Interact Club
Over the past four months, the Interact club has been busy with events and initiatives! As Mac.Rob’s oldest philanthropic club, Interact aims to foster connections both within and beyond our school community, extending to international relations.
Our club members meet every Wednesday lunchtime to engage in hands-on craft activities. The items we create are donated to various charities and non-profit organisations to support their missions. Last Term, our online and in-person members made over 100 Cards for the elderly, and our club members will have the wonderful opportunity to give these to aged care residents in the Alba, a retirement community opposite Mac.Rob, over five visits conducted over the course of Term 2. We hope these visits will strengthen our ties with the wider community and deepen connections within our own.
Currently, our club members are designing and constructing picture books for our upcoming project. These will be donated to Backpack4VicKids, a non-profit organisation that provides children with essential material aid. We are also thrilled to announce that in collaboration with Social Justice, we will be conducting a Backpack4VicKids Drive later on this Term, so stay tuned for that!
Interact works closely with Rotary of Port Phillip, which offers amazing opportunities for our club members to engage in community-building activities. So far, they have been fortunate to participate in the Rotary Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) and Environmental workshops. Their reflections can be found below.
On March 16th, Kai X and Chloe had the fantastic opportunity to host Mac.Rob’s annual International Ball, after months of preparation and organisation with the Mac.Rob Parents’ Association. It was a vibrant evening that showcased the cultural diversity of Mac.Rob, filled with performances and our much-anticipated raffle. Thank you to the Rotary of Port Phillip, the PA, and our supporting teachers for making the event a success!
It’s been a fantastic start for Interact, and we can’t wait to share the exciting events and projects we have planned for this year!
Interact Co-Presidents 2024
International Ball
The International Ball was a fun and enriching experience. Throughout the night, delicious cultural food was served alongside amazing cultural performances by students, capturing and celebrating the diversity of our community.
It was great to see students and parents come together, dressed proudly in their cultural dress, to dance and sing along to cultural songs.
The International Ball enabled us to celebrate our differences, expand our connections, and forge new friendships. As a member of the Interact Club at Mac.Rob, I found this exceptional event truly embraced the values of Interact and our school.
Cici Z (11E)
Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA)
In the past few weeks, three teams from Mac.Rob participated in the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), an event fostering global awareness and diplomacy among youth. Their participation was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Port Phillip Rotary Club, which has consistently supported educational initiatives that broaden students' horizons and encourage civic engagement.
MUNA brought together students from various schools to simulate the proceedings of the United Nations General Assembly. Participants represented different countries and debated resolutions on current global issues. This immersive experience aims to develop students' understanding of international relations, enhance their public speaking and negotiation skills, and promote teamwork and leadership.
Mac.Rob entered the assembly with three highly dedicated teams of Interact members, each representing different countries. The teams tackled complex global issues, ranging from climate change to international security, reflecting the event's aim to mirror real-world UN challenges.
Team 1, representing the Philippines, focused on environmental policies and sustainable development. Their debate on resolutions relating to climate action showcased their in-depth understanding of the Philippines’ role in environmental protection. The team’s arguments were well-researched and presented with compelling evidence, earning them much respect and recognition from their peers.
Team 2 represented Ukraine with a keen focus on human rights and social justice. They tackled resolutions addressing human equality and indigenous rights. Their passionate advocacy and persuasive diplomacy highlighted Ukraine’s efforts and challenges. The team’s ability to navigate complex discussions and propose actionable solutions was commendable.
Representing China, Team 3 concentrated on global health issues, particularly the pandemic. They debated on resolutions concerning vaccine distribution, health infrastructure, and pandemic preparedness. Their thorough research and strategic diplomacy underscored China’s significant role in global health initiatives, and their arguments were both insightful and impactful.
The Port Phillip Rotary Club's sponsorship was crucial in enabling Mac.Rob’s participation in MUNA. This partnership highlights Rotary's commitment to education and youth development. By investing in these young leaders, Port Phillip Rotary is fostering a generation that is informed, articulate, and ready to take on global challenges.
Participating in MUNA was a transformative experience for our students. It broadened their perspectives on international issues and honed their skills in research, public speaking, and diplomacy.
Ms. Rehana Ziyad | Community Partnerships Manager
__________
“The MUNA event at the Graduate House of Melbourne University was, suffice to say, one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Within that single weekend, world-issues were debated, delicious food was consumed, and lifelong friendships were born. My partner, Ava and I, represented Ukraine and were required to make decisions on behalf of the country. As it was my first proper Model UN, I was incredibly nervous but soon found myself enjoying the thrill of making “Points of Order”, sending diplomatic notes and forming alliances with other nations. One of my finest moments was having my amendment to a resolution approved, the Secretary-General complimenting my careful wording and other countries backing me up (love you Germany and Italy!). However, there was much fun to be had outside of the courtroom too, with the Melbourne University Rotaract Club leaders taking participants on a tour of the university and everyone meeting up for ice cream after the last session. Overall, MUNA was a wonderful experience that I will always keep close to my heart.”
Samantha H (10H)
__________
“From the rich tapestry of discussions, brimming with diverse viewpoints and spirited diplomacy to the friendships that were formed, there was nothing short of inspiring at the District 9800 Rotary MUNA. The camaraderie amongst delegates as we delved into the world’s pressing issues was a testament to the power of collaborative problem-solving. It’s these exchanges that have enriched my understanding and appreciation for the nuances of international diplomacy. I’m really thankful for the chance to be a part of such meaningful dialogues. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the organisers whose dedication made this enriching experience possible. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute!”
Saanvi H (10H)
__________
“The Rotary Model United Nations always ends up being a fun, enriching event where like-minded youth can come together and put their debating, policy-making and diplomatic skills to the test. My partner Grace and I were lucky enough to attend this event both this and last year - both times, we loved every minute of it. Speaking before the assembly can both be nerve-wracking and rewarding, and the debate was often lively, sometimes with the Secretary-General himself, and we all had to navigate the intricacies of diplomacy to vouch for our countries' interests. It was ultimately a fun and educational weekend, where we tested ourselves and made new interschool connections.”
Nusayeeba Z (11D)
Alba Aged Care Outreach
This Term, students of Interact Club are visiting the Alba Aged Care facility. These fortnightly visits mark the beginning of a meaningful series of engagements aimed at fostering intergenerational connections, and bringing joy to the residents.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by the staff of Alba. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the students eagerly mingled with the residents. The conversations that ensued were rich with stories and experiences, as students listened attentively to the residents recounting tales from their past. It was a beautiful exchange of wisdom and youthful energy that left both the students and residents beaming with happiness.
A highlight of the visit was the performance by our talented school string quartet. Their melodies filled the room, creating an ambiance of calm and nostalgia. It was evident that the music had a profound impact, bringing a sense of peace.
The students found the experience deeply rewarding. "It's amazing to see the smiles on their faces and to know that we made a difference in their day," said an Interact Club member. "We learned so much from their stories and felt a real connection."
This visit to Alba Aged Care is just the beginning of what promises to be a series of enriching experiences. The Interact Club is committed to maintaining these visits every two weeks, ensuring that the bonds formed today continue to grow and flourish.
We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and compassion. Their willingness to give their time and share their talents speaks volumes about their character. The Alba visit has not only brought joy to the residents, but has also enriched the lives of our students, teaching them the value of community service and empathy.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Interact Club’s activities and future visits. Together, we are making a difference, one smile at a time.