The Science department is off to a fantastic start this year, settling in well and embracing the energy of a new school year. We’re especially excited to welcome our new staff members and Year 7 students as they begin their journey into the fascinating world of Science.

There are plenty of exciting opportunities ahead for our students, from hands-on experiments to engaging extracurricular activities and special events designed to inspire curiosity and discovery. Keep an eye out for upcoming STEM challenges, guest speakers, and field trips that will make Science come alive beyond the classroom!

In this edition, we’re thrilled to share Hailey’s incredible adventure at the National Youth Science Forum in Brisbane over the holidays. Read on to hear about her experience and the amazing scientific opportunities she explored!

This summer holidays I attended the National Youth Science Forum in Brisbane! I stayed 9 days at King’s College at the University of Queensland. This was one of the best opportunities I’ve ever taken on. I was particularly interested in the science and medical aspects of the program but there was also maths, technology, and engineering opportunities. I left Melbourne on the 15^th of January and was back on the 23^rd of January. I missed home but I was very sad when I left and missed the program and my new friends once I got home. The program was jam packed with stem visits, networking opportunities, lectures, and everything in between. I really enjoyed being involved in diagnosing diabetes, being in the microbiology lab, and having a look at a physics classroom and their materials. I loved learning about what scientists are doing in Antarctica, and meeting people that are marine biologists and also neurologist that study how fish perceive colour. These were some ultimate highlights. I made so many friends that I’m still talking to after the program and organising to meet all again who are all very like-minded. From only knowing myself who is aspiring to be a neurologist I met two other girls from Mildura and Tasmania who also want to take that path. This was so much fun but along with learning we got a raging disco and epic concert/talent show. I am thankful to all my sponsors, Ballarat East Rotary, Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society, Beaufort Apex Club, Zonta (thank you to AO and Prof. Misty Jenkins for recommending), and my supporters Ballarat Tech School- Girls in Stem with Kirstyn Hall, and of course my amazing family. They are truly the people who allowed me to have this experience. The amazing Kirstyn Hall (coordinator of girls in stem) at the Ballarat Tech School introduced me to this program when I was a Girls in STEM leader, and I am very thankful for it. Although the program has ended, my NYSF journey has not. NYSF has stem hubs all around Australia, I am an alumni (have the badge/pin as evidence), and I will apply for Staffies (program volunteer). I will now be applying for the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF). I recommend this program to anyone as not only do you learn but you will build connections. You never know who you’ll cross paths with in the future!

Feel free to ask me any questions if you think you’d like to attend the program your year 12 year!

By Haileigh Buttigieg.