Year 7

After a very busy and enriching first month of term, the routine of classes is very apparent in Year 7. Learning, both within and beyond the classroom, continues to be rewarding for all students who are prepared to face each challenge with enthusiasm and hope.

Year 7 students must be congratulated on their active participation in the life of the College. It has been so rewarding to watch friendships flourish and students gain confidence. Many students have attended the College production auditions, joined the choir, signed up to learn an instrument and may be contemplating trying out for various sports.

At Kilbreda we hold a deep and active regard for each student’s wellbeing. Our policies, programs, structures, and curriculum, in fact, all of our undertakings are student-centered. 

During their Pastoral Periods this term, Year 7 students will focus on the importance of Positive Psychology based on the 'PERMAH model', which focuses on character strengths and behaviours allowing students to build a life of meaning and purpose - to move beyond surviving to flourishing. Such an environment affords all students experiences of connectedness, a sense of belonging, engagement and positive, respectful relationships with peers and teachers. 

At the College we believe that positive relationships lie at the heart of learning and for children to be ready to learn, they must first feel happy and secure. How to get along with others, how to form positive and life-giving relationships and how to resolve conflict, is part of what each person must learn to live rich, hope-filled and rewarding lives.

Kilbreda uses the approach known as 'Restorative Practices' to respond to and manage conflict and challenging behaviors and to foster personal accountability and socially responsible relationships between people. 'Restorative Practices' is based on the principles of affirmation, respect, and reciprocal responsibility. It teaches positive social interaction and emotional literacy and helps students gain an understanding of how their behavior impacts on others.

We ask that students do not contact parents during school hours. Mobile phones are not permitted during school hours. Phones must be on silent or turned off in school bags as soon as students arrive at school. Students are encouraged to inform a teacher if an issue should arise.

Due to the pandemic, recent world events in the Ukraine and the impacts of the floods in Queensland and NSW, the world we now live in feels volatile or uncertain. The hyperconnected nature of our current environment means we are reminded of our challenges via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages leaving us feeling overwhelmed, stressed and anxious. Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to this digital landscape. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented can be stressful. Adult carers are encouraged to check in with their children and be aware of what information they may have been exposed to. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but rather their inability to process and understand it. By providing children and young people with the skills and strategies to cope, we enable them to flourish and thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Adolescence is the transitional stage of development. The rate of this transition will vary depending on the individual and their gender. Setting boundaries, implementing consistent monitoring and maintaining a strong and loving connection will help families adjust during this time. The role of parents is to prepare children for independence. That involves the guiding values such as kindness, fairness, courage, patience and honesty. Growing up is a lifelong task.

Shortly the Year 7 students will be off to Lord Somers Camp. There they will experience a wide range of outdoor activities including stand up paddleboarding, pizza making and screen printing. Thank you to our committed staff who will assist in the provision of these enriching learning experiences for our students.

Leah Cristiano

Level Leader: Year 7