Year 8 News

As the year draws to a close, the Year 8 Team would like to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve achieved together. From camps, excursions, sports and programmes to everyday classes, the year has been filled with growth, resilience and a strong sense of our school pillars. In this final newsletter of the year, we will celebrate achievements and look ahead to what’s in store for next year. Thank you for being such an integral part of our school journey.

Year Review

Looking back, it’s heart-warming to remember the fresh-faced Year 8s that sat in their first HeadStart assembly this time last year. Now all a bit taller, more mature and experienced within high-school life, the cohort have come into their own. This year we’ve grown – both in maturity and sheer cohort numbers, laughed, learnt and succeeded together. I think the best way to reflect on 2025 is by reading the speech one of our SRC leaders, Will Bailey, read out at our Year 8 Awards this week:

At the start of the year, we were welcomed back by our new Year 8 Team Leader, Miss Lewis, along with the rest of the Year 8 team—our teachers, tutors, and ES staff—they helped us settle in, get organised, and start the year feeling supported. From day one, the classrooms felt positive, and it was clear that our teachers were excited to help us grow.

In Term 1, we jumped into new electives and got to try lots of different subjects. Some highlights included experiments in Science—like the Oreo tectonic plates—creating fantasy worlds in Vis Com, learning about different cultures, and getting to know each other better in R&R. Many of us also started to find our favourite subjects and build confidence in our learning.

Early in the year, the process began for choosing the Year 8 student leaders. Students completed applications and interviews, and we were excited to congratulate William, Keegan, Jasper and Oaklee as our SRC representatives. Throughout the year, student leaders organised events and helped share student voice.

Term 1 also included interschool sports, athletics day, and our first round of CAT assessments. Even though CAT weeks can feel stressful, our year level showed resilience and a strong work ethic. Students encouraged each other, stayed focused, and did their best.

As the year went on, we had more opportunities to represent our school. In Term 2, we attended the Brainstorm Productions incursion about online safety and bullying. We also took part in sports competitions, where the effort from everyone was something to be proud of. Our Year 8 Girls Netball team finished second overall, and our Year 8 Boys team won their competition after a close final. It was exciting to see our teamwork, sportsmanship and school spirit shine.

Another huge highlight was our first-ever Year 8 camp to Phillip Island Adventure Resort. Across three days we tackled high ropes, the flying fox, archery, team rescue, disc golf, laser strike, trivia night, and even visited the beach. The weather wasn’t always perfect, but we didn’t let that stop us. Everyone pushed themselves, encouraged each other, and we all came back with great memories—and a few sore muscles.

In Semester 2, we changed electives again and started new classes. R&R continued to help us build gratitude, empathy, mindfulness, and emotional literacy—skills that have made a real difference to our learning and relationships.

We also had more special events, like the Maths Games Day, where our team did amazingly and brought home prizes, and more interschool sports days, including basketball. Throughout Term 3, many students also achieved high Learning Behaviour scores, earning an invitation to the LBU hot chip lunches—a fun tradition that celebrates effort and positive behaviour.

This year, KPAs became a big part of our everyday achievements, with students across all classes working hard to earn points for engagement, work ethic, relationships and excellence. It’s been great seeing so many students recognised for their hard work.

Now in Term 4, things have been busy as we get ready for Year 9. We’ve completed PAT testing, chosen electives for next year, and taken part in programs like the Yinnar Cricket Clinic and the two-day swimming program at GRAC, which helped us build confidence and essential water safety skills.

Looking back, this year has been full of learning, growth, challenges, fun, and achievements. We’ve gained confidence, built friendships, and discovered more about who we are as learners and people.

On behalf of the Year 8 students, I’d like to thank all our teachers, tutors, ES staff and Miss Lewis for supporting us throughout 2025. And thank you to our families for being here today and cheering us on.

We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved this year, and we’re excited to see what Year 9 brings. 

Year 8 Awards Ceremony

On Thursday, the 27th of November, Year 8s, their teachers and families came together to celebrate achievements within the cohort. The award recipients will be listed in the College Newsletter that will be published at the end of the year. Congratulations to all of these students. We also have several students receiving awards at our College Awards Ceremony on Friday 12th of December.

Headstart

Head Start begins Monday, the 1st of December. This is when students move into their new year levels. For all year levels, this means a new space, team leader and possibly a new form group. Students will have an assembly at the start of Head Start and receive their timetables. 

Contact Details

If you have any concerns regarding Year 8 students, please don’t hesitate to phone me on (03)5165 0600 - option 3 or email me at sarah.lewis@education.vic.gov.au

Sarah Lewis

Year 8 Team Leader