Team Leader's Message

Term 3

What a SPECTACULAR term we have had in Secondary 7/8! Students have embraced challenges, worked collaboratively, creatively solved problems, and showcased their talents in the production ‘Mamma Mia’. 

This term our learning was driven by the question ‘What is the impact of Natural Disasters?’  To launch the inquiry, students tested their knowledge of natural disasters by completing a series of Escape Room challenges in the Discovery Centre. There was lots of discussion around what makes something a natural disaster and the type of natural disasters we experience in Australia.  Students made connections with recent floods in NSW and the Black Saturday Bushfires in Victoria, and were able to identify the ongoing impact these events have on the environment, communities and animals. Through scientific investigations classes explored the cause and impact of natural disasters by creating models of erupting volcanoes, cyclones and floods. A highlight of the inquiry was the excursion to IMAX to view the documentary ‘Extreme Weather’ where the students were able to view extreme weather conditions up close. 

The highly anticipated and hugely competitive fortnightly Students verses Teachers event has been a wonderful opportunity for team bonding, collaboration, laughs and some all-round fun. Each fortnight a class designed and presented a challenge for students and staff to compete against each other for bragging rights. Relay races, party games and a scavenger hunt saw the students outplay and outwit staff to come away with the trifecta. 

Book week was celebrated with a visit from local author Lisa Keskinen. In preparation for Lisa’s visit classes explored her book ‘Billy Bobbarooni and the mystery words’.  During Lisa’s session she shared how she generates and records her ideas for stories and then guided the students through this process using audio and visual prompts. Students creatively recorded their ideas in the form of drawings in their Writers Notebooks ready to be developed into amazing stories!

The Secondary Spectacular Mamma Mia was certainly the highlight of the term. The performance was a culmination of hours of choreography, lines being rehearsed, costume fittings, props being constructed and students embracing the opportunity to shine. We are extremely proud of the support and encouragement the students offered one another to make the performance a huge success. A BIG shout out to ‘Laura’ from ASPA who has worked tirelessly with our students to prepare them for the performance. And to the amazing 7/8 Team who have been behind the scenes making the magic happen, we extend our sincere thanks. 

Kirsten Telford                                                                         Jessica Fitzsimons

Leading Teacher                                                                     Leading Teacher

Teaching and Learning                                                         Wellbeing and Engagement