From the Principal's desk

On 2 December, partner schools received certificates and/or medals for all prize winners. I would like to thank our colleagues for presenting these awards, as intended, at the end of year presentation assemblies across the state. Congratulations, to all our bright lights!

Of course, in each edition of The Auracle, we celebrate the individual and collective successes of our students. This edition, in particular, has much to celebrate. From our highly successful chess, debating, and design thinking teams, to academic competitions, and sporting, creative and cultural events, Aurora students have excelled in 2024. I admire your achievements and thank you for the exemplary way in which you represented yourselves and your communities. 

This week, we said goodbye to a number of staff who, for a range of personal and professional reasons, will not be with Aurora in 2024. I would like to acknowledge and thank the following staff for the many contributions they have made to our school: Alice Leung (Science); Candice Morris-Grant (Science); Tina Whitehead (Science); Natasha Palumbo (Science); Sean Harrington (Science); Kumie Pather (Software Design and Development); Nadine Wild (Mathematics); Marnie Etheridge (English); Anne Vogelnest (English); Connor Knight-Moore (English); David Cranby (Languages); Eleanor McRae (English); Rosa Sharp (Languages); Tania White (Legal Studies); Kylie Snell (Stage 3); Danielle Latinovic (Learning Support and Wellbeing); and Luisa McDiarmid (Learning Support and Wellbeing).

I know I speak for the entire Aurora College community when I wish our departing colleagues all the very best in their future endeavours. Remember, Aurora College is part of our shared professional legacy and each of you can be proud of your contribution to the state’s virtual school.

In 2024, Aurora will commence the new school year with an enrolment of close to 860 students, shared with over 230 schools. To accommodate the increase in enrolments, state-wide recruitment processes concluded recently with the appointment to Aurora of a number of new members of the teaching staff. I would like to congratulate and welcome to Aurora College: Jay Bourke (Science - Gorokan High School); Roshni Singh (Science - Hunter School of Performing Arts); Emma King (Mathematics - Warilla High School); Morgan Witt (Mathematics - Kooringal High School); Cameron Malcher (Head Teacher English - Beverly Hills Girls High School); Elena Maroungas (Economics Auburn Girls High School); Tracey Wells (English - Callaghan College Wallsend Campus); Bronwyn Bishop (Stage 3 - Wyong Public School); and Dishanka Aikins (Learning Support and Wellbeing - The Hills School)

To give students the opportunity to take part in orientation activities at their home school, Aurora College classes for all students in the:

• Eastern division on Monday 5 February 2024
• Western division on Monday 12 February 2024.

Coursework will not commence until students in the Western division start the school year. Students in class before Monday 5 February 2024 will undertake an orientation and revision program with their Aurora College teachers. Students in the Western division are welcome to join their Aurora classes earlier, if their home school program allows.

Last week, all students and their parents received an email from me with important information about 2024 classes, teachers and timetables. The email also contains information about key members of staff at your home school, including your Aurora College Coordinator and Science Practical Teacher (where applicable). Please carefully review this information before the start of the new school year.

To all our families and friends, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous 2024.

Chris Robertson | Principal

Deputy Principal's report

2023 has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. Throughout this year, the enthusiasm, humour, flexibility and the commitment of students has been a feature of a conversations within and beyond our Aurora College community. I commend you for your continued efforts, focus and innovation in your approach to learning.

Congratulations to those students involved in successful debating teams, design thinking challenges, sporting events, cultural achievements and creative endeavours. Congratulations to students who actively involved themselves in library book clubs, social clubs, SRC, robotics and chess. A final round of congratulations to those students who worked hard throughout the year to create their own goals and work to achieve them. We are so proud of your efforts, both within and beyond Aurora College.

To our parents and communities, thank you for the collaboration, time and connection in supporting students into the challenges and opportunities of Aurora College. We have relished the opportunity to work with your child, through in class lessons, to regular doses of inspiration in our Masterclasses, and through the wonderful world of Res. 

Thank you to our amazing team of teachers and staff who show their dedication and passion for our students each and every day. 

We wish you all a safe and well-deserved break.  

Aboriginal High Potential and Gifted Students Program 

Our second group of 55 Aboriginal High Potential and Gifted students have joined the Young and Deadly Mob this term. Joining from 28 different Lands, these students have established strong connections and vibrant communities within their classes. Our Young and Deadly Mob students have had the opportunity to collaborate with their peers, learn online platforms, connect with a Yr 6 buddy group, delve into their STEM kits and engage with the iSTEM design thinking process. 

