Year 9

Year 9 Canowindra Cup

Article by Ashley Sheldrick, Year 9 Level Leader

Last Friday, the Year 9 community came together for the much-anticipated Canowindra Cup, a celebration of competition, creativity, teamwork and school spirit. The event provided students with an opportunity to step outside the classroom, challenge themselves and showcase their individual talents while representing their Home Groups.

The Canowindra Cup featured a diverse range of events, including the Canowindra Marathon, Sprint, Chess Tournament, Portrait Prize, Soccer and Basketball Round Robins, Pickleball and Table Tennis. From physical endurance and sporting skill to creativity, strategy and intellectual ability, the range of events ensured there was an opportunity for every student to contribute and shine.

One of the highlights of the day was the outstanding participation and enthusiasm demonstrated by our students. While the competitive spirit was certainly evident, it was equally pleasing to see students encouraging their peers, celebrating one another’s achievements and supporting their Home Groups. These moments of camaraderie and encouragement captured what the Canowindra Cup is all about.

As we reflect on the event, we celebrate not only the students and teams who achieved success, but every student who participated, challenged themselves and contributed to the atmosphere of the day. Their enthusiasm, fair play, and willingness to support one another helped make the Year 9 Canowindra Cup a memorable experience and a wonderful celebration of our community.

Congratulations to all Year 9 students for embracing the spirit of the Canowindra Cup and making the day such a success! Winners will be announced during Friday’s end of term assembly.

Year 9 Health and Wellbeing Workshops

Article by Ashley Sheldrick, Year 9 Level Leader

Last Thursday, our Year 9 students participated in a series of tailored Health and Wellbeing Workshops designed to provide them with practical knowledge, strategies and confidence to navigate some of the physical, social and emotional challenges that can emerge during adolescence. The workshops also aligned closely with R U OK? Day, reinforcing the importance of knowing when and how to seek support, advocating for our own wellbeing, and recognising opportunities to support others.

Our female students participated in a Menstrual and Reproductive Health workshop, facilitated by expert external presenters Stephanie and Will. The session explored menstrual health, body confidence, advocating for personal health and wellbeing, and practical ways students can support both themselves and others. The workshop provided an important opportunity for students to ask questions, build their knowledge and develop greater confidence in understanding and advocating for their own health.

Our male students participated in a Men's Health and Wellbeing workshop, facilitated by Mr Noye and Mr Sheldrickin partnership with the Butterfly Foundation. This data-informed session explored some of the common factors that can influence the physical and mental wellbeing of young men, including body image, eating disorders, media and social media influences, and ways individuals and groups can contribute to a healthier environment for themselves and their peers.

A key focus across both workshops was the importance of knowing how to seek help and advocate for yourself, while also understanding how to support others. Students were encouraged to recognise that looking after their wellbeing is not something they need to navigate alone, and that asking for help is an important strength rather than a weakness. Equally, students explored how they can be positive and supportive friends and peers, and where to turn when someone they care about may need additional support.

It was particularly pleasing to see the level of engagement from our students throughout both workshops. Students participated thoughtfully, asked questions and demonstrated a willingness to engage with topics that are increasingly relevant to their lives. Creating opportunities for students to develop knowledge, challenge misconceptions and build practical strategies for supporting themselves and others is an important part of our Year 9 wellbeing program.

A sincere thank you to Stephanie, Will & Year 9 staff for their preparation, expertise and care in delivering these sessions. Their contribution helped create meaningful learning experiences for our students and reinforced the importance of open, informed and respectful conversations around health and wellbeing.

We are incredibly proud of the way our Year 9 students approached the workshops and their willingness to learn, reflect and support one another. These conversations form an important part of helping our students become kind, knowledgeable and happy young adults, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to look after themselves and contribute positively to the wellbeing of those around them.

Each fortnight, the College Careers Team publishes a newsletter providing students and parents with the most up-to-date career information, events and opportunities.  

Please access via the following link.