Year 9 Report 

Dear Year 9 Parents and Families, 

We hope this newsletter finds you well. As we close out the first half of term one at Woodmans Hill Secondary College, we are pleased to share with you an update on the exciting and engaging learning experiences our Year 9 students have been involved in over the last few weeks. 

Swimming Sports 

Our Year 9 students kicked off the term with a fantastic display of sportsmanship and talent at the Swimming Sports event. Many students participated with enthusiasm, showcasing both their competitive spirit and their teamwork. It was an inspiring day for all involved, and we were proud of the energy and effort demonstrated by our students. 

Maths: Index Laws and Scientific Notation:

In Maths, students have been diving into the concepts of index laws and scientific notation. These foundational skills are crucial for understanding more advanced mathematical topics, and our Year 9s have been working hard to grasp the concepts. With hands-on practice and engaging discussions, they’ve been tackling equations and problem-solving in new and exciting ways. 

Health: Respectful Relationships:

In Health, we have focused on the importance of respectful relationships. Our Year 9 students have been learning about communication, boundaries, and the key components of healthy relationships. Through discussions and activities, students have been developing skills to foster respect and kindness in their interactions with others, both at school and beyond. 

PE: Athletics and Target Practice:

In Physical Education, our Year 9 students have transitioned from swimming into the athletics unit, where they have had the opportunity to develop their skills in running, throwing, and jumping. Additionally, students have started working on target practice, focusing on precision and technique. It’s been a fun and active start to the year in PE! We look forward to the Athletic Carnival in week 10. 

English: Story Writing:

In English, our Year 9s have been busy crafting their own stories. We’ve been focusing on creative writing, encouraging students to explore their imaginations and develop their writing skills. It’s been wonderful to see students experimenting with different narrative techniques, characters, and plotlines, as they express themselves through storytelling. 

SAMHS Workshops: Dance and Journaling: 

Our students have also had the opportunity to participate in enriching workshops with SAMHS, focusing on dance and journaling. These workshops provided a unique chance for self-expression and reflection. Students engaged in creative movement through dance and explored the benefits of journaling for personal growth and mental well-being. 

Upcoming NAPLAN:

As we approach the middle of the term, we want to remind Year 9 families about the upcoming NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) tests. NAPLAN will take place in May and is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy. 

We understand that NAPLAN can be a source of stress for some students, but we encourage our Year 9s to approach it with a positive mindset. The tests are designed to assess their progress in these key areas of learning and provide valuable feedback to both students and the school about their strengths and areas for further development. While NAPLAN is important, it is just one of many ways we assess student progress, and it is important to remember that it does not define a student's ability or potential. 

To support students in preparing for NAPLAN, teachers will be providing practice opportunities in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or concerns regarding NAPLAN, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

As we look ahead, we are excited to continue supporting our Year 9 students in their learning and personal development. We are grateful for the positive attitude, dedication, and growth they have shown so far this term. 

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education. We look forward to seeing all the wonderful things our Year 9 students will continue to achieve.