Middle School

As we continue to move through Term 4, we begin to look at our boys – both Years 10 and Year 9 – experiencing their final year in the Middle School. With our new school’s model in 2026, both year levels will become Senior School students in the final two weeks of school – Monday, 24 November 24 to Friday, 5 December – when they complete the 2026 Head Start Program. Student timetables for Head Start should arrive in Week 7.

Year 9 Camp

The major activity for Year 9s this term is the Year 9 Grampians Camp from Wednesday, 5 November 5 to Friday, 7 November. During the camp, the boys will participate in a number of challenging physical experiences including hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, high ropes and canoeing, which will be conducted by the Silverband Lodge staff and assisted by St Patrick’s College staff. To assist with the selection process for the activity groups, all boys have completed the Year 9 Yo-Yo test, which provides a solid indication of a boy’s level of aerobic fitness and thus which group they have been selected in, so that the group is able to work together safely.

Objectives of the camp:

• To conclude the boy’s Rite Journey experience.
• To promote healthy, natural environments to our boys.
• To encourage an appreciation of the natural environment, and to educate our boys about caring for our national parks.
• To encourage the benefits of teamwork and being a member of a community.
• To continue to develop leadership in our boys.
• To provide opportunities to build relationships amongst students, and between staff and students.
• To develop concepts of personal challenge and adventure in each boy’s life.

Term 4 Exams

Term 4 will also see the final Middle School Examinations running from Thursday, 13 November to Thursday, 20 November for Year 10s, and Wednesday, 19 November to Friday, 21 November for Year 9. Our Examination Catch Up Day will be held on Friday, 21 November for both year levels. Boys are only required at school on this day if they are sitting a catch-up exam.

On the topic of exams, I offer the following advice to students as they work towards achieving their personal best:

• Complete all set homework nightly.
• Synthesise class notes and complete any extension questions.
• Never waste time whilst in class or at home completing tasks.
• Keep up to date with all class work by setting completion deadlines for these activities.
• Follow your teacher’s directions explicitly and personally see your teachers for extra assistance regularly.
• Begin to study consistently

Knowledge is power and therefore Middle School success is very powerful!

I wish everyone the examination success that they are actively preparing for.