Vision Splendid Issue 66 April 2017 - abpat.qld.edu.au · most powerful weapon which you can use to...

Issue 66 April 2017

A.B. Paterson College

Vision Splendid

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Vision Splendid is produced quarterly by A.B. Paterson College.

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Vision Splendid

Contents

14-15

10-11

08-09

20-21

04 Shave For A Cure Congratulations to our College Community

in raising an impressive $25,554.80 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

05 Principal’s Comment06-07 MUNA Musings A rich opportunity for senior students

to learn more about the role of the UN and our international community at the Model United Nations Assembly.

08-09 Working towards gender parity

Be Bold for a Change is the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, marking a call to action in accelerating gender parity.

10-11 Delve into Dreamtime A trip to the Jellurgal Cultural Centre offers

a practical insight into the spirituality and society of the Yugambeh Aboriginal people, as part of the Year 4 study of The First Australians.

12-13 Delegates today – Global leaders tomorrow

The Australia - ASEAN Youth Forum gives student ‘delegates’ a chance to deepen their understanding of what it means to be a global citizen.

14-15 Almost like winning the lottery

From an OP10 to PhD, Juliette Tobias-Webb almost did not take the OP pathway.

16-17 The name is Bond. James Bond.

With all the glitz and glamour of a scene from Casino Royale, this year’s Formal is always an unforgettable evening of togetherness.

18-19 “Speech is power: Speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.”

Rebecca Tannenbaum loves public speaking. Here she shares her success in the Lions Youth of the Year competition, together with her Regional Finals winning speech.

20-21 Outward Bound – Inward Story

More than just a week spent camping, Outward Bound is a journey of self-discovery, with time spent reflecting on true potential and goal setting.

22-23 All the Fun of the Fair There really is nothing like the atmosphere

of a busy fair – so much to see and do – a complete day of family fun.

16-17


Shave For A Cure


From the PrincipalFOCUS

“We inhabit a universe characterised by diversity.”

Desmond Tutu

Diversity is a fundamental property and an essential ingredient of the universe. We rely on the diversity of materials to enable the development of materials with different properties, and the ability to behave in different ways under specified conditions. Despite now leading this wonderful College, I have never lost my passion for chemistry and, indeed, my amazement in the way that chemists, engineers and others manipulate the diversity in materials for new and wonderful purposes.

We do not have an endless list of elements available to us, but the way these are bonded, configured and mixed produces an endless range of materials with properties that enable us to create great diversity. Take the humble piece of coal – simply a lump of carbon – but, arranged differently, the same atoms can form the most beautiful diamond. We appreciate diversity – try giving the ‘love of your life’ a coal ring and see the response you get!

Imagine if all homes were exactly the same; if every restaurant served the same type of food; if you could only buy one make of car, and they were all white; or all of our clothes were only made in one colour. How would we express our individuality? Although we may not give conscious thought to this issue, we all express our personalities and our individuality through our choices, how we engage with others, and in all that we do in our lives.

If we appreciate the opportunity to express our individuality, should we not expect and welcome others to do exactly the same? The last few years have seen growing social tensions in our country, and it is important we are clear on the social capital that we wish to build as a Nation. I welcome diversity in all of its wonderful variety, but do not agree with the removal or the diminishment

of the many traditions that have played an historical part in the lives of Australians for generations.

Recently, I heard of someone complaining about the tradition of giving Easter chocolates. Whilst their argument was flawed in the misinterpretation of historical facts, the simple truth is that this is a time celebrated by many in Australia. Some do so from a position of personal faith, and others simply celebrate the time as a period of new life, new opportunity, or simply renewal. I take the position that should individuals not wish to participate, they need not. Diversity is a wonderful attribute of our country, and it should open our hearts and minds to new and wonderful celebrations and opportunities, but it should never prevent individuals from celebrating their own, time-honoured traditions.

There are times when I am disappointed by the harsh words spoken by individuals, the open discrimination that is sometimes evident in our society, and the lack of kindness demonstrated by some in our broader society. At times like these, I do find comfort in the words from the great minds of our time. Desmond Tutu is one such inspirational person and he reminds us that, “We inhabit a universe characterised by diversity.” This is something we should celebrate and promote.

Another one of my favourite writers is Nelson Mandela, who stated that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In a discussion about diversity and discrimination, interestingly our young people find our generation lacking in vision, fearing diversity, and the ones who create the discrimination in the world. Education is a powerful catalyst for the development of critical thought, the sharing of ideas, philosophy, and free thought,

leading to the formation of a moral compass through the open examination of concepts and ideologies. If our young people are correct, it is my hope that as a result of their education and their concept of society, they will start to reduce such conflict in the future.

Our students display tremendous courage in the examination and discussion of difficult societal issues and the conviction in standing up for their beliefs. They celebrate diversity and learn the life story of people from all corners of the world. It is this approach and the enquiring nature of our pedagogy, Teaching for Understanding, that promotes their ability to question, consider, examine and then draw conclusions from their understanding of the world.

