Middle School Update

Middle School Term 2: Celebrating Diversity

As Semester 1 draws to a close, we pause to reflect on the diverse range of achievements across the curricular and co-curricular programs that have engaged and enriched the lives of staff and students in the Middle School.

Week 8 of the Term saw the Years 5–8 musical, Matilda JR. come to life on The Farrall Centre stage. Months of rehearsals and dedication culminated in a stunning performance delivered by the 90+ cast and crew, enjoyed by packed audiences of family and friends. This cross-sectional undertaking provides a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections between the Primary and Middle Schools, supporting this important transitional phase.

In Year 8 Gathering, students recently reflected on the question, “How can we plant seeds of peace, even in the deepest snow?” They then worked in class groups to plant daffodil bulbs in the Middle School gardens—their own “seeds of peace” that we hope will flower and bring joy to our school community for years to come.

In early June, National Reconciliation Week was acknowledged through a Gathering and an assembly, where we were privileged to welcome Rodney Dillon, a respected Palawa Elder, to speak with Middle School staff and students. Rodney has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’, urges us to look ahead and continue working towards a more united and respectful nation, guided by the lessons of the past. This aligns with the ongoing work of our School’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

The Library continues to be a well-utilised and dynamic space. In addition to providing books that support both the curriculum and reading for pleasure, the Library manages our online resources, including Britannica School, the Explora database, and our new eBook, audiobook, and comics app, Sora. This term, the Library supported the Middle School curriculum with trolleys of books on Ancient Greece and the connections between astronomy and mythology.

Break times have been busy, with Library staff supervising homework and offering ‘retro’ games and activities as alternatives to electronic devices. These have included juggling, marbles, yo-yos, and knuckles. The Library has also hosted bracelet-making for Pride Month, while staff have taught students how to knit and make macramé key rings. Our board games, card games, jigsaw puzzles, and LEGO tables continue to be well used—UNO and chess have been especially popular this term.

The Library space has been enhanced with our new ‘cosy corner’, including a lovely rug and cushions. It has also hosted shadow puppet workshops, the Year 8 Photography Exhibition, yoga sessions, the Big Science Competition, and the Science Olympiad. We’ve screened movies during break times, including The Empire Strikes Back for Star Wars Day and Satellite Boy for Reconciliation Week. We are also proud to support our new Craft Club with their first service project: sewing school bunting for the Development Office.

There are many exciting things on the horizon, including the MS Readathon and the 80th Anniversary Book Week in August. Plus, stay tuned for some very exciting Term 3 manga news...

Library staff are always keen to receive suggestions for book purchases and activities, and we look forward to evolving our beautiful Library with input from students and staff.

In the co-curricular space, service and awareness-building activities included a celebration of Pride Week, with senior VET students making cookies and hot chocolates for the Middle School Service Committee to sell. There was also fundraising for Giving Day and promotion of positive mental health during SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY Shorts Day. The Student Voice Council has been busy organising the inter-house table tennis competition, the Women’s Shelter donations drive, and the launch of the House Pantomime, which will take the stage in Term 3.

The Arts have been showcased in the Years 7–10 Art Exhibition on display in the Arts Centre, as well as through music performances at the Middle School Soiree, Sings and Strings, and Marimbas.

Year 8 Design and Technology students have designed and crafted timber boxes using Tasmanian hardwood, with inlaid veneer work on the lids made from specialty Tasmanian timbers. This project beautifully showcases students’ creativity and design skills.

Lab Rats continues to be a popular after-school club, where students explore a wide range of scientific ideas through hands-on experiments that deepen their understanding of science. A number of students also participated in the Big Science Competition and the Junior Science Olympiad.

Our Year 8 students recently undertook journey-based camps in the coastal environments of either the Bay of Fires or the Freycinet Peninsula. At the Bay of Fires, students explored the area by mountain biking at the St Helens Mountain Bike Park, snorkelling to observe marine life, and hiking to connect with the landscape. Meanwhile, those at Freycinet walked to Hazards Beach via Wineglass Bay, tried coasteering at Sleepy Bay, and went sea kayaking in the calm waters of Coles Bay.

These experiences fostered independence as students took responsibility for their campsites and meals. They also built resilience, as students adapted to new settings and daily challenges while developing a greater appreciation for Tasmania’s stunning natural environment.

We welcomed psychologist Emma-Rose Parsons back to the School to support our ongoing efforts to create a more neuro-affirmative environment. Emma-Rose is a registered psychologist with extensive experience supporting neurodivergent young people and their families.

She facilitated a session with Middle and Senior School leaders, presented to students and staff, and led an evening session for parents focused on the importance of developing self-efficacy as children grow and gain independence. Parents heard how the ability to self-advocate can be a challenge for many students, yet it is an empowering skill that can reduce anxiety and distress. Emma-Rose shared practical strategies to help our children develop these vital skills in a safe and supportive way.

Lindy Gannon - Head of Middle School (Years 7 & 8)