Year 9

A warm welcome to you all for the 2021 school year and every blessing for a wonderful year ahead. 

Already, there seems to have been so much happen in just the first two weeks of term. A special welcome to the new parents and families who have joined our Year 9 Community.

Our students have begun 2021 with a great sense of energy, enthusiasm and care for one another. Every year we focus on one of our Kildare Ministries Core Values. Over the past two years we have explored and celebrated Hospitality: Welcoming all and Justice: Making the needs of the vulnerable paramount. This year’s theme is Wonder: Celebrating all that is good with joy and gratitude. During our programs, events, assemblies and interactions, we will work with our students to fully understand and embrace the value of Wonder. 

A new and exciting aspect of the Year 9 curriculum is the BRIDGES Program. Recently, our students participated in their first dedicated BRIDGES Day. Local artist, Adam Magennis, spoke to the year level about the traditional custodians of our land, the Bunurong People, the connection to country, aboriginal art and music and we all took part in a 'Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony'. 

Students learnt that the Smoking Ceremony is an ancient custom among some First Nations People that involves smouldering various native plants to produce smoke. This herbal smoke is believed to have cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits. This type of learning experience is just one of the many activities 'beyond the classroom' that we offer at Year 9 to enable students to further develop communication, collaboration, adaptability, critical thinking, teamwork, flexibility and problem solving. We believe that participation in experiences like this will make our students better learners. 

Participating in other 'voluntary' experiences, such as sports, music, debating, social justice and the like are also considered integral to the learning program at Year 9. The new school year presents an opportune time to explore with your daughters what new experiences they might chose to explore this year. 

The beginning of the school year is also a great time for students to think about their academic goals for the year based on their reflections on 'how they can improve on their learning' from last year. It is also the time to commit to a growth mindset approach, in which they view mistakes and setbacks as a learning opportunity and approach their studies anew with passion and persistence. I would encourage all parents to instigate a conversation with their daughters as to what these goals might be and how you can support their learning this year. Success looks different for everyone, and parent support is crucial in assisting students develop realistic goals and attaining these goals whatever they may be.

Leah Cristiano

Level Leader: Year 9