Middle School

A Strong Start: Middle School Launches the New Year

Article by Jodi Fitzgerald-Tate, Head of Middle School

The Middle School began the year with a sense of excitement and purpose on Monday, 2 February, welcoming more than 110 new students alongside our Year 5 cohort, most transitioning from Junior School. The opening days of Term 1 were carefully designed to help students feel confident, connected and ready to learn. 

Each year level took part in tailored orientation experiences that focused on building relationships, establishing routines and clarifying expectations. Activities included team challenges, classroom organisation, diary use and the signing of the ICT Agreement, giving students a clear foundation for the year ahead.

Year Level Assemblies were also held to formally welcome students, introduce key staff and outline learning and wellbeing priorities for each cohort. 

These assemblies provided an important opportunity to reinforce shared values and set a positive tone for the year.

For our Year 7 students, this week marked an important milestone as they worked alongside IT staff and teachers to set up their MacBooks. This is the second year the MacBook program has been implemented for this cohort, continuing to strengthen students’ digital learning skills and independence across subjects.

A significant and meaningful experience for our Year 5 students will take place next week when they participate in a Smoking Ceremony led by an Elder and staff from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. This ceremony focuses on renewal and wellbeing and will be supported by learning activities that deepen students’ understanding of Aboriginal history and culture. It will be a respectful and powerful way for students to begin their Middle School journey at Overnewton.

We have also welcomed several new staff members to the Middle School team this year. To support their transition, each new staff member has been paired with a guide to assist them in settling into their role and connecting with the wider school community. The enthusiasm and expertise they bring have already made a positive impact.

The start of the school year was also marked by a whole-campus assembly, bringing students and staff together to celebrate the beginning of a new year of learning. This shared gathering reinforced our sense of community and highlighted the collective goals and values that unite us as one school.

Looking ahead, families are invited to attend our whole-campus Parent Information Evening on Monday, 16 February. This evening will provide parents with the opportunity to meet Home Group Teachers and Year Level Leaders, tour the campus and connect with other parents whilst speaking with staff about the year ahead and key programs across the school.

At Overnewton, community sits at the heart of everything we do. We believe education works best as a partnership between students, staff and families. By working together, we create a strong network of support that places each child’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging at the centre of our work.

A consistent school uniform plays an important role in fostering a sense of pride, equality and belonging, while also helping to create a focused learning environment. To support our shared commitment, please refer to our Uniform Policy and the accompanying user-friendly infographic outlining the ‘do’s and don’ts’ for specific uniform items.

During the first two weeks of term, students will be reminded of uniform expectations as they settle back into routine. From Week 3, uniform infringements will be issued in line with College policy for students who are not in correct uniform.

We are delighted with the positive tone of the year so far and look forward to a term filled with learning, growth and success for all students.

Parent Information Evening: Yirramboi