An update from our Stage Coordinators

Stage 4

Welcome to Term 3! It's hard to believe that we are already beginning the next chapter of our school year. This term kicked off with a vibrant start, and we have some exciting updates to share with you.

On the first day back, Year 7 and Year 8 came together for a memorable stage meeting that got everyone's energy levels soaring. It started with an amusing and engaging game of snake, a real life version of the popular Nokia 6110 mobile game. 

Next, Year 7 and Year 8 had the privilege to attend a thought-provoking talk by Collective Shout on the objectification of women in society. This powerful presentation resonated with many and spurred insightful conversations amongst the students. It was an excellent opportunity for our young people to engage with such an essential topic in today's world.

Year 8 students also took part in the school's CAPALOT Festival. This event showcased creativity and innovation, with students demonstrating their unique talents and interests. Year 8 students should be proud of their contributions.

For our Year 7 classes, the term brought an exciting change as some have begun utilising the school's new Contemporary Learning Spaces. These state-of-the-art facilities offer an engaging and innovative environment that promotes collaboration and problem-solving. We look forward to seeing how these new resources will enhance the educational experience of our Year 7 students.

In conclusion, the beginning of Term 3 has been filled with excitement, growth, and new opportunities. We are thrilled to see what the rest of the term holds and are confident that it will be a fulfilling and enriching experience for all.

Wishing everyone a successful and enjoyable term ahead!

Mrs Xiomara Biasotti, Ms Jo Crowe, Mr Josh Higson

Stage 4 Coordinators

Stage 5

It has been a busy few weeks in Stage 5! Year 9 recently attended their retreat in Fitzroy Falls, where they learnt how to challenge themselves, and were introduced to Bobby, who taught them about our local Indigenous culture and bush tucker, and explored our MSC spirituality more deeply.

All of Stage 5 attended Collective Shout presentations, where they learned how to navigate through what can, at times, be a confronting and challenging time in a hyper-digital and sexualised sociocultural environment. Our students learned about the importance of upholding core values and respect for both male and female members of our society, in the face of negatively-represented stereotypes in popular culture.

As Year 10 complete their subject selection process, complemented by an invaluable 2 day presentation from the myDesign team, they are excited as they approach their Stage 6 journey in 2024. A number of our Year 10 students have also attended the Careers Expo at the Moss Vale Council Chambers, as they map out their professional futures. Many students are also currently completing work experience in a variety of fields in the local community.

Year 10 HSIE students attended the Geography excursion to Sydney Olympic Park, while our History students attended the Sydney Jewish Museum.

Thank you to all our Year 10 volunteers who assisted in preparations for our inaugural Winterfest celebrations. It was an outstanding day celebrating our Winter sports teams and all things Chev. Best of luck to our teams competing in ISA winter sport grand finals this weekend.

Finally, our Year 10 Wilderness students are finalising their preparations for their Survival / Solo expedition next week and we wish them all the best with this exciting adventure.

Ms Tanya White, Ms Samantha Painter, Mr Tim Small

Stage 5 Coordinators

Stage 6

Year 11 students recently attended the U Turn the Wheel Road Safety Day. This day was held at the Mittagong RSL, and several speakers were present. The students listened to a variety of presentations, including one from local police and another from a road trauma survivor. All who attended agreed that the day was confronting, but essential, as many of our young people are either currently learning to drive or already hold a licence. 

Year 11 are also preparing for their upcoming Preliminary Examinations to be held in Weeks 9 and 10. They have met with Mrs Graham and Mr Hargreaves who have outlined the importance of developing and implementing a study schedule for the coming weeks in an effort to achieve the best results possible. Students are encouraged to ask for help from Stage 6 Coordinators if they are feel that they are struggling with the process of preparing for the examinations.

At time of publication of this newsletter, Year 12 will be finishing their Trial HSC Examinations. Whilst they should feel enormous pride (and relief!), they need to remember that whilst the finish line is in sight, they haven’t quite crossed it just yet! As they are repeatedly told, the HSC is a marathon, not a sprint.  The students are to be commended for the way they approached the Trial examinations and for all their diligence and hard work in preparation. In the coming weeks, Year 12 students are encouraged to continue balancing study with exercise and relaxation and to maintain the exemplary behaviour seen from them throughout the year.

Stage 6 overall

Both year groups attended the Collective Shout presentation on July 25th, and the resounding commentary afterwards regarding the seminar was all positive. Students from both years admitted to feeling shocked by the information that was disseminated, but also empowered for change. 

On another note, Stage 6 must also be commended on their involvement with Winterfest on July 29th. Many Stage 6 students competed in teams on the day and many more came to support their friends and the College. The leadership shown by the Stage 6 students is something we are very proud of and we are looking forward to seeing this continue throughout 2023.

Student report - U Turn the Wheel:

On 3 August, Year 11 attended the U Turn the Wheel program held at the Mittagong RSL. The program was aimed to educate and change behaviours and attitudes of young drivers towards road safety as well as the wider community, with the key message that your actions don’t only impact you, but others too. 

The program helped us gain essential knowledge regarding numerous road safety-related topics, such as the process of emergency services in establishing rescue missions to save people in car crashes, what we can do to assist, and in understanding why it is important to comply with road rules. Additionally, we were all provided with multiple handouts that presented valuable information on road safety. 

We would like to thank sincerely every volunteer in the U Turn the Wheel program, who gave their time to educate us on such an important and relevant topic, and especially the guest speaker Jarred Ingram who courageously shared his experience of road accidents with us. This program was really enlightening, and we are grateful to have attended. 

Krishna P.