Year 8 News

Our Achievements:

As Term 4 begins, the Year 8 students have made a quiet and steady start, showing a focused approach toward academic achievement. With eyes on Year 9, they are building a firm understanding of the importance of study habits and dedicating themselves to class work, setting a solid foundation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This commitment reflects their growing maturity and readiness to embrace the next stage of their educational journey. 

This term, the Year 8 Social Emotional Learning and Humanities programs are strongly focused on career exploration.  Students have been exploring their interests, strengths, and the future possibilities for job opportunities. It has been a time to introduce to students the different career path options and the skills and qualifications needed in each. By gaining this early insight, students can make more informed choices about subjects and goals in later years, setting a foundation for their future. This exploration encourages self-awareness and helps students start thinking about how their passions and skills can shape their careers, whilst also acknowledging the importance of personal academic performance and positive work habits. 

This term, the Year 8 cohort has been focusing on improving work habits.  We have been regularly looking at merit and demerit data to keep students motivated in the quest to increase their personal GPA scores. Being ready to learn, being on time, and having positive work habits all contribute significantly to improving GPA. When students are prepared and punctual, they can make the most of each class session, participating actively and staying engaged with new material. Consistent work habits, like completing class work within the time frame offered and staying organised, help prevent last-minute stress and ensure that students understand content thoroughly. These habits build a strong foundation for academic success, enabling students to absorb and retain information effectively, perform well on assessments, and ultimately achieve higher grades, which may lead to greater career opportunities.

So far this term we are showing growth. The following table indicates data from the first 4 weeks of Term 1 compared with the first 4 weeks of Term 4.  We can see there are some areas where improvement has been made.  Students are also aware of areas which they need to address as their next steps.

Our Next Steps:

Students have set goals and are focusing on the following as ways to increase their GPA scores.

Active Engagement: Participate in class by asking questions and joining discussions, showing they’re engaged and interested.

Engaging Positively: Making eye contact, nodding, and responding to the teacher or peers when appropriate. Showing positive body language to demonstrate invested interest in learning.

Sticking to Deadlines: Setting mini deadlines for each step, so they finish their work on time without rushing.

Setting Personal Benchmarks: Aiming to give 100% effort, even if that means going beyond the minimum. For instance, trying to add extra detail to set work.

Organising Materials/Tools for Learning: Sorting folders or binders for each class, gluing work in books, having a fully stocked pencil case.

Checking Quality: Reviewing set work for completeness, clarity, and accuracy before handing it in. 

Focusing on Presentation: Making their work visually organised (headings, sub-headings, tables, etc) so it is easy for teachers to read and evaluate.

By the end of the next GPA cycle students who have shown considerable growth in their GPA score will be officially invited by their Form Teacher to a pizza party to celebrate their achievement.  We wish all the Year 8 cohort the best and hope to see everyone at the party!

Year 8 Values Awards:

Congratulations to the following students for having the highest merit data in their Form Group and being recipients of the following values awards.

VHAP Awards:

The Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP) is an enrichment program that addresses the needs of high-ability students to engage with challenging material in either English or mathematics.  It also creates a meeting space where like-minded pupils can exchange ideas. Congratulations to the following students for their participation in the Victorian High Abilities Program.

Important Reminders:

Payment for the Italian Food Excursion

Year 8 students will be visiting the Italian Museum (Museo Italiano) and restaurant, 

Il Gambero.

• When: Friday 6th December
• Cost: $10
• Travel by: Train
• Consent and Payment due: Monday 25th November

Year 8 Key Dates:

NOVEMBER:

Week 6

Monday 11th – Remembrance Day

Wednesday 13th – Guest Speaker - Zoom Recruitment and HR Industry - getting ready for the world of work.

Friday 15th – GPA will be published

DECEMBER:

Week 9

Friday 6th – Italian Food Excursion

Week 10

Mon 9th – Fri 13th – Year 8 Step Up Program (Year 9)