In Sustainability, students have explored the topics of food and water, transport, and biodiversity as well as honing their skills in the kitchen garden. 

A picture really is worth a thousand words, so rather than filling these Science pages with my ramblings, beyond a few noteworthy achievements, I will let these images portray what has happened in the Science Department for 2022. 

This year saw change continue within the Religious Education Department! More of our staff undertook Catalyst training and this has resulted in important changes to teaching practice that have been welcomed by the students in all year levels – daily reviews and full student participation are part of lessons. All teachers have used the SEQTA learning management system, resulting in greater access for students and parents to daily lessons materials, assessment tasks and feedback.

The year was the closest we’ve had to a normal year for some time, but I feel the cumulative effects of lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 have shown through in our students’ understanding of Mathematics.

For the Languages Department, 2022 has been a year of promise. After 2 years of being largely cut off from the world, languages teaching staff are excited by the gradual reopening of borders and the opportunity to expand the horizons of our students internationally. We have been working with World Education Programs Australia who offer exchange programs for students in Years 10-12 and will also be seeking host families in and around the ACT soon.

The beginning of the year is always busy, preparing and distributing over 1,700 textbooks within the first few weeks. With an unexpected change in staff, it is with thanks to Mrs. Kim Hekimian who kept all staff and students happy, meeting their textbook needs. Term 1 also saw us engaged and celebrating being back at school, displays were created. We set up the WIDE reading program and began the database and research lessons.

2022 has been a year of wonderful endeavours for Inclusive Education at Merici College. With the ever-growing team of professionals we have seen The Hub, our central location, become a consistent hive of activity for students from across all year groups needing additional support. This space houses many varying aspects of improving learning for students.

CSA’S ROLE

Health and Physical Education (HPE) in 2022 has brought many challenges with the everchanging and evolving COVID-19 restrictions, but we have been delighted to welcome several new staff members to the Department.

The Global Studies Department at Merici is unique in that it houses a wide variety of subjects across the Humanities and Technologies learning areas. As an IB school, our students enjoy rich inquiry-based learning across both curriculum areas, grounded in real world contexts and supported by our work in Catalyst High Impact Teaching Practices.

That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” (F. Scott Fitzgerald)