Junior Assistant Principal

It’s hard to believe that Term 4 is already upon us, and we have enjoyed welcoming students back to school for the final remaining weeks in their 2024 academic classes. At the end of last term I enjoyed reflecting with our junior school students at their year level assemblies on the growth they have demonstrated throughout this year, and how they can make the most of these final weeks, before they step up into their 2025 year level and classes from Headstart (commencing 25th November - Monday, Week 8). 

As always, it is a busy week in our junior school, with staff facilitating a range of different opportunities for students to extend their learning and personal development beyond the classroom. Our Year 9s are off on a three-day camp, where they will challenge themselves and support one another to try new experiences. The camp program has an increased focus on outdoor education activities comparable to our Year 7 and 8 camps, with a range of different opportunities to try, including rock climbing and abseiling on natural cliff faces, white water kayaking, and outdoor survival training. I look forward to visiting our campers on Wednesday and hearing about their adventures. 

Alongside camp, for the remaining two days of their program this week, Year 9 students will participate in our Innovation Sprint, a dynamic and interactive program that challenges students to be creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and innovative leaders. This program is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore their potential, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge in real-world situations, all while making a positive impact on society and the environment. The program has been designed to explore and develop Citizenship skills – the Auburn Learner Quality focus for Year 9. I enjoyed being a panel member at the conclusion of our first Sprint earlier this week, and look forward to hearing more about the great ideas our students come up with in the second cycle of the week. 

Meanwhile, our Year 8 students have visited Melbourne Museum on Tuesday to investigate their geological displays, supporting their completion of their Science Inquiry CAT this term, and our Year 7 students are off to Region Table Tennis on Friday. 

Preparations for 2025 are well underway, with our Year 7 Year Level Leaders and admin team currently working through planning for our remaining transition evening, Ready Set Go! on 21st November, as well as our Orientation Day on Tuesday 10th December.

Applications are also open for our 2025 Student Leadership Team. The Student Leadership Team is an integral part of Auburn High School, and its members work to  build and connect our school community by implementing actions in a range of fields (eg. extra-curricular and sport, communication, wellbeing, philanthropy etc.), leading Assemblies as well as modelling and encouraging participation in a range of House events. I encourage current Year 8 students (2025 Year 9 students) who are interested in leadership or would like to make a positive contribution to our school community to consider submitting an application for Junior House Captain. Please see Mr Lanfranchi’s Compass post for further information - Year 7 students (2025 Year 8 students) will have an opportunity to apply early next year.