Learning Across the 

Senior School

Year 7 Camp

This year, the Year 7s were fortunate enough to take part in an amazing camp at the Yorke Peninsula. We participated in a wide range of enjoyable activities, including Surf Ed, Splash Park, and many more. 

On Monday morning, when we arrived at College, everyone was full of energy and eager to begin the journey. After loading our heavy bags onto the trailer, we finally set off on our adventure. During the trip, after many “Are we there yet?” questions, the speaker stopped working — so we ended up doing karaoke instead! Before long, we arrived and the fun began. 

Over the next three days, we had an amazing time. Every day was packed with activities, and we were full of excitement. On the first day, after the initial activities, we were so excited to find out our dorms. That night, we were supposed to go to sleep, but we stayed awake for a long time, whispering, laughing, and telling random stories — many of which probably weren’t funny at all. The teachers had to remind us several times to be quiet. Eventually, we went to sleep (kind of). 

On day two, my group went to the Splash Park and it was amazing. There were heaps of screaming (the fun kind), racing each other to the slides, and giant splashes everywhere. The other groups were doing the team games, which were both fun and surprisingly educational. We had to work together, communicate, and solve challenges as a team. Later, everyone agreed that both activities were awesome. 

And of course, the teachers kept us safe with their VERY constant sunscreen reminders. 

Day three was a wonderful way to finish the camp. We went on a tourist train ride, which was calm and relaxed, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and listen to interesting facts during the tour. It was actually quite fun to sit back and take it all in — even if the train was very noisy.  After that, we visited a museum and explored lots of fascinating things which were even more interesting than we expected. 

By the time we had to go home, we were exhausted, slightly sunburnt, and running on very little sleep but we had made so many lasting memories. The camp helped us get closer as a year level and try activities we might not normally attempt. Even though we were happy to go home, I think most of us secretly wished the camp could have continued a little longer. 

Overall, it was definitely a camp we will never forget. 

Evie C, year 7

SEAD – Year 9 and 10

With SEAD in Years 9 and 10, we continue to deliver high-quality and evidence-based wellbeing programs (with checks and measures in place through Pulse) to provide meaningful education to support your daughter. This is our second year engaging with Wellio, which is an online teaching and learning resource, complementing our SEAD program.

Our Year 9 and 10 SEAD Focus areas for Semester 1 are:

• Techniques for managing challenging emotions
• Optimising Character Strengths/SMART Goals and the Science behind Character Strengths 
• Time management
• Stress management
• Safe socialising 
• Help-seeking and peer support

Our Year 10s are under way with EIF and applying for the Mary Ward Connect program, whilst the Year 9s are preparing for NAPLAN. During our fortnightly Combined Homeroom sessions, I talk to the girls about respecting space and understanding how to conduct themselves (formal and informal settings) presenting clear messages around "sense of occasion". 

When school starts back, there are always a few nerves at the beginning of a new school year for students, teachers and parents alike, but I trust that the following article provides a few helpful, gender-neutral hints to parents of Middle Schoolers: Letting Middle Schoolers Assert Their Independence

Congratulations to our newly elected Yr 9 Leaders:

Grace C

Alexandra H

Beatrice M

Zoe A

Zoe R

Lola M

Lou B 

Stella S

As Year 9 Leaders we had the great privilege to help out with the Year 4-6 Swimming Carnival. It was a great way to meet girls from all ages of the Junior School. We helped with many things, including handing out ribbons to the girls after their races, cheering and encouraging them all the way through. As Year 9 leaders we thought it was a great opportunity to help out on such a fun day. It was so good seeing all the girls having fun and giving it their best shot. 

We are so glad we were all able to experience this fun day. We would like to say a big thank you to Ms Edwards for everything she did on the day. 

Grace, Zoe, Zoe, and Lou

Remember, as parents we always have the best intentions for our children and there is no such thing as perfect parent – so just be a real one!

LET’S DO THIS!

Fi Donnelly

(Leader of Student Wellbeing and Academic Care, Years 9 and 10)

Languages

La Chandeleur: Making Crêpes with Year 9 and 10

Last week, our Year 9 and Year 10 students celebrated La Chandeleur, a traditional French festival that takes place on 2 February. In France, it is customary to make and share crêpes with family and friends. The round, golden shape of the crêpes represents the sun and symbolises light and the coming of spring.

In class, students first learned about the history and cultural significance of La Chandeleur before moving on to the practical activity. Working in groups, they followed a recipe in French, measured the ingredients, and prepared the batter. With simple ingredients such as flour, eggs, milk, and butter, they created delicious crêpes from scratch.

Cooking the crêpes was a highlight of the lesson. Some students even attempted to flip their crêpes the traditional French way! The crêpes were then enjoyed with sugar, jam, or lemon.

This hands-on activity allowed students to practise food-related vocabulary, follow instructions in French, and experience an important cultural tradition. It was a fun and meaningful way to bring language learning to life.

Morgane Monpeurt​​​​

Leader of Languages