The development day culminated with dinner, dancing, and stage performances as couples and house groups. Carefully curated and executed by Bonnie Nicholas (Head of Arts), and the dynamic dance instructing duo of Narelle and Simon Midson.
On Friday 19 August, a group of Year 11 and 12 students, accompanied by Ms. Gloudemans and Ms. Avery, had the opportunity to attend the JCU Legal Studies Conference. Along with several other schools from our region, we listened to lectures from erudite professors, solicitors, and prosecutors. We heard from multi-disciplinary artist and daughter of the renowned Eddie Mabo, Gail Mabo; Senior Prosecutor of the Police Service, Mark Fenlon, and Legal Officer of the Royal Australian Airforce, Travis Schmitt.
In honour of the 30-year anniversary of the landmark Mabo Decision, we gained knowledge of its continuing significance in native title, the concerning disproportion of Indigenous people within our legal system, and the power of Art Therapy used in the justice system. In addition, we were informed of the ranging study paths available at JCU in this area and were provided with examples of the endless career opportunities within the legal field.
I am sure those who also attended would agree it was a very interesting and beneficial day and were grateful to attend.
For students interested in pursuing a career in law, the opportunity to gain ‘real-world’ court experience is impossible. Staging a ‘Moot Court’ provides an insight into the workings of a trial with an expert guiding the students through the process, and offering valuable feedback at the conclusion.
It was a privilege to have Greg Cudmore – Author, and retired teacher, at The Cathedral School mentoring our Year 11 students through their first ever ‘Moot Court’.
Thank you also to the students from St Anthony’s Catholic College and St. Margaret Mary’s College for their contribution as jury.
