Middle School Report
As the school year draws to an end, students in Year 9 and 10 have been involved in orientation and ‘step up’ programs to prepare them for their studies next year. In the final assemblies of the year, students’ achievements and successes were recognised and celebrated, and there were a number of exceptional music performances too.
Year 9 Events
On Monday 10th December, Year 9s took part in the sixth annual Dance Celebration. Students who studied Dance in Semester Two all performed their assessment pieces to the year group. A number of students also signed up to work with choreographers arranged by Ms De Silva to create dances showcasing a number of different styles: Hip Hop, Contemporary and Jazz. A traditional cultural dance was also performed. So many students took to the stage to celebrate the different styles of dance, and it was great to see members of staff on stage showing students how dance is really done!
The final Year 9 assembly of the year also took place on Tuesday 11th December. It was great to see so many students recognised for their positive contributions to the school, their academic achievements and efforts, and their attendance and punctuality. At lunch time on the last day of the step up program, there was a BBQ for the students to celebrate the end of the year.
Congratulations to Vivianne Doan who was awarded the ‘Student of the Year’ award having achieved A+ and A grades is all her subjects, and achievement awards in five of her subjects. A fantastic accomplishment, and very well deserved.
From Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th December, the students attended lessons as part of a ‘step up’ program into Year 10. All students were given the opportunity to find out more about the subjects they will be studying in Semester One next year, and enjoyed three ‘taster’ lessons for each subject.
Year 10 Events
Year 10 students have also been very busy over the last few weeks, with the orientation to VCE, VCAL and VET courses taking place following the end of semester exams.
VCE orientation classes ran from Thursday, 29 November until Thursday, 6 December, providing students with an introduction to the curriculum they will study next year. The feedback from staff and students was very positive, and provided students with a clear direction for their learning next year. VCAL students and those studying VET courses next year attended a VET orientation class on Tuesday 27 November, and the VCAL orientation program ran in school from Thursday, 29 to Friday, 30 November.
The final day for Year 10 students was filled with celebrations and excitement. Music performances, speeches and a high number of awards were the focus of the final assembly, and a BBQ lunch was provided afterwards. Students received awards for their academic achievements and efforts, as well as for their leadership roles, attendance and punctuality.
Congratulations to Ian Alcantara who was awarded a Kwong Le Dow scholarship from Melbourne University. This scholarship will support him to continue his studies at Melbourne University when he completes Year 12. Well done!
The Year 10 ‘Student of the Year’ award went to Emma Al Atassi. Emma achieved A+ and A grades in all six of her subjects in Semester Two, and received the subject award for achievement in four of them. Her reports in Semester One were equally impressive, reflecting her commitment and enthusiasm for her studies. Negla Ibrahim’s results were equally impressive, and she was awarded the Coordinators’ Choice Award in recognition of her accomplishments since joining the school in Term 3. Amazing accomplishments by both students. Really well done!!
The final day was rounded off with the Year 10 Formal at the Ultima Convention Centre in Keilor. A huge thank you to Ms Shona Cowell, Ms Ashwini Mana Mohan, Ms Lynda Vo and the Year 10 ‘Formal Committee’ for their hard work in organising the event. It was attended by 91 students who spent the night enjoying performances by the Year 10 band, and time on the dance floor celebrating the end their time in Middle School. There was also a photo booth that was enjoyed by staff and students alike. These will be made available on the public drive for the students to look through.
To the Year 10 students of 2018, we wish you all the best for Year 11 next year, and thank you for two wonderful years working with you in the Middle Sub School.
On behalf of the Middle School team: Ms Shona Cowell, Mr Simon Lynch, Ms Ashwini Mana Mohan, Mr Brendan McFarland, Mr Sean Ryan, Mr Matthew Olthod, Ms Lynda Vo, and Mr Robert Winduss, I would like to wish all students and their families a happy, safe and relaxing summer holiday. For those students leaving St Albans Secondary College at the end of the year, we wish you all the very best for the future.
Merry Christmas!
Becky Annetts
Middle School Sub School Leader