Middle School Update

Term 3 has been a busy and inspiring time in the Middle School, with many opportunities for students to live out our values of community, care for others, and stewardship of the environment. I am delighted to share some highlights with you.

Standing Up Against Bullying

This term, Middle School students have engaged with the Bullying, No Way! campaign. Together, we explored what it means to be an upstander—someone who takes action to ensure bullying, exclusion, and discrimination have no place in our community.

Students reflected on the importance of using their words and actions, both in person and online, to foster a culture of inclusion and respect. They were reminded that reaching out to someone, challenging stereotypes, or asking for help are not small gestures—they are powerful actions that make a real difference.

We continue to encourage students to seek support from teachers, the Middle School Office, or other trusted adults if they experience or witness bullying. By doing so, we strengthen our commitment to making the Middle School a safe and inclusive place for every young person.

Service and Community – Supporting the Hobart Women’s Shelter

Our Student Service and Wellbeing Committees have worked hard this term to support the Hobart Women’s Shelter Buy a Brick campaign, raising funds to build long-term homes for women in need of safety and stability.

Through a student-led BBQ, the committees raised over $400 to contribute to the project. Every sausage purchased helped provide hope and security to women in our community. Building on this momentum, the committees launched a “Guess the Number of M&Ms in the Jar” challenge, with all proceeds going to the Shelter. I was delighted to discover that my guess was the closest—only 46 M&Ms off the total—and it was a pleasure to share my small win with my dedicated colleagues.

These initiatives align closely with the School’s throughline of Active Hope, coined by Joanna Macy: "It involves acknowledging difficult realities, transforming feelings of powerlessness, and taking practical, deliberate steps to contribute to a more sustainable and life-affirming world."

Caring for the Environment

Our Environment Action Group has been active this term, tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: soft plastics.

From cling wrap and chip packets to shopping bags and bubble wrap, these materials are convenient but harmful to our planet. In response, students are launching a Soft Plastics Collection Scheme across the Middle School. Collection points will soon be available, with clear guidance on what can and cannot be recycled. All items should be food-free.

This initiative encourages students to reduce, reuse, and recycle—taking practical steps that, together, can create a lasting environmental impact.

Rubbish Rangers

Another exciting initiative is the launch of the Rubbish Rangers, a new student-led group dedicated to keeping our school grounds clean. Meeting each Friday at first break, students volunteer to collect litter using gloves, tongs, and rubbish bags provided.

This initiative not only makes our school a more pleasant place for everyone but also allows students to gain service hours toward the Year 7 Health Challenge, Certificates of Recognition, or Half Colours. It has been wonderful to see students taking pride in their school environment through such hands-on service.

Student Leadership

Recently, the Year 7 and 8 Student Voice Council toured the City Mission's Safe Sleep Space. Students saw firsthand the accommodation available for Hobart's homeless and learned about the lives of some of our city’s most vulnerable people. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on our own privilege—not only in what we have but also in the judgments we form about others.

Returning to school, students participated in the Middle School Student Leadership Forum, designing initiatives to raise awareness and funds within the Middle School community. This semester, students are constructing their own leadership portfolios and have spent time recognizing their strengths and areas for growth within the New Metrics competencies. Inspired by our Quaker values, students collaborated on ideas for the campus and explored how they can use their leadership potential to support each other. The Middle School is in great hands this semester with these inspiring young leaders!

Learning in Year 7: Minecraft Worlds 

Minecraft offers both fun and educational opportunities, so the Year 7 team planned a Connections Day linked to our environment/water focus. The activity fosters problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.

Students were assigned leadership roles to guide their peers throughout the day—they planned the day, instructed groups, kept everyone on task, and coordinated the builds. The student leaders were proud of what their classmates created and how well they worked together. They reflected that in the future it would be beneficial to split into smaller groups and assign specific tasks. Students are eager for another Minecraft Day, confident that their prior experience will make it even more engaging.

Learning in Year 8: Solar Boat Challenge

Year 8 students recently participated in a Solar Boat Challenge, working in teams of three to design, build, and refine solar-powered boats using recycled materials. The challenge encouraged creativity, innovation, collaboration, resilience, and patience—especially when designs didn’t go as planned.

Students were guided to interact kindly, communicate ideas effectively, and show respect and responsibility when using shared equipment. Races took place on a purpose-built swimming pool, designed and built at school through collaboration between the Design Technology team, Year 8 staff, and students.

Looking Forward

Reflecting on a Term 2 Gathering question—“How can we plant seeds of peace, even in the deepest snow?”—I think of the students who planted daffodil bulbs as their own “seeds of peace.” Now, as Spring arrives, we can see the emerging flowers against a backdrop of snow-covered kunanyi.

As we head into the final term of the year, I look forward with great anticipation to this key transition period—welcoming the incoming Year 6 students and farewelling our Year 8s.

Lindy Gannon - Head of Middle School (Years 7 & 8)