The STL Bike Mechanics program provides rewarding experiential opportunities, through immediate feedback, intrinsic motivation, and supportive interactions.
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As a humanities teacher, moving into the world of experiential, hands-on learning through the STL Bike Mechanics program has been eye-opening and rewarding.”
The differences between traditional classroom teaching and this practical approach are striking, and I’d like to highlight a few key observations.
Firstly, the concept of success is notably different. In the history classroom, the teacher sets standards for success in essay writing, communicates these to students, and ultimately determines if these standards have been met. Students rely on my judgment to gauge their success or failure. In contrast, in Bike Mechanics students, being avid cyclists, are able to assess success through a bike’s performance and feel. They can immediately tell if a repair or upgrade has been effective. This hands-on feedback eliminates the role of the teacher in setting, selling, and applying standards of success.
Secondly, motivation differs significantly. In traditional classrooms, students might all too often be driven by grades or teacher approval. In Bike Mechanics, the motivation comes from students’ desire to see a poorly functioning bike transformed into a well-functioning one. Students see and feel the results of their work directly, providing instant gratification (or often frustration, which can be just as motivating!) and eliminating the need for grades or comments from a teacher.
Lastly, the teacher-student relationship shifts. Without needing to set or judge standards, the teacher’s role becomes more about supporting students in achieving goals they themselves recognise as important. This shift fosters a collaborative environment where teachers assist rather than direct, emphasising student autonomy and practical problem-solving.
In summary, the STL Bike Mechanics program has given me a refreshing perspective on education, highlighting the value of immediate feedback, intrinsic motivation, and supportive teacher-student interactions.
By Mark Hodges, Humanities Teacher
St Leonard’s College has been recognised as a ‘School that Excels’ for academic results and social responsibility in The Age’s annual series.
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St Leonard’s College has been recognised as a ‘School that Excels’ in The Age’s annual series, celebrating schools that have shown outstanding improvement in their VCE results over the past decade.”
This accolade highlights the College’s consistent commitment to academic excellence and its ability to elevate student achievement year after year.
The Schools that Excel report provides a comprehensive view of the VCE performance of over 500 Victorian schools, offering insights into each school’s average study scores, high achievers, completion rates, and student pathways. By analysing data from the past 10 years, the interactive dashboard presents a picture of a school’s typical performance, going beyond just the current year’s results.
St Leonard’s College’s inclusion as a winner in this series is a testament to our strong academic record and our dedication to fostering a supportive and high-achieving educational environment. But our success is not just measured in academic achievements; it is also reflected in our deep commitment to social responsibility, epitomised by initiatives like Lennie’s Van.
Lennie’s Van is a beloved part of our College community. Since 2018, the van has travelled to local council estates, where Senior School students from Years 10 to 12 volunteer to deliver fresh fruit, bread, and meals to residents. This initiative is so popular that participation spots are booked out within an hour each term. “It’s like getting tickets to a concert,” says Year 12 Deputy College Captain Emily Conheady of the thrill of securing a spot aboard the van. “When I get asked about what I do at school, I don’t talk about the classes or the camps, but Lennie’s Van.” For many students, the experience aboard Lennie’s Van is the most rewarding part of their College life.
This enthusiasm even inspired students to start a vegetable garden to supply the van with fresh produce. Our Principal, Peter Clague, has continued to champion social responsibility since his arrival in 2022, believing that this commitment to community service is what truly sets St Leonard’s College apart.
In combining academic excellence with a strong sense of community involvement, St Leonard’s College continues to shape the lives of our students and the wider community.
Featured above: St Leonard’s College Principal, Peter Clague, with Senior School student providing Lennie’s Van meal service.
For further information on the Schools that Excel series and Lennie’s Van article please visit The Age online at https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/schools-that-excel-2024-20240813-p5k20v.html
We are proud of our vibrant social responsibility culture, which supports and empowers our students to make a tangible difference, both locally and globally.
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As parents and educators, we aspire to provide our children not just with an exceptional education but with the tools to become compassionate, socially responsible citizens of the world.”
At St Leonard’s College, we believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also a sense of duty towards our communities and the planet we call home. Through a vibrant culture of social responsibility, we empower our students to make a tangible difference, both locally and globally.
