What a busy term it has been in the Junior school at Woodmans Hill.

Over the past two weeks students in year 7 & 9 have completed NAPLAN. Students engaged really well to ensure that they ‘put their best foot forward’. The warmer weather and sunshine has allowed students to burn off energy after sitting in test- like conditions throughout the sessions.

On March 14th our year 8 cohort travelled to UrbnSurf in Tullamarine for a day out for a simulated surfing experience. The students were given the opportunity to participate in learn to surf lesson and the surf the bays experience. The day allowed students and staff to come together for fun, to build resilience and try a new experience.

Earlier in March, our year 9 cohort were involved in a wellbeing focused day, we had presenters from ‘The Man Cave’, Reach Foundation and a Rainbow group (focusing on diversity and inclusion). The day focused on coming together to work on our own mental health and wellbeing which included scaffolding strategies that students are able to apply in their every day lives. The following day students came together to ‘de-compress’ and continue to build strong relationships at the Melbourne cable park. Some very exhausted students hopped off the bus on the Friday night claiming it was ‘the best day of school ever’. I know that the strategies learnt and the memories they formed during those two days will stick with them forever.

What a busy start to the year our year 7s have had. Not only adjusting to the new school environment, they headed off on year 7 camp in Anglesea for two nights. Students participated in kayaking, mountain bike riding, rope courses, beach walks and red faces (just to name a few). The focus of the camp was to bring the cohort together to build relationships with peers and their teachers. Mr Broadbent and I were lucky enough to visit for the day- whilst he returning from kayaking wet (after being ‘accidently’ tipped in) I remained some-what dry. Many students did enjoy the ‘cool off’ with the warm temperatures that week.

Earlier this term we re-launched our house system with an afternoon to come together to compete in a range of activities to gain points for our house. This led into our first swimming sports with our newly named houses. It was a great day with the weather really turning it on, providing perfect swimming weather. In term 2 students will have the opportunity to compete again in a range of activities including our whole school Athletic sports.

Recently year 7 & 8 had a visit from the Ballarat Police to deliver the :Our City: Be Safe Feel Safe - Youth Crime Prevention presentation. Students engaged well with the presentation and we have already seen a variety of entries to the crime prevention competition.

On Friday 15th March our student leaders came together for their badge ceremony. Mr Broadbent reminded our leaders of the impact they can have not only on Woodmans Hill but the wider community. It was fantastic to meet so many proud family members and share an afternoon tea together in celebration!

UNIFORM REMINDER: as the cooler weather creeps in over the holidays it is a good opportunity to check that students winter uniform fits well. Please remember that students are expected to be in full school uniform everyday. As the cooler weather comes there is a temptation to wear hooded jumpers to ‘layer up’ however this does not fit within the Woodmans Hill Uniform. Jackets and Jumpers are available from our uniform providers or alternatively you can contact the office to see what second hand uniform is available. If you need support purchasing our uniform, please contact the relevant year level leader. Students who are out of uniform are expected to bring a signed note from home.

School beanies are available for purchase for $25 from our office.

On behalf of the Junior school staff, we hope that our families enjoy a wonderful Easter break. Take care and see you in term 2.

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Erin Mawdsley

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