Newsletter

A very warm welcome back to Term 3 for our Year 10 community. Year 10 students commenced the term with enthusiasm. They have settled in very well and they are commended for making a positive start of this term. This week Year 10 students who undertake Japanese welcomed Japanese students from our sister school Seibo Gakuyen, Kyoto. They will spend some time with the students from Japan doing language and cultural exchange. Year 10 students are encouraged to continue building their resilience, maintain a growth mindset to achieve the goals they set for themselves this term. This term, students will participate in the Reflection Day, 7&10 Mentor program, seminars and workshop to support their wellbeing.

During the holiday, Beatrice Lawson-Acar was involved in a work experienced program with the University of Melbourne. Below is a summary of her experience.

As a student in the Girl Power in Engineering and IT cohort, graduating in 2027 at the University of Melbourne, I had the privilege of attending the University of Melbourne’s work experience program for Year 10 students. From June 30 to July 4, 2025, I participated in a week-long program outside of St Aloysius College. It was an immersive experience offered to 120 students. Of these, 80 students outside the Girl Power in Engineering and IT program were selected through a rigorous application and interview process, reflecting the high standards and competitive nature of the program and the University. The 40 students in the Girl Power cohort had earned their place earlier through an equally demanding selection process completed in Year 9, involving extensive applications and interviews to secure entry into the four-year program, which runs from Year 9 to Year 12 and continues to offer unique opportunities each year, tailored to the student’s stage in the program.

Throughout the week, we were given the extraordinary opportunity to shadow academics in disciplines such as biomedicine, chemistry, engineering, IT, mathematics, and more. During my time, I had the privilege of shadowing Dr Stephan Winter in Engineering and IT, where we explored mechanical engineering and examined how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of the field. Our days were long and intensive, beginning as early as 7:40am and often finishing at 5pm, allowing us to maximise our exposure to university life and the day-to-day experience of academics at the University of Melbourne. We worked in small groups of approximately four students per academic, observing PhD student supervision, attending research meetings, joining panel discussions with academics from various fields, and touring the University’s campus in remarkable detail—including visits to cutting-edge laboratories, lecture theatres, and student dormitories.

A highlight of the week was an excursion to railway engineering sites, where we gained fascinating insight into mechanical engineering in practice and its role in shaping the infrastructure of the future. We also attended a panel discussion featuring five highly accomplished female engineers and IT professionals from diverse fields, who shared deep insights into the challenges and rewards of studying engineering and IT, and the determination required to succeed both in university and in professional life. This experience was not only informative but incredibly inspiring, offering a clear and motivating view of the exciting future that awaits in the world of engineering and IT.
Beatrice Lawson-Acar

After a restful break, it’s great to be back at school and seeing everybody again. The first week has been a nice mix of settling back in, catching up with friends, and getting back into routines. Subject selection is happening this term, and it’s exciting to see everyone choosing subjects they enjoy and that align with their future goals. I’m looking forward to learning more, challenging myself, and making the most of the term ahead!
Alisa Webb

The Year 10s started Semester 2 with a fresh set of subjects and have been settling in well to the new routines. We also welcomed a new student to our year level, which brought some excitement and new energy to the cohort. In the second week, we had a special visit from students of Seibo, our sister school in Kyoto Japan. It was a super fun experience, Japanese students from Years 10 to 12 gave them a tour around Melbourne and they even joined us in some of our classes. It was a great cultural exchange and a highlight of the term so far!
Desh Gonzales

We have started our new subjects for this new semester. Some subjects that have begun are food technology, which has been focusing on a breakfast unit so far: making Eggs Benedict and Savoury Crepes. Sport development students have been studying the anatomy of muscles and bones. Art has been working with ink and literature and is reading Picnic at Hanging Rock. Politics has been focusing on the structure of the government, and biology has been focusing on the structure of the cell. We are all very excited to be starting our new subject and have been enjoying them so far.
Chloe Hamilton

January Ma
Year 10 Leader