I am very proud of our students and their willingness to assist others in need and to never let diversity be a tool of fear. I commend this edition of Vision Splendid to you and trust you will see a glimpse of the courage and conviction of our wonderful students.

Brian Grimes Principal


Recognised as one of the youth debating events of the year, the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) affords students an opportunity to hone their public speaking skills and diplomacy, and stretch participants’ thinking to consider ideas and issues from various perspectives of the international community. Serving as an excellent platform to explore interests in oration, law, humanities' studies and international politics, A.B. Paterson College entered two teams in the 2017 competition.

Traditionally held at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre, the Gold Coast regional Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) gathered at Pacific Coast Christian School auditorium this year, where senior school students from south-east Queensland represented nations from across the globe, in a simulation of the real world experience of a UN General Assembly.

Early on Saturday morning, 25 March, six A.B. Paterson College senior students represented China and the United Kingdom at Rotary District 9640’s Model United Nations Assembly. Students demonstrated their talents in debating and diplomacy, mediating

resolutions on the Syrian crisis, climate change and refugee migration from their assigned country’s point of view.

Proceedings opened with the traditional flag ceremony, before students adopted the role of ‘delegates’ and engaged in lively and passionate debate. Tight time limits for speeches were strictly enforced, as diplomatic notes relevant to the debate were passed between countries. Our Chinese d e l e g a t e s , Abigail Marshall, Nicholas Bassett and Lucas Dugdale listened attentively and spoke with dignity, clarity and conviction. The students worked hard to gain the support

of other nations and successfully blocked a number of amendments on the day. Lucas Dugdale had the honour of delivering the last address to the

assembly for the competition, wowing the room with his poetic final words.

The A.B. Paterson College team representing the UK –

Parsha Mia, Theresa Wang and Katy Denney – gracefully

made their MUNA speaking debut, while learning about the function of the United Nations. The students each spoke exceptionally well and participated

as authentic representatives of

the UK. They enjoyed the opportunity to challenge their thinking, including debating the emergency resolution regarding North Korea’s nuclear testing in the South China Sea.

MUNA Musings


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THE ART OF PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE. IT’S WHAT WE DO.BRUCE LYNTON JAGUAR

“It was simply eye opening. It was amazing to see different cultures across the globe as the competitors dressed as the nations they represented and decorated their tables based on their country. It was challenging, but absolutely a unique experience. We need to have a deep knowledge about global issues and international relationships, so we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes, in order to express our stance on the resolution and respond to the statements put forward by other countries.”

Theresa Wang

A special thank you to Coomera Valley Rotary Club, for their generosity in sponsoring our students to participate.

At the end of the day, students were richer from the opportunity to deepen their awareness of the role of the United Nations in mediating international issues, and deserving of a high commendation for their oratory endeavours.

Kymberly Hampton on behalf of ATD Faculty


International Women’s Day (IWD, March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. We celebrate, congratulate and reward women who work hard for us to live in a fair and equal world. Their efforts do not go unnoticed. Whilst there is a closing of the gender inequality gap in today’s society, there is still much to do. This year, IWD asked the world’s people to Be Bold For Change. IWD commemorates those women who demonstrate justice, dignity, hope, equality and, “can be as an important catalyst and vehicle for driving greater gender change for women and moving closer to gender parity.” (https://www.

internationalwomensday.com/Theme)

At the IWD Youth Leadership Breakfast, Forum and Award Presentation, besides the prestigious overall Leadership Award, there are other categories of award: • The Performing Arts award• The Community Service award• The Sports Leadership award• The Social Justice award• The IT Innovation Award

There are also encouragement awards determined by t h e judging panel.

Katy Denney and Jordan Dysart were honoured to be nominated for their respective Highly Commended awards in the Performing Arts and IT Innovation categories.

Being nominated for the Performing Arts leadership award was a dream come true, as doing something you love and inspiring other people to do what they love is what you live for in life. Before this, I never really thought of myself as an active leader – more like a passive one. I would help people when they needed it, and when they did not need it fade into the background. In the application process, it asked who inspired us and I nominated Emma Watson. My reason

for this choice is because her life as a celebrity does not affect her values of gender equality and, even though she

Working towards gender parity


has constant media attention, instead of blowing it off as an annoyance, she uses it to create awareness for her cause. By just filling in those 30 words, I taught myself a new ideal: if you have attention that can influence others, do not ignore it, but use it to better the lives of others. It enabled me to become a more confident leader in my school and community, and to stand up for what I believe in.

Playing ‘Kelsi’ last year in the musical really thrust me into a leadership position that I was not used to. Throughout the rehearsals, more people talked to me about the musical and their interests, and engaging in conversation became easier and easier as my horizons broadened. Being able to influence anyone positively is very rewarding and I have now developed an appreciation for people whose job it is to inspire.

Another application question that made me think was, ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ I had always thought that after high school, I would take a gap year in New York City, and this question made me think more about my dream. I leave school in just under two years, and not once have I thought about how I was actually going to get to NYC! Other questions arose. Would I come back to Australia? Would I go to the UK or Europe, or stay in America, or some other country to study science? The question inspired me to narrow down what I want to do in the future and how I want that future to look. Whereas I still have no idea what I want to do when I leave school, I do know I will still be playing music and aiming to inspire as many people as I can.

