Year 8

Challenge Week 2026

In Week 6 this term, Year 8 Challenge Week was back and was once again a huge success!

In 2026, our themes at Year 8 are Challenge and Resilience. Throughout the week, the cohort engaged in a variety of excursions and activities designed to push them physically, mentally, and socially, giving them plenty of opportunity to connect with these themes as well as our school values. Students were able to strengthen connections with their peers while also developing new ones with other students and teachers.

Becoming Me Workshop

On Monday, the entire year level participated in the Year 8 Becoming Day, in which they were grouped into four gendered interactive workshops that engaged and empowered them to better understand who they are and what kind of person they want to become. This day was a great opportunity to build emotional intelligence and resilience, teach students to take control of their own lives, and realise their full potential.

Challenge Week Excursions

Across the remainder of the week, classes rotated through the following activities:

• Laser Tag and 1000 Steps 

• Bike Ride and Escape Room 

• Kayaking and Hike 

• Melbourne Cable and Aqua Park

Each activity exposed students to different types of challenges, in which they had to push themselves physically, overcome fears, learn to work together in various group dynamics, and problem-solve in a range of contexts.

It was amazing to see so many students embrace the challenge and give things a go, even when they were initially uncertain. After each activity, students also had opportunities to reflect and identify what they were proud of accomplishing and were challenged to link these developed skills into other real-world applications. We look forward to seeing our Year 8s continue to grow this year and beyond, equipped with the new skills gained during Challenge Week.

"Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone and into your ‘stretch zone’."

This is a place that is challenging but not overwhelming. By taking positive risks and understanding that success doesn’t always come immediately, we can approach challenges more confidently and achieve greater personal growth.

“My favourite activity was the escape room because it allowed me to think and work with others.” – Charlie

“I really enjoyed the escape rooms and laser tag because they're both things I haven't gotten to do before, and they required thinking and strategy.” – Zoe

“I was most nervous about the 1000 Steps, and I felt really tired but proud of myself for persisting through.” – Keerthana

“I was most nervous about the high ropes course, and after I completed it, I felt proud of myself for finishing even when I was scared.” – Veronica

“I am most proud of completing the bike ride because I found it really hard.” – Caitlin

“I am proud of myself for going on the massive tightrope on the cable park.” – Patrick

“It helped me become closer with other people in other classes.” – Lincoln

“We had to work together in many of the activities, so this strengthened our relationships.” – Harvey

We also want to acknowledge and thank all of the Year 8 staff who supported the excursions each day, ensuring they were an enjoyable and memorable experience for the students.

Abbey McMahon, Charlie Wakeham 

& Juanita Blair

Year 8 Team