We celebrated the hard work and achievement of our Young and Deadly Mob students by viewing their amazing designs and prototypes for their astronaut glove. Congratulations to all of Young and Deadly Mob students for all of their hard work. We can’t wait to see them in their new classes, and to support them in their goals and achievements in 2024. 

Years 5, 7-11 lesson orientations  

Thank you to Virginia Cluff and the team of teachers who organised our orientation lessons for the new students who will be joining us in 2024. Over the course of the various orientation sessions, we were fortunate to connect with over 250 new incoming students to Aurora. During these lessons, our new students were shown some of the various technology platforms that they will be engaging with next year, including Teams, OneNote and Stile.

In these sessions, students had the opportunity to interact with their new 2024 teachers, meet key staff and interact with their new classmates. Each session started with excited students, and finished with eager questions about all things Aurora. Our incoming students are already showing themselves to be proficient and enthusiastic users of technology who are keen to begin building their new learning virtual learning community. 

New Teacher Induction Conference  

At the New Teacher Induction Conference, we were able to welcome our new 2024 staff at our Sydney head office in Lindfield. It was a pleasure to connect with teachers over 4 very full 4 days of training. To add to their training, our new colleagues completed the University of NSW’s mini-Certificate of Gifted Education and were also provided with a comprehensive introduction to all things Aurora. Thank you to Virginia Cluff and all the executive staff who were involved in this event and a warm welcome to the new staff to the Aurora College Community.  

Aurora College Coordinators & Science Practical Teachers 

Each year, our Aurora College Coordinators (ACCs) and Science Practical Teachers (SPTs) provide support for our shared students. We value your efforts, time and expertise in supporting our students, and building a learning community that nurtures and provides continued challenge and opportunity for our shared students. 

We would like to extend our thanks to our ACCs and SPTs for all the hard work with setting up, timetabling, organisation of space and ensuring practicals are completed. The wellbeing support and communication between the two schools is vitally important to the success of Aurora in educating our high potential and gifted students.  

Reports  

Semester 2 reports were distributed to parents and Aurora College Coordinators on Thursday 14 December 2023.   

School holidays begin 16 December 2023 for all students. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.  

Aurora classes begin in 2024:

• Eastern Division Schools – Monday 5 February 2024  

• Western Division Schools – Monday 12 February 2024. 

What’s coming up next year?  

The first Residential School next year for Years 7-10, and the Year 6 Young and Deadly Mob students, will be held in Term 2, from Monday 1 May 2024 to Friday 5 May 2024. Residential will take place across three sites, including the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation in Narrabeen, Camp Kedron and the Sydney YHA in the city.

The second Residential School for Year 5 -10 students will be in Term 4, from Monday 23 October to Friday 27 October 2024. Our second Residential will take place over two sites in Canberra. 

Further information about the Residential School will be available early in the new school year.  

Beth Hodson | A/Deputy Principal (Primary)

Bright lights

Harding Miller Scholarship

The scholarship gives the girls their own devices and educational tools and resources, so these bright, hard-working young women are allowed a level playing field with peers who are more socio-economically advantaged. The Harding Miller Education program is a multi-layered support framework of academic and technology resources, personal coaching and enrichment, and is designed to inspire and empower a fresh generation of proud Australian women. Harding Miller scholars are the future leaders, influencers and innovators of Australia.

Congratulations to Matilda, Rachel and Rose who have all been successful in their application for a Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship for the next 4 years. Our students are continually striving to demonstrate the values of Aurora College: CURIOUS; BRAVE; ENGAGED; and  BRILLIANT.

Connect locally, learn globally

Meet Ana in Year 9

Where is your 'home school'?

My home school is Moss Vale High School, in Moss Vale.

What is it like growing up in your town?

I live in the southern highlands, Moss Vale. My community is great, really inclusive and positive. Everyone is always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. It is a great growing up here. Everyone somehow knows each other and I live reasonably close to the city, so not much transport is needed to get to places.

What is your favourite subject/s?

Science and Mathematics are my favourite subjects.

What do you like most about learning at Aurora?

Challenging myself and learning new things. Making new friends, and discovering hidden talents!