Being inspiring is all one can ever really be. Being nominated for the International Women’s Day Awards really inspired my resolve to become the best leader I can be. I believe that receiving this award should be a push in the direction of inspiring and commemorating my

efforts in the performing arts. Whether inspiring people about the performing arts, or their dreams and ambitions, I know the world is about to change for the better. Big issues like gender equality still hang over us, but it is not enough for a few influential people to try to make a change; there must be active participation throughout the world.

Katy Denney, Year 11

Being nominated for the IT Innovation award category for film and photography was a complete honour and privilege that I was thankful to receive. Before this event, however, I had never really seen myself as a leader, or really anyone that special. I just saw myself as an average person who expresses her personal beliefs and concerns through film and photography. Reflecting back on the application, I remember one of the questions asking about who inspired us as young female leaders, and I wrote down Frida Kahlo. I believe Frida Kahlo is an inspiration due to her free nature, political views on society, as well as her determined attitude to succeed in a field where it is still mostly male dominated. By filling out those 30 words and answering the question to the best of my ability, I have taught myself an important lesson. Everyone has the power to change the world; it is whether you choose to use the power for the greater good. This has enabled me to become a more confident leader in my school and community and to stand up for what I believe is right.

My greatest achievement would have to be when media crew was accepted into the school community a g a i n . The idea of not only running the club, but also promoting it and organising people to take photos/

videos for certain events has pushed me out of my boundaries and into a completely new leadership style that I have never been in before. At first, I was nervous about the whole situation, being fairly introverted. The whole idea of talking to people I have never talked to before scared me, but as I continued through the term and grew to know and understand these amazing people better, I realised how important it is to talk to other people and to expand my horizons. I realised also that some people suffer the same struggles that I have faced in the past, allowing me to understand the importance of speaking out for those who cannot speak for themselves.

One of the main questions asked in the application form was, ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ If I am generally true to myself, I hope that in five years I am able to raise political awareness towards certain topics through film, as well as being able to work for Channel 9.

I would highly encourage young females to take this amazing opportunity to not only have the privilege to talk with industry professional women, but also to understand and acknowledge how far we have come as a community in order to gain equal rights. Therefore, the International Women’s Day Breakfast was an inspirational event filled with joy and celebration.

Jordan Dysart, Year 12

The World Economic Forum predicts the gender gap will not close entirely until 2186. This is too long to wait. What can you do to influence the movement towards gender parity?


Year 4 students ventured out of the classrooms and embarked on a journey of discovery, learning about the Aboriginal history of the Gold Coast and meeting its traditional land owners at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre Burleigh Heads.

With the focus of the Year 4 HaSS unit being The First Australians, the excursion provided the children with accurate and practical insight into the spirituality and society of the Yugambeh Aboriginal people, the custodial owners of the Gold Coast and one of the oldest living cultures in the world.

The children were able to delve into the experiences, culture and Dreamtime stories of Aboriginal people before the first European settlers arrived at

their doorstep. They discovered how Indigenous people were linked to the land in every aspect of their lives, including the types of food they ate, why they moved around, their shelter, clothing, tools and weapons, as well as in their art.

Initially trekking to the picturesque beach, we witnessed traditional Aboriginal dancing and didgeridoo playing performed to welcome and celebrate people, and to pay respect to animals. We all joined in and were able to experience these dances. Students’ hands were then painted with a welcome symbol using ochre.

Walking along the beachside rainforest walkway and trails that wrap around the magical mountain known as Jellurga, or as we call it today Burleigh

Headlands, was a special highlight. We saw a midden full of seashells, pandanus trees that Aboriginal people used to make fishing nets, and the intriguing rock fingers sticking out of the mountain. These rock fingers were part of a Dreamtime story explaining why Burleigh Headland is called Jellurgal in Yugambeh, the Aboriginal language of this area.

The following Tuesday, Mrs Marsh cooked up a delicious barbecue comprising the traditional indigenous meats, emu and crocodile. While some were initially a little apprehensive, students were soon coming back for seconds.

After this unique and wonderful cultural experience, students completed reflections.

Delve into Dreamtime


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Delve into Dreamtime

When we arrived, we wandered towards the beach to watch an Aboriginal welcoming dance. When they had finished, the men spilt us into groups of girls and boys to imitate traditional Indigenous dances. The girls’ dance moves were to imitate women picking berries, whilst the boys shook their legs side to side as they imitated hunting animals. We heard some Dreamtime stories and got insight into Indigenous culture. It was a great day and lots of fun! Deeva Hero

What I liked most about going to Jellurgal was that we were able to see how true, traditional Aboriginal people lived, when and where they hunted, and the dances they did. Before they did

each dance, they would tell us about it, and sometimes some facts about their culture. Avalon Pease

We saw lots of nature, including bush turkeys, a midden that the Aboriginals used for around 6000 years and we learnt how they used the plants. At the other end of the mountain, we listened to a Dreamtime story about a giant named Jabreen, who was buried in the mountain. Terry Kim

I liked the BBQ and eating kangaroo and crocodile, but I didn’t like that we couldn’t get any emu because Ms Sterry

said it was the best. I also liked the part where we got to have lunch on the beach and play on the beach as well. The best bit was when we went bushwalking on the mountain and saw some broken boats and bush turkeys. The view was awesome because you could see the whole of the beach from up there! It was the best excursion yet!

