Clyde North Campus News

Last week we saw some early signs of Spring as the sun made an appearance over a couple of days. Sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. I would even add that a sunny day gives us energy and supports our ability to engage in daily activities. Another key factor that supports our ability to engage and feel positive is a sense of belonging. The Olympic games have been a wonderful celebration of individual and team achievements. Behind all participants are a team of supporters ranging from mums and dads through to an elaborate entourage of experts and volunteers focused on supporting the individual and the team. All with a common goal and a tremendous sense of belonging. This is what we strive for at St Peter’s College. This week there were wonderful examples of events showcasing a joyous sense of belonging ranging from individual Japanese competitions through to team collaborative achievements such as the Year 8 Core and House competitions.

The link between connection and belonging and wellbeing leading to improved student outcomes is backed by research. The Year 8 Core Group Competition this year is new, and it is aimed at providing core groups the opportunity to build both individual and group engagement in their learning and interactions with each other and their teachers. Targeting Year 8 was deliberate as we recognise that Year 8 can be a year where students can become less focussed on learning. The aim of the competition was to empower Year 8 students to demonstrate ROCKS as a team to support and further develop good learning and social habits. Additionally, it promotes recognition and reward which can improve productivity and wellbeing, and it increases engagement in learning in the classroom, which research indicates does help improve academic performance. Core group 8F were the winners of the Semester One Core Group Competition and enjoyed a bowling excursion last Friday. This class worked as a team using their individual character strengths to ensure ROCKS were front and centre in all classes. Well done 8F and we encourage the other Year 8 Core groups to work as a team to win the second semester competition.

Teamwork featured strongly in the House Wii-Embleton Tennis competition with all houses providing strong teams leading to fierce battles in every round. It was down to the last battle with Augustine House proving just too strong - Well done! This has enabled Augustine House to move further in front in the Rosemary Graham Shield competition challenging the other Houses to bring their best team events for the remaining lunchtime House Competitions for Term 3.

More celebrations came this week with the individual efforts of students from Years 7-10 competing in the Japanese Speaking Contest. These students demonstrated their unique character strengths by putting themselves forward reflecting their enthusiasm and eagerness to participate in their language learning. Whilst each student entered the competition as an individual, their sense of belonging will have grown further supporting positive well-being and improved learning outcomes.

A special mention to the Year 7s who challenged themselves with participating, your language skills will continue to grow and develop with more experience, and I am proud of each of you. Additionally, a big thank you to Sam, who bravely assisted one of the Year 7 participants who was missing a partner on the day.

I am proud to announce that the following students have been selected for each category:

Year 7&8 Individual: Hargun Kaur (Yr 8 - Clyde North)

Year 7&8 Pair: Parneet Sanghu + Louise Tanay (Yr 8 - Clyde North)

Year 9&10 Individual: Sebastian Corpin (Yr 10 Clyde North)

We look forward to the next round of competitions. Well done to all participants.

Core Group Competition Semester 1

The bowling trip along with pizza was a fun and enjoyable experience. Everyone had a great time, and the prize was 100% worth it! - Parneet

Hello Mrs Banda, I had a lovely time at bowling last Friday I came 4th in the class so I was pretty satisfied with how I did but for me it wasn’t really about winning it was about having this wonderful opportunity. Thank you for allowing us to have such a fun time together seeing my classmates all get along and laugh was great and even the kids who did not win seemed like they were having so much fun.

Ps. The pizza was so good! From Nathan.

I wish you all a safe and productive week.

Mrs Julie Banda

Head of Clyde North Campus