Connect

Throughout term 1 our whole school Connect program has helped our students to immerse themselves in school and to; appreciate friendships, develop a rapport with their teachers and to feel valued as a part of our school community.

In year 7, students became familiar with our Wednesday Voice, where the class gathered in a circle to share ideas and to give valuable insight into student life and the challenges and opportunities the transition into secondary schooling brings.

Year 10’s spent several lessons discussing and working together to create a Gratitude Tree. Students took their time to consider a variety of very positive aspects of their daily lives for which they are grateful. This ranged from how much they value their close friends and supportive parents to cuddles with their pet and sleeping in on weekends. The trees have now been displayed on the classroom wall. Year 11, Health & Human Development students added to the display in one classroom with their ‘uses of water in the body’ waterdrops that are now raining down on the tree.

As the year progresses, Year 10’s will be encouraged to add to the tree as they consider more elements of their lives that they are grateful for.

Every Friday morning in Connect brings a variety of fun and exciting ways to start the day. Year 12’s got to know each other a bit better by taking part in a ‘Speed dating’ activity where quick-fire questions were asked and answered before moving onto the next student.

Year 9’s enjoyed stepping back into their childhoods by creating finger paintings. For some the cool paint between their fingers was extremely liberating whereas others preferred to be more restrained and kept to the safety of using paintbrushes. In other Year 9 sessions students took part in a ‘winner-takes-all’ clash in a full class, knock-out tournament of Rock-Paper-Scissors. Year 10’s took part in a human puzzle in the courtyard where the students needed to follow specific instructions to solve the puzzle. This could only be achieved by problem solving together and communicating effectively.

In term 2, Connect continues to focus on students’ mental health and wellbeing, respectful relationships and student voice.

Michelle Barnes

Curriculum Leader