Megan Nicolaysen

Dana Anders, Caitlin Sterry, Robert Timms, Amanda Wallis – Year 4 Teachers


The ASEAN Youth Forum provides attendees with the opportunity to participate in an, "interactive simulation designed to deepen students’ understanding of what it means to be a global citizen by developing their knowledge of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia’s relationship with the region." (http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/programmes/go-global-programs/australia-asean-youth-forum).

Katy Denney, Parsha Mia, Rachel Hoch, Jack Shi, Adrian Rajkamal and Aathavan Subakumar attended the Australia-ASEAN Youth Forum at Saint Stephen’s College. The mock ASEAN Conference focused on the topics of climate change, refugees and trade.

“On the day, we created and passed clauses, potentially improving the predicament of the countries. While planning for the day, we split into groups of two, one for each topic, and found some very alarming facts. Our country, Indonesia, made up of over 15,000 islands is the largest emitter of greenhouse gasses in the world, and one of the most susceptible to climate change (especially the fishing industry). Indonesia also has a major surplus of transit refugees and not enough resources to accommodate them, hence why we encouraged Australia to accept more. Currently, there is a large gap between the west and the ASEAN community. Hopes for the future include trading partners that are more diverse, ultimately to minimise the economic divide between nations.”

Delegates today – Global leaders tomorrow

Katy Denney

As Australia is one of the most stable economies in the world with a low population, I never really considered the situation in the ASEAN States. During the preparation for the conference, we started to understand the struggle that the ASEAN economies have balancing world problems (such as climate change, trade and refugees), and managing their own countries through political struggles and overpopulation. Taking the stance of Indonesia, along with their refugee and climate change struggles, really opened up our eyes to the problems of the future and how our generation will be the ones to fix them. It gave us a glimpse of the future and enabled us to start preparing for what is to come.


Adrian Rajkamal

I had never really been interested in politics, but with recent global events, I began to develop an interest in the field. The Australia-ASEAN Youth Forum was quite a surprising experience for me, as I was not too sure what to expect. The informative and rigorous debates, as well as the presentations made, played hand-in-hand to foster an active sense of learning that taught me about politics and strengthened my knowledge of concepts that will be crucial to me in the future. I would like to thank the College for offering me such an amazing opportunity.

Parsha Mia

The ASEAN youth forum was a valuable educational experience that highlighted the strong relationships between countries and the current issues afflicting the Indo-Pacific nations. As one of the two group members selecting involvement with the refugee committee, I collaborated with delegates from other ASEAN nations to address the subject of asylum seekers. Together, we developed and proposed a number of clauses related to improving the resettlement, processing, transport and condition of irregular migrants, all of which were passed in the final assembly. Overall, my participation in this convention broadened my understanding of the growing ASEAN nations, and Australia’s relationship with them, in a way that was thoroughly enjoyable and engaging.

Jack Shi

The ASEAN Youth Forum was really an enjoyable experience. From this, I have gained a much better understanding of the political world and foreign relations. The day started with an inspirational speech from the Honourable Secretary General. Then each country presented an address about where they currently stood with the three big issues: Trade, Refugees and Global Warming. I was a member of the refugee committee. The refugee committee representing Indonesia, a transit country for refugees, asked Australia to take in more refugees. Indonesia would provide basic education and health facilities to the refugees and asylum seekers; however, it would be unable to sustain large number of refugees for a long period due to its economy and population numbers. This led to the next stage of the day whereby we discussed the refugee issue with the representatives from other countries.

Aathavan Subakumar

The 2017 ASEAN Youth Forum hosted by Saint Stephen’s College provided students with a critical insight into the intergovernmental co-operation required of nations to solve issues pertaining to climate change, trade and refugees. Students became delegates for their assigned nation, ours being Indonesia, and were tasked with negotiating a mutual agreement between other ASEAN member states and Australia on one of the three

aforementioned subjects. With Adrian Rajkamal, I was assigned to the trade committee, where we negotiated with other nations to establish common ground in the form of the petroleum, education, technology and automotive markets. The result was a clause promoting the reduction of tariffs on these particular markets, allowing for low-cost, easy trade between ASEAN states, enabling the expansion of infrastructure and improvement of education medians within the region. The convention broadened my understanding of the interdependence of Southeast Asian nations and Australia, proving itself to be an invaluable educational experience for the future of the current generation.

Rachel Hoch

Attending the ASEAN Youth Forum for 2017 broadened my worldview and expanded my knowledge on various nations’ political stances concerning climate change, trade and refugees. It was fascinating to be involved in the negotiations between various countries, as we strived to establish mutually agreeable terms that functioned to combat the effects of climate change. This opportunity opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of the ASEAN countries, and even further abroad, and was an amazing educational experience, highlighting the role that the youth of today will play in the years to come. As Alfian Mahardika (International Student Ambassador for Queensland originating from Indonesia) expressed to us on the day, “You have the capability to be the global leaders of the future.”


