By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE savvy student problem solving team from Fountain Gate Secondary are calling for any last-minute supporters to jump on board their cause as they prepare to compete for an international prize in America in a month’s time.
The student team, Encouraging Pride In our Community (EPIC), are still $10,000 shy of their $24,000 intended fund-raising target as they get set to leave for Iowa State University on 6 June to compete in the International Future Problem Solving competition.
But assistant principal and accompanying teacher Jodie Doble said the team would be competing in America regardless.
“If we don’t raise the money, the families will incur the costs. As a school, we are desperately trying to ensure this doesn’t happen and are holding gold coin donation free dress days and sausage sizzles,” she said.
“This is an amazing opportunity for our students, our school and the state school system in Victoria.
“Fountain Gate Secondary College is the first ever Victorian State School to win through to the world championships for Future Problem Solving and as such the whole community is backing these students to put Fountain Gate and Narre Warren onto the global platform.”
The student team is made up of six Year 9 and 10 students – Paul, Liza, Jessica, Emily, Blerim and Rocky – and will compete against 24 other countries across several components including global issues problem solving, community problem solving, scenario writing and action-based problem solving.
And the EPIC team, which placed third in the national championships held in Perth last year, are still working with their local community stakeholders on their original proposal to re-design the gardens surrounding the Robin Boyd fountain, a plan wholeheartedly supported by Narre Warren MPs and Casey councillors alike.
Another design draft for the garden has recently been prepared by the students.
“Through our regional director, we found the original surveyor of the land who worked for and with Robin Boyd and Isador Magid. The students went to Brighton Anzac Hostel and interviewed Kevin Noonan,” Ms Doble said.
“He was a very spritely 92-year-old, with many interesting stories to pass onto the students about Boyd and Magid and how the Fountain Gate community and Narre Warren communities were built.
“The students were also visited by Lyn Marshall one of the original residents in the estate and had the great honour of interviewing her and finding out the history of the area.
“The team are also working closely with local MPs to secure the $100,000 in funds for the completion of the community gardens.”
Team member Jessica said the group had a lot to look forward to in the coming months.
“It’s a great honour to represent our community and our country at such a prestigious event. I only hope we can make everyone proud,” she said.
“Whatever happens at the world championships, the garden will be built for the community.”
