Clyde North Campus News

 “It’s not a House. It's a Home” 

- Darryl Kerrigan

What a journey we have had in 2021, and where to now, because we know we are stronger.  

This was the theme presented to all students in their House for Pastoral period this week. We have now become somewhat familiar with seeing each other around the school with a sense of normality within the classrooms and the yard. But what exactly does it mean; Coming back? What has changed?  What is still the same and what comes next?

Using inspiration from the film The Castle, ‘it’s not a House, it’s a Home’, students spent time reflecting on the year that was and is still 2021, including the challenges, the joys, the highs and lows. Through a mixture of photographs that students brought in from home, reflective writings and drawings each Tutor Group set about creating a collage that represented their 2021 story and importantly what they were most looking forward to now and next year. 

Students were able to reflect on how they drew on their character strengths and the charism of their House Patron to support them not only in remote learning but also the normal challenges of school and being a teenager. We should not underestimate the resilience of our young people who are incredibly adaptive and creative in their response to life’s challenges. We must also not forget to acknowledge that it is these challenges which provide the opportunity for us to experience the very best in ourselves and others. 

Once the collages are finished, they will represent a special history for each House translating lived experiences into learnings and new adventures. 

The next chapter in this term is filled with the excitement of HeadStart. This now becomes the focus of the weeks ahead and it is being met with a great deal of enthusiasm by staff and students for it ushers in the ‘where to now’ part of our story for 2021. 

Year 9 Peer Support Training & Careers

Next week the Year 9 students will undertake Peer Support Training as part of their leadership formation moving into the senior years of schooling. Through this training Year 9 students will gain an understanding of the importance of supporting Year 7 students in their transition into high school. Over the years the training program has evolved and developed into a highly engaging and effective Leadership Program under the direction of Mr Peter Brannan, our Pastoral Care Leader. Completing the training, provides all Year 9 Students the opportunity to apply to become Peer Support Leaders in 2022. These Peer Support Leader will work with Year 7 students on a weekly basis during Term 1 as part of the Year 7 Transition Program. The Peer Leaders work through a series of fun activities with the Year 7 students providing them with a sense of belonging, confidence and knowledge of how secondary school operates. The friendships that are forged between the Peer Leaders and the Year 7 students during the Term usually term into long lasting supportive and caring friendships. Many of the Peer Leaders continue their leadership journey into Years 11 and 12 becoming active SRC members, Forum Leaders and even House and College Captains. 

Next week also sees Year 9 students engaging in their first induction into the world of careers including resume writing, job applications and interview technique. The timing is well suited as many Year 9 students are or will be turning 15 years of age and ready to think about part-time employment as well possible career pathways. Ms Robyn Cardamone leads this fantastic program. Her level of knowledge in careers, study programs, and pathways is incredibly extensive and students will quickly discover just how valuable a resource our Careers program and leader as they move through their senior years of schooling. 

My sincere thanks to both Peter Brannan and Robyn Cardamone and the teachers supporting them as they run these two critical programs for Year 9 students next week.

Coming Events:

November is fast becoming a very busy month, here is just a very quick outline of the month ahead.

Finally

Seeing the yard and classrooms filled with students and staff is indeed the best early Christmas present we could ask for.

Wishing you a safe and productive week.

Julie Banda

Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus