7–8 Campus News

What You Do Today, Grows Tomorrow

Have you ever planted a seed? 🌱

At first, it looks like nothing is happening. But underneath the soil, something powerful is taking place. Roots are growing, the seed is finding strength, and then one day, something green pushes through the surface, and it keeps growing.

Your learning, your friendships, and your character work the same way.

Every time you try something new in class, help someone out, or choose to do the right thing (even when it’s hard), you’re planting seeds. You might not see the results right away, but over time, those small choices grow into confidence, knowledge, and strength.

At home, I’m working on a small garden project with my four-year-old. We're learning how to care for something tiny, like a sprout, and how it changes when you give it what it needs: water, sunlight, time, and care. It’s reminded me that growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens slowly, when you show up every day and look after what matters.

Learning is no different. If you begin to take care of your learning by showing up to class, asking questions, listening, and putting in effort, your learning will eventually begin to take care of you. You’ll feel more confident, you’ll understand more, and you’ll surprise yourself.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be present, stay curious, and keep going. 

With only 47 school days until the Year 7 and 8 exams, and 57 until our Year 8 Farewell Assembly, it's not too late to get planting.

What you grow today could be something you’re proud of tomorrow.

In other news, we’ve had a successful start to Term 3 with a continued focus on uniform, punctuality, and kindness. These essential routines aren't just about expectations, they’re grounded in educational research. Evidence shows that predictable, orderly classroom environments with consistent routines and high expectations reduce cognitive load, improve student focus, and enhance academic performance (Wiliam, 2016; Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation, 2020).

When students know what to expect, they can use more of their brainpower for learning, and that’s when they truly begin to thrive.

Also worth celebrating, our Year 8 students have completed their Year 9 subject selections, which is always an exciting milestone as they begin shaping the next chapter of their learning journey. It’s wonderful to see them thinking ahead, exploring interests, and making decisions about their future pathways.

Cody Gunn 

Building Routines, Responsibility, and Readiness for Learning

As we begin to see the first signs of spring, it’s been lovely to notice the shift in energy around the campus. The days are getting a little lighter, and so are the moods of our students, they’ve settled well into the rhythm of Term 3 and are engaging positively with their learning.

This point in the term can be a particularly busy one, both at school and at home. I’d like to gently remind all parents and carers to please check Compass regularly for upcoming events and assessment dates. This helps you support your child in managing their time, keeping up with homework, and feeling confident and prepared as assessments approach.

We know that young adolescents are still developing their organisation and time management skills, and your guidance at home makes a big difference. These small, consistent supports help build the foundations of excellence and integrity in learning.

Helping with Homework: 3 Practical Tips for Home

1. Set a consistent routine 

   A regular time and quiet space for homework encourages independence and builds self-management skills.

2. Chunk it down 

   Support your child to break large tasks into smaller, manageable parts. This helps reduce stress and fosters creativity in problem-solving.

3. Celebrate effort 

   Acknowledge persistence and progress, not just the final result. A little encouragement goes a long way in building confidence and resilience.

Being Ready to Learn

We continue to reinforce the importance of being ready to learn each day. For our students, this means:

• Bringing the correct equipment and materials.
• Arriving on time.
• Wearing the correct uniform, including blazers to and from school and during first period.

Wearing the uniform correctly is about more than appearance, it’s about showing respect for our school community and a shared sense of belonging. It reflects our shared expectations and helps build a culture of pride and responsibility. Thank you for your support in maintaining these high standards.

Safe and Respectful Device Use: 3 Ways to Support Your Child

Digital habits formed now can last a lifetime. Here are three helpful ways to support your child with safe device use at home:

1. Establish screen-free times 

   Set clear boundaries around screen use (e.g. no devices at dinner or before bed) to encourage healthy routines and attention to the present.

2. Keep devices in shared spaces 

   This helps students stay focused, make good choices, and develop integrity in how they use technology.

3. Talk regularly about online behaviour 

   Keep the lines of communication open. Ask your child what they’re doing online and who they’re connecting with. Regular conversations help them navigate challenges with confidence.

Punctuality Matters

Please ensure your child arrives at school by 8:40am, in full school uniform, ready for the day. This not only gives them time to settle in and connect with peers, but also helps set a calm, focused tone for the day ahead.

If you notice your child is late to class on Compass, please take a moment to chat with them about the importance of punctuality. These small habits build a strong sense of integrity and help students take responsibility for their learning.

Thank you for your ongoing support in your child’s education.

Michelle Lynch