JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS

Mr Jacob Storer

Year 8 Coordinator

Time flies when you’re having fun! Which is clearly the case this year as we are hurtling towards the end of Term 2. There is plenty to be excited about as we head into the new semester.

Exams

Firstly, though, I would like to commend the Year 8 students on their terrific behaviour and conduct during the exams. It was great to get reports from supervising teachers that all students worked hard and were extremely respectful of the exam process. This behaviour shows that our students are already exhibiting the skills that will hold them in good stead in years to come as they progress into senior years.

Camp

The most exciting news is that camps have all been locked in. This year, the Year 8s will be heading out to Halls Gap. It’s going to be an amazing opportunity for the students to head somewhere new and soak in the natural beauty of the Grampians. There are plenty of exciting activities on offer that will help develop resilience and build essential life skills.

The camps will take place on the following dates:

September 5-7 (8A, B, C, D)

September 12-14 (8E, F, G, H)

Information packs and forms will be distributed in the coming weeks.

iPads

There have been some issues rearing their head lately with the incorrect use of iPads in school. A reminder to students that the iPads are, first and foremost, an educational tool to be used to enhance your learning. If you are using your iPad for anything other than what the teacher has instructed, it is being used incorrectly. Most problematic is the use of games. Games are NOT to be played on the iPad during school times. This may be a great opportunity for you to familiarise yourselves with the iPad code of conduct that was signed at the beginning of Year 7, which outlines the expectations of iPad use.

It is also important to limit iPad usage at home. Excessive device usage can cause issues in the long run. One issue is that the lights and stimulating nature of iPads and iPhones can impact on a person’s ability to sleep, thus decreasing functionality the following day. This can snowball into an array of negative issues down the line. Be sure to moderate usage and ensure that it is being used to benefit yourself.

That is all for me this term. Enjoy the last few weeks of Term 2 and keep up the excellent work that has been on display so far this year.