Alice Miller in Term 1, 2025 HAPPENINGS AROUND THE PLACE

Year 7 Dinner Party

The parents rolled in all fancy and snazzy,

While the band started to get smooth and jazzy,

There were sparkling fairy lights,

Followed by a groovy disco night,

As soon as the parents had dinner they saw,

And instantly knew the burger patties were raw,

Amelia did the splits,

And the parents thought it was pretty lit!

In came the apple pie,

It was so good that they started to cry,

The disco ended and the parents went to the parking lot,

While students stayed and handled disgusting bin grot!

By Remy Livingston, Year 7.

Year 7/8 Drama

CATBOT

Yr 7/8 Drama have been working as an ensemble to puppeteer the A.I. Robot called CATBOT - a 6m tall inflatable marionette.

Physical theatre pushes personal assumptions and expectations about strength, resilience and creativity and the Catbot Crew are proving to themselves that not all intelligence is artificial.

Year 8 Alpine Area Bushwalk

Earlier this term, three groups of Year 8 students from Alice Miller spent four days exploring the Victorian Alps; around Mount Feathertop and Falls Creek. Our journey began in the valleys of the Ovens and Kiewa Rivers, where each group made their final preparations before heading into the mountains on Tuesday morning. This included adding a few things to our packs (e.g. food and tent parts), and leaving any unwanted items behind. For one student, this included an insulated sleeping mat ...

The forecast conditions were beyond brilliant for four consecutive days in the mountains; a stroke of luck in an area where snow can fall at any time of the year. A few students arrived with legendary tales passed down from older siblings - of a particularly wet and wild walk in the same area that was abandoned after 48 hours of cold rain, and after another school group refused to share the shelter and warmth of a small hut. While we camped near huts, we did not need shelter on this occasion.

By Tuesday afternoon, our three groups were based at Cope Hut, Tawonga Huts, and Federation Hut; three iconic locations, and all great places to camp. Federation Hut is situated just below Mount Feathertop, the second highest peak in Victoria. The final walk to the summit is irresistible in clear conditions, as it was on this occasion. Meanwhile, across the valley, a second group made their way to the summit of Mount Jaithmathang, named after the Traditional Owners of the area. With binoculars, they may have spotted the silhouettes of the other group on the summit of Mount Feathertop, as the sun set in that direction.

A clear night sky meant a heavy frost the following morning; our recently cleaned pots, plates and utensils were frozen together. Fortunately, most people slept warmly, especially those with four in a three person tent. Two groups crossed the Bogong High Plains throughout the morning; following snow poles through an area with few trees, and big open skies. All this changed when we began to descend through increasingly tall trees. Two groups met at Dibbin Hut, while a third enjoyed the afternoon shade and the clear, cool water of the creek at Diamantina Horse Yards. The descent via Diamantina Spur is particularly notorious, but this group managed to negotiate it safely in record time.

Each meal that we ate reduced the weight of an otherwise heavy backpack, which was always welcomed. Our evening meals included rehydrated vegetables combined with spice mixes, and bases of pasta, rice or noodles. Breakfasts were often porridge with brown sugar. Lunch was salad wraps. When carried with care, there were still fresh tomatoes and avocados for lunch on Thursday. Hot drinks were popular, especially on cold nights. Fortunately for us, having descended several hundred metres, the overnight temperatures were also warmer on Wednesday.

The next morning each group faced the daunting task of regaining the elevation that was lost the previous day. They passed these tests with flying colours. One group went even further; continuing beyond their campsite to the summit of Mount Loch in time to watch the sunset. A little later on the same evening, two students and one staff member from another group set off to recover a jacket that was left at a previous stop; an 8km round trip by the light of their head torches. It was a stunning evening for walking, and camping, with only the slightest hint of a breeze. The jacket was nice too, and well worth the return journey to collect it.

We woke to even more sunshine on the final morning. With a short distance to walk to the buses, spirits were high and we moved with increasing speed. Students who had battled with heavy backpacks for three days now noted that this particular walk 'could have been harder'. This came as a bit of a surprise, given the challenging nature of the terrain we had traversed. These routes were not for the faint hearted. It was awesome to walk them with such capable companions.

This particular bunch of students have now successfully navigated two demanding trips in as many terms; the bike ride late last year, and the walk early this year. We think this is a wonderful investment in their future selves; while they may encounter similarly challenging adventures in the years ahead, this accumulation of skills and experiences means they are well prepared for whatever awaits them next.

Well done to all the Year 8 students who took part in this adventure! A massive thanks also to Kate, Cam, Anne, Marty, Skye, Conor and Sam for accompanying and supporting these groups in the mountains.

By Sam Ford, Outdoor Education Coordinator.

VCE Art excursion – Top Arts and Kusama

VCE Art students had a day in the city immersing in the world of art. They had a unique opportunity to have a peek into the folios of Victoria’s top students from last year whose outstanding works have to have a peek into the folios of Victoria’s top students from last year whose outstanding works have been chosen for the Top Arts exhibition. The range of works, from delicate drawings, innovative ceramics to animations and photography, the works in Top Arts not only inspired our VCE group but helped them visualise the standard they are aiming for.

The students also explored Kusama’s iconic exhibition later in the day. Stepping into Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition is like entering an alternate universe—one bursting with colour, mesmerising patterns, and infinite reflections. As students walked through the immersive installations, they were immediately drawn into a world where vibrant hues and playful motifs disguised the deeper, more haunting themes woven into Kusama’s art.

Kusama, known for her signature polka dots, infinity mirror rooms, and pumpkin sculptures, has long used her art to channel her struggles with mental health, trauma, and phobias. Despite the heavy undertones of these subjects, her work is anything but bleak. Instead, it dazzles with energy, inviting viewers into a dialogue between beauty and suffering.

By the end of the visit, students found themselves deeply moved—not just by the sheer visual spectacle of Kusama’s work but by its emotional and psychological depth. They came away with a renewed appreciation for how art can serve as both a form of self-expression and a means of confronting life’s darkest moments.

By Manan Walia, Art.

Motion Media

This term, there have been many fantastic videos, photographs, digital 3D models, and animations created in motion media. Both the Year 7-8 and Year 9-10 classes have contributed to this impressive work. Click the buttons below to explore some of the latest movies made by Alice Miller students.

By Ofek Danilov, Silas Knaggs and Woody Kooperman.

By Cohen Constable and Jethro Faust.

By Tom Fleet, Rory Connell and Sebastian Riley-Fox.

By Harrison Gaul, Finbar O'Brien and Ollie Mann.

Kitchen Garden

A dry summer and some hungry wildlife kept us busy this term, installing a new drip irrigation system and reinforcing our garden beds against kangaroos and possums. Despite the challenges, we've been planting brassicas, spinach, and broad beans while harvesting yellow zucchinis, garlic, spuds, herbs and small but plentiful apples.

In the kitchen, we turned our zucchinis into a rich, garlicky Mac n Cheese, complete with a buttery roux and fresh nutmeg. Then, we put our orchard apples to good use, making simple yet delicious Tarte Tatins—golden caramelized apples with flaky pastry and cream. A perfect way to welcome autumn! To find out more about what we've been up to, check out the blog.

By John Collins, Humanities.

Sports Report

Like cargo shorts, baggy jeans, and frosted tips, interschool sport is back for 2025 at Alice Miller, kicking off with Senior Boys’ Cricket on a glorious summer’s day in February at the hometown of the Ashes and Macedon Ranges’ inaugural McDonalds: Sunbury.

The team, coached by Muckleford Cricket Club immortal Marty, boasted one of the strongest rosters of bowlers, batters, and baseballers turned Bradmans we’ve seen this side of Calder Park. Led by Captain and opening batter Zavier, and with gun pace bowling recruit Cadel added to the mix, the team tore through the competition like a knife across hot butter. I’m told Bailey, who is new to the sport with a basketball background rivalling Scott Pendlebury’s, put on a mystifying display of bowling that left his adversaries utterly perplexed. After trundling three wides in a row (all part of the master plan), Bailey bowled a doozie that eviscerated the middle stump—a stop in the play had to be called to replace the wickets. Meanwhile, Anthony, showing shades of a young Marnus Labuschagne, top-scored with eighty not out in less than fifteen overs. Coincidentally, the Australian Anti-Doping Agency paid him a visit the next day.

A few weeks after taking the chocolates at the Regional competition, the team padded up once more to face a Pantheon of local talent in the Divisional round. While success didn’t come as easily this time, the players fought proudly and held their own. Australian representative baseballer Ebony top-scored in both games, showcasing a style that can only be described as Virat Kohli meets Babe Ruth.

