Year 8

Year 8 students currently have many challenges due to social isolation. As adults, we are aware that life is full of challenges and unexpected events and that we should never give up simply because something is hard.

Our students have mastered many challenging skills over their lifespan that have taken time to learn; like riding a bike, walking, tying shoelaces, catching and kicking balls and playing an instrument. Over the next few weeks, we will consider reasons why some people give up and others do persevere.

Year 8 students are very good at starting activities, but many give up very quickly citing reasons such as ‘It’s too hard’, 'I can’t do it', ‘It is taking too long', ‘I don’t have time’ and ‘It’s boring'. Others stop because their friends give up or they are simply scared of failing. We want students to keep going and not be too disheartened if there are setbacks, difficulties or things that are challenging. It is important to learn to have a growth mindset and grit.

Remote Learning Daily Timetable

One issue that has recently come to light is managing workload during Remote Learning. To ease the stress, each student has been emailed an interactive timetable. Students spent time during their extended Homeroom period planning their synchronous and asynchronous time.

Remote Learning Homework Planner

To manage homework, submission dates and test dates each, Homeroom was given a visual homework planner. Teachers will record submission dates an/or test dates. Class Captains, together with a Homeroom teacher, will refer to the planner during Homeroom to assist students to stay up-to-date. This will enable students to stay informed and organised and to enable transparency for teachers regarding submission dates tests and general workload across the term.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Elizabeth Harris  and her family. They cut out, laminated and made a row of Poppies along their nature strip for the Dawn Service. Later that day; Elizabeth made ANZAC biscuits and gave them out to her neighbours. In this time of isolation from family and friends, it's great to see our students showing kindness and empathy.

Leah Cristiano

Year 8 Level Leader