A World of Opportunities: Engaging in Social Action
At St Leonard’s, students are not merely spectators in the realm of social responsibility – they are active participants in shaping a brighter future. From local community projects to global initiatives, our students engage in an array of social action endeavours.
Whether it’s volunteering for Lennie’s Van, raising awareness and funding for environmental issues through The Amiel Society, being a part of the Interact Rotary group or advocating for social justice causes, every student has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Beyond the Classroom: Sustainability in Action
Sustainability is not just a concept taught at St Leonard’s – it’s a deep commitment to our shared future. Our campus serves as an evolving living laboratory for environmental stewardship, where students learn by doing. The dedication of our young people is strongly reflected in their remarkable achievements. From conducting comprehensive College sustainability assessments to implementing coffee cup recycling initiatives, and even establishing a vegetable garden for Lennie’s Van, our students are steadfast in their commitment to effecting positive change.
This year, students from our Gardening and Sustainability cocurricular group crafted Leonora, a scarecrow made from reused and recycled materials. We entered her into the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show’s Sustainable Scarecrow School Competition, highlighting the importance of recycling and inspiring our community.
Despite not winning a top spot, we are proud of our students for their enthusiasm and passion towards making our world a better place. Leonora now does a fabulous job of deterring ravens from the College’s new veggie gardens.
A Community of Changemakers: Collaborative Partnerships
At the heart of our commitment to social responsibility lies the power of collaboration. Through partnerships with local organisations and community groups, students gain valuable insights into pressing social and environmental issues. Whether it’s working alongside seasoned activists or engaging in service-learning projects such as through our Year 9 CUE Program, the Big Experience or the Year 4 PYP Exhibition, these partnerships provide students with real-world opportunities to effect meaningful change. Moreover, through collaborative efforts with the Social Action Council, our students continue to secure funds for targeted community projects, addressing pressing needs with ingenuity and compassion. Through these hands-on experiences, they develop a deep understanding of their role in preserving our planet for future generations and creating change for the greater good.
Inspiring Leadership: Student-Led Initiatives
Perhaps most inspiring is the leadership demonstrated by our students. Through student-led clubs and initiatives, they take the reins in driving social action and sustainability efforts. From organising charity drives to spearheading recycling programs from the primary years, our students demonstrate a remarkable sense of initiative and empathy. These experiences not only instil a sense of pride and accomplishment but also lay the foundation for a lifetime of responsible citizenship.
A Transformative Journey: Shaping Future Leaders
At St Leonard’s, social responsibility is a transformative journey that shapes the very essence of who our students are becoming. Through meaningful experiences both inside and outside the classroom, we empower them to embrace their role as agents of positive change in an ever-evolving world. Together, we are creating a community of compassionate, socially conscious individuals who will leave a lasting impact on society, creating a brighter, greener future for all.
*Previously published in the June 2024 edition of Network, the magazine of the St Leonard’s College community.
The start of 2024 has been a dynamic period for the St Leonard’s College Music Department, combining exciting new ventures with our established performance program.
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The first half of the year has brought many exciting performances for our incredible students to shine and showcase their musical talents.”
Richard Gill Memorial Festival of Strings and Keyboard
In March, our Senior Chamber Strings took part in the prestigious Richard Gill Memorial Festival of Strings and Keyboard. Under the expert guidance of Graham Abbott, they joined five other schools’ senior string ensembles to rehearse Saint-Saëns’ Third Symphony (2nd movement), famously known as the Organ Symphony. The intensive Friday evening and Saturday rehearsals were a remarkable opportunity for our students to collaborate and hone their skills.
VCE Top Class Sound Concert
Also in March, two of our outstanding VCE Unit 3/4 Music students from 2023, Jack Raudys and Niklas Soderstrom, were honoured with invitations to present their works at the VCE Top Class Sound Concert. Jack’s composition ‘Galactic Sounds’ written for Wind Ensemble, and Niklas’ piece, ‘Journey of the Silent Hero’, crafted for Big Band, were performed by our Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Big Band 1 at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre. This event highlighted the exceptional talent and creativity within our student body.