In the wake of this cricket success, the Year 9/10 Boys’ team, coached by James, followed in the footsteps of their older contemporaries, swinging for the fences bordering the hallowed turf at John McMahon Reserve. While they didn’t win the competition, they did win the hearts and minds of the many spectators gathered on that fateful day. The old firm, Harrison, Arlo, Harold, and Leo, led their young Padawans into battle—and battle they did. The Coopers (Owen and Gillies) looked like the Waughs (Steve and Mark). Meanwhile, Henry and Orvie had opposition players cowering at their thundering bowling attack.

You might think that, after such glory on multiple fronts, our appetite for cricket success had been satiated. Alas, like our young people during dinner time on camp, we had room for more. The Year 8 Boys plied their trade with bat and ball the following week. I believe Fin, the team Captain, turned the phrase, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulder of giants.” Too right, Fin. Year 7s, Max and Ishaan, led the way with the willow while Jethro gave his best Adam Gilchrist impersonation behind the stumps. A big shoutout to Oliver, who got the late call-up (on the morning of the event) and took to the game like a Candlebarkian to chess.

Following the wave of cricket mania that overtook the school, eleven students from Year 7 to 11 rode a different wave—Melton Wave Pool—for the annual Divisional Swimming event, a hallmark of the sports calendar. I am ecstatic to report that all competitors, Angelique, Connor, Maddie, Jethro, Mia, Evie, Eliza, Leo, Eva, Ava, and Essie, received a ribbon on the day, with Leo winning the 17-year-old Backstroke, and joining Eva, Ava, and Essie on the way to a four by fifty-metre freestyle relay victory. The girls took their talents to Geelong, where they competed against state-level swimmers in the next round of competition. Unfortunately, Eva was sidelined for the event but replaced with the ever-capable Cole. A massive shoutout to Ava’s mum, Kim, for accompanying the team on the day—the sports program wouldn’t be what it is without the support of friends and families.

Next up was Year 9/10 and 11/12 Tennis. Adrian joined twelve students for a festival of down-the-line forehands, at-the-net volleys, and in-the-air smashes. Year 10 Tayla wowed spectators—one onlooker complained that Ash Barty appeared to be competing in a high school tournament. Most were lost for words. Year 12s Cosi, Lachie, Henry, and Ned made their last school tennis event one to remember, barely dropping a point between them. The group have been a fixture in sports teams since they joined the school in Year 7 and will be sorely missed for their talent, tenacity, and teamwork—personifying the ethos of sports at Alice Miller.

Last but certainly not least were Years 11/12 and 9/10 Volleyball. The Senior teams fought valiantly, with both narrowly missing out on Grand Final appearances. Wily veteran Tristan impressed at the net all day long while newcomer Ethan dug like he was building a fence. Olivia was the heartbeat of the locker room, willing her team to victory with good vibes and better sets. Meanwhile, Leila and Issy were the clubhouse leaders in ace serves. Chloe and Will accompanied the 9/10 teams and reported that, while the win column did not see much growth, the players certainly did. Finbar and Lachie deflated several balls with booming shots; Poppy and Sarah showcased their soccer skills, kicking the ball over the net with heat-seeking precision.

I want to thank everybody involved with the Sports Program for Term 1: The teachers and parents who drove buses, handed out oranges, and encouraged our young people towards great things—your hard work does not go unnoticed. And to those great young people: Thank you for letting us be a part of your sporting enjoyment and success—it is something I truly privilege and look forward to each and every time.

By Conor Dimasi, Sports Coordinator.

Japanese Student Homestays

For eight days in March, twenty-one Alice Miller families hosted a visiting group of Japanese students from Agatagaoka High School in Matsumoto. All three Big Trip groups from Alice Miller visited Agatagaoka in November 2024, and the students in these groups all stayed with local families in Matsumoto and Azumino. These homestay experiences in Japan were a Big Trip highlight for many Alice Miller students, and it was heartwarming to see the same care, kindness, and generosity extended to our Japanese visitors.

Across eight action packed days in Australia the Japanese students participated in many different activities including: school visits at Candlebark and Alice Miller, beach trips, surfing lessons, a spotlighting walk, lamingtons and pavlova and Vegemite and kangaroo meat and meat pies, street art, galleries, indoor rock climbing, trail running, the Great Ocean Road, Arthurs Seat, basketball finals, the Healesville Sanctuary, and an AFL game with 78 000 people at the MCG on a Friday night! A massive thanks to everyone who hosted a Japanese student, and for all the thoughtful planning that ensured our visitors had such memorable experiences during their time in Australia.

By Sam Ford, Outdoor Education Coordinator.