What are some random facts you can share?

I am basketball savvy and it is one of my favourite hobbies!

Do you have any career aspirations? 

I'd love to be an electrical engineer, architect, or work at NASA... not sure... where ever the wind takes me!

Events

Masterclasses

We had some fabulous masterclasses to inspire our students during Term 4.

In Week 5, Dr Nicky Wright, a Palaeogeographer from the University of Sydney presented a masterclass. Dr Nicky is a scientist who reconstructs what the surface elevation of Earth—from the tops of the mountains to the deepest parts of the ocean—looked like many millions of years ago. She shared some of her animated models reconstructing how climate changed in the deep past and how important these models are for improving our understanding of the formation of critical minerals we need for renewable technologies and a net zero future. 

Parent Webinar

James Anderson presented an excellent Parent Webinar on Monday 13 November. This was successfully hosted by the Aurora College P&C with Wendy Zanon giving a thoughtful Acknowledgment of Country and Gail Richardson providing an insightful introduction for James.

James took us on a journey through Habits of Mind, which is part of the Agile Learners strategy we have been implementing at Aurora College. He explored how developing Habits of Mind is not just for the classroom, but for all aspects of students’ lives.

James was very generous with his time, allowing parents to remain afterwards to ask individual questions. If you missed the webinar, the recording is available here: James Anderson - Habits of Mind Parent Webinar Aurora College

Cathy Crouch | R/HT Teaching and Learning

Student support - Library

As we bid farewell to 2023, it's a pleasure to reflect on the many achievements and memorable moments that have shaped the Aurora Library. Highlights include the success of our virtual Book Week in iSee, the outstanding performance of our National Final Team in the Kids Lit Competition, and the unwavering support and exceptional efforts demonstrated by our students in various competitions. I have enjoyed collating and curating an extensive collection of books to cater for the diverse interests and needs of our students. 

Reading is not just a pastime; it's a gateway to learning, creativity, and personal growth. To keep the joy of reading alive and thriving, we're excited to introduce the Summer Reading Challenge. Encourage your children to dive into the wonderful realm of stories, challenge themselves with new genres, and relish the freedom that comes with literary exploration.

Prizes will be drawn on the 19th of February. 

Merry Christmas to our incredible school community! 

Hayley Laurie | Teacher Librarian

Student support - Careers

Future Doctors Program

The Future Doctors Program is an exclusive 4-day event, held during school holidays for students 14 - 18 years of age, which equips aspiring medical school applicants with invaluable insights into making informed career choices. future-doctors-Australia

The program goes for 4 full days (9am - 4.30pm). Attendees are provided with ample breaks and meals.

Sydney: 18 - 21 July 2024 (Chatswood) - 20% full 

Sydney: 11 - 13 October 2024 (Chatswood)

Macquarie University Year 11 Emerging Leaders Award

Congratulations to Yr12 students, Lucinda Madden and Grace Firth, for being successful recipients of the Macquarie University Emerging Leaders award, after being nominated by Aurora College in Term 3. They will gain a Certificate and Pin, an invitation to attend the University Leadership Forum in January 2024, be mentored by a Student Ambassador, access to the University HSC Study Lab and be invited to  exclusive events. 

Well done on your efforts!

SciX@UNSW 2024

Monday 15 to Friday 19 January 2024

The SciX@UNSW program is designed to support passionate high school students who are eager to delve into scientific research. Join a research group for a taste of a career in research science. The centrepiece of the SciX experience is a one-week intensive summer school on 15th – 19th January 2024 in the research lab with workshop sessions, learning new science and new techniques in data creation & collection.

On-time registrations will close at 11:59 PM on Sunday 17th December 2023.

Find out more

Kim Morris | Careers Advisor

Faculty - Stage 3

Game Changer Challenge Grand Final

The grand final of the Game Changer Challenge saw students from all over NSW come together to compete for the honour of being the Game Changer Champions for 2023. Over 6 months, 2000 students in 400 teams worked hard to solve the wicked problem of “invent or innovate something that will change the world and leave a lasting impact”. Twenty-four teams were invited to Sydney for the grand final to spend three days honing their ideas. 

