Team Leader's Message
Term 4
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
There has been much to celebrate in the Secondary 7/8 Section this term, in particular the way the students have demonstrated the school expectations of Be a Learner, Be safe, Be Responsible and Be Respectful in both the school environment and out in the community. Across Term 4 there were lots of opportunities for students to apply and demonstrate their learning in a range of contexts, including class investigations, team building activities, incursions, excursions and assemblies.
This term the Discovery Unit was built around the key question ‘How can we build resilient structures?’ Students made connections with their learning in the previous unit on Natural Disasters by conducting scientific investigations to explore the cause and impact of natural disasters. They created models of erupting volcanoes, cyclones and floods and applied their understanding of natural disasters to explore materials and design structures that are resilient to floods, fire and earthquakes.
Students versus Teachers continued to be a highlight for everyone in the Secondary 7/8 section. Knowledge from across the English and Maths curriculum was applied to collaboratively develop Team Building activities. The Section Scavenger Hunt saw everyone decipher clues, locate various landmarks across the school, and led to the Discovery Centre Gardens where we finished with a Gaga Tournament. It was wonderful to see the students supporting their classmates, problem solving together and encouraging both their peers and staff during a ferocious game of Gaga. A colourful afternoon was had by all at the 7/8 Colour Run. Students worked hard to design promotional posters, collate orders, count cash, bake goods, plot paths and create colour bombs in preparation for the highly anticipated event. After the initial ‘count down’ everyone headed off from the gym, following a marked course which eventually led to Loyola Oval. Splashes of colour, positive vibes and high energy filled the air as students and staff made their way through the colour stations towards the Colour Zone, ready for the Colour Party and dance tunes. Colour bombs were released by everyone as they danced to tunes such as ‘Blue (Da Ba Dee)’.
To entertain was the focus for writing in the mixed classes this term. To support learning in this area students brought their stories to life with an incursion focussing on Stop Motion Animation, hosted by ‘Toonworld’. In groups, students created backdrops, collaborated to develop a short narrative, made plasticine characters and recorded a film. Students were highly creative and proud of the animations they crafted. Animations can be viewed at: Concord School Secondary 7/8 animations
This term, students in the PreCAL classes attended an excursion to ACMI where they participated in the Kids News workshop. Classes worked in small groups to deliver their own news program, develop reporting and interviewing skills, gain insight into how green screens are used and recorded their own news segment which they presented to classmates. The news segments provided students with the opportunity to showcase their learning of Natural Disasters and share key information on how to prepare for emergencies such as floods, storms and bushfires.
The Friday Challenge Program encouraged students to connect with peers from across the section, engage in physical activity and strengthen social and emotional wellbeing. The program incorporated activities such as Bowling, Mini Golf, Dance and Ball Sports which were hosted by staff on-site and out in the community. A highlight of the program was the new friendships that were forged, seeing students build self-confidence and develop skills to be resilient when faced with challenges.
The Secondary 7/8 Section celebrated the 2022 school year with an excursion to Luna Park. Students and staff alike had a blast! There was lots of opportunity for fun, laughter and bravery. The Great Scenic Railway was hugely popular with its incredible views of St.Kilda and just enough ‘thrill factor’ to challenge everyone. There were also many adrenaline seekers in the section who enjoyed riding the Enterprise, Supernova, and Twin Dragons. We would like to acknowledge all students for their exceptional behaviour, showing respect and patience when queuing for rides and being considerate of other people using the venue.
To the parents and carers,
Our sincere thanks for your contribution this year. We value working in partnership with you to support your child’s learning and engagement and have appreciated your input at SSG meetings, attendance at school events such as the Open Day, and the Community Concert. We wish you all a safe and happy festive season.
Across the year, we have been fortunate to work with an incredible staff who demonstrate commitment to providing an innovative and engaging curriculum, along with a strong focus on the wellbeing of the students across the section. We extend our gratitude to everyone for their collaboration, professional growth, and support throughout the year.
It’s with mixed emotions we say farewell to our Year 8s who will be moving to Year 9 in 2023. We thank-you for embracing the learning opportunities offered this year and demonstrating responsibility as leaders of the section. We wish you continued success in Secondary 9/10. To the Year 6s moving to 7/8 next year, we are looking forward to being a part of your secondary school journey and supporting you To Be the Best that You Can Be.
Kirsten Telford Jessica Fitzsimons
Leading Teacher Leading Teacher
Teaching and Learning Wellbeing and Engagement