Almost like winning the lottery

?

Juliette Tobias-Webb graduated from Year 12 in 2005 with an OP10 – an academic pathway that, at one time, she was not even sure that she wanted to travel. Now Dr Juliette Tobias-Webb, this is her amazing must-read story of dedication, commitment and sheer hard work to achieve her dream of attending one of the world’s leading universities to complete her PhD.

I attended A.B. Paterson College from Years 8-12. It is funny reminiscing about my time at school, because I was not always academically inclined. From Years 8-10, I was heavily involved in sport, both within and outside of the school, and often struggled to complete my assignments and homework on time. In Year 10, I trialled a few internships, as I was not sure I was going to go for an OP. It was not until Year 11 that I started to apply myself academically, and became really immersed in the school community. I decided to try debating and public speaking, ran a number of Junior School events, and became a College Leader in Year 12. A.B. Paterson College provided me with the opportunities and support to explore a wide range of interests and to develop as a young adult. To be an actual leader, as opposed to just participating in leadership activities, definitely helped with my future applications. Another learning ‘gift’ that still resonates with me is the level of respect and professionalism the school taught me. Standing up when someone enters a room and shaking someone’s hand with confidence are without doubt powerful attributes.

What course did you take at university level?

I really had no idea what I wanted to do when I began university. I had always been interested in Psychology and Sports, so I decided to apply for a double degree in Exercise Science and Psychology at Griffith University. That year I truly excelled in my studies and, at the end of the year, I was awarded a scholarship to attend Bond University based on my academic results. There, I continued my studies in Psychology and was awarded First Class Honours. During my time at Bond University, I became really fascinated by how the brain works in terms of sensation, perception and decision-making.

What attracted you to complete your PhD overseas?

I had always wanted to travel overseas and, during my time at Bond, it became a dream of mine to further my education at one of the world’s leading universities. Cambridge University is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world, particularly for psychology so, obviously, that was a motivating factor. My inclination to go there determined me to apply only to Cambridge. I was eager to learn from very brilliant minds and be involved in a department that encourages collaborations between psychology and neuroscience. The history associated with Cambridge, and the freedom to be able to be yourself, no matter who you are, really stood out for me.


How difficult was it to be accepted into Cambridge University?

I definitely feel the pathway towards acceptance into Cambridge was challenging, but achievable all at the same time. I would not say that I am naturally intelligent; rather I worked hard towards my goals. I spent many early mornings, late evenings and weekends at Griffith and Bond Universities. When I required assistance, I reached out to as many people as I could, and I published as much as I could. The most nerve-racking part of the admission process was waiting for confirmation of a scholarship. Considering the number of applicants, I remember my supervisor telling me, ‘It is almost like winning the lottery.’ I cannot even describe how overwhelmed I was with excitement, and truly honoured, to receive confirmation of an Australian Cambridge Trust Poynton Scholarship. I was going to one of the world’s best universities … and I was not even going to sit the OP exams!

What are the stand-out experiences for you as a post graduate student there?

Cambridge is truly beautiful and a very inspiring place to live, and the university is designed in a way that makes you proud to be studying there. In each college, you have porters that greet you on a regular basis, huge grounds often full of animals, trees over 200 years old, and buildings designed across centuries that previously housed people such as John Harvard and Thomas Young. College libraries and departments are open 24/7 and you are often invited to attend ‘formal halls’, where you consume a three course meal in a gown (a little extravagant!). During the term time, Cambridge becomes very

busy. There are often guest lectures to attend, both within and outside your department, a huge range of co-curricular activities to choose from, college events,

plus PhD work to finish.

I feel the stand-out experience for me was the number of international students that you meet at a graduate level; all with different experiences, perspectives and aspirations. Hearing their thoughts and insights about different topics gave me a truly global perspective on events impacting the world, and an appreciation for diversity. In the second year of my PhD, I was able to complete a Research Fellowship at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. My experience in Vancouver was fantastic – it is truly a lifestyle city! The calibre of gambling research in Canada is also very high.

What excited you about your choice of thesis? Why do you consider it to be important research?

At Cambridge, I studied the interaction between simultaneous alcohol use and gambling behaviour, with a specific focus on gambling related cognitive distortions (irrational beliefs during play). I found the topic interesting because, even though I know about cognitive distortions, I am still completely fallible to them. These distortions are so resistant to learning, and this is what makes the topic so fascinating (for me) to study.

In terms of the importance of my research, from a policy perspective, I believe it is extremely important to understand how alcohol and gambling interact, and how alcohol influences decision-making more broadly. Few studies have examined the interaction between the two behaviours, and none in an actual gambling setting. We really need more insight into the two behaviours.

Where to next? What is your ultimate goal or dream job?

