Millie Duemmer
Millie's major project in the Design and Technology course, was one of only 40 exemplary works by students across New South Wales to be selected for the 2024 SHAPE exhibition.
Millie designed and created a therapeutic tool to support the "many people" she knows living with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot, and is often very painful.
The therapeutic tool sits under a desk and can be used throughout the day to relieve symptoms and strengthen muscles to aid in treatment. Students undertaking Design and Technology major works are required to identify and address a genuine and real need for the community.
Millie especially thanks her Design and Technology teacher, Mr Phil Nicotra, who she says, "guided me from the very start; planting ideas and helping me to narrow down the focus for my major work".
Millie loved the creative aspect of the subject. "I loved how DT was so different from my other subjects and it really allowed me to be creative and solve problems". She said effective time management and being organised were crucial to completing both the folio (the written component of the project) and the physical product.
Her advice to Design and Technology students about to undertake their Major Project: "Always remember to keep your folio up to date! Don’t leave it to the last minute. It takes so much longer than you realise. And keep a back-up of it!
Millie received early entry to study Construction and Project Management at UTS in 2025.
The SHAPE exhibition will be held at Pier 2/3 Walsh Bay Arts Precinct from 17 March to 12 April 2025.
Stella Lynch
Stella's Textiles major project has been chosen for exhibition in TexStyle - a selection of exemplary Textiles Technology projects from 2024 HSC students.
Her two-piece double breasted suit design, combines power dressing with femininity. The design was inspired by Gucci's bold tailoring and vibrant brocades synonymous with power dressing of the ’80s and ’90s.
Stella loved the creative outlet the project provided and enjoyed the challenge of bringing a concept to life from original sketches to construction.
What really made it special however was the class environment — "being surrounded by the best teachers and friends, all working on projects that reflected our own creativity. And, of course, the Vietnam trip was unforgettable! Seeing different approaches to textiles and design in a completely new cultural context was incredible."
Managing the workload of the folio and practical garment was challenging for Stella. Learning how to adapt and be resilient when things didn't go to plan was a huge takeaway from the experience.
Stella is taking a gap year travelling in Europe in 2025 and plans to study either Sport and Exercise Science or Fashion Design at UTS from 2026.
The TexStyle Exhibition showcases other major projects from around the state at Gallery 76 (76 Queen Street, Concord West) from 2 March - 24 April, 2025.
Madeline Elliott
Madeline's Textiles major project is the second work by a Stella student to be chosen for exhibition in TexStyle - a selection of exemplary Textiles Technology projects from 2024 HSC students.
Madeline will take her exceptional results in Textiles Technology into a Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Surry Hills in 2025.
Madeline's major project included three pieces that combined different fabrics - jeans in a heavyweight denim, a self made vest pattern in a corduroy and embellished chaps in pleather. Her inspiration came from the rise of American Western culture in the media - especially through the Yellowstone series.
Madeline enjoyed creating her own patterns, utilising different fabrics and incorporating embellishments but she had to convince her teachers that she was up to the task of creating three pieces all with intricate embellishments.
Madeline's advice for Textiles students: "Choose something that you are very passionate about and will enjoy doing."
Vianney Silva
Vianney, our 2024 Creative and Performing Arts Prefect, has been selected as a reserve for CALLBACK - the HSC Dance Showcase, for both her Core Performance and Major Study.
Dancing for over 14 years, Vianney has been a stalwart of the Stella Dance program since Year 7. During her final year, she was a member of the extension senior company for contemporary and jazz and also participated in dance outside of school, competing in group and solo eisteddfods at her dance studio. During high school, this commitment meant Vianney danced most days of the week.
Vianney attributes her success to the "amazing support" she's received from the Stella Performing Arts department, and Ms Jones's teaching and guidance. "Stella’s wide range of external dance choreographers, genres and levels gave me more dancing experience," she said.
While undecided about what 2025 brings, Vianney is considering some early entry offers to university courses.
We have our fingers crossed that Vianney will be called up to perform. CALLBACK performances will be held at the Seymour Centre on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 February 2025, at 12pm and 7pm each day.
(All of Stella's HSC Dance students were successful in receiving nominations for CALLBACK. We also congratulate Ella Dolby and Roisin Courtney on their nominations.)