Our very own Year 6 “Team Roads - Driving Change” were one of those teams. Their journey began back in Term 2, brainstorming ideas for wicked problems that affected them all: potholes! Austin, Yozora and Kayla then came up with some innovative ideas that would help to make the roads in their local area safer. During the virtual semi-final, Joe and Claire supported Team Roads with many collaborative ideas to improve their solution. When the team found out they made it to the grand final event, they were so excited! For the grand final, Angus and Claire joined the team and off they went from their homes near Tamworth, Orange and Albury to descend on the Department of Education's Sydney Office in Parramatta.

With advice from ANSTO scientists and marketing experts from companies such as HP, TOMRA, and Microsoft, Team Road’s concept evolved dramatically over the three days. By Thursday, the team were ready with their pitch and to convince the industry experts that their idea was the best. This idea was to use a variety of recycled plastics, glass and rubber as a fill for potholes. They would heat the edges of the current hole to help the substances bind together and give it strength. During their research and chats with experts, they found that using a variety of plastics would strengthen the bonds between the materials for a more stable fill. This was an excellent opportunity to use co-mingled plastics, which would allow companies like Red Cycle to relaunch their struggling businesses. Team Roads thought of everything! The experts were incredibly impressed with their maturity, organisation and forethought. 

Of course, there was also lots of eating of yummy ice-cream and Krispy Kreme donuts, playing of soccer on the roof of a twelve-story building, meeting students from around the state, and lots and lots of laughs. It was great for these kids to have another opportunity to meet in person and get to know each other better. While they didn’t come away with the win, they were certainly the winners in our eyes and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts

Future of Transport Final

Last week, Aurora College’s group of Year 5 STEM entrepreneurs, Team En.E.V., were finalists in the inaugural Stage 3 division of the NRMA’s ‘Future of Transport’ Challenge. Eleanor, Chloe and Nicholas proposed a system of discounted EV leases to households, in exchange for using the EV batteries to store power and feed it back to the grid. 

During the final, student teams presented their polished pitch decks to the judging panel and answered questions from the three judges. Team En.E.V. were the only team presenting virtually which was an added challenge! The team faced strong opposition from two equally innovative ideas: Cambewarra Public School’s self-repairing DermCar and St Joachim’s Lidcombe’s unique system of magnets designed to prevent vehicle impacts.

The judging panel was impressed with the future-focused thinking of Team En.E.V., awarding them Primary Winners, and suggesting that this concept could be readily integrated into a circular energy economy across NSW and Australia!  

Congratulations on your success, Team En.E.V.! 

Schools Spectacular

We were excited to hear about the many Aurora students performing at the 40th NSW Schools Spectacular, which took place in Week 7. Students from around NSW gather to showcase the talent of NSW public schools.

From Year 5: 

Eli Sopidis, Olive Hinks

From Year 6:

Sahasra Avirneni, Elsie Thomason

Nellie B and Oscar H performed at Spec-Fest in a combined Central West schools marimba ensemble.

Lisa Pearson | R/Assistant Principal

Faculty - English

In 2023, our students were privileged to take part in the International Poetry Exchange program. Aurora College was selected as one of two schools in Australia to be part of the program this year.  IPEP is an initiative that has been led by US Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, and the DreamYard project out of The Bronx, New York. 

It has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to participate in monthly online poetry sharing sessions with students from Marble Hill International School in New York. Students participating in this project take part in poetry sharing sessions that also involve building connections with students from other countries through sharing their voice, personal identity, and culture. 

Our most recent sharing session was held on the morning of Wednesday 22 November (Tuesday evening New York time) via Zoom. Our students contributed some amazing original poetry and brought great enthusiasm and humour to the session. Below is one of the poems from Year 10 student, Luella Robinson, which beautifully encapsulates the unique experience of an Aurora student, whilst also contemplating the life experiences of students from the other side of the world. 

Poem by Luella Robinson 

One thing finishes, another starts. 

Someone gets fired the same day someone gets hired

Someone loses when someone else wins

Our days are yet to begin while you're still finishing up yesterday

How were your summer nights?

Already over, but ours are just arriving

Who’s ahead and Who’s behind? 

Who’s right and who’s wrong

I hope you have a nice morning tea while I’m asleep at 3am

And tomorrow night when you're all asleep I'll be finishing up work after school

Isn’t it odd to remember how far away we all are

Yet close at the same time

Isn’t it weird that I'm nearly finished year 10, 

Yet some of you are just starting it

How we’re in a meeting right now yet it’s a different day. 

