What a year we have had, one like no other! In response to the challenges that arose in our community due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers rallied together and developed interesting and engaging activities which were delivered remotely during the lockdown period. Their professional approach to caring for the students was impressive. The Global Studies Department includes the subjects of Legal Studies, Business Studies, Graphic Design, Senior Ancient and Modern History, Geography, History, Civics and Citizenship, Business and Economics, Integrated Humanities, Food Technology and Textiles. With such a diverse range of subjects, we have staff that come with an enormous range of skills, a willingness to collaborate, and the desire to continue their own professional development. This makes our department such a fabulous one!
While we did not have the opportunity to go on many excursions this year, students were involved in a variety of activities with either a visiting presenter or presentations via zoom. These fantastic opportunities included a visit to the National Museum, participation in the Australasian Philosothon and National Constitutional Convention, a musical performance, “Dusted Off” which taught the students about the Vietnam War, the Geography and History competitions, a Fashion illustration workshop, a discussion about Australian solders in Afghanistan presented by one of our parents, and a virtual author talk with Meg Keneally focusing on historical fiction.
At the end of 2019 we reluctantly farewelled Ria Mace, our Food Technology assistant for the past 10 years. Ria brought her expertise and organisational skills to the job which made the running of classes so easy. Many of you also enjoyed all the baked goods that she prepared each day for the canteen café as well as for special functions. Ria is an amazing baker, and her delicious treats are missed by us all. We wish her well in in all her future endeavours. This year we welcomed Benita Kleeman as our kitchen assistant and look forward to taking advantage of her previous skills in baking and her nutritional knowledge. We also welcomed Rebecca Coleman and Nicola Bartasek to the Global Studies department. They have provided new vitality to our curriculum. We also would like to thank Sue Paton for stepping in to cover Vikki Meyers on long service leave in Term 1. Sue is always keen to take on any challenges and is a thorough and diligent teacher.
I would like to thank all the staff for their generous support this year and wish them all a Merry Christmas and a safe and restful holiday.
Coordinator: Corinne Preston Staff: Susan Anderson, Gregory Baines, Jen Baines, Louisa Barnsley, Nicola Bartasek, Diana Davis, Karen Evans, Natalie Fairfax, Clare Freeman, Liza Laird, Andrea McNamara, Kerry McDonnell, Andrea McNamara, Virginia McLeod, Vicki Meyers, Nikki Passchier, Dr Stephen Powell, Agi Ryan, Trish Young
Corinne Preston
Global Studies Coordinator
