Junior School Report
Over the past months, the Junior schools have been a hub of activity, and our students have truly shone in various endeavours. From representing our College at Inter school sport competitions, participating in the Victorian school music festival, to achieving exceptional results in the Australian Mathematics competition, students have continued to demonstrate their dedication, talent and determination.
Our Junior school students recently had an opportunity to step back in time, participating in our very own History Day. The day was a celebration of learning and hands-on experiences that brought history to life in a truly memorable way. Each year level had the opportunity to delve into the time period that they had been studying in Humanities classes.The Year 7 students, who have been immersing themselves in the study of Ancient Civilisations, had an opportunity to engage in a variety of captivating activities such as the art of Mummy wrapping and exploring the myths of legends of monsters. Our Year 8 students' journed into the Medieval Era, bringing to life the thrill of sword fighting and concocting horrible medical treatments. The Year 9 students, who have been focusing on the study of World War I, had an immersive experience that replicated trench warfare. This allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and sacrifices faced by soldiers on the front line. They also cooked up scones, a staple food made by women back in Australia to be sent to the troops on the Western front.
What a vibrant and unforgettable experience our Junior school students had during the recent House colour run. Each of the four houses were represented by their colour – Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow – coming together in a burst of energy and enthusiasm that was truly infectious. The afternoon was led by our College student leaders with the support of our dedicated teachers, to deliver an event that was filled with laughter, camaraderie and a whole lot of colour!
The Banksia and Acacia campus Year 9 students had their opportunity to participate in City experience last week, visiting a number of iconic sites that truly showcase the beauty and diversity of our amazing city. From the dizzying heights of the Melbourne Skydeck, to the bustling aisles of the Queen Victoria Markets and the immersive world of ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), to a place that left a significant impact on them - the Big Build Big Futures education space. Feedback from students indicated they had returned with a wealth of knowledge and newfound confidence, as they gained valuable life skills in navigating public transport, planning out trips and exploring future career opportunities.
Our commitment to fostering a safe and balanced online environment for students has led us to continue offering the Digital Thumbprint program. Students from Year 7-9 actively participated in this program, which aims to enhance digital literacy and awareness about appropriate online behaviour. Through an engaging presentation, students had the opportunity to reflect on their own online habits, delve into the digital world they navigate daily, and explore strategies to strike a harmonious balance between online and offline spaces. Students were also reminded about the significance of protecting themselves and their peers while online and gained valuable insights into responding to online bullying, as well as identifying and addressing unsafe content shared via social media platforms. Parents are encouraged to visit https://www.digitalthumbprint.com.au to view the parent resources designed to continue supporting families with online safety.
As we look ahead to the upcoming Term 3 holidays, we are excited to remind families about the fantastic opportunities for all our students to make the most of their break. The Greater Dandenong Council has organised an incredible Holiday Program that promises fun, adventure, and learning for school aged students up to 16 years of age. What's even better is that most of these activities are either free or come at a very minimal cost. To explore the full list of activities on offer, we encourage you to visit the Greater Dandenong Council's website at https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/school-holiday-activities.
We wish everyone a joyful, relaxing and above all else a safe break and hope that you spend some time with your family and friends exploring new interests or discovering the wonders of the world around you. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday 2nd October, with renewed enthusiasm and energy as we continue our journey of learning and growth.
Melissa Williams and Matthew Sloan
Junior School Assistant Principals
Banksia & Acacia Campus