Middle Years Update

A very warm welcome to all our new members of the Koonung Community, students, staff and in particular, all our Year 7 students. Of course we also welcome back all our students and staff returning from holidays.

We hope that everyone enjoyed a very safe and happy holiday.

What an exciting time it is for those of you just starting your secondary education and for your families too. Sometimes it can seem a bit scary going from being the 'big kids' in primary school to the 'juniors' in secondary school.

Listed below are some suggestions to assist with your transition:

Most people are happy to help you, so don't be afraid to ask for help to find, for example; the Art Room, the Science Lab or even more importantly, the Canteen!!!
There are lots of new challenges as you start at a new school. If you want to get to know other students it is a good idea to join in voluntary lunch time or after school activities. Remember, if you are in Year 7, everyone else is new too
It is important to try to be at your best, so holidays are over, early to bed!
Try to get lots of exercise
It is a good idea to get your homework done as early as possible
If you have an assignment task, start working on it the day you get it, then do a little bit every day
Don't be afraid to ask questions, it is not smart to pretend you understand something if you are still confused. If you don't ask, the teacher may not realise that you need help

Many of us make New Year's resolutions. Some people make real changes to their lives by doing what they have resolved to do.

A new school year offers the same opportunities. Why not try to set yourself fresh goals. You are the best judge of where you need to make changes in your approach or attitude or where you could do better. Just do it!

The bushfires which have ravaged our country in recent weeks have been tragic in so many ways and yet, in the face of these disasters, we have witnessed an amazing emergence of a sense of real community, in the fight by individuals and groups, to save lives and property. Australians, new and old, have rallied together to provide shelter, food, clothing and practical support. Donations and fundraising for relief have surpassed all expectations. Out of tragedy has come a renewed sense of community in our great country.

Our sympathy, support and prayers are extended to all victims of these fires. Our sincere thanks go out to all CFA volunteers, fire fighters, other volunteers, and civilians who rallied to help. Sadly many fires are still burning and surely there are still many high risk days ahead, so the work of these heroic people, is not yet over.

Koonung is very proud of the Community spirit. Let us learn from the courage, generosity and thoughtfulness of those fellow Australians and volunteers from other countries, who have been so selfless in their efforts to help others.

Extra-Curricular Excellence

I would like to welcome Year 7 student Lily Roman to Koonung. Lily started gymnastics 2013 at Eastern Gymnastics. Lily has trained at BTYC, Waverley and is now at Eclipse in North Ringwood where she trains 18.5 hours a week. In 2018 Lily was selected to represent Victoria in the State Team and they came first.

Lily also competed for her club doing Level 6 in 2018 and came 1st on Bars, Beam, Vault and Floor, crowning her first all-round WAG National Level 6 in the state.

We all wish Lily all the best when she competes for WAG Level 8 in March.

eSafety

https://www.esafety.gov.au/ is the leading source of information for all Australians about having safer, happier and more positive experiences online.

Offering information and advice about:

connecting safely with others
protecting your personal information
safeguarding your digital reputation and good name
dealing with cyberbullying, image-based abuse, including how to make reports and take action

and all other elements of social media and our digital lives, the eSafety Commissioner site is a key resource for us here at school.

And we strongly recommend it to all parents as a resource for informing yourselves and supporting your child with learning about living safely online, and managing situations when issues arise.

The first step is to read this downloadable parent guide for online safety: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/online-safety-guide

and then taking some time to check out the information available on the broader site.

School does have a role to play in educating about cybersafety and respectful online behaviours, however the overwhelming majority of online issues arise outside of school hours and grounds, and on personal devices and personal social-media.

Sometimes the best and most appropriate responses are not school-based responses … this site helps young people, parents and educators navigate through to best resolutions.

As partners in your children’s education, it is important that we all have access to the resources to manage this part of their education, and that we all play our part.

Upcoming Middle School events

Thursday 13 February - Year 7 Picnic

Wednesday 27 February - Year 7 Camp

Wednesday 4 March - Year 9 Parent Information Evening 6pm

Friday 20 March - Year 8 Team Building Day

Wednesday 22 April - Year 8 Camp

2020 Middle School Team

Middle School reminders

Year 7 Sport Education Day is Thursdays, students are to wear their PE uniform all day
Year 8 Sport Education Day is Wednesdays, students are to wear their PE uniform all day
Live Life casual dress days, students are to wear neat casual clothing
School starts at 8:50am
Students and parents must check compass every day for room and class changes, and for event notifications
Students are encouraged to bring drink bottles in the warmer weather.
Sports equipment can be borrowed at recess and lunchtime at the Middle Years Centre

Breakfast Club

Friday mornings from 8am in the MYC

Homework Club

A homework club is available to students. It is held every Monday in the library from 3:15pm to 4:15pm.

Allira Howe

Director of Learning: Middle Years

Technology

Year 8 Wood Technology