Year 7

Wow! What a busy and exciting first three weeks it has been for our Year 7 students! Orientation Week and camp were both a huge success, with students enthusiastically embracing new activities and starting the year in a positive and confident way. We would also like to thank our families for their support, particularly those who attended the First Day Conferences and the Parent Information Evening.

Camp

What an incredible week our Year 7 students enjoyed at Arrabri Lodge! Both groups began the week immersed in a wide range of exciting activities, including the Flying Fox, Giant Swing, Mini Golf and Archery. The enthusiasm continued into the evening with lively bush dancing, followed by a memorable nocturnal hike where students had the chance to spot native Australian wildlife.

Day two was filled with just as much energy, including a water fight before rounding out the evening with a trivia night that showcased students’ knowledge of Australian animals, music, movies and so much more. Group 2 was also treated to a special disco, thanks to Mr Ross and his DJ skills!

We asked some of our Year 7 students about their favourite part of camp, and here is what they had to say:

“My favourite part about camp was the big swing. It helped us work as a team, we all pulled together to get all of our classmates to the top of the swing, which everyone did.” Cooper M., 7D

“My favourite part was making new friends and getting to experience new things in a new environment,” Mia P., 7A

“My favourite part about camp was going on the giant swing. I really enjoyed it and it was my first time doing this. I got all the way to the top which I was really proud of this.” Isaiah H., 7B

“The giant swing was my favourite part because I liked the adrenaline, and it was fun.” Harry B., 7C

“The Giant swing was best because drop was very accelerating. Also, it was fun pulling my friends to the top because they were scared.” Charlie T., 7C

"My favourite was making new friends and the activities at camp” Lily M., 7F

“I have done giant swings before, but this one was my favourite. I also liked making new friends.” Natasha R., 7F

Overall, it was a fantastic week full of fun, laughter and the building of new friendships, an experience our Year 7s will remember for a long time.

Orientation Week

As students returned to school, or began the week while others were away on camp, the fun and learning continued. Our Year 7 students participated in a range of engaging activities, including an Amazing Race designed to test their knowledge of the school grounds and facilities. They also took part in a reflective task, writing letters to their future Year 9 selves that captured their current goals and advice.

In addition, students were introduced to their new Learning Houses, exploring the history and origins of each house. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect, reflect and continue building a strong sense of belonging within the school community.

Parent Information Evening

Thank you to the parents and carers who attended the Information Evening. It was a valuable opportunity to share and discuss our new school values: Aspiration, Belonging, Community, Diligence and Excellence. Whilst highlighting the importance of our school vision, “To develop people of purpose, character and capacity whose contributions strengthen communities,” for what we will be providing our Year 7 students throughout their journey at Berwick College.

All information shared on the night, including uniform expectations, ways to support your child through their transition to secondary school, and our Team Around the Learner approach, is available on Compass.

Student spotlight: Demi Pyne

Over the Summer holidays, Demi was fortunate to be selected as one of the ball kids for the Australian Open. We sat down with Demi to get an insight into this amazing experience, and here is what she had to say:

Hi, I'm Demi Pyne and this year I was fortunate enough to be chosen as one of the Australian Open ball kids.

For those who are wondering what is the Australian Open, it is one of the most popular tennis tournaments in the world with over 1 million people coming from all around the world to spectate. Being a ball kid at the start was very scary but as the tryouts were done and the moment, I found out I was a ball kid my heart stopped with excitement.

Some of the really cool things I got to do at the AO this year is meeting so many new friends and supervisors but two off the best people I got to meet were Kid Laroi and, the best tennis player off all time, Novak Djokovic. The best court I got onto this year is ANZ which brought in a huge crowd, which was an amazing experience for me.

Before I finish, I just want to say whatever sport you do or your ability, I suggest you definitely sign up to be a ball kid next year for AO27 because my Mum randomly signing me up for fun, has changed my life in such a good way - so I can't wait to try out again next year.

Thank you so much to Demi for that. We love celebrating student success! If you, your friend or your child, anyone you know has achieved some incredible things, make sure to let us know so they can be celebrated!

Other important dates

Swimming Carnival – Thursday 19 February
School Photo Catch Up Day – Tuesday 24 February
Public Holiday – Monday 9 March
NAPLAN begins – Wednesday 11 March
Chisholm and Frost House Day – Friday 20 March
NAPLAN ends – Monday 23 March
Parent Teacher Conferences – Tuesday 3 March
Final Day of Term 1 – Thursday 2 April, 2:30 pm finish

Year 7 Team Around the Learner

Year 7 Learning Leader – Brandon Reeve (brandon.reeve@education.vic.gov.au)
Year 7 Assistant Learning Leader – Taylah Lloyd (taylah.lloyd@education.vic.gov.au)
Year 7 Assistant Learning Leader – Manisha Beniwal (manisha.beniwal@education.vic.gov.au)
Wellbeing Support - Noah O'Halloran