Year 8

I remember as a boy reading a book written by Graham Yallop, Australian cricket captain, who referred to a stage during a One Day International against England as a period of ‘sensible consolidation’. That phrase comes to mind when I reflect on the journey that the Year 8 girls have been undertaking throughout Term 2. There have been many positive stops along the way, some roadblocks, but they have all reached the end of their first semester of Year 8 successfully and can be suitably proud of themselves.

There have been many activities during this term to support the wellbeing and the learning of the Year 8 students. The Foreshore Program continued, with students picking up rubbish with a sense of enthusiasm that I am sure their parents would celebrate were it to be found at home! We also spent time listening to a presentation about the safe use of alcohol, and the risks of drinking at unsafe levels. Whilst the safe use of alcohol for 13-14 year olds is zero use, the facts about alcohol use and abuse are still important for all students to consider.

As always, there is much to celebrate at Kilbreda in general, and in Year 8 in particular. In the past month, students have competed in the DAV Junior Public Speaking Competition, the Write A Book in a Day Competition, the Edible Book Competition and the Eisteddfod by the Bay.  We have also been treated to the extraordinary talents of the Kilbreda Dance Company, and the many Year 8 dancers amongst it.

As a College, we also recognised Refugee Week, and the call to us as a community of faith to speak loudly on behalf of those who are silent, and to reach out to the lost, the last and least. As Jesus challenges us: “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” (Matthew 25.45).

There is a time for everything under God, and the time to briefly rest and reflect is now upon us. I wish everyone in the Year 8 community a safe and peaceful holiday, especially the parents and carers of our Year 8 girls who provide such wonderful support to them. May everyone return to school ready for Term 3 with a sense of wonder and awe at all that we will achieve together.

Bill Fitzsimons

Level Leader: Year 8