Middle School
SHARRON FRAME
Acting Head of Middle School
Since taking on the role of Acting Head of Middle School at the end of August, I have enjoyed the vivacious and infectious energy that is present through the school as the students move about their daily routine. Curiosity and busy noise pervade the Middle School spaces. It has been a pleasure to work with and get to know the students and families of the Middle School. I take this opportunity to thank the staff for their work this year. In particular, I would like to thank Margot Ruth, Dean Damatopoulos and Martin Costello who have made my job so much easier because of their professionalism, and genuine interest in each child in their care.
Martin Costello sadly leaves us at the end of this year. As a teacher, he challenged our students to 'Reach New Heights' in their learning, but it is as a coordinator that he has truly shone. Nothing has been an issue, as he calmly and fairly dealt with situations resulting from poor decision making. His firm but caring approach has resulted in respectful and honest relationships with both students and their families. He will be sorely missed and is wished all the best for the future at his new school.
On behalf of the staff of the Middle School, I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and safe holidays.
Year 6 and 7
As the year draws to a close, I would like to celebrate the growth of our Years 6 and 7 cohorts. This year has challenged our students to reach new heights. It is often when we are put outside our comfort zone that we grow the most; 2019 provided our students with this opportunity, and they certainly rose to the occasion.
This last week of term gives students the opportunity to reflect on their learning and growth. Students celebrated the end of an academic year with special programs with their peers and the staff. The focus of the week has been, giving to others, which ties in well with the Christmas season, and the MYP Service as Action component.
Our Year 7s commenced the week with some team building activities, drawing together their learning about each other for the year; followed by creating homeless ‘Survival Packs’ for those in need, to be distributed through charities like Feed500, and Our Daily Bread.
Our Year 6 students have been busy researching the basics people need in their pantries, and headed out to the Dandenong Market in order to purchase non-perishable goods to create hampers.
As our students depart for a well-deserved break, I would like them to reflect on their year, and what they learned along the way. Over the holidays, I urge our students to stop, disconnect from technology, and soak up the wonders of the world spending time with loved ones.
Dean Damatopoulos
Year 8 and 9
The Year 8s have completed a successful final term, finishing off their last summative assessments as they now transition into Year 9. We finished the year with a week of many team building and educational activities. We started the final week with some indoor beach volleyball, followed by a visit to the Melbourne Museum and saw a film at the iMax cinema.
Our Year 9s have had a huge few weeks, firstly hiking and camping in Wilson Promontory, and then transitioning into Senior School, starting their Year 10 subjects.
2019 has been a tremendous year that we’ll all look back on fondly, and it’s been a year where our students have all 'Reached New Heights.' From a personal perspective, it has been a great honour being the Year 8 and 9 Coordinator over the past two years.
Martin Costello
Higgins Award
Our students, Efthymia Delichristou and Stephania Bitzios, were the recipients of the Higgins Medal for 2019. The Higgins Medal is awarded to students who demonstrate leadership among their peers. They must exhibit a commitment to the School ethos and display excellence in attitude and achievement. Higgins Medal Awardees must be strong and consistent participants in School activities, and be aware of others and their needs. We congratulate both girls on such a wonderful achievement!
