Mottos & Themes of 2026

Year 8 – Starting the Year with Success! 

We have been delighted to welcome our Year 8 students back to Wantirna College for what will be an amazing 2026. Students started their return to school with a Year Level Assembly, where they reflected on their time in Year 7 and looked ahead at the opportunities available in Year 8. The Middle School Team spent some time to communicate expectations with students and unpack the mottos and themes which will guide our Year 8 students this year.

2026 Motto: Every Day Counts, Every Minute Matters

Evidence shows that daily school attendance is vital for students to ensure they are given every opportunity to succeed in education, and to ensure they do not fall behind, both socially and developmentally. Similar to Year 7, the Middle School Team are encouraging our Year 8 students to remember that ‘Every Day Counts’ before taking a day off. 

This year, we are taking it one step further and reminding students that whilst at school ‘Every Minute Matters’. The Middle School Team are encouraging students to make the most of every minute of learning each day.

2026 Motto: High Expectations, High Support

This year, the Middle School Team are again encouraging students to set high expectations for themselves, in order to get the most out of every minute of learning each day. 

To do this, the Middle School Team went through strategies the Year 8 students can use to set themselves up for success and achieve the four goals set as part of the Ready to Learn Challenge.

The nine homegroups have been eagerly competing each day to see which class is the most ‘Ready to Learn’. It has been fantastic to see our Year 8 students start the year with enthusiasm, a positive attitude and a willingness to participate and learn.

2026 Themes – Challenge & Resilience                    

Last year, in Year 7, our theme was Connection and building students’ sense of belonging at Wantirna College. This year in Year 8, we focus on giving students opportunities to Challenge themselves and build their Resilience. The evidence shows that students who regularly challenge themselves are more resilient and more motivated to achieve their personal best, both in and out of school. In just a few weeks, our Year 8 students will have the opportunity to embark on Challenge Week. The purpose of Challenge Week is to challenge students in a variety of ways, including physically, intellectually, creatively and socially, through a range of indoor and outdoor experiences.

Challenge Week 

Mon 2 Mar - Fri 6 Mar

Challenge Week takes place in Week 6. Students will participate in an incursion for the 'Becoming Me Program' on the Monday, followed by four whole day excursions across the remainder of the week. They are:

• Bike Riding and Escape Room in Ringwood

• Kayaking and Geocaching at Lilydale Lake Reserve

• 1000 Steps Bushwalk and Outdoor Laser Tag in The Basin

• Cable Park including the Aqua Challenge Course, and High Ropes Course. 

   

Consent and payment for Challenge Week is due on Compass by Wednesday 18 February (Week 4). We would love to see all of our Year 8 students taking part in what is a fantastic and fun-filled week! 

Middle School Team