Year 9 & 10

Year 9 – Fun at Camp awaits 

Year 9 students can reflect on another busy and rewarding term as they continue to progress well as a year group cohort. Term Four will bring another exciting milestone with Year 9 Camp – and the beginning of the transition into the senior echelons of the school.

Throughout this term, students participated in several entertaining and highly relevant presentations. Most recently, Anglicare spoke to our Year 9 students about advocacy and the importance of understanding when and how to speak up for themselves and others. These sessions continue to support our broader message around respect, responsibility and the importance of making thoughtful choices.

Respect remains particularly important in the online environment. As communicated to parents recently, I encourage families to continue conversations around group chats and what is being shared within them. Students need to understand the importance of seeking permission before sharing photographs or videos of others and avoiding the creation or forwarding of stickers, memes or edited images without specific consent. If someone asks for material involving them to be removed, that request should be respected immediately.

Students should also consider the difference between friendly banter and behaviour that humiliates, excludes or repeatedly targets another person. Importantly, responsibility extends beyond the person who originally creates inappropriate content. Forwarding, commenting on or participating in its circulation can contribute to the harm caused. These are the discussions being had at school and I am confident being reaffirmed at home. 

As Year 9 moves towards greater leadership within the school, I encourage students to remain focused, treat others with respect and consider the impact their choices can have on those around them.

The holidays are now upon us, and I hope everyone takes the opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy a well-earned break. I look forward to welcoming Year 9 back refreshed and ready for an exciting final term and wonders of Year 9 Camp.

Year 10 – Social issues and driving awareness

Term Three has been busy for our Year 10 students. With a full calendar and assessments continuing almost until the final week, the cohort has handled the demands of the term well. It has been pleasing to see students continue to develop the independence and resilience that will become increasingly important to them as they prepare to setp up into what is expected of them in Year 11.

Students have also benefited from two highly relevant presentations this term. Anglicare provided valuable insight into homelessness, encouraging students to look beyond common assumptions and develop a greater understanding of the circumstances and challenges experienced by others. The presentation provided an important opportunity to consider empathy, social responsibility and the role we can all play within our wider community as we witness many people struggling with homelessness as part of our daily commute in the CBD.

With many Year 10 students beginning to learn to drive, the RAC presentation on preparing for the roads was equally timely. Students explored road safety, interesting statistics and some of the laws that will soon apply to them as young drivers. Of particular relevance was “Tom’s Law”, which restricts Red P-platers to one passenger of a similar age, with exemptions including immediate family members. Beyond simply knowing the rules, the presentation reinforced the responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel and making good decisions that keep both themselves and others safe.

After such a demanding term, the holidays provide a well-earned opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy some time away from schoolwork. When students return, however, examinations will only be a short distance away. Term Four will require renewed focus and students applying themselves fully to their studies. It will also provide the final opportunity to consider any necessary subject selection changes before moving into Year 11.

Thank you, Year 10, for a great term. I wish all students and their families a safe, relaxing and very happy holiday, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the final term

Mr Bradley Cotterell

Head of Year 9 and 10