I’m seeing people in a place and a country I'll probably never be in

So connected but so separated

These connections both make us feel closer but also mourn the distance 

The silence after ending a phone call

The quietness when I finish a class with no-one in my room. 

The overwhelming joy of connection 

Pulled away so forcefully as soon as it’s time to go

I love and I hate it. 

So many of my friends who have shaped me into a much better person

Leave me with that empty feeling once we finish that call

All of those people I'll never see again.

But I spent so many hours with them,

And I wouldn’t be the same

I want nothing more than for others to experience these connections

But not all the same

A piece of my heart and my voice, carried to places so far away. 

Through a camera with horrific school lighting

And a computer that hates me

In a little school in a bad place,

How do i know so many faces

And so many people

I could go anywhere in the state and be able to meet someone for a coffee, 

Just like how I am here sharing poetry with people from the other side of the world. 

And people from my own country, 

Them from a school in sydney I had never heard of

I probably won't ever go there either, 

But i hope you all value the connections we have

Being thankful for the loneliness that ensues. 

Marnie Etheridge | R/HT English, HSIE, & Languages

Faculty - Mathematics

As we bid farewell to another incredible academic year in the Mathematics Faculty, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every student who has contributed to making this year a resounding success. Your commitment to embodying our school visions and values of "Be Brave, Be Brilliant, Be Curious, Be You, and Be Engaged" has truly made a positive impact on our school community.

This academic year has been filled with accomplishments and growth in Mathematics, and we have seen incredible strides in numeracy and all areas of our subject. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by our students is truly commendable, and we are immensely proud of their achievements.

We have recently acquired the state-of-the-art Casio fx-8200 AU calculators which can be purchased through the School Bytes portal. In preparing for the HSC, these calculators are a game-changer, allowing students to carry out complex calculations that other calculators cannot. We encourage all students to make the most of this valuable resource and we encourage them to do this early to give them time to explore the possibilities it offers in mastering mathematical concepts.

As we approach the end of the academic year, it's time to bid farewell to our Year 10 students who will not be returning to Aurora College to undertake senior studies. We want to express our appreciation for your hard work, dedication, and positive contributions to our school community.  We wish each of you the very best in all your future endeavours and may your commitment to excellence continue to guide you on your path to success.  

As we prepare for a well-deserved break, let's reflect on the mathematical accomplishments of the past year and look forward to new opportunities in the coming one. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a fantastic start to the New Year.

Aurora College Mathematics Faculty

Karen Bellamy | HT Mathematics and Software Design & Development

Faculty - Science

Another year has come to an end and what a year it was! 

Our students achieved excellent results this year and we commend every single student for their enthusiasm, commitment to learning and camaraderie in the classroom. We, as teachers, highly value working with our students, inspiring them to move forward in their learning and helping them to achieve their true potential and become excellent citizens in their communities.

As this school year is ending, we are looking forward to, and already planning for, 2024. We are excited to receive new students in year 7 and a new group in years 8 to 10. 

We want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all our Science Practical Teachers (SPTs) in our partner schools; their dedication to and support of our students is highly valued. All students are performing very well in skills tasks thanks to the work you do with them.

Welcome and farewell

We are pleased to welcome new teachers that are going to join the science faculty in 2024. They are Jay Bourke and Roshni Singh. It is wonderful to know they have taken on the challenge to teach science at Aurora College and, in the process, elevate their professional careers. The science team is looking forward to working with you.

Sadly, we say goodbye to Sean Harrington, Alice Leung, Tina Whitehead and Candice Morris-Grant who have decided to pursue new endeavors in life, and we thank them for their outstanding contributions to our faculty. Their enthusiasm and excellence in teaching will be missed. We wish you all, all the best in your future career pathways. 

Students work this term

Our students were working on several aspects of the impact of science in society and Year 10 was having a taste of what is involved in learning science senior subjects.

Year 12 Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are nearly finishing the first year 12 modules in each subject. All the students have realised what it takes to be successful in their HSC exams and that involves organisation, notetaking and making good summaries. Keeping up with good work ethic is crucial for an efficacious HSC study pattern.

Happy Holidays!

Finally, the science faculty wishes all our students and their families a wonderful festive season and a well deserved holiday. Take care everyone, stay safe. We will see you in 2024.

Silvia Rudmann | R/HT Science and Agriculture