Honestly, I am still working out what my dream job looks like. I love teaching and public speaking, so that will always be a part of my career, and I am always looking for speaking opportunities. I also wish to continue working within the field of ‘behavioural science’; integrating and applying research from psychology, behavioural economics and neuroscience to real world behavioural problems. Behavioural science is such a fascinating

and impactful new field that is quite large overseas and beginning to take off here in Australia. I am also heading back to Sydney for a while as my sister has recently had a baby, and I have not spent nearly enough time with her. But my travelling days are not over! I love exploring new places, meeting new people and learning about different cultures.

What advice would you give to students about reaching for their own goals?

It is important to be yourself. Watch, experiment and learn – and then do what feels right for you. It is okay not to know where you want to go next, just keep moving forward and ticking interests (or expected interests) off your list.

I genuinely believe that if you are passionate about a goal and are willing to persevere, you will achieve it, even if you fail the first few times. There are always ways in, and if one opportunity falls through, you can always create others. I spend a lot of my time emailing people, trying to attend conferences and events, and applying for new courses – it can be exhausting, but it is also the reason I have been able to get where I am today, and have been involved in many exciting (and unexciting) opportunities along the way.

There is definitely a message for all of us in Juliette’s inspirational story and we thank her for sharing it with us. We wish her well as she moves on to the next stage of her career – wherever in the world that may take her, as she continues to work out exactly what her dream job looks like. Keep us posted, Juliette!

This has been another amazing A.B. Paterson College alumnus story.


The name is Bond. James Bond.

The 2017 A.B. Paterson College Formal was held at the Hope Island Links Resort, where a night filled with loud laughter, mouth-watering food and lively dancing took place. 18 February marked a momentous day for the Class of 2017 – after eagerly watching and waiting for years, finally our turn had come! Preparations had been well underway months before the event, and, in the week approaching the date, the excitement radiating off each student was felt throughout the school corridors.

On the evening of the 18th, many were surprised by the incredible number of spectators who had come to watch the walk-ins. The revving of car engines could be heard from miles away, as the Year 12 students did not fail to entertain the crowd. The flashing cameras, roaring onlookers and glamorous red-carpet entrances all added to the magical, unforgettable experience. The glitz and glamour of the entire evening was reinforced by our theme:

James Bond, Casino Royale. The Formal Committee’s endless efforts certainly met our high expectations, and the décor wowed us all. The classic black scheme, with accents of red, white and gold, created an air of sophistication and maturity.

There were several extraordinary moments throughout the night; namely, the beautiful rendition of Miley Cyrus’s, The Climb, which was performed by the Year 12 Music Class. Our hearts warmed in those moments, as we were given the opportunity to slow down, and appreciate all the memories we had made together over the years.

That night marked a milestone in our journey together.

“No matter how cliché it sounds, Formal was the best night I have experienced. It was so special to spend the night with one another, making memories that we will cherish forever,” said Vanessa Mihov.

We spent most of the evening dancing and connecting with one another. Mr Andrews astonished us with his incredible break-dancing talent, which we witnessed numerous times throughout the night.

There were countless cohort renditions of classic songs such as, Dancing in Moonlight, as well as the crowd favourite: Justin Bieber’s, Baby.

Antonia Piao recalls, “It really was everything I expected and more. A phenomenal evening, spent with life-long friends.”

Perhaps the most unforgettable moment was our ending performance of the College song following the balloon drop. Each student sang at the top of their lungs, arm in arm, side-by-side - a truly remarkable instant. As the evening concluded, every single student left the venue smiling.

As Aaron Dirkx declared, “It was definitely a night to remember.”

Ezza Khan – Year 12


For several years now, I have watched those before me enter and achieve in the prestigious Lions Youth of the Year Competition. Hosted by a variety of Lions Clubs across Australia, Year 11 and 12 students are afforded the opportunity to compete in a challenging competition.

The competition involves a variety of facets. Entrants are first nominated by their schools and are then required to fill in an entry form that probes a variety of areas in the students’ lives; such as academics, co-curriculum, community involvement, sporting and more. Students are assessed on these areas, as well as on their personality in an interview, a prepared speech and impromptu questions.

In each of the four rounds that I was fortunate to compete in, I attended a 30-40 minute interview where I was asked questions about myself, questioned about my entry form and asked a variety of questions about societal issues. I was required to answer with an evaluation and an opinion

on the matters. In each round, I also presented a five minute prepared speech and answered two impromptu questions, where I was required to speak for two minutes in response to each. Such questions included opinions on domestic violence, animal welfare, drug usage and the importance of money in our society. I was then scored on all these elements of the competition, as well as my academic and co-curricular achievements and involvement expressed previously on the entry form.

The breakdown of my rounds is as follows:

Ashmore Club Competition: Overall and Public Speaking

WinnerZone Final: Finalist

Gold Coast Region: Overall Winner

District Finals

It was a truly humbling experience and proud moment to be awarded the Overall Winner of the entire Gold Coast, and to be able represent the

Gold Coast and A.B. Paterson College in the District Finals.

I would highly recommend this competition to students who are entering Years 11 and 12 next year, as I can truthfully say that it is an incredible experience. I have not only broadened my skills during the competition, but also gained invaluable connections with other like-minded students along the way. Being able to be involved in such a societally beneficial club, is extremely rewarding.

