Junior School News 

Term 4 for Year 7 students is always bittersweet – no longer are the Year 7’s the babies of the school. However, we have immense pride to see that students are ready to take that step into Year 8 and will do so with a positive understanding of our school values.  

As our values have been forefront in our minds this year, it was wonderful to celebrate our values with a whole year level event. Let’s hear from one of our Year 7 leaders, Alice:   

On Friday the 20th of October, the Year 7 leaders and teachers held a ‘Community Day’ for the Year 7 students to take a break from work. During periods 1 and 2, students gathered in the Performing Arts Centre to watch a show by Brainstorm Productions titled "Wired”. It was about being cyber-safe and included a lot of relatable themes. At some points in the show, the cast would ask the audience questions like “what are some strategies to deal with stress?” and “what do you do if you are being cyber bullied?”.  This helped us as Year 7s to learn valuable life skills while still having fun and relaxing. 

Periods 3 and 4 were filled with some highly competitive, class vs class mentor games. We played many games including tunnel ball, over under, dodgeball and more. Everyone had an amazing time despite all the screaming and going crazy! 

At lunch time, we had a ‘picnic’ with our class. Everyone sat together and ate their lunch and extra snacks provided by the teachers. 

But periods 5 and 6 was what we had all been waiting for… going to Sk8house! We had hours of skating filled with lots and lots of games hosted by the Sk8house staff. But the biggest hit of the afternoon was the $2 slushies being sold at the canteen. Despite some trips and falls, everyone had an amazing day and we can’t wait to do it again. 

I wish our Year 7 students every success as they embark on the next chapter of Year 8.  

                                               Ms Kristy Ackland

                                                      Year 7 Leader

Year 9 Camp - Roses Gap

On Monday, 4th December, our 2024 Year 9 cohort set off on the annual Roses Gap Camp in the Grampians. Nestled in the heart of Victoria, Australia, the Grampians National Park served as the backdrop for an unforgettable camp experience that combined nature, education, and camaraderie.  

The busy schedule on camp gave all students an opportunity to push themselves beyond their limits in a range of challenging situations and engaging hands-on activities. Whether it was conquering a rock-climbing wall, navigating low ropes courses, or working together to build a raft, these experiences not only built resilience, but also persistence, collaboration and conflict resolution skills. Throughout the week students participated in an action-packed schedule that included abseiling, canoeing, leaping from the pamper pole as well as the 14km Brigg’s Bluff hike. Students also took part in evening activities including initiative games, trivia and a night walk.  

The Year 9 Roses Gap camp provided all students and staff with an opportunity to build relationships outside the classroom space. Students fostered positive relationships with their new mentor teachers as well as other students in the Learning for Life Program. The camp adventure will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our students who will have many fond memories of their week away. Thank you to all staff members who attended the camp and assisted in making the camp a wonderful experience for all.