Junior School Report

Message from the

Director of Learning

Junior School

Miss Jessika Cichy

A big welcome to our year 7 students and families, and welcome back to all our Year 8s and their families. I hope this newsletter finds you all well and excited for the new year! It’s been fantastic to see the energy and excitement from our Year 7 and 8 students as they settle into their new routines. We’re looking forward to a year full of growth, learning, and success. Our wonderful staff have used the first month to get to know all our students, and I am incredibly grateful to be supported by each one of them to ensure our students all achieve their best.

Recap of the Beginning of term

It’s been a busy and exciting start to the year for our Year 7s, who kicked things off with a specially designed transition program aimed at preparing them for success in secondary school. Across the first three days of term, they participated in a range of workshops and team-building activities that focused on developing key skills, building connections, and boosting their confidence as they began this new chapter.

The highlight was undoubtedly Adventure Day, where our Year 7s headed to the Enchanted Adventure Garden on the Mornington Peninsula. From navigating hedge mazes to racing down tube slides and conquering the treetop obstacle course, students challenged themselves, supported their peers, and strengthened friendships. It was wonderful to see so many smiles and hear the laughter echoing throughout the day – memories were certainly made!

Meanwhile, our Year 8s have settled smoothly into their classes, getting to know their teachers and re-establishing routines. Their focus and enthusiasm have been fantastic to see, and it’s clear they’re ready to take on the challenges and opportunities this year will bring. 

2025 Focus: Care for Learning

This year, we're emphasising organisation and care for learning across the Junior School. Developing strong organisational habits not only supports academic success but also fosters independence and resilience.

To help students stay on track, it’s essential they:

• Bring the right tools to school each day—including their laptop, exercise books, pencil case and textbooks.
• Arrive on time to every class, ready to learn. This means coming to school on time and getting their books and tools when they hear the music start for their classes throughout the day.
• Keep their lockers organised and belongings labelled – especially uniform and exercise books.
• Ensuring students check their Compass every morning to ensure they see their timetable and any changes to it.

We encourage parents and carers to support their children by having regular conversations about the importance of being prepared for school and ensuring they have everything they need each day. If you need any assistance with school supplies, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Upcoming Events - Save the Dates!

In Term 1, we have some exciting events to look forward to, including:

• Week 6 – Whole School Photo Day (Monday 3rd March)
• Week 6 – Swimming Carnival (Friday 7th March)
• Week 7 - 8 – NAPLAN for Year 7s (Wed 12th March – Tues 18th March)
• Week 8 – Immunisations for Year 7s (Monday 17th March)
• Week 9 – Harmony Day (Friday 28th March)

Thank you for your ongoing support. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way. Please check your emails as I have sent through all our contact details and information there. If you did not receive this email, please contact the school so we can update your details and ensure you are receiving all our communications.

We’re excited about the year ahead and can’t wait to see all that our Junior School students will achieve!

Miss Jessika Cichy

Director of Learning - Junior School

Report from Year 7 Coordinator on  Adventure Day Excursion

On Friday 7th February the Year 7 students attended Enchanted Adventure in Red Hill.  The students arrived at school bright and early to board the buses that would take us to the venue which was located about 60 minutes away.  They were excited as they had completed some orientation activities the previous week and had begun their formal classes the previous Monday. It was a chance to get to know their new classmates better and to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.

Students were grouped according to their form groups and completed a range of activities on the day, such as, tree surfing, giant slide and mazes.  Students also enjoyed walking around the beautiful gardens.  The day was a great opportunity to make new friends and to meet some of their new teachers.  The day was a success and I am sure the students had some stories to tell their families when they arrived home in the afternoon.

“I thought Adventure Day was really fun and I made a few friends.” 

Safaa Year 7A

“I had so much fun at the adventure park.”  Andrew 7A

Mr. Brendan Smith

Year 7 Coordinator

Year 7 Immunisation Program 2025

Kingston Council’s Immunisation Team will be attending Westall Secondary on Monday 17th March.

We are offering all students in year 7 and year 10 the opportunity to receive the following free vaccinations.

Year 7

Gardasil 9           Human Papillomavirus  1 dose

Boostrix              Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping cough) 1 dose

To give permission for a year 7      Click here: Westall Sec Year 7 Immunisation Link

Being immunised is incredibly important for personal and community health. Students and families are strongly encouraged to register using the above link.

Westall Secondary College Photograph Sibling Orders

Flyer below regarding Sibling orders. Please feels free to contact the information below regarding any questions.