Middle School

Year 7 Winter Skills

Friday will conclude the last of the Year 7 classes spending the day on Kunanyi / Mt Wellington for an introduction to alpine winter walking and snow survival skills.

Friday 7 August - Backhouse & Oats

Please refer to the information on the Paperly form when approving.  

Students need to have suitable clothing, footwear and food for this day.  Any personal medications need to be advised to Outdoor Education staff on arrival.

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!

Years 7–12 House Swimming Carnival - Tuesday 25 August, 8.30am–1.30pm

The Years 7–12 House Swimming Carnival will be held at the Hobart Aquatic Centre on Tuesday 25 August from 8.30am to 1.30pm.

Students are to make their own way to the Hobart Aquatic Centre, arriving no later than 8.30am to sign in at the registration tables located near the 50m pool. After signing in, students should report directly to their House area.

Students should wear their Friends' sports uniform to and from the carnival and bring:

• Swimmers
• Towel
• Goggles (optional)
• House-coloured swim cap
• Water bottle

Students are encouraged to accessorise their uniform with their House colours and get involved in supporting their House throughout the day.

Attendance is compulsory for all Years 7–12 students. Students who are unable to swim are still expected to attend and will be allocated service roles to assist with the running of the carnival. If your child is unwell on the day, please notify the School through the usual absence procedures. Any appointments or early departures must be communicated to the Middle School Office by Monday 24 August.

The carnival concludes at 1.30pm, with students making their own travel arrangements home from the Aquatic Centre. Please note that traffic around the Aquatic Centre can be busy at this time.

A program of events will be shared with students prior to the carnival.

Parents and families are warmly invited to attend and support the students. Please note that parking at the Hobart Aquatic Centre is limited to three hours, with overflow parking available at the Regatta Grounds from 8.00am.

Further information will be sent out about students attending After School Activities on a Tuesday afternoon or needing to catch a later afternoon Country Bus.

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 30 July - Independent Project introduction and planning.
• 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.

Save the Date - Middle School Semester 2 Learning Conferences

Semester 2 Learning Conferences will take place in the Middle School on the following dates:

• Tuesday 18 August, 3.50pm - 6.30pm

• Wednesday 26 August, 3.50pm - 6.30pm

   

An email with more details and the booking link will be sent out at the beginning of next week.

Year 7 Connections - Environment Quest in Term 3

Year 7 students will undertake the first component of their Environment Action Quest on Friday 21 August. This will include a range of on and off-campus activities.

Students are mixed up in class groups and relevant details will be sent out, 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.

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 7 August - Backhouse and Oats Winter Skills (Bell Street)

Tuesday 18 August - Learning Conferences (3.50pm to 6.30pm)

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 (6pm to 7.30pm)

Friday 2 October - Last Day of Term 3