Here is Rebecca’s winning Regional Finals' speech:

“A rose by any other name would be just as sweet.” William Shakespeare

Good afternoon chairperson, ladies and gentlemen.

Just because we have been programmed to believe a rose is sweet, it might not be to all as such.

We live in a society, where it is often impossible to stand up and make a change. What people are sometimes

Ralph Waldo Emmerson

“Speech is power: Speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.”

Since I began Public Speaking in 2010, I have competed in over 20 competitions and have loved every minute of the adrenaline rush. I now tutor Public Speaking to junior students, as I believe it is a tool, a skill and a necessity in modern society. It is said, “You give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. You teach him to fish and you give him an occupation that will feed him for a lifetime.” I believe that by teaching the youth of today to speak, we are empowering them for the future.


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voluntarily blind to is that there are so many inequalities and so much injustice in the world today that absolutely should not exist. Sexism, feminism, genderism. What is in a name? What is sexism and what does this mean in our modern society?

We preach the motto that we must learn from history – but have the Stonewall riots, and feminist acts in the 1960s, taught us nothing?

Sexism – a topic that has been scrutinised since the early 60s, when a minority of women had the courage to stand against society for their rights. Yet, it is just a name. A label given to this societal concern that has forever been indoctrinated in our minds to have the desired impact.

When scouring the internet about sexism’s presence in 2017, some very interesting comments came to light.

Why is travelling alone still considered a risky, frivolous pursuit for women? Two female backpackers were recently killed in Ecuador and it was questioned why they didn’t have a male accompaniment.

A teenage student recently went up to a teacher in the UK and said, My dad says women love playing with babies, but why should companies have to pay for them to do it?

Far from a peaceful or exciting “sabbatical,” maternity leave is hard work at best, and devastating to women’s careers at worst.

It is important to note that about 90% of articles only referenced sexism towards females.

Ridiculous… right? We can all admit… whether we’re male or female, this discrimination and discourse that women are stupid, have no other qualities other than to run the home and should be subservient, is not a just ideology for us to live by.

This isn’t the part that is most ridiculous though. Yes, women deserve equal rights to men but this feminism demonstration does not mean that they should be treated any better than men. The whole point is equality, yet we lose sight and start pushing women as being more important.

Just recently, Michaelia Cash, Minster for Women, told the National Press Club, in response to the issues of Sexism, that the target for female representation will be increased to 50% and that each board should aim for a minimum of 40%. What happens to the man that may deserve the position more than the woman who applies does? What happens to all the women who are more suitable than the men, even when their 50% share is taken up? Is this equality? Why do such guidelines need to be placed? Aren’t they discrimination in themselves?

Furthermore, we have a Minister for Women. Where’s the minister for men?

Let’s look at female scholarships? What is their purpose? Congratulations on being a woman… here’s a 50% scholarship to uni?

Domestic violence... another name found in our society today. How many times do you hear about domestic violence affecting women …but what about the men? What about the men who are raped, tortured or sometimes beaten? Are they expected to just accept it?

As a female, I see the importance to women having rights. I also, however, see the importance for men to be heard. Why can’t men and women have equal rights? Why do we have to take sides… feminism or masculinism? So that’s what I’m doing today, fighting for truly, long overdue, equal rights and that is my ask of you….

Men feel they can’t stand up because they will be termed misogynistic – yet another word. Women can’t stand up as they would be bullied for going against their own and against previous generations who worked so hard. We have to stop fighting against the past, and start looking towards the future and shape the best future for those who are in it.

I urge you all to take a stance today and redefine the name on the sexism methodology. We need to break this pendulum cycle of moving from feminism to masculinism…. and back. The moment a name is mentioned, our minds flick to the socially accepted answer, but that is not good enough. We need to redefine our interpretation of the word sexism and make a true impact for our and future generations.

Rebecca Tannenbaum - Year 12


With names like Doon Doon Platform, Big Ben Sawmill, the Giant Ladder, Night Cap Trail, Prentice Top, Hounbrook and Gilwah Abseil, anyone would think you were in the film set of Lord of the Rings. These iconic names of venues and activities are taken, however, from the seven-day Year 10 camp in Northern New South Wales, a few kilometres north of Uki, and more commonly known as the Outward Bound camp. For many of the students taking part each year, those location names will be etched into their memories forever, as a reminder of a truly awesome and exciting adventure.

For some it is their first experience of camping in the outdoors; for others, the first time they have cooked not only for themselves, but also for a large group. Some would not have canoed before, hiked through a rainforest, or abseiled down a rocky cliff. Regardless of their previous experience and skills, any concerns were quickly forgotten once the students reached base camp.

After the first night of sleeping out, students awoke to grey and overcast skies and the overnight rain had certainly helped lower temperatures. Those students, whose first Outward Bound activity was canoeing, had perfect conditions at Clarrie Hall Dam, with hardly a ripple in the water. They were not even deterred by a short afternoon shower, as most managed to get themselves wet from the splashing created by the oars of their peers!

