What made 2023 such a great year?

Edgecliff boys and staff express their thoughts on what made 2023 a special year for engaging learning experiences and building a vibrant School community.

 

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Pictured: 2023 Edgecliff Day

As the 2023 academic year concluded, it was interesting to listen to boys’ highlights and prominent memories. They often involve the friendships they have made, and the learning experiences that have been hands-on, investigatory and collaborative. Here is a collection of comments from boys and staff, on what made 2023 such a fulfilling year for them.

“Edgecliff Day was a personal highlight for me. A beautiful winter’s day provided the perfect backdrop for this annual celebration of all things Edgecliff. Current parents had the opportunity to experience day-to-day lessons and celebrate their sons’ achievements whilst engaging in collaborative classroom activities. Parents who are new to the School were welcomed and an overwhelming feeling of community spirit and connection was present. Each grade had a Hall slot to present the variety of learning experiences, including string and percussion ensembles, hip-hop groups, fencing, Taiko drumming, poetry recitals, creative writing and artwork. The day was a reminder of how our teaching staff, administration staff, parent body, and our unique group of boys combine to make up our Edgecliff community.”

Miss Julia Wilson, Director of Studies

“The Year 6 Drama production was a unique experience. I played ‘Squirrel Sammy’, and I probably won’t be that again! My teacher is knowledgeable and his jokes are actually funny. The camps were pretty awesome too. The milk crate challenge at Somerset was fun. I am afraid of heights and somehow, I found myself being the one in my group that made it all the way to the top of the stack! Term III inquiry, learning about politics, was very interesting – and Animal Farm was definitely the best book to study and linked in with politics. I think I will miss all the different Edgecliff classes, and Year 6 has definitely been the best of all my Primary years. I am looking forward to College Street and I think that learning French will be cool!”

Chen Lin (Year 6)

“The highlight of the year for me is, without a doubt, the Infants Theatre Evening. Boys in Kindergarten to Year 2 put in an enormous effort to rehearse lines, stage directions, choreography, and music during an exceptionally busy Term III. On the evening of the performance, they brought the house down. I was so proud of the boys and the team staff who made it possible; I couldn’t stop grinning!”

Mr Nicholas Palmer, Infants Coordinator


Pictured: Infants Theatre Evening

“I really enjoyed the Somerset and Canberra camps. Canberra especially, as I really like politics and we got to see a lot of stuff behind the scenes. The House of Representatives and the Senate were awesome! It was very interesting hearing all the arguing. I also saw how learning to debate now can help later in life. I made the Year 6 Public Speaking final and chose the topic of ‘Swimming’ as it’s my favourite sport. The Swimming Carnival was also a great experience, and an especially proud moment was at the end of the relay. My House, Ritchie, were just behind MacCallum at the final stage. We kept pushing and then… Ritchie – we got there over the line to win! The texts in English have been great and I learned a lot from them – Soldier Boy, Dragonkeeper and Animal Farm.”

Nate Graf (Year 6)

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Pictured: Mr Stuart Ferguson explaining the intricacies of his motorcycle to many fascinated boys!

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed teaching twenty-two lively and exceptionally bright and energetic boys. Their infectious enthusiasm infuses every lesson, club, and activity, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Their spirited energy around a Year 1 and 2 cricket game resounds across the playground, while a visit to Harwin Strings on a Monday morning reveals a remarkable display of controlled precision and attention to detail by the cello, violin, and viola players. A standout moment from 2023 in Year 2 was our very own pop-up transport Museum during Term II. The boys showcased their term projects with flair, flew gliders in the Library courtyard, listened to Mr Ferguson’s insights into the power of his motorbike, and the boys had the unique opportunity to sit inside a Rolls Royce from the 1930s.”

Mrs Hilary Alo-Emile, Year 2 Class Teacher


Pictured: The pop up transport museum was a hit

“I’ve loved Mathematics this year, doing POW (Problem of the Week) and Hit the Target because it is so much fun and we get to do challenges and work together. Spanish was also fun and I’ve loved learning a second language – I learned foods, to talk about lunch and breakfast, and I can also say colours, numbers, sports and transport. In English, before, I wasn’t that good and now I am much better. My writing book is full of stories and it can get a bit chaotic in there! Music is so good. Playing Infants Pioneer Tales and being in the Infants Strings – B Sharp but Stay Natural! I loved the swimming, the playground cricket, soccer, and rugby a little bit. It was the best year ever!”

Rian Kapila (Year 2)

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Pictured: Rian Kapila (Year 2)

“A highlight would probably be having Mr Brown as my teacher. He is kind and thoughtful, and he loves History which I do too. Science has been great – learning everything in Year 6 like how solar cells work, doing a whole project on solar cars and electric motors. The concerts have been a lot of fun and being part of the School’s Music program has been unreal. Going on the Perth tour was awesome – the gigantic concert at the end with Cave of the Sleeping Lady was just an honour, and the food was pretty good too! I am already looking forward to the ‘Return to Edgecliff’ Day and looking forward to seeing my buddy Leo. He is really nice and really talkative, and he looks up to me which I am happy about. He will be in Year 6 and I will be in Year 12!

Rufus Bourne (Year 6)


Pictured: Sculpture from recycled materials is ‘anything but’ a wasteful experience!