Last week, Southern River College was alive with energy as it hosted two back-to-back events that celebrated science, technology, and future-focused learning: the Synergy Schools Solar Challenge and the much-anticipated Google Day.
Both events brought students from across the local area together, offering hands-on experiences and inspiring insights into emerging technologies and Southern River College played a central role in making it all happen.
“We were absolutely thrilled to host the Synergy Schools Solar Challenge and Google Day, both of which develop innovative mindsets, adaptability, creativity, and other skills needed in our rapidly evolving world,” Acting Principal Mr Di Filippo said.
“The atmosphere at the College during these events was electric and absolutely turbo-charged. It was truly exciting for our students to be exposed to these emerging technologies.”
The Synergy Schools Solar Challenge South Metro Heat saw 150 students from 20 primary and 20 secondary schools compete at Southern River College. Year six and eight students built and raced solar-powered model cars using kits that included solar panels, gears, wheels and chassis.
One of the College’s two teams, Feya Diesta, Zakaria Mohsini, Ryan Tylor, and Jolynn Wong, placed second in the Year eight division and now advances to the Western Australian Grand Final at Murdoch University next week.
“Building the car was great but the best part of the experience was racing the car along the track,” said Zakaria Mohsini. “You need to persevere, keep working under pressure and believe in yourself.”
Ms Sarina Cooper, Head of Science at Southern River College and event organiser, praised the program for its real-world learning outcomes.
“The Synergy Schools Solar Challenge is more than just a race. It’s an opportunity for students to apply their STEM knowledge in an exciting, hands-on competition,” she said.
Ms Cooper stressed, “Students experienced the thrill of competition while also learning the importance of teamwork, resilience, and sustainable technology.”
In another development, the College welcomed 126 students from local primary schools for “Google Day”, a showcase of AI, robotics, and space science made possible through the Gosnells Robotics Clubs initiative, supported by Google and Schools Plus.
The event is part of a broader national STEM initiative by Schools Plus, a leading education non-profit, and Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm. Western Australia’s event, held on April 1, marked the second in a five-part series running from 2024 to 2026, designed to inspire the next generation of tech leaders in disadvantaged communities across the country.
Students explored AI-driven technologies, including the Google Gemini model and interactive tools like the Teachable Machine. They also participated in hands-on Google-led workshops and enjoyed a dynamic robotics showcase by Southern River College students.
The highlight of the day was a captivating presentation by astrophysicist and Superstar of STEM, Dr Adelle Goodwin, who shared her research on how stars are destroyed by supermassive black holes and gave students a glimpse into life as a scientist. Google representatives demonstrated coding features within products like Google Photos and offered insights into the AI development process.
For Mr John Townley, Robotics Coach and teacher at Southern River College, the day was an opportunity to align curiosity with possibility. “Astrophysicist Dr Adelle Goodwin captured the students’ imaginations with real radio telescope and deep space images showing black holes and the effects of tidal disruption events,” he said
“Dr Goodwin captured the students’ imaginations with deep space images and real radio telescope data showing black holes,” he said.
“Hearing from Google experts about the coding behind AI products gave students insight into exciting new STEM careers.”
Students from Ashburton Drive Primary School were especially engaged. Their science specialist teacher, Mr Lachlan Clyne, said the event made a strong classroom connection.
“We are currently learning about Earth and Space Science, so hearing from an Astrophysicist took our understanding to a far deeper level,” he said, adding that “Events like this spark curiosity and help students see how the skills they’re learning can lead to exciting futures in tech and innovation.”
Year six students of Ashburton Drive Primary School shared their favourite moments. Jett said he enjoyed the AI demonstrations, especially seeing how Gemini could create simple games, while Seth found the astrophysics presentation both accessible and mind-blowing. Allegra said she was surprised by how easy it was to start using AI tools like the Teachable Machine, and Claire reflected on how meeting professionals in the STEM field made a future in science feel within reach.
The broader initiative, supported by Google.org’s $3 million commitment to Schools Plus, aims to engage students through robotics clubs, competitions, and a shared Future Ready Skills framework. It also supports teachers through professional development and helps remove barriers to participation—such as covering transport costs to events like this one.
Schools Plus CEO, Sherrill Nixon said, “This initiative shows the beauty of partnerships in action.” “STEM education is a powerful catalyst for equity. Our partnership with Google enables us to bring exciting and innovative STEM learning opportunities to children in disadvantaged communities, empowering them to become agile thinkers ready for today’s world and the future. We’re giving students the opportunity to imagine a future within their reach.”
Marie Efstathiou from Google.org Australia added, saying, “Google.org believes in building a strong digital future for Australia, and that means making sure all students have the chance to learn and grow their digital skills. We’re thrilled to partner with Schools Plus on this project, bringing role models and real-world examples from Australia’s science and technology industry right to Southern River College. Seeing is believing, and we’re here to inspire them!”
Southern River College is the lead school for the Gosnells Robotics Clubs, a three-year project in partnership with Thornlie SHS and local primary schools.
“Our involvement in these events came about because of our strong commitment to advancing future-focused learning opportunities,” said Mr Di Filippo.
“We would like to thank Schools Plus, Google, Synergy, and STAWA for offering educational opportunities for our community. We look forward to many more inspirational events such as these in the future.”