By Day 3, the groups were well into their Outward Bound program and scattered throughout the Bryon

Hinterland. Students quickly learnt new leadership skills and team building initiatives to help in the smooth running of their individual camp groups. Such skills were evident when climbing a large tree called Big Ben. Students did not climb alone. Instead, the groups were attached with a long piece of rope and had to climb together, making for quite a spectacle, as half the group was descending, whilst the other half was still climbing the tree. A great experience for all involved and a great opportunity to bond as a group.

After a busy day of either hiking, canoeing, abseiling or mountain bike riding, getting into camp and cooking a well-deserved hot meal was a treat for all to enjoy. For some students though, food preparation and cooking meals are skills not often used at home. At Outward Bound, it is an expectation that all students are involved and help with the evening meal and lunchtime chores. Whether chopping vegetables, cooking or cleaning up, these are skills for life, not just those used on camp. Whilst students learned much from the physical challenges they faced on camp in terms of leadership, community mindfulness, self-awareness and responsibility, catering skills were equally as important.

The students loved taking part in the many physical challenges on offer and the Pamper Pole was one of those. Students had to climb up this tall tree, then jump off a platform and try to grab onto a trapeze bar a few metres away. For most, the climb was a challenge, to jump into mid-air was a major achievement and if they

Outward Bound – Inward Story


managed to grab onto the bar, that was an incredible effort. Every student had a go, challenging their personal boundaries, and some even went back for seconds.

As the camp entered its last few days, students had completed the majority of their scheduled activities, most of which they had never had the opportunity to try before. One such activity was abseiling and walking down a steep rock surface backwards and, despite the difficult and challenging nature of the activity, all students and teachers alike had a go.

Students undertook an afternoon of service, giving back to the land, helping to support the environment. Service included planting trees, or getting rid of lantana in the forest.

The Outward Bound adventure is much more than just a week spent camping in the rainforests of New South Wales. It is a voyage of self-discovery. Finding out about one’s self is the fundamental goal, and part of that process is spending time alone, something very hard to achieve in today’s modern society. Solo Time gave students a special opportunity to sit by themselves, reflect on their true potential and set positive goals for their return home.

The 2017 Outward Bound Camp was certainly a great success. Students returned home with happy memories of their achievements, new-found skills and tools to help them form a meaningful identity.

Andrew Sole - Head of Outdoor Education


Cars-a-plenty lined the College’s Peter Sippel Field, bringing families from around the Gold Coast together to enjoy the 2017 A.B. Paterson College Fun Fair, thanks to major sponsor, Arundel Springs. Stalls sat side-by-side with rides, and people taking family snaps, strolling and sipping a cappuccino, or simply taking stock and sight-seeing.

Fairy floss, lollipops, chocs, dippin’ ice cream, sausage sizzle, hot chips, snow cones, dagwood dogs, chick sticks, delicious curries, and baked biscuits, cakes and sweet confectionery took

care of lunch and, for many, dinner too!

The Cent Auction was a not-to-be-missed opportunity to score one of a multitude of fantastic prizes, so generously donated for the occasion. Interspersed with live entertainment on the Gold Coast Private Hospital Main Stage were the pig races, both drawing crowds of smiles and cheer.

So much to see and do! Everywhere there were people enjoying the day and experiencing what stall holders had on offer. You could buy from a vast array of stallholders’ goods, search out a good second-hand book, dunk

a teacher, have your face painted, or discover one of the other amazing attractions available.

This year was the launch of our Art Show, with students' bright and beautiful artwork lining the walls alongside local community artists' work, all of which was for purchase.

But the day really belonged to the children. Slippy, long, dipping slides, bouncy jumping castles, sumo suited warrior fun, dodging dodgem crashes, Bat Tower drop-from-the top terror, and the swinging pirate ship Rock n Tug for the littlies offered family fun

All the Fun of the Fair


Thank you to all of our Funfair Sponsors…

• Arundel Springs – Naming Sponsor

• Gold Coast Private Hospital – Stage Sponsorship

• Myobrace – Face Painting Sponsorship

• GC Smiles – Photo Booth

• Morse Building Consultancy – Pig Races Sponsorship and Racing Pig Sponsorship

• YourResourcing YourTrades – Fairy Floss and Snow Cone Stand Sponsorship

• Zupp Property Group – Racing Pig

• The Outlet Homewares & Furniture – Racing Pig

• Action Tyres and More – Racing Pig

• Your Resourcing Your Trades – Fairy Floss and Snow Cone Stand

• Arundel Meats - BBQ

• Karibou Art Co – Art Show

throughout the day. The scream-inducing Round Up was a magnetic attraction for teenagers, who simply lined up to 'Take a Ride on the Wild Side', with no fear of spinning and tilting at scream-a-second angles a-round and a-round at gravity-defying speed. In fact, no sooner had the ride stopped and uncoupled its riders than they joined the queue again … and again … and again!

There really is nothing like the buzz of a Fun Fair!


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Vision Splendid Issue 66 April 2017 - abpat.qld.edu.au · most powerful weapon which you can use to...

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