MEGAR Week (Year 9)
YEAR 9 MEGAR WEEK
In the last week of Term 2, Year 9 students celebrated MEGAR Week. Students participated in a range of activities that were selected and designed to build their skills in:
Mindfulness, Empathy, Gratitude, Acceptance and Resilience,
all of which have been found to have a positive impact on mental health. Some of the activities that students enjoyed as part of M.E.G.A.R Week are:
- Several informative presentations on essential and relevant topics for adolescents including: Appearance Expectations, Body Image and Self-Esteem, Decision Making, Alcohol and other Drugs, Wellbeing & Indigenous Perspectives on Mental Health.
- Some fun interactive sessions including Yoga, Zumba, Phys Ed, Cooking, and Virtus Performance.
- The Frankston Youth Services ‘What Bus’, where students could make badges, play giant games and grab a free snow cone.
- A “Choose Your Own Adventure” excursion to Monash University where students explored a range of different pathways and opportunities available to them in the future.
- A celebratory free lunch accompanied by a student concert and followed by a spellbinding magic show by local magician Lachlan Wilde.
- Many students also participated in the Community Engagement (CE) Program, thanks to Mrs Sarah Bahramis and Mr Nick Toovey, during MEGAR Week, where they had the opportunity to volunteer with local organisations in the community including the Overport Primary School, Groomed to Go, Sage’s Cottage Farm, Joy of the Earth Community Garden, and The Mornington Railway Preservation Society.
Here is what some students thought about MEGAR Week:
“MEGAR Week really opened up a lot more opportunities for me and helped me get more engaged in the community” – Chantelle Paylado
“MEGAR Week was based on mental health which is important for us after the impacts of COVID” – Nicholas Keegan
“Something I learned in MEGAR Week was if you ever have a problem, may it be big or small, reach out to someone and talk about it" – Mathew Joseph
“MEGAR Week was a great way to be able to connect with and understand others” – Indiana Oakley
“The teachers have put a huge effort into organising all these activities. Overall, I enjoyed MEGAR Week” – Olivia Granrott
Here is what some students thought about the CE Program:
"On Tuesday 21 June, we attended an online session with employees of The Big Issue. We discussed the stereotypes of homelessness – breaking down our prejudiced views and developing a deeper understanding of the experiences so many people face. We looked at the statistics of homelessness in Australia and were surprised to see so many young people suffering and sleeping rough. We learnt that many children are born into a cycle of poverty and therefore have no way to escape. This is where The Big Issue come in. They provide employment for homeless people, allowing them to earn money and develop social connections by selling magazines. We found this experience incredibly insightful and encourage everyone to research this amazing organisation." - Alyssa Lancaster, Ella Cowan and Tyra Gourdouros
"When arriving at the Frankston South Recreation and Community Centre we were greeted by the staff and went to an exclusive activity room where we made paper terrariums containing common native Australian birds such as the Cockatoo, Kookaburra, Lorikeet, etc. which we got to colour in and decorate. I enjoyed my time and would go again if the chance came up!" - Jack Van Gameren and Amber Rogan
"We went to Groomed to Grow for the community engagement program during MEGAR Week. Firstly, it was amazing to meet all the ladies helping out and volunteering with no pay. We felt welcomed straight away, and never felt like we were in the way or out of place. Organising and sorting clothes was very fun, as well as dressing up the display mannequins in fresh new outfits. At the end of the day the ladies Maddie was sent home in the clothes she had tried on and the rest of the group was sent home with beautiful pink jewellery boxes! We cannot recommend the experience more!" - Isobelle Blandy and Maddie Newland
We are incredibly pleased that the students were able to enjoy such a rewarding and worthwhile week to celebrate their first successful semester in Middle School while building skills they will use for the rest of their lives. A big thank you to all the staff and students who enabled this week to be such a success. A very special thank you goes to Mrs Sarah Bahramis for organising the Community Engagement program, and to Year 9 student Blake Alford-Ryan for the amazing photographs he captured during MEGAR Week.
Mr Aaron Elias and Miss Paige Jessulat
Year 9 Coordinators
MEGAR Week Photo Gallery
COMMUNITY LEARNING PROJECT (CLP)
Hi, my name is Adelle and I ran a fundraiser with my CLP Team; Cate, Imogen, Orlando during MEGAR Week on the last day of term 2. At recess, we ran a Bake Sale, lolly bag table and donation jar. Then during lunchtime, we had live performances by student volunteers. The fundraiser was raising money towards The Homeless Project.
We came up with the idea when we attended the Alpine School for Student Leadership during Term 1 this year. We came together as a CLP Team and brainstormed ways we can help our community. We spent a few classes every week planning and working together to make our project happen. We did not always agree, but we learned from the experience of working together and problem solving.
When we returned home for Term 2, we continued working on it in our own time, scheduling meetings at lunch and recess, and with Mrs Sarah Bahramis, who helped and guided us. We got in contact with a few other teachers and students to make the day happen, as well as raising money for The Homeless Project. In the end, the day was very successful and it was amazing watching the project we had worked so hard on actually happening and going smoothly. We raised $182.25 with a Bake Sale at recess. Many thanks to Mr Isaac Bakker, Mrs Sally Bredin and Mrs Peta Laughlin for their help in making our lunchtime music performance such a great event too.
Adelle Worboys
Year 9 SLC student
