Middle school news

Year 6 Transition visit: welcoming our future year 7 students

On Thursday, Aberfoyle Park High School welcomed our 2026 year 7 students for their highly anticipated transition visit. 

This annual event is designed to give incoming students a genuine taste of high school life before they officially join our school community next year.

The day offered an opportunity for students to explore their new learning environment, meet their future classmates and start building friendships that will last throughout their secondary years. Importantly, students also had the chance to meet their care group teacher, the key staff member who will support and guide them as they settle into year 7.

Throughout the visit, our guest students participated in a range of activities designed to familiarise them with the school’s facilities and routines. 

From interactive classroom experiences to guided tours of the campus, the transition day was both engaging and reassuring, helping to ease any nerves and build excitement for the next stage of their educational journey.

We were delighted to see so many enthusiastic faces and we look forward to welcoming our newest cohort of Aberfoyle Park High School students in 2026.

Thank you to our staff and student leaders who supported the event and helped make the transition experience so positive and memorable. We cannot wait to see our future year 7 students again next year.

Sun Protection Policy 2026

You may be aware from previous communications that Aberfoyle Park High School has been in the process of updating its Sun Protection Policy during 2025. 

The policy has recently been approved by our Governing Council and can be viewed on our website here.  This policy will be implemented at school from the beginning of term 1, 2026.

Key features of the policy are:

• Sun-protective hats are required to be worn during recess, lunch and outdoor lessons in terms 1 and 4, by year 7 and 8 students 
• Students in other year levels are encouraged to wear sun-protective hats
• An APHS bucket hat has been developed with student, parent and staff input. 
• This hat will be provided free of charge to year 7 and 8 students at the start of 2026 and will be distributed with the beginning of year stationery pack on day 1.  The hat is also available for purchase from our uniform supplier, Devon Clothing
• Students are encouraged to apply sunscreen before coming to school each morning during terms 1 and 4

• Sunscreen will be available in classrooms for students to reapply before going outside.

   

The school is working with the Cancer Council during 2025 and 2026 on a research project to determine the best ways to maximise student take-up of sun-safe behaviour, including wearing hats and sunscreen.  

Areas of exploration include the significance of peer promotion of sun-safety in a secondary school setting, and whether initially adopting hats at lower year levels helps to build a culture of sun-safe behaviour among secondary school populations. 

Our participation in this study is the reason that we are able to provide Year 7 and 8 students with hats free of charge in 2026.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at the school if you have any questions about this change. 

Cassie Dickeson | Deputy Principal

Year 9 Food and Fibre Technology: healthier homemade favourites

This term, year 9 Food and Fibre Technology students have been investigating how to recreate their favourite 'junk food' at home in a healthier, more balanced and budget-friendly way. In a recent practical lesson, students made Big Mac–style smashed tacos, learning how to control portion sizes, reduce saturated fat, and increase fibre and vegetable content, all while enjoying familiar flavours.

The practical session also focused on developing key kitchen skills such as safe food handling, knife techniques, and time management. Students worked collaboratively and enjoyed the hands-on learning experience in the kitchen.

Alongside cooking, students are studying the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, examining the types and amounts of nutrients needed each day for good health and energy. They are linking what’s on their plate to the five food groups, considering how often 'sometimes foods' should be eaten, and learning that small changes, like using leaner mince, adding extra salad, or serving smaller portions can have a meaningful impact.

It has been encouraging to see students gain confidence, ask thoughtful questions, and discover that healthy eating can be tasty and enjoyable.

Article by Helen Pike | Teacher 

Middle School Students Attend Remembrance Day Service

On 11 November, Aberfoyle Park High School paused to observe Remembrance Day, a time to honour all who have served, suffered and sacrificed in the name of peace and freedom. 

Our middle school students attended a special service to remember those who never returned home, those deeply affected by their experiences, and all who continue to serve today.

This year, we welcomed John Gregory from the Blackwood RSL Branch and a former principal of our school, as guest speaker. Mr Gregory reminded us of the realities of current conflicts around the world and acknowledged the dedication of those in uniform who are working for a safer future.

The actions of those who have sacrificed so much serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of courage, compassion, and commitment. The spirit of service they demonstrated lives on through acts of kindness, bravery and community within our school and beyond.

We extend our thanks to Mr Gregory and all who contributed to this meaningful occasion, and we encourage our students to carry forward these values in their own lives.