Generations in Jazz Festival
In early May, three of our Jazz ensembles participated in the renowned Generations in Jazz Festival. Students showcased their musical prowess, attended inspiring concerts and workshops, and listened to performances by other schools in their respective divisions. We are particularly proud of Jamie, who won Best Lead Trumpet of the competition, and Harrison, who was named a future finalist. Jamie, along with Paddy and Alasdair, also had the distinction of performing in the Division 1 Superband on the festival’s final day.
Ongoing Music Showcases
Our traditional music events have continued to flourish, including the VCE/IBDP Recital, the Term Two Concert Series, the Autumn Recitals for all private music students, and the Solo Artist Competition. This year’s Solo Artist Competition was won by Toby in Year 12, who will perform the first movement of the Lallo Concerto in September with the St Leonard’s Symphony Orchestra.
As we look forward to the next term, we eagerly anticipate more outstanding performances and musical achievements from our talented students. Well done to everyone involved.
The Hart Theatre Company at St Leonard’s College has had an extraordinary year so far, captivating audiences with three outstanding productions to date.
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Each performance has showcased the immense talent and dedication of our students and staff, making this year a memorable one for theatre enthusiasts.”
Middle School Play: Just Macbeth!
The opening night of the Middle School Play on Thursday 20 June, ‘Just Macbeth!’ was an undeniable success, leaving the audience spellbound and brimming with applause. Our student cast delivered their lines with confidence and passion, embodying Shakespearean characters with remarkable maturity. From the serious moments of Shakespeare’s tragic narrative to the comedic antics of the witches, every scene was filled with energy and enthusiasm. The eye-catching set design and lighting added depth to the performance, transporting the audience into the world of medieval Scotland. We congratulate all our incredible cast, crew, and Director Aimee Fraser, who brought this timeless tale to life with such brilliance.
Senior School Musical: Legally Blonde – The Musical
The Senior School’s production of ‘Legally Blonde – The Musical’, which opened on 18 April, was an electrifying spectacle, filled with energy and enthusiasm. As the curtains rose, the stage transformed into a vibrant display of colours, reflecting the effervescent ‘pink’ spirit of Elle Woods and her journey from a sorority girl to a formidable law student. The audience was immediately drawn into Elle’s world, captivated by the infectious melodies, dynamic choreography, and outstanding performances. We congratulate all our incredible performers and musicians and Production Director Vanessa Meehan on the musical’s smashing success!
Senior School Play: Romeo and Juliet
Earlier this year in March, our Senior School students unleashed a riveting take on William Shakespeare’s immortal classic, ‘Romeo and Juliet!’ The raw power of this iconic love saga, infused with a modern edge, held the audience captivated. Amidst the urban chaos of Verona’s graffiti-strewn streets, our adaptation injected a surge of adrenaline into the age-old feud between the Capulets and Montagues, reigniting ancient vendettas and sparking fresh chaos. Against this backdrop of simmering conflict, two star-crossed souls collided in a blaze of passion. This high-octane production featured pulse-pounding fight sequences and a decadent Capulet Ball of epic proportions. It was an unforgettable theatrical experience that left the audience on the edge of their seats. Well done to all of our remarkable performers and to the Director Nathan Armstrong, and Co-Director (Raff Netley OC2022).
Each of these productions has highlighted the incredible talent and hard work of our students and staff, making this year a truly remarkable one for the Hart Theatre Company. We look forward to more spectacular performances in the future!
St Leonard’s College is celebrating a remarkable double victory as our athletics and swimming teams showcased exceptional talent and determination in recent competitions.
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Hard work and teamwork led to fantastic results for our Athletics and Swimming teams.”
ACS Athletics Champions
Our College Athletics team had an outstanding victory at the ACS Athletics on 20 May. Our girls secured first place in their section, and the boys achieved a close second, leading to an overall win. This marks our fourth ACS Athletics title in the last six years, redeeming last year’s narrow defeat to Westbourne. This victory, combined with our ACS Swimming title from term 1, outlined below, highlights our exceptional athletic program. Our students deserve high praise for their performance and sportsmanship. It was a fantastic team effort.
A Decade of Dominance Continues with Tenth Consecutive ACS Championship Title
The St Leonard’s College swimming team clinched their tenth consecutive ACS Swimming Championship title on Tuesday, 12 March, at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. They swept the trophies for Girls, Boys, and Overall Champions, showcasing impressive skill and resilience.
Congratulations to Head Coach Jackson Sainty, our dedicated swimming coaches, and the entire team for their outstanding performance. Standout individual performances include Giselle (Year 12) and Lucy (Year 8), who claimed top honours among female swimmers, and Alex (Year 11), who stood out among male swimmers. Notably, Lucy also broke ACS records in both the 50m and 100m freestyle events.
These victories are a testament to the collective effort and exceptional athletic prowess of our students. Well done to all involved in these historic achievements!
From Equestrian, Snowsports and Sailing to Taekwondo and Aesthetic Sports, our club sport program engages and encourages our students to thrive in their passions.
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St Leonard’s College has a long history of providing members of our community with a variety of sporting opportunities in multiple formats.”
By adopting this approach, students and families gained access to participate in activities that were traditionally not part of the school’s sports offerings. In addition, incorporated sport clubs were formed such as the St Leonard’s College Swimming and Netball Clubs. Notably, the Netball Club was created over 40 years ago to service the need for our netball players to engage in club sporting competitions outside the regular inter-school competition. According to the retired President of the St Leonard’s Collegians Netball Club (SLNC), Sally Dewis, “The club was established in the 1980s by Leanne McLean, a Physical Education teacher at the College, who was a passionate netball player and coach. The club was set up as an inclusive community netball club, welcoming players of all ability levels and from any school, with a particular focus on introducing young players to the sport.”
In 2023, the College embarked on a mission to align all incorporated or community-based programs with those administered directly by the College.
Following the closure of the SLNC, the College stepped in to assume responsibility for maintaining club participation opportunities. Additionally, club programs such as Basketball, Aesthetics Sports, and Swimming were brought under College leadership. A new Head of Club Sport was appointed to oversee these initiatives. Numerous community-based sporting programs have undergone scrutiny to prioritise child safety, maintain the College’s reputation for excellence in the public eye, and emphasise the importance of providing a valuable and fulfilling sports experience across all offerings within the College.
The Club Sports program at St Leonard’s College offers students and families the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of fun, fitness, and friendship. Research widely confirms that children are more likely to sustain their involvement in sports when they find it fun and when they have the opportunity to play with friends or make new ones. The philosophy of the St Leonard’s College Club Sports program is centred around amplifying these two elements while also providing students with the opportunity to increase or maintain their fitness levels while representing the College in a club or school-based competition in our local area.
Families benefit from the convenience of on-campus or nearby training facilities and the assurance that coaches are directly employed by the College, ensuring consistent child safety measures and quality experiences. Moreover, families can rest assured that their child’s well-being is comprehensively supported in this environment, with various avenues available for medical, psychological, and social support. Students enthusiastically embrace the chance to engage in sports beyond school hours while proudly representing the College. Our club sports framework not only fosters the holistic development of our students but also cultivates essential attributes such as leadership, teamwork, communication skills, and accountability, laying a foundation for their continued growth as learners.
There is a stronger oversight of the development not only of skills in each club sport, but also fostering deeper connections between coaches and students, enhancing the leadership of the program. Students from ELC through to Year 12 can participate, with volunteer coaching opportunities available for older students looking to contribute to their sport and gain coaching experience.
With the start of the new year, and many new processes in place, we’re pleased to note that we have 17 teams competing in the Southern Basketball Association (SBA) competition, making us the sole school to do so. Additionally, we have 13 teams competing in the Bayside and Districts Netball Association (BDNA) competition, one of only two schools to do so. Our swimming program, now integrated within the College, offers squad training and learn-to-swim options, and it continues to experience growth while achieving success at both State and National levels. The Aesthetic Sports program continues to flourish within our club framework, with the addition of a new cheer team and expanded offerings in dance troupes and gymnastics.
With over 550 students engaged in the club sports program, spanning from ELC to Year 12, our offerings extend beyond traditional sports to include activities such as Equestrian, Snowsports, Sailing, Strength and Conditioning, Running, and Taekwondo clubs. Moving forward, the College remains committed to regularly reviewing the sports provided to ensure inclusive representation and ample opportunities for every student to discover their passion and thrive.
By Sally Northcroft, Director of Cocurriculum and Christine Mravlek-Bonello, Head of Club Sport
*Previously published in the March 2024 edition of Network, the magazine of the St Leonard’s College community.