Middle School

It has been an excellent start to the year in our Middle School. As we continue to embed our new two-school model, there is a genuine sense of energy and connection across Years 7, 8 and 9. Classrooms have been purposeful and engaged, our shared spaces vibrant, and most importantly, relationships between students, staff and families continue to strengthen.

Strong partnerships between home and school form the foundation of a successful middle years' experience. When students feel known, supported and encouraged both at school and at home, they are far more likely to flourish — academically, socially and personally. We are grateful for the positive collaboration already evident in these early weeks and look forward to building on this throughout the year.

Building Belonging and Connection

Our Year 7 students recently returned from a highly successful camp experience. Camps play a vital role in developing independence, resilience and friendship, and it was wonderful to see our newest students embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm and maturity. Experiences such as these help establish the strong sense of belonging that is so important in the first year of secondary school.

Our Year 8 Nazareth House visits have also commenced, with the first Homeroom group attending today. It was pleasing to see this initiative get off to such a positive start. These visits provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage with the wider community, demonstrate empathy and live out the values that underpin our Middle School.

We also look forward to the upcoming Year 8 Father (or significant male mentor) and Son Night next week. This evening will provide an important opportunity for connection and shared reflection during what is a significant stage of development in the middle years. We anticipate it being a valuable experience for both students and their families.

Later in the term, our Year 7 students will participate in the Positive Wellbeing Program facilitated by Ballarat Community Health. This program focuses on positive relationships, stereotypes and respectful behaviours, further supporting our students as they navigate friendships and identity during these formative years.

Excitement is also building for the Year 8 Camp at Lady Northcote Camp. This experience will challenge students to work collaboratively, step outside their comfort zones and further strengthen the bonds within their cohort. Camps remain a cornerstone of our Middle School experience and play an important role in character development.

While Term 1 is slightly quieter for our Year 9 students in terms of major events, it has been extremely pleasing to see the way they have engaged in their elective subjects. This is an important stage where students begin to align their learning with emerging interests, aspirations and future pathways. The opportunity to explore areas of passion supports motivation and ownership of learning. Our Year 9 cohort can certainly look forward to a busy and dynamic Term 2 and beyond.

Pastoral Care – The Resilience Project

Our commitment to student wellbeing continues through our Pastoral Care program, including our ongoing partnership with The Resilience Project. Students participated in their first lesson today, focusing on the pillars of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.

Developing a shared language around wellbeing provides students with practical tools to navigate challenge, build perspective and strengthen relationships. We look forward to continuing this important work across the term.

Homework and Learning Routines

As we move deeper into Term 1, establishing a consistent homework routine remains essential for student success. Regular homework reinforces classroom learning, builds independent study skills and supports preparation for assessments.

Microsoft Teams is the platform where teachers upload lesson resources and homework tasks. Students are encouraged to access Teams regularly to review materials, complete set work and catch up on any missed content. While parents do not have direct access to Teams, we encourage families to engage in conversations about learning and, where appropriate, view materials together via their child’s device.

A structured routine and a quiet space at home can make a significant difference in supporting positive learning habits.