Middle School

Term 3 Reflection 

Article by Halide La Rocca, Deputy Head of Middle School

It has certainly been a busy term in Middle School as we approach the September school holidays. Despite contending with a shorter than usual term, the traditional descent of Term 3 illnesses, confusing weather and a heavy assessment period, Middle School has achieved so much of which we are immensely proud. 

Students from Years 5-8 have engaged diligently in a range of learning and assessment activities this term. PAT testing is an invaluable resource for staff as it allows us to track students’ academic growth as well as provide data to indicate the areas in which students may require support. Students have had opportunities to engage in enrichment opportunities such as Maths Games Days hosted by us, and other competing schools. Year 7 students attended a Coraline incursion to support their study of their English texts and all students have engaged in subject selections (and Languages selections for Years’ 7 & 8) for 2026. 

Of course, we celebrated ‘Book an Adventure’ during Book Week. Middle School students had the privilege of hearing from Solli Raphael, a young and accomplished author who shared his story, as well as some engaging slam poetry. Book Week is always a great opportunity for connection between peers as well as connections between staff and students as they share a piece of themselves when reflecting on the texts and words that have meaning for them (or, an opportunity for a fun costume!).  

We are constantly in awe of the incredible talents demonstrated by our Middle School students. The dedication of our students to a range of teams and ensembles is to be commended. Students have showcased these talents in their involvement in: The College Musical ‘We Will Rock You’, ACS Cheer, Years 4-6 Athletics Carnival, Year 7 & 8 the Festival of Music and most recently, the Year 5/6 Musical, ‘Frozen Jr.’  

The Middle School believes strongly in the holistic development of each student under our care with the view that students will contribute to society as well-rounded, respectful and knowledgeable citizens. This term, we have explored and celebrated initiatives such as the Wear it Purple campaign.   

The Year 5s ventured off to Sovereign Hill this week, turning back the clock and experiencing a different time, on their first ever Middle School camp has no doubt been a golden nugget added to their memory bank. 

Still to come: 

• Rehearsals for Battle of the Houses are in full swing, with the main event happening this week, Friday 12th September. Which House will be victorious in the Performing Arts space? 

• Year 5 students are preparing for their Waxworks monologues, occurring on 15th September. 

• We are eagerly anticipating Me You Us Day 2, in the final week of term, which has been carefully curated to service the specific developmental needs of students in each year level by both external presenters, and year level teams within the Pastoral Care curriculum. 

• Year 7 and Year 8 students will be attending a presentations by the Proactive Policing Unit on the 11th and 18th of September. We value our partnership with the PPU greatly as members of this community, and are grateful for their time in coming out to talk to our Middle School students and discussing proactive measures to keep our students, safe. 

Year 5 Kungfu Incursion 

Article by Zoe Zhao, Mandarin Teacher 

Our Year 5 students thoroughly enjoyed a Kungfu incursion last week. They enthusiastically kicked, punched, and struck their way through a series of movements designed to highlight the importance of balance, focus, and discipline (with plenty of laughs as they worked hard to keep their stances steady!). With great energy and determination, they practised new skills under the guidance of patient and encouraging instructors. We were very fortunate to have Sifu Damien Chauremootoo and Leon Feng leading the workshops, who brought decades of experience and expertise in practising Kungfu. Beyond the exciting moves, the session offered students a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions behind Kungfu — a wonderful combination of fun, fitness, and Chinese culture. 

Year 7 Coraline Reflections 

When we went to watch the Coraline movie, the part I enjoyed most was at the end when Coraline fought the Other Mother and escaped back to her home and put the hand in the well. I learnt from the lecture that there were multiple versions of Coraline, like having different coloured hair, but the blue haired version was the penultimate design. The characters also looked very different, and some new characters and elements were added. 

- Ethan 7A 

I really enjoyed the film Coraline. It was intriguing, fun and kept me on of the edge of my seat the whole time just like the Graphic Text did. I had never watched the movie before and didn’t know what to expect but it was really good and enjoyable. 

- Tommy 7A 

The year 7s were lucky enough to go to the museum of screen culture (ACMI) and watch the amazing movie Coraline. It was a good experience for the year 7s to learn about stop motion animation. We learnt how it was created and how the way of stop motion can add more connection to the characters. After the movie the year 7s made some comparisons between the movie and the book. There was also someone who talked to us about how the movie was created and the genre of gothic horror and fantasy. Overall, it was an amazing experience for the year 7s to learn and have fun.

- Tiana 7D  

On Wednesday, we went to see Coraline in theatres. It was amazing to see all the differences between the movie and the book. 

- Andy 7A 

I really enjoyed the excursion, my favourite part was probably watching the movie and comparing how different it was to the book. I also liked how we actually went to a cinema instead of just watch it in class. 

- Harriet 7A