Middle School

SHARRON FRAME 

Head of Middle School

It seems that we have only just had our students return to school, only to say goodbye for a well-earned term break.

 It is always wonderful to have the buzz of engaged learning in classrooms, and although some of you may feel there may have been a drop in enthusiasm when in a remote classroom, I can say absolutely not. When I dropped into classes during remote learning, I saw engagement and interest, and more importantly, the same buzz I see when I visit a classroom on-site. 

I would like to thank the staff of the Middle School for their dedication in ensuring the transition into and out of remote learning did not impact on the experience for our students. Their efforts preserved the communities of their classrooms so students could still work collaboratively and participate in their learning despite being separated. 

We also thank the parents for your support at home. We realise remote learning is not easy but we have continued to evolve and refine our approach to make improvements. 

The next two weeks will provide the opportunity for both staff and students to recharge and refresh, ready to return to start Term 3.

Stay safe, stay warm and stay well.

MICHAEL PEGIOU

Year 8 and 9 Coordinator 

With the first semester of 2021 at an end, it is important to recognise and commend the great efforts of our Year 8 & 9 students. Their transition to remote learning was smooth and without complication. For most, there was no difference and they continued to produce some outstanding work. 

With their return onsite, Year 8 continued with Debating, putting forward coherent arguments and coming up with some witty rebuttals. Their reflections below highlight the variety of different outcomes experienced by the students. 

"We all came together and gave each other turns to speak and share the information we gathered. I learned some interesting things from my peers from their debates. When it came to working together, we solved problems in my group by helping each other out and listening to each other." - Anastasia Kaniadakis

" I learnt how to be more confident while speaking. I was a risk taker by formulating arguments based on the opposing argument, taking the side I generally did not agree on. I helped others by sharing points and formulating arguments." -  Alexander Korlos

"I was able to go out on my comfort zone and speak in front of others without notes; this is how I proved to myself that I was a risk taker. I had a group of people, which I don’t really interact with meaning we had challenges working together, however, it ended well."- Manni Talias

Year 9 also made the most of their time back on-site. Quite a number took up the challenge to cook a meal or dessert for their families. Below are just some of the examples that were produced at home…and I cannot wait to see what else they are capable of in the future.

Congratulations to the following students who received learner profile awards at assembly:

Year 8:

            Jeevanjot Kahlon – Risk Taker

            Michaela Millar – Knowledgable

            Athanasios Papageorgiou – Inquirer

            Nicholas Papageorgiou – Thinker

            Megan Sheer – Balanced

            Emmanuela Moroz - Communicator

Year 9:

            Sotiris Bakalis – Reflective

            Georgia Christofi - Thinker

            Vasilieios Delichristos – Inquirer

            Emmanuela Moroz - Balanced

DEAN DAMATOPOULOS

Year 6 and 7 Coordinator

Just like that, Term 2 is complete and the first half of the academic year has come to an end. The commendable efforts of students in Years 6 and 7 has demonstrated resilience and perseverance, moving to and from on-site and remote learning. I would also like to commend our families for their support in these challenges and transitions.

Over the last few weeks, students have prepared for their Service as Action projects, to be launched in Term 3. Students had the opportunity to reflect on lockdown and share their experiences with other students around the world by writing them a letter. Below are just a few of the experiences they shared. 

Year 6 students have learnt about disadvantaged youth and gratitude, providing a great platform to assist us to build our relationship with St Tabitha’s Orphanage in Fiji. Some of their reflections on what we can do to support the disadvantaged and what they are grateful for include:

“We can support disadvantaged youth by donating to charities like the Smith Family. Spending time talking and listening to them so they are not lonely” – Connie Lekkas 

“Tell your friends and people you know about them, and tell them to donate. Donate - Give spare things yo own to less advantaged people such as giving a spare toy to other people or giving a little bit of food to a homeless person on the street” – Thomas Priftis 

“I am grateful for a house and education because a lot of people might not have what I have. I am grateful for food and water because I don't go hungry and I don't go thirsty. I am grateful for family and friends because without those people you wouldn’t be mentally healthy” – John Aivaliotis 

“I am grateful for my family because they are here for me and make me feel good. My friends because they are here for me and make me feel happy. Food, shelter, water, and somewhere to sleep, because they are some of the most important things” – Vasia Kosmas 

Year 7 have also launched into Service as Action by planting the ‘Seeds of Service’. This process begins to identify what talents they have to serve needs within their community.

I would like to wish all families and students a restful and productive term break. Take some time to spend with loved ones and outdoors. I would like to encourage our students to do something creative and active.