Connecting, Learning & Celebrating Together

Year 7 Day

Our Year 7 Day was a fantastic opportunity for students to step outside their usual routines and spend the day connecting, learning, building relationships and having fun together. The day balanced important learning around wellbeing, inclusion and respectful relationships with opportunities for choice, creativity, teamwork and House spirit.

Students began with four engaging sessions. Intercultural Understanding, presented in partnership with Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and Victoria University, explored diversity, cultural beliefs and traditions and the importance of respect, empathy, inclusion and equality. Mental Health, Bullying and Social Media, presented by Andy Penny from Headspace Ballarat, focused on wellbeing, navigating bullying and social media and identifying available supports. House Games developed teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship, while Gossip and Rumours: Think Before You Share challenged students to consider the impact of their words and actions through the THINK filter, is it True, Helpful, Important, Necessary and Kind?

These themes flowed into the afternoon, where students were given the opportunity to choose from activities including trivia, basketball, treasure hunts, stress ball making, cookie decorating, soccer, Just Dance, PE games, movies and board games. It was a great chance to connect with others, try something new and enjoy being part of Year 7.

A huge thank you to our Senior Leaders, who ran the afternoon activities and were fantastic role models for our Year 7 students. Their enthusiasm and leadership helped make the afternoon such a success and demonstrated student leadership in action.

House points were up for grabs throughout the day, which were announced at our Year 7 assembly in week 7.

Lunchtime was another highlight, with the BBQ, music and inflatable teacher race creating a fantastic atmosphere. In the spirit of Principal's Day, the Year 7 staff were more than happy to let Mr Fields, or should we say the Unicorn, take the win!

Finally, a special thank you to Sarah Mackenzie and our Year 7 teachers, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to plan, organise, communicate, supervise, problem-solve and support students throughout the day. The success of Year 7 Day was a genuine team effort.

Thank you to our Year 7 students, Senior Leaders and external presenters for creating a day where students could learn, connect, demonstrate our school values and celebrate being part of Year 7 here at Ballarat High School!

Courtney McKenna

Team Leader