Secondary School

Year 7 

Finding Our Voice: Year 7 Explore Slam Poetry with Power and Purpose

 

In Term 1, Year 7 students were immersed in the study of poetry. In particular, we looked at Slam Poetry, how it is growing as a popular poetry style amongst young people and how it can be used to express personal feelings and messages in a creative way. One poem in particular that we looked at was called ‘Teen Breath’, written and performed by KJ Hayward, which explores the awkwardness and anxieties of teenage life. We studied the poetic elements of this poem, and then our students had the opportunity to write their own. The results were fabulous!

 

In particular, I would like to share this Slam Poem, written by Emma Cowin in Year 7.4             

Teen Breath

We go through tough times

We go through heartbreak

We make dumb choices and we can make

big mistakes

We may be strong, we may be weak

But we will always find our feet

We are still young

This is just the beginning

So don't give up and just keep on living

don't stop trying there’s so much ahead

The future is upon us so keep up your head

We will make it out ok

So live life to the fullest

don't look back at the past

Thats why its behind us

Keep facing forward

Set a goal

Never give up…

and life will give you a great reward.

Kirrilee Westblade

Year 7 English Teacher

 

A Sweet Slice of Science: Year 7 Explore Earth’s Layers

 

This week, our Year 7 students enjoyed a delicious and engaging introduction to geology during their science class, creating edible models of the Earth’s layers using chocolate-coated biscuits.

As students carefully cut through the layers of the biscuit, they observed and discussed how heat, pressure and composition change from the crust to the core. It was a fun, hands-on activity that helped bring complex scientific concepts to life while enjoying a tasty treat at the same time. 

 

This creative approach not only deepened students’ understanding of Earth’s internal structure but also sparked curiosity and made science learning all the more memorable.

Agriculture and V.E.T. Primary Industries

Dairy Cattle Junior Judging State Finalist: Xavier Johnson Shines at Sydney Royal Easter Show

 

Congratulations to Year 11 Agriculture student Xavier Johnson on his professional conduct at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Xavier competed in the Dairy Cattle Junior Judging State Final following his impressive performance at the Deniliquin Show. In Sydney, he judged heifer and cow classes across various dairy breeds, competing against other young people aged 15 to 25.

 

Hands-On Learning: Sienna Christie’s School-Based Apprenticeship

 

Year 11 Agriculture and VET Primary Industries student Sienna Christie is gaining valuable real-world experience through a school-based apprenticeship on her family’s farm. Her responsibilities range from carting hay and feeding calves to repairing water troughs, developing both practical skills and a strong work ethic along the way.

 

Hands-On Agriculture Learning in Full Swing

 

After immersing themselves in preparing dairy heifers for the Deniliquin Show earlier this year, students experienced even more learning opportunities.

 

HSC Agriculture students have compared the stages of development of monocots and dicots whilst growing corn and beans, and Year 10s have just commenced Cows Create Careers

 

Four dairy calves arrived at school this week, and students from Years 9 to 12 are rostered to feed the calves milk daily.

This term has also seen the arrival of six in-lamb ewes at school. Students will monitor the growth rates of the lambs and learn about lamb marking, feeding, condition scoring, and much more. A big thank you to Malcolm Starritt for allowing the school to borrow the sheep and for taking time out of his hectic schedule to deliver them. Thank you to Riverlea Stockfeeds for sponsoring the sheep's pellets.

 

Year 11 Agriculture students recently attended the Christie’s dairy farm at Nanneella to collect information for their Case Study assessment. It was most interesting to see Christie’s tidy and well-managed facilities, and we thank David, Katrina, and Sienna very much for sharing their time and extensive knowledge of this intensive enterprise.

 

Mrs Carolyn Smith

Science, Agriculture and Primary Industries Teacher

Elevate Education Sessions Empower Students in Study and Time Management

As part of Moama Anglican Grammar’s commitment to fostering strong study habits and effective time management skills, Senior School students participated in two engaging seminars on Wednesday 30 April, facilitated by Elevate Education.

 

The sessions explored key questions such as 'What is study?' and 'Once I know what to do, how do I find the time to do it?', equipping students with practical strategies to enhance their academic approach.

To ensure lasting impact, the key concepts introduced during the seminars will be revisited and reinforced through focused mini-lessons during long tutor group sessions each Wednesday throughout the term.

 

"On Wednesday, students across the Secondary School took part in a study skills workshop delivered by Elevate Education. The Year 10 session focused specifically on time management and overcoming procrastination, an area many students found both timely and relevant.

 

Our presenter, Harry, offered thoughtful and practical advice on creating sustainable study schedules that allow for academic success without compromising involvement in extra-curricular commitments. A particularly valuable concept he introduced was the zone of demand versus the zone of marks, highlighting that to truly excel, students must go beyond minimum expectations, pushing themselves while remaining anchored to the syllabus.

 

The session was engaging, informative and highly applicable, leaving many of us better equipped to manage our time effectively and approach our studies with greater confidence and clarity. A sincere thank you to Harry from Elevate Education and to the teachers who supported the session and helped facilitate such a valuable experience."

A Reflection by Matilda Medland (Year 10)

Year 8 Love Bites Program: Building Respectful Relationships

This week, Year 8 students participated in the Love Bites program, a nationally recognised initiative focused on developing respectful relationships. Through engaging, age-appropriate activities, students explored topics such as friendships, social media, gender roles, consent and seeking support. Thank you to our Wellbeing Team and staff for facilitating these important conversations.