The Hallowian 2020: Vol II - Flipbook - Page 21
Izzy Robinson –
MVP at USA College
Past pupil and elite athlete Izzy
Robinson (Class of 2017) has enjoyed
huge successes abroad. She is
currently enrolled in a Bachelor of
Science, majoring in exercise science,
at Wayne State College, Nebraska
in the USA. Izzy also plays rugby for
the women’s team at the college and
has participated in three national
championship wins. In the past
two years, she has been honoured
as a National Small College Rugby
Organization (NSCRO) All American
Player and Most Valuable Player of
Nationals, and has also been selected
on the U24 NSCRO team.
What wonderful achievements!
Congratulations, Izzy, and good luck for
the future!
Hannah Belanszky –
Indigenous playwright and performer
The Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority’s
annual Queensland Certificate of Education Achievement
Awards recognise outstanding academic achievement
based on a student’s achievement in school subjects,
Queensland Core Skills Test, additional studies at a tertiary
level and areas such as performing arts.
We congratulate Sarah Ryan (Class of 2019) on receiving
a Distinguished Academic Achiever award, placing her
in the top 31 graduates in Queensland in 2019. Sarah is
currently studying a Bachelor of Science (MD Provisional
Entry for School-Leavers) at The University of Queensland.
Sophie Gruhl –
teaching innovation
Sophie Gruhl (Class of 2012), a Mabel Park State High School teacher of Science, Mathematics, Digital
Technologies, and Health and Physical Education, was named winner of the 2020 Queensland College
of Teachers TEACHX Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award.
Since 2019 Sophie, who is also a Netball Excellence Coach, has taken the school’s first Indigenous
netball team to a tournament. She organised a second-hand shoe drive with her local gym, through
which she obtained over 50 pairs of shoes for students. She also organised a Year 12 ‘Big Day Out’ in
a successful attempt to increase school attendance, taught Muslim students how to float in a lake,
managed a girls’ Metropolitan East Rugby League team and organised the Year 9 celebration evening.
Sophie was appointed the school’s Years 11 and 12 Coordinator from 2020 after she showed an
exceptional grasp for differentiating student learning and an ability to build strong relationships with
students.
Sophie is also a GEMS (Girls Excelling in Maths and Science) Leader and was appointed a Curriculum
Leader for the school’s inaugural Year 9 iMPact class, in which students are provided opportunities to
leverage technology. She has joined Mabel Park State High School’s Aspiring Leadership group and has
led wellbeing activities and knowledge-sharing sessions for staff.
Sophie says: ‘I’ve taken little aspects from what I enjoyed about my schooling, for example, having
matching team ribbons (for students’ hair) and celebrating students’ birthdays in my form class with a
cake… these little things that make the kids feel special are what makes such a difference’.
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The Hallowian | 2020