Health & PE

It’s been a busy and productive start to the year in Health and Physical Education. Our Year 9/10 Electives are wrapping up for the semester, with many students transitioning into new Health & PE subjects for Year 7 and 10 students was our Peer Support program.

In Years 7 & 8, students have been participating in an Invasion Games unit, with a strong focus on developing both offensive and defensive strategies. In Health, Year 8 students have completed their Nutrition unit, while our Year 7s have been exploring how to manage physical, social, and emotional changes during adolescence. Our senior classes have also had a jam-packed semester, successfully completing Units 1 & 3 in their respective Health and Physical Education classes. 

Next term, we’re excited to open our new indoor stadium as part of the Mooroop Centre build and look forward to utilising the space for our PE lessons.

Year 8 students will begin a 'So You Think You Can Move' unit, exploring dance, gymnastics, and aerobic movement. Year 7s will focus on developing their skills in athletics, before moving into striking and fielding skills.

In Health, Year 8s will start a Respectful Relationships unit, while Year 7s will continue learning how to manage change, before transitioning into a 'My Wellbeing in the Community' unit.

Janelle Cavarra and Taylor Dougherty

Leaders of Health & PE

Peer Support Reflections

Being part of the Peer Support program has been nothing short of eye-opening, and being a Peer Support Leader was an even more rewarding experience. Every fortnight, we worked with the Year 7s to help them feel more confident, connected, and prepared for high school life. We ran games and activities to help them settle into their new routine—while also trying to remember nearly 20 names (not always successfully!).

Each session was filled with laughs, learning, and a few “wait, what are we doing?” moments. But watching them grow in confidence and become more comfortable around us—and most importantly, at school—made it all worth it. We loved seeing them enjoy the activities we created, and if we learned anything from them, it’s that they’re full of surprises... and lots of questions.

We’re proud of how far our group has come and even more grateful that we got to be part of their journey. 

~ Josiah Zacarias, Year 10

Participating in the Peer Support program was an enriching and rewarding experience. The program focused on developing our capabilities as peer leaders, guiding Year 7 students through their transition into high school. Throughout the first semester, we engaged in a series of structured lessons designed to cultivate leadership qualities and position us as positive role models.

These sessions encouraged open self-expression and provided valuable opportunities to develop our interpersonal and leadership skills. We regularly participated in reflective activities and peer feedback within small groups, fostering personal growth and collaborative development with minimal teacher intervention—an approach that closely mirrors real-world leadership scenarios.

One of the most memorable aspects of the program was attending the Year 7 camp and engaging with the students through the lessons we facilitated. Each session was built around a central theme, such as respectful relationships. These lessons included interactive components such as a “Do Now” activity, three short and engaging tasks, brain breaks to maintain energy and focus, and a reflective exit card to conclude the session. We were responsible for designing games and drawing creative inspiration to effectively convey the lesson’s message.

Overall, the Peer Support program was an enjoyable and meaningful experience. It not only allowed us to connect with younger students but also helped us grow as individuals and emerging leaders.

~ Nicholas Lubansky & Sean Huynh, Year 10

Starting at Wantirna college was scary because I didn’t know anything, but our Peer Support lesson helped make it easier! We first met our leaders at camp, as they helped run some fun activities to help get to know each other. At school we continued our lessons, learning about Wantirna College, friendship, gratitude and much more, these lessons helped us know more about making new friends and being more confident in ourselves. My favourite part was playing mini games during our lesson. These games helped make the lessons more fun and enjoyable!  

~ Christine Huynh, Year 7