Clyde North Campus News
Week Seven brings with it not only Spring and the hope of sunshine, but also the reminder that the end of Term Three is fast approaching. For many students, this means the welcome anticipation of holidays and the chance to rest, relax, and spend time with family and friends.
For our Year 12 students, however, this period often brings mixed feelings. Final assessments and trial exams can be demanding, requiring significant focus and energy, while at the same time preparations for graduation and valedictory events are beginning to build a sense of excitement for what lies ahead.
Whatever the holidays may bring, we hope that all students take time to rest, recharge, and connect with family. These protective factors are essential in supporting the wellbeing of young people, allowing them to thrive both in and out of school.
For our senior students, it is also important to remember the value of effective study routines. Some of our VCE teachers may be offering holiday classes, which provide excellent opportunities for additional learning and support. The key lies in balance: ensuring that Year 12 students are both well-prepared and “match fit” as they enter the final weeks of their school journey.
Supporting Student Wellbeing
This year the College has introduced a new pastoral program which included a series of activities and workshops designed to strengthen the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of our young people. The program recognises the unique pressures and issues faced by students throughout the different year levels. This week I have included a report from Mr Islami who is one of the House team that designed this aspect of the new pastoral program. His report provides a snapshot of the activity program designed for senior students aimed at providing them with strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain healthy habits.
Feedback from students has been very encouraging, with student's commenting on the value of the program and the positive impact it is having on their study, daily routine and interactions at school. Please enjoy Mr Islami’s report and the photos.
Senior Students’ Engagement in Pastoral Periods
This year, our senior students have been actively involved in a wide range of engaging and collaborative activities during their pastoral periods. With a strong focus on teamwork, leadership, and building connections across Houses and year levels, these sessions have been an opportunity for our Year 12 students to not only strengthen their own bonds but also to mentor and support younger students within the school community.
The first pastoral session of the year set the tone for what has been an exciting and rewarding journey. Year 12 students worked alongside this year’s Year 7 cohort in small groups to complete two dynamic challenges. The first involved constructing a tower using a variety of materials provided. This activity encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and communication across the teams. The second was the tarp challenge, where groups were tasked with flipping over a tarp without stepping off it. This activity tested patience and perseverance while highlighting the importance of clear strategy and cooperation. For many, it was a meaningful opportunity to take on a leadership role and welcome the new students into the House system.
In the following pastoral period, the focus shifted to strengthening relationships among the Year 12 students themselves. Activities such as Scattergories and dodgeball encouraged collaboration and friendly competition, helping students from different Houses to interact, laugh together, and develop stronger bonds as a cohort.
The program continued with an energetic and physically engaging session led by external fitness providers. Students took part in a variety of activities, including boxercise, giant ball games, and scrabble-style challenges that tested both their fitness and their teamwork skills. This session was particularly successful in encouraging students to step outside of their comfort zones, build resilience, and support one another in a fun, active environment.
To conclude this series of pastoral activities, students were given the opportunity to choose from a range of options, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, trivia, and boardgames. This final session not only catered to diverse interests but also gave students the chance to relax, connect, and celebrate the sense of community they have built over the year.
Overall, the pastoral activity sessions have been invaluable in fostering leadership, teamwork, and house spirit among our Year 12 students. They have provided opportunities to mentor younger peers, strengthen bonds within the cohort, and create lasting memories in their final year of schooling. As our Year 12 students prepare to complete their journey at the College, the skills, friendships, and experiences gained through these activities will remain with them well beyond the classroom.
Mr Ehsan Islami, Romero House Leader
Mrs Julie Banda
Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus