Year 7
After a very busy and enriching first two weeks of term, the routine of classes is very apparent in Year 7. Learning, both within and beyond the classroom, continues to be rewarding for all students who are prepared to face each challenge with enthusiasm and hope.
Year 7 students must be congratulated on their active participation in Kilbreda life. It has been so rewarding to watch friendships flourish and students gain confidence. Many students have attended Mary Poppins auditions, the Music Information Evening, joined the choir, signed up to learn an instrument and may be contemplating trying out for tennis this week.
At the College, there is a deep and active regard for every student’s wellbeing. Our school policies, programs, structures and curriculum and, in fact, all our undertakings, are student-centered.
During pastoral time this term, Year 7s will focus on the importance of a growth-mindset within a supportive and nurturing learning environment. Such an environment affords all students experiences of connectedness, a sense of belonging, engagement and positive, respectful relationships with peers and teachers.
Parents too can encourage growth-mindset by encouraging their child to believe their brain is like a muscle. When you learn, your brain grows. The feeling of it being hard (difficult / challenging) is the feeling of your brain growing!
At the College we believe that positive relationships lie at the heart of learning and for children to be ready to learn, they must first feel happy and secure. How to get along with others, how to form positive and life giving relationships and how to resolve conflict is part of what each person must learn in order to live rich, hope-filled and rewarding lives.
We use the approach known as Restorative Practices to respond to and manage conflict and challenging behaviors and to foster personal accountability and socially responsible relationships between people. Restorative Practices is based on the principles of affirmation, respect and reciprocal responsibility. It teaches positive social interaction and emotional literacy and helps students learn to understand how their behavior impacts on others.
Mobile phones are not permitted during school hours. Phones must be on silent or turned off in school bags as soon as students arrive at school.
The College is not responsible for the misuse of social media platforms out of school hours. Students have been educated in regards to being responsible digital citizens. The following points were raised during level assembly:
- Behave lawfully – for example, it’s a crime to hack, steal, illegally download or cause damage to other people’s work, identity or property online
- Protect your privacy and that of others
- Recognise your rights and responsibilities when using digital media
- Think about how your online activities affect yourself, other people you know, and the wider online community.
Students were strongly advised to steer clear of social media platforms like Sarahah, an app where people can make anonymous accounts and send anonymous messages to and about others.
From 27 February, the Year 7 students are off to Camp Howqua. There they will experience a wide range of outdoor activities, including high ropes, canoeing, raft building, hiking and horse riding.
Thank you to our committed staff who will assist in the provision of these enriching learning experiences.
On Sunday 10 February , our newly appointed Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter Comensoli, came to celebrate Mass at the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Cheltenham. The Bishop was warmly welcomed by Parish Priest, Father Peter Matheson.
One of our Year 7 students, Elizabeth Harris, met and spoke to the Archbishop. It was a wonderful celebration and one the Parish of O.L.A will remember for a long time, as the Archbishop mentioned, he has over 400 parishes to visit, so commented that it may take him four years!
Leah Cristiano
Year 7 Learning Leader