Reflection time. Halfway through. Middle School.

Holidays are a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together. Having lunch together or taking the dog out for a walk to name a few. The middle of the year is more of an opportunity to reflect. To screenshot how is everything going. We know that many families had some rich conversations about Semester 1. The reflection process is important for everyone: students, parents, teachers. Many teachers have been very busy discussing semester reports and learning goals for Semester 2. They are all important in light of the 2023 subject selection process. 

Students in general, but particularly in Year 9, are faced with a variety of learning moments and challenges. The early years of adolescence can be very intense. Students and families are all on unique journeys.. Every child is different, even within one family. Circumstances are continuously evolving. With the increased use of social media, students and families often question how does that best fit in, what strategy to use for risk-taking behaviours, how to address relationship issues and so on. Self-identity and time management are not uncommon, too. How to keep on top of all the things that make adolescence challenging in current times? How do we answer to the big questions: Who am I? Do my choices matter? Where do I belong? It is not easy.  

This term our terrific Year 9 Galileo program has been continuing its course. The program provides a wonderful opportunity for students to grow both as individuals and as a collective. It addresses many of the adolescence matters. As the students evolve and show a desire to move forward both academically and socially, the program meets students’ needs through a team of enthusiastic teachers led by Matt Davidson. We know that the process of education is not simply about giving students chunks of information. Learning is not about remembering things in a summative assessment situation. It is about enabling students to ‘learn how to learn’. It is about giving students opportunities to hear what others have learnt. It is about experiencing, discussing, reflecting in order to gain a greater understanding of its truth for them. It is about understanding how this knowledge could be of use. It is about understanding discipline. Which means simply doing what’s required in a given situation.

Term 3 is also about subject selections for 2023. The virtual information sessions would have been provided with an important overview. Many teachers from Middle and Senior School provided sound advice and discussed options for 2023. Our Career Education Office is also available for parents who have questions about various pathways. Contacting your Coordinator is often the easiest way. Friday 12 August was the due date for Year 9 subject selection lodgement. Families will need to be particularly vigilant to ensure that the discussions about selections have taken place. If any last minute changes occur, remember to contact your Coordinator immediately. 

We wish everyone an enjoyable Term 3! Hopefully we will find together new answers to the big questions.

Silvio Stefan - Year 9 Coordinator (Coleman)