Middle School

Year 7 Camp to Lake Dewar 

Article by Will Young, Year 7 Leader

The Year 7 students recently returned from an unforgettable four-day, three-night adventure at Lake Dewar. The excitement began before we even arrived, with the bus ride buzzing with chatter, laughter, and a few nervous smiles as students anticipated what the days ahead might hold. For many, this was their longest time away from home, and the mix of enthusiasm and nerves created a wonderful sense of anticipation for the experiences to come. 

Once at camp, students quickly settled into the rhythm of outdoor life. One of the highlights was the overnight tent stay, where they learned how to pitch their own tents and cook meals on trangias. It was a true test of teamwork, patience, and independence — and an impressive number of students took pride in mastering the art of campfire cooking and setting up their own sleeping arrangements. The sense of accomplishment after that night was evident across each group. 

The days were filled with a variety of activities that catered to all interests and abilities. Students paddled across the lake during kayaking sessions, soared on the flying fox, took on the challenge of mountain biking, and built their confidence with stand-up paddle boarding and jetty jumping. Evenings were just as lively, with night-time tunnelling and roasting marshmallows by the campfire. Every activity provided a chance to try something new, conquer fears, and share plenty of laughs with friends. 

One of the most rewarding parts of the camp was watching the sense of community grow among students. They supported one another, celebrated achievements big and small, and made countless memories together. New friendships were formed and existing ones strengthened — all of which will hold them in great stead as they move into Year 8 and take on new challenges together. 

By the time the bus ride home rolled around, the once noisy and energetic chatter had been replaced with a quiet hum of tired satisfaction. Students dozed off or gazed out the window, reflecting on a week that had pushed them beyond their comfort zones, and filled with moments they’ll remember for years to come. 

It was, in every sense, a classic school camp — filled with adventure, connection, and a lot of well-earned exhaustion. 

Year 4 Transition Day to Middle School 

Article by Natalie Miller, Year 5 Leader

On Tuesday our Year 4 students visited the Yirramboi Campus for an engaging and welcoming Transition Day. They were warmly greeted by the Year 5 teachers and students before embarking on a guided tour of the campus to familiarise themselves with their new learning environment for 2026. 

Students enjoyed a presentation from Ms Sadler (Head of House & District Sport), Ms Little (Head of Co-Curriculum), and Ms Moloney (Library Teacher), who introduced the many opportunities available in Middle School. Following the presentation, the Year 4s took part in a friendship bracelet-making activity - a wonderful way to connect with peers and begin building new friendships. 

The day included with a Q&A session, where students were able to ask questions about Middle School life and share their excitement for the year ahead. It was a fantastic introduction to Yirramboi Campus, and we look forward to welcoming our new Year 5s next year! 

Year 7 Mandarin Language and Cultural Exchange 

Article by Weiwei Zhang, Teacher of Language  

Our Year 7 Mandarin students embraced the opportunity to exchange language and culture with students from National Nanke International Experimental High School in Taiwan. During this online bilingual session, students participated in a lively culture quiz, learning fun facts about each other’s schools, daily routines, and traditions. They also shared and compared lunch options, discovering the similarities and differences between Australian and Taiwanese school meals, and discussed ideas for sustainable living in their respective communities.

The exchange provided an authentic opportunity for students to use Mandarin in real conversations while developing cultural understanding and global awareness. By engaging with native speakers their own age, students built confidence in listening and speaking Mandarin and gained a deeper appreciation of the diversity within the Chinese-speaking community. This meaningful experience strengthened not only their language skills but also their sense of connection to the wider international community.

Year 6 Band Concerts

The countdown has started for the Year 6 cohort as they prepare to perform for their families at the annual Year 6 Band Concerts on Wednesday, 26 November (6C, E, F & G) and Thursday, 27 November (6A, B & D). Also featuring on the evenings is Gravity Band (Wednesday) and Big Band (Thursday). The concerts will run for an hour from 7pm in the Yirramboi Spots Hall.