year and Drama and Theatre is such a major part of my life. On the stage I can just be myself and show my talents to everyone. Highlight so far? Doing all of my songs with such amazing cast members. Name: Issy H 7C Role: Ensemble Why did you want to be a part of ‘Little Shop of Horrors? Because I like acting and it is fun to make new friends. Highlight so far? All of the jokes between the cast, and Miss Andrews because she is funny.

Much work has been happening in our ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ cast, dancers and band rehearsals over the past couple of months. Over the most recent holidays, all students involved in the show came into school for two days of rehearsals, with the acting cast in the Auditorium, dancers in the Gym and band in the Music Room. Incredible progress was made by all, and we are now starting to get glimpses of what our final product may look like.

This hard work has continued this term, with after school and lunchtime rehearsals. Dancers have been focusing on learning the choreography and blocking of their fantastic numbers. The band has been making phenomenal progress learning all their music, a fantastic effort from our first production band in a long time. Already we have been able to start bringing the acting cast together with the band, which has been incredibly beneficial for all students involved.

I would like to give a huge thank you to Laura Main and Maggie Doyle for all the work they have been doing with band and vocals for the show, and to all the staff who have supported our rehearsal process thus far. We could not be doing this without you.

Melissa Andrews, Production Coordinator

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Senior VCAL Project Poverty and Disadvantage Workshop

Thursday the 23rd of May, Senior VCAL took part in a poverty and disadvantage workshop from The Salvation Army. The workshop was aimed at raising awareness of the 3 Million Australians who are currently experiencing this on a daily basis. Students explored the concepts and issues faced by: families,

singles, couples and the youth of Australia, who are encountering this more and more.

Student’s also used an interactive website to explore how they would survive if placed in the same situations of others.

http://www.playspent.org/ Students will also be taking part in the youth Homelessness Workshop which provides students with an opportunity to understand and empathise with those experiencing homelessness.

Students will learn about the basics of homelessness in Australia, different homelessness services, how to support someone at risk of or experiencing homelessness, hear real stories and partake in open discussions. Students will gain a broader understanding of at risk groups within their community and be better prepared to talk about and respond to homelessness.

Mount Erin College Careers Careers Expo at the Mount Erin Senior School Expo On Wednesday 29th May, all parents and students in Year 9 – 12 had the opportunity to attend the annual Mount Erin College Senior School Expo from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. The Expo included: VCE, VET and VCAL subject displays and a Careers Expo with representatives from many Victorian University, TAFEs and Private Colleges. Year 9 Career Service The Students will complete their free on-line ‘Morrisby Career Assessment’ on 4th – 6th June. This will be during two Year 9 Centre classes. The assessment will take under two hours, and will be supervised by Mount Erin staff. Home groups will be advised about the dates of their assessment and be given a login code to set up their Morrisby profile. For more information about the test see the website https://www.morrisbyonline.com.au/assessment Year 12 Excursion to the VCE Careers Expo On Thursday 2nd May, all Year 12 students and their teachers travelled by train to the VCE and Careers Expo at Caulfield Racecourse.

There were hundreds of exhibitors including Universities from Victoria and Interstate, TAFEs, private providers and employers such as the ADF, Police, Ambulance and Border Force.

Students were able to find out about higher education, vocational training, apprenticeships and pathways for their future career. Here are some photos from the day.

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HAYLEY STUDY TYPE-VCAL SENIOR

VET STUDY–SALON ASSISTANT WORK PLACEMENT TYPE – SBAT WORK PLACEMENT - SOMERVILLE

WHERE DID YOU GO TO PRIMARY SCHOOL? SOMERVILLE RISE HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT MEC? SINCE YEAR 7 WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF MEC? YR10’S SHOWED US AROUND THE SCHOOL – ‘OUR BUDDIES’ FAVOURITE HOBBY? NETBALL / FOOTBALL CAREER AIM? BECOME A QUALIFIED HAIRDRESSER, AND DO HAIR IN THE FILM INDUSTRY. BEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU SO FAR THIS YEAR? GETTING INTO MY FIRST PREFERENCE FOR COURSES. WHAT’S THE ORGANISATION YOU ARE DOING YOUR SBAT WITH? THE HAIR LOUNGE, SOMERVILLE HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT YOUR CURRENT WORK PLACEMENT? JANUARY 30TH, 2019

WHAT TYPES OF THINGS ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR SBAT EMPLOYER? GREETING CLIENTS; WASHING HAIR; BLOW-WAVES; PRODUCT AND CASH

HANDLING – COUNTER SERVICE; WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR SBAT? PEOPLE YOU MEET

ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR OTHER UPCOMING STUDENTS? AIM HIGH

SCHOOL BASED APPRENTICESHIP OR TRAINEESHIP

Can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship while I’m still at school? YES you can!

An SBAT (School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship) can be completed as part of the VCAL program, and you must be over 15 years of age. When doing an SBAT you will have a training contract and be paid for the work by the employer. Just like SWL, you will come to school for 3 days to complete your VCAL studies and spend the other 2 days at the workplace and completing the training associated with your SBAT. While completing the VCAL program all students are required to arrange and participate in Structured Workplace Learning in the industry of study they are completing in their VET course, this can be completed in the form of an SBAT. If you’re interested in enrolling in an SBAT in 2020 come and see Caro in the Pathways Office (in the Resource Centre) to discuss progressing this option for you. Hayley at work at her SBAT …

PATHWAYS MEET THE STUDENT

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International Cook-Off Competition

Thursday 16th May, provided Y10 students with an opportunity to design, produce and serve International cuisine to staff in a MasterChef-style “International Cook-Off Competition/Luncheon”. A range of cooking skills and techniques using a variety of ingredients found in many different types of recipes were used. Each pair of students invited a staff member to share their lunch and to provide feedback to students on Appearance, Taste, Texture and Aroma. We are pleased to announce that the winner was the Pumpkin and Fetta Gnocchi, cooked by Roxy and Chiara, with the Lasagne and the Chinese Dumplings coming equal second. Well Done Y10!