Year 9 & 10

Year 9: New challenges

It is wonderful to see our Year 9 students embracing new electives. For many students, Semester Two brings fresh challenges and new areas of interest, and it has been pleasing to see the positive attitude and willingness to learn across the cohort.

One of the highlights of the opening weeks was the Interhouse Athletics Carnival. Whether competing on the track and field or supporting their House from the sidelines, Year 9 students demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm, sportsmanship and House spirit. The Heads of Houses commented on the outstanding participation and effort shown throughout the day, and every student who represented their House should be proud of their contribution.

Congratulations must also go to our Year 9 students who were recognised at the recent Academic Awards Ceremony. Your achievements reflect the hard work, perseverance and commitment you have shown throughout the semester. 

During the ceremony, I reminded students that academic achievement is about far more than receiving a certificate. It is found in improvement, persistence, curiosity and the courage to keep trying after setbacks. Learning how you study best and developing positive habits now will provide a strong foundation for the senior years ahead.

As we discussed at the beginning of the term, our focus continues to be on integrity, respect and taking pride in the small things. Character is built through everyday choices, showing kindness to others, wearing the school uniform correctly, being prepared for class, and always choosing to do the right thing, even when no one is watching. These small actions strengthen our school community and help create the positive culture for which Year 9 is becoming known.

Finally, a special congratulations to the many Year 9 students involved in this year's School Production. We wish you every success and look forward to seeing your hard work come to life on stage. I look forward to watching the Year 9 cohort continue to embrace opportunities, support one another and grow throughout the semester.

Year 10: Building pathways

Year 10 students now have an excellent opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned during Semester One and use them as a foundation for continued growth. This is an exciting stage of the year, with many students beginning to think seriously about their future pathways while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.

One of the most anticipated events this term is the Year 10 Camp in Week 6. Camp provides far more than just time away from the classroom, it challenges students to step outside their comfort zones, develop resilience, strengthen friendships and discover new confidence in themselves. It promises to be a memorable experience and, if previous years are anything to go by, students should remember to pack their wet weather gear, as the rain often becomes part of the adventure!

This term, students also participated in the Bully Zero Words Matter presentation. The session explored respectful relationships, online safety, cyberbullying, resilience, mental health and the lasting impact our words can have on others. One of the strongest messages to come from the presentation was that the small choices we make every day matter. Showing pride in our presentation, respect through our words and actions, and kindness towards others helps build the positive and inclusive community we all want to be part of.

Congratulations to all of our Year 10 students who received Academic Awards this semester. Your achievements are a testament to the hard work, perseverance and commitment you have invested in your learning. During the Awards Ceremony, I encouraged students to keep their options open and never dismiss a subject simply because it is challenging. The effort you invest today may open doors tomorrow that you never expected, making this an important time to continue striving for your personal best as subject selection approaches. We also wish every success to the many Year 10 students involved in this year's School Production. Your dedication behind the scenes and on stage is greatly appreciated.

I encourage all Year 10 students to continue taking pride in the small things, your presentation, your effort in class, and the respect you show others. As subject selection draws closer, now is the perfect time to focus on lifting those "Amber" subjects in the Traffic Light system and seeking support from your teachers if you need guidance. I look forward to seeing the Year 10 cohort continue to embrace opportunities, challenge themselves and make the most of everything the second half of the year has to offer.

Mr Bradley Cotterell

Head of Year 9 and 10