Junior School Update

 The Junior School team have been hard at work planning and supporting students in and out of the classroom. We started the term in Year Level Assemblies where we wanted to focus on key priorities and messages from our Year Level Coordinators. 

At Year 7, Mr Acebron (Year 7 Coordinator)

focused on the concept ‘Chain Reaction’, meaning that with every interaction or situation there is a ripple effect that can be both positive and negative. The focus here is to be cognisant and chose to have a positive reaction where one can make a difference to someone else’s day. Our focus centres around being the best version of ourselves and treat others with respect.  

At Year 8 Ms Smith (Year 8 Coordinator) focused on ‘making positive choices’, with the premise to stop, think, and make a choice that will be beneficial for the individual, classrooms, peers, and teachers. With every choice is an opportunity.  In a world where we have been thrown many challenges, our choices must centre around inclusivity and having every opportunity to flourish.  

Lastly, in Year 9 Mr Rees (Year 9 Coordinator) explored the concept of ‘Identify’, specifically how you want to be represented, known, and even understood.  Stepping back and taking value of one’s identify is a wonderful reflective tool that allowed students to take control of their identify, perception, and take responsibility with learning.  

VHAP (the Victorian High Ability Program)

The Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP) is part of a State Government initiative to support high-ability students. It consists of a 10 week online course either in Math or English and it is delivered by the Virtual School Victoria. Running every term this year, BHHS has had a lot of students accept the offer to participate in either the Math or English, challenge and enrichment program. This term alone we had 45 students from Year 7.

In English this term, the topic of ‘Hope in Dystopian Times’ aims to challenge students to delve into the genre of dystopia in order to consider what makes or breaks a ‘perfect society’. A variety of texts are studied, including novels, short stories, short films and music/film clips. Students compare and contrast texts, identifying common or recurring themes, patterns and messages. 

Supported by a large range of stimulus material, they will undertake both analytical and creative writing tasks, and workshop responses with their peers. All students who participate in the English program were expected to read the YA novel 'The Hive' by A.J. Betts.

GENERAL REMINDERS

School Uniform  

We have seen a spike in hoodies, black pants, and PE uniform (on non-PE uniform days). Students are expected to be in correct uniform, but can layer underneath to keep warm i.e. thermals – however this should not be seen and this does not include hoodies. If your child cannot be in uniform, please write a note and request they attend Junior School to receive a Uniform Pass. Community service sessions will be given to students who do not comply with our policy.  

Open-door policy 

As a Junior team we encourage all students to link-in with us to seek support, report any misbehaviour, or come in for a chat. From Kiran at the front desk, to your Year Level Coordinators or us your Engagement Leaders – please know that our ambition is to support, encourage and see all students reach their full potential.  

YEAR 8 CAMP

In Week 5, Year 8 students participated in our annual Year 8 Camp to ‘The Summit’ in Trafalgar. The is arguably the best camp we run at Box Hill High School as the activities are extra fun, complex, and challenging, which requires resilience and personal growth. From all reports our Year 8s had an amazing 

time, where they were able to make new friends and get outside their comfort zones.  At the last minute a few members of staff had to step in for Ms. Smith, Mr. Barca and Mrs. Arnold, we (Engagement Leaders) would like to thank Mr. Rees who took over the lead of camp with less than 24 hours’ notice - his leadership was outstanding, and we are extremely grateful. We would like to acknowledge Ms. Fuller, Ms. Bear and Mr. Veal, for also stepping in and ensuring the camp ran smoothly, along with all our teachers that supported our students superbly. 

Student Reflections

Year 8 – Phoebe Biggs 

After the first full term for two years, Term 2 started off with a bang, including the highlight events of the year. Beginning with more schoolwork and different approaches, the structure of school took place and it wasn’t long until many couldn’t wait to sleep in.  Camp soon followed and was an amazing opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new challenges. It may not have been everyone’s favourite but getting covered in mud, running through tyre obstacles and jumping into unknown situations, 'The Mud Run', certainly held high. With chances to collaborate as a team with your friends, all activities, from the rock wall or giant swing, to cave or snakes and nails posed heart racing excitement. Speeding by, the duration of term was filled with times to show your proud; the house athletics carnival, IDAHOBIT day, clubs band and sport, leadership; everyone got involved. Shout out to the support from our community, teachers, SRC, class captains and volunteers across the school helping to make this term so amazing. With things only getting better, Term 3 is definite to have even more empowering experiences and transformation. 

Year 9 – Nate Thomas 

 Term two has been another roundabout term, yet we have been able to achieve much in and out of the classroom. Some events that happened in Term Two were the production of 'Spamalot', Cross Country, NAPLAN for year 7 & year 9 students, and the always fun Athletics carnival. SRC held a Hot-Chocolate and free dress day. It's been a packed term, and certainly will be one to match as the year goes on. 

By Nicholas Barca 

Junior School Engagement Leader