Middle Years News

And we’re off!

As always, the first few weeks of Term 2 have been jam packed and incredibly busy, with students not only re-engaging with their classrooms and their learning, but also participating in a wide range of additional activities offered by the College.

Already this term our Year 9 students have completed their career profiling through Morrisby, spent a day in the Melbourne CBD to enhance their Humanities studies, and started their new modules for Live Life. The Year 8s have participated in fieldwork at the Organ Pipes National Park, and our Year 7 students have enhanced their Wellbeing and resilience skills through participation in the REACH workshops.

Based off the first few weeks, Term 2 is shaping up to be an incredibly busy term. It is important that students that care of themselves and indulge in activities they enjoy in the evenings and on the weekends, to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Introducing the New Middle School Assistant Coordinator

Following the retirement of Mr Vander Driesen at the end of Term 1, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Mr Owen Lovelace-Tozer has been appointed to the position of Assistant Coordinator for Middle School. Mr Tozer brings with him a range of experiences across the school, and we look forward to seeing what he will achieve in this role.

Middle School Assemblies

Tiana Nguyen performing at a recent assembly

During Week 3 of Term 2, the Middle School ran an assembly for each of the Year Levels, from 7 to 9. In these Assemblies, the Middle Years Coordinators focused on, and spoke to students regarding the importance of two of our core school values – Endeavour and Resilience, and how these can be applied to everyday life at school. These messages are particularly important now as our Year 9 student start thinking about their futures and pathways. It’s important that students remember to keep trying to do their best, even when it’s difficult; and that the efforts of today may not pay off tomorrow, but they will pay off in the long run.

Celebrating Student Achievement

In the latter half of Term 1, and the first few weeks of Term 2, we have awarded a large number of Middle Years students with their first (and for some their second!) SWPBS certificate. The School Wide Positive Behaviour Support certificates are awarded to students who demonstrate the school values consistently. It’s been fantastic to see just how many Middle School students have received these awards to date. Congratulations to all recipients! I look forward to seeing your great achievements and developments this year!

Year 9 Humanities Excursion

Last week, on 30th of April our Year 9 fieldwork took place, focusing on the CBD characteristics of Melbourne. To commence the day, we started at Swanton Street end of Bourke Street mall (Northeast corner) to collect pedestrian data, observing the amount of pedestrian flow on the footpath. Its important to note that we positioned ourselves on the sidewalk to observe pedestrians walk along the middle of the footpath.

After that, we conducted a survey on the types of shops along little Lonsdale Street and from Collins Street to Bourke Street. This activity honed our collaboration skills, with one of student identifying the types of shops while another recorded the information. In addition to data collection, our observation is related to government work on anti-behaviour and urban management strategies as well.

Overall, the fieldwork experience was interesting, and provided us the opportunity to spend time with friends while learning how to observe details of environment that are often overlooked. Furthermore, we gained valuable geographical insight and honed specific skill on data collection.

Hazel Kan 9H

Mat Delaney

Head of Middle School

African Drumming

In Week 4 Year 7 students participated in an African Drumming workshop presented by expert Ray Pereira and his son Lucky. The students had the opportunity to learn about different African drums and the special rhythms that each drum plays. Everyone had a turn playing the djembes, clapping sticks and many more instruments. This workshop ties into the third unit of Year 7 Music that focuses on Musical Fusion.