Junior School Report

Drew King Term 3, 2024

Year 7: A Term of Self-Growth, Respect, and Striving for Personal Best

 

Term 3 has been a period of significant self-reflection and personal development for our Year 7 students. Focused on the themes of Self-Growth, Respect, and Striving for Their Personal Best, students have actively engaged in setting meaningful goals and taking concrete steps toward self-improvement.

A key part of this journey has been the reflection on their report GPAs, which allowed students to assess their academic progress and establish clear, actionable goals to enhance their learning and performance.

 

The Knowing Self Project: A Deep Dive into Emotional Intelligence

 

One of the highlights of this term was The Knowing Self Project incursion, which guided our students through the complex landscape of emotions, relationships, and self-awareness. This program encouraged students to:

  • Explore their own emotions and develop empathy by understanding the emotions of others.
  • Reflect on their friendships, recognizing their role in fostering healthy, positive relationships.
  • Evaluate their actions and reactions, considering their impact on those around them.
  • Delve deeper into the motivations behind behaviors, fostering a greater understanding of themselves and others.
  • Learn practical strategies to support emotional self-management, empowering them to handle challenges with resilience and confidence.

This program has been a valuable tool in helping Year 7 students better understand themselves and their peers, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate the social and emotional challenges of adolescence.

 

Sporting Achievements: A Term of Success and Sportsmanship

 

Our Year 7 students have also excelled in sports this term, showcasing their teamwork, perseverance, and competitive spirit in the Southern Peninsula Division Interschool Sports. We are proud to announce that many teams have advanced to the regional level, reflecting their outstanding performance:

  • 1st Place – Girls Basketball
  • 2nd Place – Boys Basketball
  • 2nd Place – Girls Futsal
  • 2nd Place – Boys Futsal
  • 1st Place – Boys Table Tennis
  • 1st Place – Hockey

These results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of all involved. Congratulations to the students and their coaches for their tremendous efforts and achievements!

 

Positive Mentorship and Lunchtime Activities

 

In addition to their academic and sporting accomplishments, our Year 7 students have benefited from engaging in various lunchtime activities, organized and run by our dedicated Year 11 and 12 student leaders. These activities have provided fantastic opportunities for positive mentoring and peer support, fostering a sense of community and collaboration across year levels.

 

Aerobics Success: National Champions on the Gold Coast

 

Our school's Aerobics teams recently competed at the Nationals on the Gold Coast, achieving remarkable results. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Brittany Felsinger, our dedicated coach, who invested countless hours perfecting the routines with the girls. A special mention also goes to the teachers who supported the team by helping them prepare and provide home-cooked meals—thank you, Shannon Rennison and Natasha Marr.

Here are the outstanding results from our talented aerobics teams:

  • Junior Duos
    • Isla Shirreffs and Annabelle Hildebrand (Year 9) – 7th Place
    • Isla Hall (Year 8) and Ella Weaver (Year 9) – 9th Place
  • Groups
    • Dazzling Stars – Junior Team – 11th Place
      • Isla Hall, Jada Wilson, Ashlea Robertson, Audrey Fenn (Year 8)
      • Indi Mugaj-Kelly (Year 7)
      • Annabelle Hildebrand, Ella Weaver (Year 9)

These accomplishments are a credit to the hard work and dedication of the students, coaches, and staff. Well done to everyone involved!

 

Year 8 Update: A Look Back at a Busy and Exciting Term Three

 

Term three has been an eventful and rewarding period for our Year 8 students, filled with achievements, creativity, and talent.

  • Junior Art Show: Our Year 8 students displayed their artistic talents in the Junior Art Show, contributing a range of exceptional pieces that showcased their creativity and skill.
  • Year 8 Sports: This term saw strong performances in various sports, with Year 8 students achieving impressive results and showing great teamwork and dedication.
  • Girls basketball – 1st
  • Boys Basketball – 1st 
  • Girls Futsal – 3rd
  • Boys Futsal – 1st 
  • Boys Table Tennis – 1st

 

  • National Aerobics: A special congratulations to the four Year 8 girls who competed in the National Aerobics competition and brought home the victory. Their hard work and commitment have certainly paid off!
  • Year 8 Podcast: Our Year 8 podcast has been a tremendous success, with students engaging in thoughtful discussions on topics both within and outside of our college community. It’s been wonderful to see their passion and curiosity come to life through this platform.
  • Soirée Performances: Year 8 students shone brightly during the Soirée, displaying their talents in singing and playing musical instruments. Many of these talented students have also been involved in our college productions, further highlighting their dedication to the performing arts.

Additionally, the newly resurfaced courts have become a popular spot for Year 8 students, offering them a great space to play basketball and enjoy active break times. The courts are also a hit with students from other year levels, fostering a vibrant and energetic atmosphere across the campus.

As the term comes to a close, we celebrate the many successes and look forward to the opportunities that await in the next term.

 

Year 9 Highlights: Term Three Recap

 

Term three has been a dynamic and exciting time for our Year 9 students, marked by a series of impressive achievements and enriching experiences.

  • Interschool Sports Days: Our Year 9 students had the opportunity to represent the school in various interschool sports events. Their outstanding performances and competitive spirit resulted in many great outcomes, showcasing their athletic abilities and teamwork.
  • YAWA Program: The Year 9 girls participated in the YAWA program, which offered them a chance to explore and engage in a range of different exercise and fitness classes. This initiative has been instrumental in promoting student wellbeing and encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle.
  • Outdoor Education Camp: The Outdoor Education Camp featured a scenic coastal walk from Flinders to Balnarring, with an overnight stay at Shoreham Camping Ground. This camp provided valuable experiences and served as a foundational step towards future outdoor adventures in their senior years.
  • Music Soirée: The Year 9 students showcased their musical talents during the Music Soirée, which was met with a wonderful turnout from the community. Their performances highlighted their skills and passion for music, adding to the vibrant cultural life of our school.
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  • Sporting Achievements

Here are the outstanding results from our talented aerobics teams:

  • Junior Duos
    • Isla Shirreffs and Annabelle Hildebrand (Year 9) – 7th Place
    • Isla Hall (Year 8) and Ella Weaver (Year 9) – 9th Place
  • Groups
    • Dazzling Stars – Junior Team – 11th Place
      • Annabelle Hildebrand, Ella Weaver (Year 9)
  • Inter-school sports (9/10)
  • Girls basketball – 1st
  • Boys Basketball – 3rd 
  • Girls Futsal – 2nd 
  • Boys Futsal – 2nd 
  • Girls Table Tennis – 2nd 
  • Boys Table Tennis – 1st

As we reflect on these highlights, we celebrate the achievements and growth of our Year 9 students and eagerly anticipate the opportunities that the next term will bring. Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday break. See you all in term 4😁.

 

Kind regards,

Drew King

Assistant Principal