Middle School
SHARRON FRAME
Head of Middle School
As we approach the end of the term and first semester, we have much to celebrate. The students of the Middle School have shown great resilience and determination to make the most of all the opportunities offered to them this year. They have shown tremendous generosity to the less fortunate in our community, genuine interest in achieving academic goals and, most importantly, an understanding of why it is necessary to treat others with respect and kindness.
Whilst this may sound like pure naivety, we have come to know our students as individuals and we have seen such personal growth and care for the development of others this year. It is not always present but, thankfully, we are witnessing more movement toward mutual understanding and acceptance than nastiness and isolation. It does not happen immediately but our continued reinforcement of the three non-negotiable values of honesty, kindness and respect have gone a long way to changing the way our Middle School students approach moments of confrontation and disagreement. It is not always going to be done right the first time, but that is what school is for, to learn from mistakes made.
MICHAEL PEGIOU
Year 8 and 9 Coordinator
Our Year 8 and 9 students have been up to quite a lot lately. Year 9 has continued to improve their approach to academic and personal challenges, through continued self-reflection using their journals. As part of focussing on healthy habits, students have been tasked with preparing a healthy meal for their themselves and their family. It will be very interesting to see what they produce. Through the exploration of the areas of diet, sleep and organisation, students should be able to put in place habits that will provide them with greater mental clarity and resilience, especially as we approach the assessment period of the term.
When it comes to the Year 8s, the focus on the Service as Action Debating Project has led to some well-prepared arguments and stellar rebuttals. With no experience in debating for many students, this seemed like a daunting and difficult task. However, through collaboration and preparation, it is clear that students have found the project to be very beneficial in the development of their public speaking ability.
Here are some reflections from the experiences of debaters in our first round:
"Debating for me was a new experience entirely. I felt like my group and I got a little bit lost, but we managed to pull it all together in the end. We’ve had a long time to prepare and we were pleased with our end product."
Zara Parastatidis
"As it was my first time debating, it was quite a nerve-racking experience and it wasn’t the best experience I’ve had. However, it could have been worse, we could have lost but we pushed through and won."
Athanasios Papageorgiou
"It was my first time debating and I was nervous because I didn’t know what I was going to do but as I walked I began to grow in confidence; it wasn’t that hard in the end."
Emmanuel Lazos
"My first ever experience of debating was quite nerve-racking. I didn’t have access to my notes on the day, although I feel like it helped me because I had to think of ideas on the spot. I think it was great practice for the future and overall I enjoyed the experience."
Helen Kousourakis
Congratulations to the following students who received Learner Profile awards at our last Middle and Senior Schools assembly:
Year 8 – Anatasia Apos, Dimitra Ballis, Olivia Calder, Mattea Georges, Ketrina Mawal,
Zara Parastatidis,
Year 9 – Daniel Carmody, Paris Gerantidis, Camryn Stubbs, Max Tang
OG Gaming Club – League of Legends Team
As we approach the halfway point in our first tournament, the OG League of Legends team continues to improve. Our team has played against five different schools, with their last
game against Notre Dame College being their closest so far. With one win under our belt, and the players continuing to devise new strategies moving forward, the next victory is surely not too far away.
It has been excellent to see the comradery developing between our players as they continue to support each other and work together to become better at the game. Our competing team is taking the time to review their previous games and change their playing style, while our new club members continue to develop skills relating to teamwork, communication and sportsmanship. It is exciting to see what the future holds for our players and thanks need to go out to these passionate students and the wonderful teacher, Mr Peter Akbiyik, who is leading the charge to grow membership and interest this new club.
DEAN DAMATOPOULOS
Year 6 and 7 Coordinator
Years 6 and 7
Christ is Risen!
Χριστός Ανέστη! Христосъ воскресе! Hristos a înviat!
Krishti u ngjall! !المسيح قام! حقا قام Քրիստոս հարյա՜վ ի մեռելոց:
We are coming to the pointy end of the semester, the time in which our students need to put in most of their effort. Students are encouraged to actively seek support from their teachers should they need clarification of tasks or further support. We are encouraging our students to take ownership of our learning. Some helpful strategies include:
- Write a list
- Do the tasks that are due first
- Work in small manageable chunks 20 - 30min
- It’s ok to take a break and go for a walk or go outside
Students in pastoral have focused on Reconciliation Week and the importance of Reconciliation for Indigenous Australians. Reconciliation should be more than a word; it should be an initiative that, through action, brings it to life. Students had the opportunity to reflect on how they can apply this concept in their everyday life and relationships with their peers, teachers and family.
We continually emphasise to our students the importance of, not only being kind, but also of having integrity. Often, we may be overcome by our emotions, or caught up in a situation, and may act poorly. Integrity gives us the opportunity to act and do the right thing even when no one is looking.
Congratulations to the following students who received learner profile awards at our last Middle and Senior School assembly.
Year 6 - Charlie Humble, Connie Lekkas, Eliyah Mawal, Santosh Upadhyaya,
Year 7 - Saverio Arcuri, Dimitra Ballis, Angus Coco, Melissa Longo
Well done to all recipients and I strongly encourage all students to continue to develop their Learner Profiles.
The students involved in the Easter Food Drive Appeal have received recognition for their efforts and generous support of the Food Drive from the Greek Welfare Centre. This is well deserved praise for the kindness and generosity shown by this group of students.
