Year 7 and 8 Overview

As we reach the midpoint of Term 1, it has been wonderful to see the positive way students in Year 7 and 8 have begun the year. There is a strong sense of enthusiasm across the school with many students already demonstrating pride in their learning and involvement in everything Berwick College has to offer.

Year 7

The Year 7 cohort have made an impressive start! It is pleasing to see how confidently they are navigating the school grounds, finding their classrooms, and settling into new routines. The transition to secondary school can be a big step, (especially with so many events in the first 5 weeks) and this group have approached every step with maturity and resilience.

Many Year 7 students have already shown interest in representing the school in interschool sports, which is fantastic to see. Their participation and sportsmanship at the recent School Swimming Carnival was outstanding. The students embraced the day, making use of the food vans and cold drinks, while representing their allocated houses with pride.

Most importantly, this cohort are making the most of every opportunity at the beginning of their high school experience, setting a wonderful foundation for the year ahead.

Year 8

Our Year 8 students have also returned with a positive mindset and a clear commitment to maintaining high expectations that they set for themselves last year. Having now re-settled into the routines of secondary school, they continue to demonstrate growing independence and leadership.

The School Swimming Carnival was also a highlight for the students who attended, with many of them proudly dressing in their house colours and embracing the spirit of the day. Their energy, participation and encouragement of one another contributed greatly to the success of the day.

Attendance

A reminder to all families that regular attendance at school is critical to student success — academically, socially and emotionally. Every day at school provides valuable learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

If your child is going to be absent, please ensure that a note is submitted via Compass in a timely manner. Clear communication between home and school allows us to support students effectively and maintain accurate attendance records. If you have concerns about your child’s attendance, please reach out for support. Contacting your child’s Year Level Learning Leader (Year 7: Brandon Reeve, Year 8: Aria Sunga), will allow them to act to support both of you quickly and efficiently.

Planners

Throughout 2026, students will be explicitly taught organisation skills, with a strong focus on the effective use of their school planner. The planner plays an important role in helping students manage homework, assessment tasks, and important dates and complements other organisational mediums that people may use at home.

In addition, students will be required to use their planner when leaving class to go to the toilet or get a drink. This process supports accountability, responsibility and allows school leaders to identify who is accounted for during class time.

We encourage parents and carers to regularly check and discuss the planner with their child as part of supporting strong organisational routines at home.

Student Learning Conferences

We are also looking forward to our upcoming Student Learning Conferences on Tuesday March 31 from 1pm – 8 pm. These conferences are an important opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning. Students will lead the conversation, reflect on their progress, and discuss their goals for continued growth.

This student-led approach encourages responsibility, self-awareness, and a growth mindset. We strongly encourage all families to attend and engage in this valuable process.

Thank you for your continued support throughout Term 1. It has been a positive and productive start to the year, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the weeks ahead.

Vaughan Chaplin

Assistant Principal