Junior School Update

Assistant Principals' Update

Brooke Roy (7&8) and Matthew Bodley (9)

Another great start to the term from our Junior School in navigating what is still very cold mornings and a very loud building project next to our Junior courtyard and lockers! Students have engaged well in new Semester electives/subjects and are building great relationships with new teachers.

Our Tutor Learning Team continue to focus on both Literacy and Numeracy intervention in Years 7 and 8 this term and will look to continue this support into the first 5 weeks of next term.

We are also looking forward to our Year 7/8 Spring Break in the second last week of this term. Events are now online ready for Fun Friday permission/payment and students were able to choose their excursion from the following options: MCG Tour, The Melbourne Zoo, The Melbourne Museum, Melbourne IMAX or Scienceworks/Planetarium. If you have any questions please reach out to your child's Home Group teacher.

Lastly, you may already be aware that I (Brooke!) am now 32 weeks pregnant and will be heading off on maternity leave at the end of this term. We will announce soon who our new AP will be to take care of our 7s and 8s while I have a short break. While I'm very excited to be a first time Mum, it's a bittersweet moment leaving the best school and I know the FOMO will be almost too much!

Thank you again to our parents/carers for your proactive and positive partnerships with our year levels teams and please reach out to us if you need any support this term.

Brooke Roy (7/8) & Matt Bodley (9)

Year 7 Update

Lucy Anderson and Tiegan Whitby

Our busy Term 3 started with the Point and Be Proud program, an initiative that kick-started insightful conversations about the impact of racism. Members of the St Kilda Football Club engaged with our students, fostering rich discussions and empowering activities. Our Year 7 students actively engaged and showed enthusiasm and maturity throughout. Following this, they participated in a cultural immersion program at Willum Warrain. Our students had a tour, took part in a smoking ceremony, and gained valuable insights to Fist Nations culture. 

During the middle of the term, several of our Year 7 students showcased exceptional sportsmanship during our interschool sports, a testament to their dedication and teamwork. As we look ahead, our Year 7s look forward to the Reach Program, which focuses on bullying awareness and self-discovery. Additionally, the Spring Break program will see our 7s take part in activities that focus on their emotional and physical wellbeing during Wellbeing Wednesday, culminating in an excursion to celebrate the term’s successes on Fun Friday.

This term, we have really seen our 7s hit their stride and take ownership over their learning. As a teaching team, we couldn’t be prouder and eagerly anticipate a positive end to their Year 7 journey! 

Year 8 Update

Xavier Mclaurin and Jade Kairys

The 8s have had great start to Term 3 with genuine interest and engagement in their iCARE unit on Careers and specifically getting assistance in putting together a Resume and Cover Letter. The future career focus of the unit has led the students conveniently through their Year 9 Elective Subject Selections with the majority of students completing this task before the due date of today. Confirmation of selected electives will be shared with students in due course.

As we fast approach the end of term holidays, Year 8 students and their teachers have a SWPBS positive reward focus on Engagement with rewards being earnt by individual students, form groups and even teachers for the most Green Positive Compass points. We expect to see great gains in students Engagement data in the end of term 5 weekly reporting cycle.

Finally, the Leaders in Training (LIT) squad have continued with their 2023 Community focus by visiting and enjoying some activities with the residents of The Bays Aged Care in Hastings. To date, they have participated in playing card games - two students whose names will remain anonymous, lost every hand of Uno against the wily residents - and just this week shared their artistic skills through ceramics. Our next and final session, the students will compete in some carpet bowls and finishing with the residents favourite activity, BINGO!

Year 9 Update

Rachael White and Georgia Pulling

What a busy term we have already had as we reach the halfway point of term 3! Throughout the winter months, the school has buzzed with the unique charm of the season. From chilly mornings to cosy afternoons, our classrooms have radiated warmth and positivity.

Term 3 has provided our students with the opportunity to explore an array of new elective subjects. From creative arts to technology and physical education, students delved into their passions beyond the core curriculum. Through interactive lessons and hands-on experiences, they not only learned valuable skills but also discovered new interests.

One of the term's highlights was the excursion to Deakin University, for our Accelerated Elective students. This eye-opening trip offered a glimpse into higher education life, inspiring our students to set ambitious goals for their future. The experience left them motivated and empowered to achieve greatness.

Our courtyard transformed into a hub of excitement as the Wheels for Life students demonstrated their remarkable skills in skateboarding and scootering. Their dedication and camaraderie were on full display, highlighting the diversity of talents that define our school community.

In line with our commitment to community and the environment, Year 9 students in the iCARE program have begun working through their conservation research project. Focusing on the theme of conservation, students engaged in a research project centered around a local threatened species. Through comprehensive research, they are looking to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these species and their habitats. This research task will enhance their understanding of conservation and increase their dedication to making a positive impact on the world around them.

As we head into the second half of Year 9 Term 3, we're thrilled by the growth and experiences we've shared and look forward to seeing what the remainder of the term brings for our students. From embracing winter's allure to exploring diverse subjects, embarking on inspiring excursions, and actively participating in conservation efforts, this term has been truly remarkable. We extend our gratitude to our students, parents, and staff for their unwavering support and enthusiasm.