MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Mr Allister Hill

Middle Sub School Manager

The Middle School has had a big focus on careers and pathways over the last fortnight. Last week our Year 10 students participated in a very different, but engaging careers week. On Monday students were able to participate in virtual campus tours. Exploring what life at University or TAFE could look like. Students also spent time learning and exploring the plethora of subjects and options for students entering senior school at North Geelong Secondary College. Students had the opportunity to revisit and reflect on their Morrisby reports from Year 9, which helped many students refine their goals. Throughout the week students also engaged in conversations and presentations with past students and industry speakers, getting insights into the different pathways available to them. Hopefully many of the students now have a clearer view on their potential pathways and options ahead. I have no doubt that the students would have gained a lot of knowledge from the week and these experiences would have helped shape their decisions when choosing their Year 11 subjects and courses.

I would like to thank all the staff and students who made this week possible. In particular, a huge thanks to the careers team and the amount of time, energy and preparation that went into the activities and events.

Given the current circumstance, our Year 9 students have had a remodelled course counselling process also. They have participated in recorded videos developed by our careers team to help students choose their Year 10 subjects. We also appreciate the support from Year 9 subject teachers who have continued to have professional conversations around pathways and subject selections with both parents and students. We thank all the students who engaged in this process and look forward to reviewing the subject selections each student has made for 2021. Further information around subject selections can be found on the Year 9 student google classroom page and school website.  https://ngsc.vic.edu.au/curriculum/middle-school/

I would like to thank parents for their continued support and communication as we progress back into remote learning. I understand this is a very challenging time for us all and everybody is doing their best. Please continue to support your child in their learning and encourage them to seek help from their teachers or any of the coordinators should any issues arise. Please be assured the college has a very structured, engaging and organised remote learning program. We also have a very supportive and hardworking student wellbeing team should students need to seek some extra support. More information can be found on compass and on the Student Wellbeing page in this newsletter.

As we go back into remote learning I would like to encourage students to be open and communicate with their friends and family about their health and wellbeing. 

Unfortunately, for many students their sports and hobbies have been put on hold for the time being, but this will hopefully open up new experiences and possibly rekindle old hobbies like bike riding, knitting, flying kites or dance. Enjoy the slower paced lifestyle and embrace the time spent with family, conversations over the fence with neighbours and time in the garden helping out your parents. However, it is important we are looking after our own wellbeing and speak up if we are not OK. Students and parents need to get the basics right first. During this period I encourage students to:

1. Stay connected: With your school, community, friends and family.
2. Move and be active: Don’t get stuck in front of the laptop all day. Get up and move. Ride the bike, skate, walk the dog, fly a kite.
3. Take notice: Beware of your mind and your own wellbeing. Take time to relax or practice mindfulness.
4. Love of learning: Don’t stop learning. Be engaged in your learning and continue to seek new ways of learning.
5. Generosity: Experience the beauty of giving to others and the benefits it can bring.

2021 Subject Selections

Our regular Course Counselling preparation and interview sessions have been replaced with online subject selections this week. Information has been shared with all current Year 8 and 9 students via Google Classroom. Students should have selected their 2021 subjects by the end of this week. 

We encourage parent/carers to take the time to discuss your child’s selections.  

If you have any difficulties accessing the selections, please contact the Middle Sub School team or Stan Koullas by phoning the school.