Middle School
Middle School Semester 2 Learning Conferences
A reminder there is still some teacher availability for the Wednesday 26 August Learning Conferences. Please refer to the email that was sent on 10 August with the link to School Interviews.
Please email the Middle School Office or call 6210 2235 if you need to cancel a booking.
Years 7–12 Swimming Carnival - Next Week
The Years 7-12 Swimming Carnival will be held at the Hobart Aquatic Centre - 1 Davies Avenue, Hobart, on Tuesday 25 August. Students are to make their own way to the Aquatics Centre, arriving no later than 8.35am. Students should sign in at the tables set up at the start of the 50m pool.
Students are expected to attend the carnival. If unable to swim, students are able to have service roles that assist with running the carnival. If your child is unwell on the day, please notify the Middle School Office by email or by phone on 6210 2235.
The carnival will conclude at 1.30pm, with students making their own travel arrangements home from the Aquatic Centre. Please note that the traffic around the Aquatic Centre can be busy at this time.
A program of events has been shared with students. Parents and families are warmly invited to attend and support the students. Please note that parking at the Hobart Aquatic Centre is limited to 3 hours, with overflow parking available at the Regatta Grounds from 8.00am.
The following co-curricular activities will not run on this afternoon (attended by Middle School students):
- Maker’s Club
- Film and Animation Club
- Intermediate Band
An email has been sent to families providing an option for students to return to the Middle School campus, with staff supervision until 3.30pm. Sign-up for this is needed by Monday 24 August.
A reminder that students are not able to leave the Aquatic Centre before 1.30pm unless the relative campus office has been advised by Monday 24 August also.
Middle School Book Week - 22–28 August
Book Week is almost here, and the Middle School Library has a fantastic week of activities planned around this year's theme, Symphony of Stories.
Throughout Week 5 (22–28 August), students can take part in:
- Dress Up Day, Wednesday 26 August - Dress up as your favourite book character, or be inspired by music!
- Lunchtime quizzes - Details in the Bulletin
- Design your own Book Week badge - Make it on the badge maker every break time!
- Make a paper bookworm - Every break time. Example in the Library.
- Free bookmarks!
- Reading Quest continues - Earn House points and prizes!
Year 8 - Middle School Quest in Term 3
This semester, Year 8 students will complete their final Middle School Quest; The Year 8 Independent Project. Students will choose a new skill that they would like to develop over 15 weeks. This needs to be a genuine challenge, and will culminate in a presentation of their work on Thursday 19 November to invited guests (including parents).
This is a task that will be completed outside of school hours, and each student will need to ensure that they have both parent and teacher permission before they proceed with their project. Students can seek advice from a variety of sources; a mentor, co-curricular activity, online tutorial, course (any of these MUST be approved by parents).
Students will need to keep a record of their progress through the development of a portfolio (format to be decided by the student). The portfolio will include weekly journal entries, and may include photos, drawings, diagrams, videos, copies of correspondence or anything that can be used as evidence of learning. At the conclusion of the Independent Project, students will reflect on their experience through a written or verbal response.
Throughout this project there will be an emphasis on student agency, and students will be assessed on their:
- Willingness to act with autonomy.
- Receptiveness to step out of their 'comfort zone' and navigate new (and sometimes unexpected) challenges.
- Readiness to generate (and accept) feedback, and reflect on progress.
- Communication (both verbal and written).
In addition to this, students will also be assessed on the development of their new skill.
Supporting students to develop agency is motivating for students, allows them to take responsibility for their learning, and fosters independent thinking, flexibility, creativity, problem solving, and time management skills.
Students have been developing their understanding of student agency in Connections through discussion, creative tasks, and role plays using real world examples.
Timeline of Year 8 Independent Project:
- Thursday 27 August - Key Teacher Check In.
- Thursday 29 October - Key Teacher Check In (including a recorded interview with Key Teacher on progress).
- Thursday 19 November - Independent Project Presentation.
If you have any questions, please e-mail your child's key teacher or Kylie Mckinnon.
Year 7 Connections - Environment Quest in Term 3
Year 7 students will undertake the first component of their Environment Action Quest tomorrow (Friday 21 August). This will include a range of on and off-campus activities.
Students will be in Quest groups rather than their normal class groups. Relevant details have been sent out in Paperly, including all clothing and resource requirements. Students require a packed lunch and drink bottle, personal medications, hat and sunscreen (if applicable), a raincoat and sturdy footwear for off-campus activities.
Another excursion is scheduled for Friday 25 September for each Quest Group and more information will be sent out in Paperly closer to this date. Any queries can be directed to the Key Teacher or the teacher on the Paperly form.
Marimba Concert Years 3-12 - Tuesday 1 September
Please join us as we celebrate all things marimba! With ensembles from Years 3-12, this concert will be filled with the sounds of joyous mallets at play.
This concert is a free event and will run from 6.00pm-7.30pm in The Farrall Centre on Tuesday 1 September.
Battle of the Bands - Thursday 27 August
Join us for The Friends’ School annual Battle of the Bands, a student music event showcasing talented bands from across the Middle and Senior Schools. The event raises funds for the Migrant Resource Centre and is a great opportunity for students, parents and families to enjoy an evening of live music together.
Entry is just $2, with pizzas prepared by our VET Hospitality students and soft drinks available to purchase from 5.30pm. The battle begins at 6pm, featuring performances from student rock bands, as well as a special staff band item that is not to be missed.
Entry fee: $2, with pizza and soft drinks available to purchase separately.
For Friends’ School students and K–12 families
The Farrall Centre, Thursday 27 August, from 5.30pm.
Absentees
If your child will be absent from school for the day please advise the Middle School Office (phone: 6210 2235, or email: middleschooloffice@friends.tas.edu.au). We appreciate your support in this process.
Important Dates in Middle School
Friday, 21 August - Year 7 Quest Excursions (various departures)
Tuesday 25 August - Swimming Carnival (Years 7 to 12 - Aquatic Centre)
Wednesday 26 August - Book Week Dress-up Day
Wednesday 26 August - Learning Conferences (3.50pm to 6.30pm)
Friday 11 September - Wellbeing Day (No classes K-12)
Wednesday 16 September - House Pantomime (6.00pm to 7.30pm)
Friday 25 September - Year 7 Quest Excursions (various departures)
Friday 2 October - Last Day of Term 3