Year 8 Update

Inward Reflections 

As the sun and promise of Spring approaches, we begin to move away from our wintery inward reflections and the Year 8 cocoon. It is difficult to believe that we are nearly halfway through Term 3 already! Inward reflections have certainly been the theme for the last few weeks. 

Last week the Year 8 students joined the Year 7s to take part in a session run by the experienced facilitators at Toolbox Education. The session examined ‘mental movies’ which can be used to define our thoughts and patterns of thinking. Students learnt strategies regarding how to identify unhelpful thoughts and to ‘reframe’ their responses to ensure negative thoughts do not become out of control. The Year 7s and 8s were able to learn key skills to avoid unhelpful patterns of thinking, and language so that they can communicate safely about their concerns and experiences. 

Last week’s Memory Book session was conducted in Year Level groups which allowed the students to collectively reflect on the prompt, ‘Becoming a Shelfordian’. We hope that the students will take the Shelford values of respect, integrity, passion and creativity as support and inspiration for their future experiences. 

This week we will continue the focus of having a growth mindset and how to develop these skills to aid future successes. 

The Year 8 students have been engaging well in their wellbeing sessions and classes. I hope that they have been discussing their learning with you. 

Joy Ashwell Callaway

Year 7 Coordinator