Wellbeing
Year 10 K-AMP Day
Since the Year 10s missed their camp two years in a row, a day called K-AMP was organised: a fun day with no classes to end off the week.
Everyone was wearing either camp-inspired clothes or their pyjamas, which most people wore. Throughout the day, our year level had various activities including a scavenger hunt, tent building and a group mat game. We even had our own talent show and then watched a movie at the end of the day. Unfortunately, most of the activities were done inside due to the rainy weather, but that didn’t make them any less enjoyable. I remember my group of friends getting particularly competitive with the mat game and laughing a lot (we ended up coming second to last). My personal favourite parts of the day were recess and lunch when St Thomas stayed inside and danced and sang to karaoke. I felt like my homeroom really bonded after having time to ourselves connecting through a mix of nostalgic Taylor Swift and Disney songs. K-AMP was a very relaxing and fun day to have. I’m so glad we got to enjoy the day together as a year level, even despite missing out on camp.
Michaela Tran, St Thomas
K-amp was an exciting time for the Year 10s as we were allowed to enjoy a great time with our peers and dress up in comfortable clothes. Sadly, as it was a wet weather day, we had to do most of our activities inside, but it didn't change the fact we had fun. We did a scavenger hunt, tried to set up a tent, a talent show, karaoke in my Homeroom and watched a movie of our choice at the end of the day. It was such a magnificent time and I didn't see anyone not get involved. My peers and I absolutely enjoyed our karaoke time during recess and lunch, being ourselves all silly creating unforgettable moments. This day was a genius idea to make up for our cancelled camp because of lockdown; it was a nice time for everyone to rest and to have a memorable time with peers and teachers. - Kelly Tran, St Thomas Ms Elissa Galante
Year 10 Student Development Leader
Year 9 Activity Day
On Tuesday 16th November, Year 9 students participated in an activity day inspired by the Outdoor Education camp they had planned to go on if it wasn’t for the lockdown. Students were involved in various activities including rock climbing, initiative games and nature meditations. They competed in a scavenger hunt around Killester and the Springvale Hub taking photos at different locations. Bonus points were given for the best creativity. Students even learnt how to correctly put up a tent. It was a great day for both students and staff involved.
A big thank you to all the Year 9 Homeroom teachers for their enthusiasm and all of the other staff who assisted in the planning, organisation and running of the day.
Catherine Vo (Year 9 St Agnes) has written what it was like to be involved on the day:
Even though it was raining for most of the day, that didn’t really ruin much of the activities for me. I didn’t climb very high on the rock climbing wall, but the hot cocoa helped with the cold. I especially had fun with the scavenger hunt! One of the people in my group had Photoshop on their phone, so we could edit a few of our photos into something funnier. A favourite of mine is the one where my friends are playing basketball but I was edited into it as the ball. In the afternoon we did the class chant, then meditation — it was a great way to end off the day and destress after rock climbing and running around in the rain. Overall I enjoyed the entire day and am glad that I got to experience it.
Ms Donna Brunt
Year 9 Student Development Leader
Wellbeing
Last week there were some lunchtime activities for Year 7-9 students to engage in. The activity was to decorate a Tote bag, it was a great hit amongst the students and it was so great to see their designs. It was a nice chance for them to do something at lunchtime with their friends and let their creativity flow. Some Year 7 students also took part in a Keyring making activity!
The Student Elections were held on Friday 19th November where all students participated in preferential voting for their 2022 Student Leaders. It was a great day and we want to take this opportunity to thank the Year 10 Student Leaders who were our very own Voting Officials for the day. They were so positive and showed great initiative and leadership. The 2022 Student Leaders will be announced at our Final Assembly for the term on December
1. We wish everyone the best of luck!
Our Year 10 and 11 students completed their scheduled classes for this year on Wednesday November 24. They began their 2022 Transition Program on November 25 and this will continue through until the final day of school on Friday December 3. We wish all of these students well for their Transition Program as they prepare for VCE and VCAL next year.
SPECIAL REPORT: Having the Alcohol Discussion
With the impending festive season and end of school celebrations, some teenagers may be feeling ready to party, wanting to put the disruptions, frustrations and disappointments of this past year behind them.
To ensure our young people stay safe during this time, parents and carers are encouraged to have the alcohol discussion - no matter how difficult or overwhelming it may be. It is important to outline the rules and boundaries around age-appropriate alcohol consumption and what the legal implications may be.
Young people are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than adults because their brains continue to develop until their mid-twenties. The safest level of alcohol consumption for teenagers is no alcohol at all, but this may be difficult to enforce and may not prevent them from experimenting. However, parents and carers can influence sensible drinking habits and help minimise the risks.
In this Special Report, a series of discussion points are offered to help make the conversation about alcohol consumption a little easier. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report https://killester.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-having-alcohol-discussion-au
Emma Neville and Peter Harte
Assistant Principals - Students