Middle School Reflection

As Term 1 comes to a close, we reflect on the achievements, experiences, and resilience demonstrated by our Middle School students over the past ten weeks. It has been a dynamic and eventful start to the year, with many opportunities for learning, growth, and connection.

Year 7 Our Year 7 students embarked on their high school journey with an action-packed term. Almost every student attended their form group camp at our Mirimbah Campus, where they embraced a range of outdoor activities, including horse riding, mountain biking, and an early morning hike to the summit of Mt Buller. This experience provided an excellent opportunity to forge positive connections and adjust to life in high school.

In Weeks 7-9, students undertook NAPLAN testing, demonstrating commendable focus, persistence, and resilience. One of the biggest challenges this term has been adapting to the routine of multiple subjects, classrooms, and teachers. To support students in this transition, the Middle School Team will be workshopping strategies in Term 2 to enhance communication and organisation skills.

Year 8 Our Year 8 students have settled in well to their second year of high school, engaging enthusiastically in their electives and enjoying Year 8 sport earlier in the term. Looking ahead to Term 2, we have organised a cyber safety workshop through Optus Digital Thumbprint to help students recognise the impact of their online interactions on their real-life connections at school.

Year 9 Despite an unusually unsettled start to the year, our Year 9 students have demonstrated resilience, patience, and compassion. The Middle School Team would like to acknowledge the collective support shown by students and staff during this time. A special thank you goes to our Wellbeing Team for their unwavering professionalism and guidance.

This term, Year 9 students also completed their final round of NAPLAN testing. After initial challenges with forgotten headphones and uncharged laptops, we were pleased to see a high completion rate and admirable persistence. Additionally, students engaged in their Morrisby testing and participated in the Big Sister and Man Cave experiences. Term 2 promises to be just as engaging, with follow-up Morrisby interviews and Grow Week on the horizon. We look forward to seeing students thrive in these activities.

The introduction of a new team and sub-school structure this year has been a significant transition, and we sincerely appreciate the support of the Princes Hill community. Getting to know our students and many of our wonderful families has been an absolute pleasure. Shannon, Mark, Zoe, and I are continually impressed by the students' capabilities, and their successes are a testament to the strong support they receive at home. As someone who has come from a school where family engagement was not as prominent, this has been a steep but invaluable learning experience.

We look forward to continuing our work with Middle School students in Term 2 after a well-earned break. Please take care over the school holidays and enjoy the opportunity to rest and reset.

Ashleigh Phillips

Middle School Leader