Student Engagement 

This term marked a special milestone as we celebrated the graduation of the very first group of students to complete our Gear Change program. Designed specifically for Year 8 and 9 students, Gear Change is tailored for young people who may not always connect with traditional school settings—offering them a different kind of outlet and a new way to thrive.

The program provides a supportive space where students can develop vital life skills, build confidence, and learn to navigate challenges with strength and purpose. Throughout the term, students worked closely with staff and peers, putting in significant effort to reflect, grow, and take positive steps forward in their schooling and personal development.

One of the standout features of the program was the Community Projects. Students were given the opportunity to plan and lead initiatives that made a real impact, including:

• Proposals for a Wellbeing Hub to support mental health and create safe spaces in the school,
• Organising Year 7 Sports Days to build connection and teamwork for younger students, and
• A “My Kitchen Rules” challenge, where students designed menus, prepared shopping lists, cooked meals, and shared their creations as part of the graduation celebration.

The impact of the program speaks for itself: attendance among participants increased by 41%, while major behaviour incidents dropped by 62% and minor incidents decreased by 30%. These results are a testament to the success of the program and the hard work of the students involved.

We are incredibly proud of our first-ever Gear Change graduates. This program has already made a lasting difference in the lives of our young people, and we look forward to seeing how it continues to grow in the future.