Middle Years

End of the Year: A time to reflect and recharge

As we finish up another remarkable school year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey our Middle Years students have undertaken over the course of 2025. It has been a year filled with challenges met. From the heat of Vietnam to the cold of Mittagundi, where friendships have deepened, and countless moments of learning have shaped our students in ways both visible and subtle.

This year, our Middle Years students have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. From navigating increasingly complex academic work to managing the social and emotional landscape of adolescence, they have done so with grace and determination. Whether it was the nervous energy of the first day back, the focused determination during assessment periods, or the unbridled joy at our various celebrations and events, each moment has contributed to their development.

I've been particularly proud of the way our students have supported one another. The Middle Years can be a challenging time, but the sense of community that has developed within our year levels has been truly heartwarming. Students have lifted each other up, celebrated each other's successes, and learned valuable lessons about empathy and kindness along the way.

Our students have worked hard, and they deserve time to simply be young people without the structure of school days and homework deadlines. The upcoming summer break is not just a pause from learning; it's an essential part of the learning process itself. Research consistently shows us that downtime allows young minds to consolidate their learning, process their experiences, and return refreshed and ready for new challenges. This is when creativity flourishes, when passions can be explored without constraint, and when families can reconnect.

When we return in 2026, we'll be welcoming back students who have had time to grow in different ways, who bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy. The Middle Years journey continues, and I have no doubt that next year will bring its own unique opportunities for learning, growth, and discovery.

Thank you for your partnership this year. Your support of our programs, your engagement with your child's learning, and your trust in our community have made all the difference. I wish you and your family a safe, restful, and joyful holidays.