Westall Secondary College Newsletter

Junior School Report

Ms Jessika Cichy 

From the

Director of Learning

Junior School

Miss Jessika Cichy

As Term 3 comes to a close, we want to celebrate the wonderful learning, curiosity, and effort shown across our Junior School. From hands-on excursions to eye-opening workshops, our students have been busy building knowledge, skills, and confidence. A big shoutout to the parents and staff who are working closely and constantly with our students to ensure they’re achieving their best!

Tackling Vaping – Year 7 & 8 Workshops

On Friday 5th September, our Year 7 and 8 students took part in engaging workshops run by Blurred Minds, a national program that helps young people make safe, informed choices. This session focused on vaping – exploring:

  • The real health impacts

  • The sneaky marketing tactics used to target young people

  • How to make strong, positive choices

The workshop was interactive, thought-provoking, and gave students plenty to talk about at home. 

 

If you’d like to find out more information or seek support in having better conversations with your children about vaping (or other similar topics), head over to the Blurred Minds website here: https://www.blurredminds.com.au/community/ 

Year 7 Explore the Melbourne Museum

On Friday 12th September, our Year 7s ventured into the city for their Global Literacy unit on Ancient Australia. Highlights of the day included:

  • Exploring the First Peoples Exhibit to deepen understanding of Indigenous history

  • Watching Australia: The Wild Top End in IMAX 3D
  • Wandering through the peaceful Milarri Garden & Forest Gallery

The excursion was a fantastic way to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.  Many students recognised a lot of the artefacts that we talked about in class – including digging sticks and eel traps! The Milarri garden is a garden in the museum that showcases a lot of Indigenous Victorian plants and how they were used. 

 

Did you know? Yellow Gum, also called Ban-napp (Dja Dja Wurrun), Easip (Woi wurrung) or Terrk, is used by Indigenous peoples for the treatment of colds, while the nectar is collected from the flowers to make a sweet drink.

Organisation = Success

As we edge closer to the end of the year, being prepared and organised is more important than ever. Packing bags the night before, charging laptops, and bringing all materials to class aren’t just good school habits – they’re life skills!

Why not try an Organisation Challenge at home?

👉 Can your child pack their bag the night before, every day for one week?

👉 Can your child plug their laptop in to charge before they go to sleep, every night, for the whole holiday break?

 

Healthy & Happy Holiday Habits

While students enjoy a well-earned break, we know parents and guardians often keep working through the holidays. That’s why it’s just as important for the whole family to look after themselves and support each other. 

 

For Students:

  • 📚 Read for fun – choose a book, comic, or magazine you actually enjoy.
  • 🎮 Balance screen time – mix gaming or socials with offline activities.
  • 🏃 Move your body – play a sport, ride your bike, or walk the dog.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Help out at home – cooking, cleaning, or gardening builds responsibility.
  • ✨ Try something new – a puzzle, craft, or learning a new skill. 

 

For Parents and/or Guardians:

  • ☕ Take a “pause moment” – even 10 minutes of quiet with a coffee or tea.
  • 🚶 Get active together – join in on walks or games with your child.
  • 📅 Plan one family outing – museums, markets, or a picnic in the park.
  • 📖 Do something for yourself – read, listen to a podcast, or pick up a hobby.
  • 💬 Connect socially – catch up with a friend or relative, even just with a call.

 

Tip: Families can keep each other accountable by setting little challenges: “Who can get outside every day this week?” or “Who’s had the least screen time this week?” That way, everyone finishes the holidays feeling refreshed, healthy, and ready for Term 4.

 

As always, we extend a huge thank you to families for your ongoing support and in making Term 3 such a success. We’re excited to carry this momentum into Term 4 and finish the year strong.

 

Warm regards,

Miss Jessika Cichy

Director of Learning – Junior School Westall Secondary College