Secondary School

We have had a busy week with many activities happening over the school with different year groups.

All our Year Seven students have been actively participating in swimming lessons at Emu Point. These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity for every student to enhance their swimming skills, while also receiving essential training on water safety and personal responsibility in aquatic environments. Developing these abilities is not only about improving their swimming proficiency, but also about equipping them with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate various water settings safely. By fostering these critical life skills, we aim to instill a sense of self-assurance and preparedness that will benefit them in both recreational and real-life scenarios involving water.

Last Friday, our Year Ten students successfully completed their exams, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. To build on this, they participated in Peer Support Training on Monday and Tuesday of this week. This program, facilitated by the Heads of House, provided a dynamic and interactive opportunity for students to begin developing crucial skills in collaboration, leadership, and effective communication. The training involved a variety of activities designed to enhance teamwork, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. These activities not only challenged the students to work together, it also encouraged them to reflect on the qualities needed to support and guide others. The primary goal of Peer Support Training is to prepare our Year Ten students for their important role as mentors when they step into Year Eleven. By equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to build positive relationships, we aim for them to provide meaningful support, guidance, and encouragement to the incoming Year Seven cohort in 2025. This initiative helps foster a strong, inclusive school community where younger students feel welcomed and supported from the outset.

During this week’s assembly, Merit Awards for Electives were proudly presented to students in Years Seven, Eight, and Nine. These awards recognise the outstanding achievements of students who excelled in their elective subjects, finishing as the top performers in their respective classes for Semester Two. This accomplishment reflects their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their learning, as well as their ability to engage deeply with the diverse subjects offered in our elective programs. Electives play a vital role in fostering creativity, passion, and specialised skills. It is inspiring to see students thrive in these areas. A big congratulations to all the recipients of this well-deserved recognition. Your efforts and achievements set a fantastic example for your peers and demonstrate the value of pursuing excellence in everything you do. Keep up the incredible work!

The Japan Tour group departed last Friday and has been enjoying an unforgettable experience. Immersing themselves fully in the vibrant culture, the students have been embracing every opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese traditions, customs, and way of life. From exploring iconic landmarks to participating in local activities, they are broadening their perspectives and gaining first-hand experience of the culture they've studied in class. This tour also provides them with a unique chance to enhance their language skills, as they actively practice conversational Japanese in real-world settings. Such an experience not only strengthens their language proficiency but also fosters personal growth, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. By stepping out of their comfort zones and engaging with the Japanese community, the students are creating lasting memories and building skills that will benefit them long into the future.

On Tuesday morning, a group of Year Nine students embarked on the St George’s College Tour, an enriching experience designed to provide them with a glimpse into university life. Hosted by the college, this tour offers students the unique opportunity to stay on campus for several days, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of tertiary education. Throughout their stay, students participate in a variety of activities that showcase the academic, social, and residential aspects of university life. From engaging workshops and campus tours to interactive sessions with current students and staff, they gain valuable insights into what it is like to study and live at St George’s College. This experience helps demystify the transition to higher education, encouraging students to consider their own future pathways and aspirations. By living on campus, they also experience the independence and responsibility that comes with residential life, providing them with a clearer picture of what it means to be part of a university community. This tour is an incredible opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and begin envisioning their potential futures in higher education.

Mr Neil Ferreira | Acting Head of Secondary