Senior Schools' relentless pursuit of improvement
As we near the end of Term 1, it is a great time to reflect on what each of us hopes to achieve this year. At the start of the year, our Principal, Mr Andrew McGregor, challenged staff to embrace "the relentless pursuit of improvement." This is a goal that we can all strive for—whether in academic pursuits, personal growth, or stepping outside our comfort zones. Each of us has the potential to grow and improve.
As Head of Senior School, I witness students rising to new challenges every day—whether in the sporting arena, House competitions, fundraising or striving for academic excellence.
This semester, I have had the privilege of being part of an exciting new initiative: the student leadership team has been developing their public speaking skills through a program inspired by Toastmasters. The growth in their confidence and expertise has been extraordinary.
I encourage every student in the Senior School to set themselves a challenge—one that fosters growth in an area of their schooling at HRS. It might be taking on a leadership role in House Singing, participating in and fundraising for the upcoming World's Greatest Shave, or working towards a higher grade in a subject you find difficult.
We all have the potential to improve, and we must not let fear hold us back. As Robert Collier wisely said, "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
Let’s embrace the challenge and make this year one of growth and achievement.
Kylie Mobilia
Head of Senior School
VCE Biology - Bacterial Transformation Practical
As part of the topic of DNA manipulation techniques, the Unit 3&4 Biology students ‘transformed’ E.coli bacteria with a green fluorescent protein gene from a species of jellyfish.
Under the right conditions, a small circular section of DNA that contains the gene is taken up by the bacterial cells. When grown on a specific sugar medium, the bacteria will synthesis the green fluorescent protein. This allows them to ‘glow’ under a UV light.
The students were successful in their bacterial transformation, which resulted in a number of bacterial colonies taking up the jellyfish gene. The practical investigation allowed the students to understand the process of bacterial transformation and its applications to research and medicine, such as the production of recombinant human insulin.
Linda Hartskeerl
VCE Biology teacher
Year 12 Art Excursion
Recently, the year 12 Art & Exhibiting class had the opportunity to visit the new Charles Darwin University art gallery in the city.
The trip was engaging and gave students the opportunity to facilitate their learning in preparation for their school assessed course work. They viewed artworks from the University’s art collection in its inaugural exhibition titled, “From the Ground Up”. Alumni artists and indigenous artworks were on display and gallery curator, Joanna Barrkman, gave a very informative discussion on how her role contributed to the exhibition. Presentation, conservation, display and themes were discussed, giving students further inspiration for their current Art Journal explorations that are being developed back in their classroom setting.
Students were also very fortunate to be offered a tour of the store and archive area of the art gallery, which allowed students to understand the importance of caring for the artworks in the University’s collection.
Other visits to commercial art galleries in Parap included the Northern Centre of Contemporary Art (NCCA) to view the amazing retrospective by Bill Davies “The Darwin Years”, Outstation Art Gallery and the Laundry Art gallery with indigenous artworks displayed on dazzling pink walls. Their art gallery excursion allowed students to take photos of artworks, write notes on the art gallery displays, and enjoy and enhance their learning involved in HRS Unit 3&4 Art classes.
Anne McMaster
VCE Art & Exhibiting teacher
