Year 8 survived!! Another item ticked off their high school agenda.

Over the course of this year, I have seen Year 8 develop, change and improve on themselves. They have now, for the first time, chosen their elective subjects and have started thinking about which topics interest them most.

This year came with challenges. It was the first real year of high school not marred by the restrictions of a global pandemic, though still it lingered in the background. However, Year 8 maintained their enthusiasm, energy, and positivity throughout the year and has actively participated in many extracurricular activities.

I am extremely proud of the Year 8 students especially their overall attitude to schooling and their active and consistent participation. It is always a pleasure to receive such wonderful comments from their teachers on how good Year 8 has been.

I look forward to the new challenges Year 9 will bring, navigating young adulthood is never straightforward, but I think they are up to the challenge.

Well done Year 8 it has been a pleasure.

Happy Holidays!

Mr Judd Newton

Year 8 Adviser

“Time flies when you are having fun”. This statement has never been truer. I cannot believe we have reached the end of Year 10 and the end of junior school. And what a journey it has been. Realisation is starting to set in for most students, that their schooling is nearly finished. Approximately we have 7 terms, 70 weeks, 350 days left until we graduate in 2024. These next two years are going to go extremely quickly and filled with ups and downs, tears and laughter but I cannot wait to watch them grow into mature young adults.

During weeks 7-9, Year 10 participated in the annual Stage 6 Prep Program. The idea of this program is to get Year 10 students ready for the next 2 years. From Year 11 Taster Lessons to RYDA driving course to Beach Day to PBL Make a Movie.

Week 7 is Taster Lesson Week. During this week students followed their Year 11 timetable and participated in their Year 11 classes. Students were highly engaged with their new subjects and got a taste for what Stage 6 subjects are like. Most students have now chosen their final subjects and are ready for next year.

During Week 8, Year 10 participated in a number of courses and activities. On Monday, students attended RYDA at Wyong Racecourse. RYDA provides students with the tools and understanding they need to see themselves as active, responsible road citizens.

Tuesday was the Elevate workshops. Elevate’s study skills seminars are designed to achieve behavioural change amongst students. It isn’t enough that students simply understand what they need to do in their study. The challenge in any study skills program is getting students to use and apply the skills they learn. Elevate gets students using the skills from its seminars by using an integrated process that works.

Year 10 also started their PBL Make a Movie project, where students have to produce a movie in a limited number of days. Wednesday and Thursday were Core of Life workshops. Core of life (COL) is an innovative, interactive, health/early intervention program. It focuses on the real journey of relationships, pregnancy, birth & early parenting while addressing any misinformed, media driven ideas individuals might have. To round off a very busy week, Friday was our excursion to Terrigal Beach. Students were able to relax and destress after an extremely busy year.

Week 9 was also another busy week. Starting on Monday with Elective Day. Students either participated in Clip N’ Climb/Laser Tag or Kayaking and SUP at Avoca Lagoon. Tuesday was Welfare Day, where students participated in 3 workshops - Doorways to Independence, Red Frog and a self-reflection session with me.

On Wednesday, students attended the Equip Leadership Program. The day was action-packed, fun-filled and designed to equip Year 10 with leadership skills that will have them stepping up to the challenge to be positive leaders and role models - by example, service and action. On Thursday, Lifeline ran their ‘Mind Your Mates’ workshop. This workshop provides the students a ‘toolbox tool’ which enables them to recognise the signs of depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide in their mate/s.

The whole 3 week culminated in the showcase of the PBL Make a Movie. Students had fun producing their blockbuster movies. Our budding Spielberg’s created some funny and creative films that the students and staff enjoyed.

I would like to thank all of Year 10 for their conduct, enthusiasm and cooperation, during the 3 weeks of the Stage 6 Prep Program. I am extremely proud of all of you as you showed your maturity and perseverance after an extremely busy year. I would like to thank all the teachers (too many to name individually) who were involved over the 3 weeks. Without your support and dedication of the program, it would not have been possible to run.

As the year draws to a close, I would like to wish Year 10 students and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the break. Relax, stay safe and be kind to one another. See you all next year in your yellow shirts and remember

“Self- belief is the secret to success”.

Miss Crystal Reynen

Year 10 Adviser

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of Year 12 on all their successes and achievements throughout their high school journey. They should be incredibly proud of how they have approached the last 6 years, it did not matter what the world threw at them, they persevered and grew stronger within themselves.

Every single teacher that has taught them, from Year 7 to Year 12, are proud of them and what they have done. Year 12 students have had multiple early entry offers to university, TAFE as well as job offers, which is a credit to their commitment.

The formal on the Wednesday 16 November 2022 was an amazing night full of joy and excitement as we celebrate the last 13 years. Both students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the night.

It has been a privilege being this amazing years Year Adviser the last 6 years. I wish them all the best in their futures!

Well Done Year 12!

Miss Cassandra McLennan

Year 12 Adviser

Canteen 2023