Junior School Director Update

Dear Families, Students and Community Members,

Junior School Update – Term 3

Term 3 traditionally brings shorter days and colder weather, which can sometimes affect students' motivation and energy levels. Despite this, our Junior School students have embraced the term with enthusiasm and resilience, consistently demonstrating our school values of Personal Best, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility in both the classroom and the wider school community.

It has certainly been a busy and productive start to the term.

Our Year 7 students have settled confidently into secondary school life and have developed a strong sense of belonging at Mordialloc College. It has been wonderful to see the friendships they have formed, the confidence they have gained, and the way they are embracing the opportunities available to them. While Year 12 may seem a long way off, our current senior students would be the first to say that the years pass remarkably quickly!

Our Year 8 students continue to demonstrate increasing maturity as they prepare for the transition into Middle School next year. As the senior students of the Junior School, they are beginning to recognise the important role they play in setting a positive example for our incoming Year 7 students in 2027.

This term, both Year 7 and Year 8 students participated in the S(mac) Talk incursion, which focused on developing safe and responsible online behaviours. The sessions provided valuable insights into digital citizenship, helping students better understand the importance of maintaining a positive online presence and making informed choices when using social media and digital technologies.

We are incredibly proud of the many Junior School students who continue to represent Mordialloc College in a variety of sporting pursuits. Congratulations to our students who competed at the State Cross Country Championships, representing the College with determination, resilience and pride. Our Year 7 and Year 8 students have also continued to participate enthusiastically in weekly interschool sport, displaying excellent teamwork, respect and sportsmanship. We look forward to cheering on a number of Junior School students who will represent the College at upcoming district and state athletics events later this term.

Excitement is also building for this year's school production of Mamma Mia!, which features a fantastic representation of Junior School students. After months of rehearsals and dedication from the cast and crew, the production is almost here. Opening night is on Wednesday 19 August, and with tickets selling quickly, it promises to be an outstanding showcase of our students' talents.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank our dedicated Year Level Coordinators for their ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing and success of our students. Their care, guidance and encouragement play a vital role in helping every student thrive.

We look forward to another successful term as our Junior School students continue to grow, challenge themselves and make the most of the many opportunities available at Mordialloc College.

Brendan McFarland

Director - Junior School