This year has been a busy and memorable one for the Science Department, filled with achievements, adventures, and a few exciting changes to our teaching spaces.
One of the most heart-warming events was celebrating Jess Lacey’s wedding in March, a joyful occasion that brought smiles all round. We wish Jess and her husband all the very best in their future together. The Department (along with some token Maths teachers) also proved their brainpower beyond the lab benches, dominating the P&F Trivia Night for the second year running. Inspiration for the win came from the desire to beat the Marist College table, with much encouragement from our Principal Mrs. Masters, whose husband was on the Marist team.
Creativity shone during Book Week, when the Science team came together dressed as colourful Lego bricks, delighting students across the school while choking on fumes from spray paint in the spirit of “book your own adventure”.
Behind the scenes, the science area had a bit of a makeover, with Room 208 gaining much anticipated new walls, while the Science staffroom eagerly awaits fresh carpet. We are also looking forward to the installation of reverse-cycle heating and cooling in the downstairs labs which will be a welcome upgrade that will keep experiments running smoothly in every season and Mrs. Goss’ tin foil hat from over-heating.
In the classroom, our students have continued to show their curiosity and creativity. Senior Chemistry students put their forensic hats on, applying their knowledge to analyse a hypothetical crime scene in a unique and engaging assessment task. The new senior Health Science course proved to be a popular choice, running for the first time this year. Meanwhile, students took part in a range of incursions and excursions, including a memorable visit to the National Dinosaur Museum by Earth & Environmental Science (EES).
Across the junior years, Science was full of hands-on experiences. Year 7 ventured out to Cotter Dam as part of their IDU project on water management, giving them real-world insights into sustainability. The Low Variance Curriculum (LVC) was introduced to Year 7 ably guided by Ms. Barry. Year 8 students capped off their unit on chemical change vs physical change by making sherbet, a practical and tasty way to bring Chemistry to life. Year 9 gained an understand of radiation half-life and were delighted when they were allowed to eat their experiment at the end (M&Ms). Year 10 were given a taste of what is to come by sitting semester exams, an unsavoury experience for some.
The Big Science Competition and Science Olympiad exams once again highlighted the talent in our school, with many students earning high achievement awards. The senior Chemistry class participated in the RACI Chemistry Titration competition once again supported by Ms. Lacey, who willingly gave up her time to train and accompany our students at the competition.
Wednesday Science tutoring continued to grow in popularity, although it was often hard to find a Science teacher for help on the days when the restaurant was open.
Staffing in Science remained relatively stable. Ms. Emma Goodwin joined the team for a short while in Term 1, and we whole heartedly welcomed Mr. Jason Smith at the beginning of Semester 2.
Much appreciation and thanks go out to the Science team of 2025:
Mrs. Jo Aboud: 7-8 Science, Biology, Earth and Environmental Science.
Ms. Erin Barry: 7-8 Science, Biology, Health Science, Sustainability.
Ms. Chammy DeSilva: 7-10 Science, Biology
Mrs. Vicki Goss: 9-10 Science, Chemistry, Engineering
Ms. Sonia Johnston: 8-10 Science, Health Science
Ms. Jess Morgan: Chemistry
Mrs. Kath Morris: 7-10 Science
Ms. Jodie Muldoon: Psychology
Mrs. Carolyn Stanhope: 7-10 Science
Dr. Tom White: 10 Science, Physics, Engineering
Mrs. Teena Zorzi: Psychology
A huge thank you also goes out to Ms. Kylie Olsthorn (HPE Coordinator) and Mr. Tristian Beltrame who taught junior Science when our need was great and Sonia Johnston who stepped in when Jo Aboud had to take leave to have surgery. We also would not survive teaching science without our wonderful Lab Technicians Ms. Cathryn Lambert and Mr. Dylan Craven.
It’s been a year of scientific success, collaboration, and community – with plenty more to look forward to in 2026.
Best wishes to everyone.
Mrs. Jo Aboud
Science Coordinator
