Incursions

Exploring Early Childhood

Year 11 Exploring Early Childhood students were fortunate enough to participate in the ‘Reality Works Basic Infant Care Program’. The students were provided with the opportunity to experience the many responsibilities required in being the caregiver of a new infant. Our students embraced the challenge of being a caregiver and enjoyed the experience.

Heroes with Abilities

This term the LEAP students and staff participated in a football program called Heroes with Abilities. This program gave the students the chance to focus on the skills of football alongside skills such as coordination, communication, team-work and leadership. The students look forward to participating in this program every Wednesday on the oval.

Bridge Program

This term Year 10 boys have undertaken the first stage of the MHS BRIDGE Program, which is co-curricular program led by 21st Century Learners Organisation and Rugby 2 Blues. The first part of the program led by Rugby 2 Blues ran in periods 4 and 5 each Wednesday. Students used decision making and goal setting in a practical setting and discuss future career opportunities and engage in fun meaningful learning games. The program looks at the entire job application process and builds strategies to overcome barriers that could limit a young person’s progression into work or study such as:

• Producing measurable outcomes in a person's quality of life.
• Increasing opportunities for independence and choice for all.

Students whom have been successful through the Rugby 2 Blues part of the program, will commence the second part of the program in Week 2 next term.

World Autism Awareness Day

2nd of April is World Autism Awareness Day, which aims to increase understanding and acceptance of people with Autism. To recognise this day, students from the LEAP Team baked, decorated and sold puzzle shaped cookies. In order to help mainstream students appreciate the differences in the day-to-day lives of each other, a small group of mainstream students from each cohort were invited into the LEAP classrooms to work with students with Autism.    

Sydney West Open Boys Football (Soccer)

Merrylands High School selected 18 boys to represent the school in the Sydney West Open Boys Football knockout tournament. The first draw of the tournament was a home game for Merrylands against Kellyville High School. The boys took to the field and played with gusto, which saw them go into half time 5-0 up. The second half was a lot more evenly matched with Kellyville scoring 2 late goals. The robust defense shut down any other scoring opportunities, which gave Merrylands a significant 5-2 victory.

In the second round of knockouts, Merrylands High School Open Boys Football Team audaciously fronted the wild weather to play Cumberland High School at their home ground. The team took to the field with optimism and courage and their efforts were triumphant, winning 2-0. Congratulations to the players who will be progressing to the third round next term.

Head In The Game Workshop 

On Thursday, 40 students from Years 8 and 9 attended the ‘Head In The Game’ workshop hosted at MHS in partnership with The NRL and Cumberland Council. Former Canberra Raider Alan Tongue facilitated the workshops where he spoke about being resilient with mental health and ensuring that all people have the strategies to cope with the swift changes that can occur in life. Using these strategies to start often challenging conversations with people is key.

This workshop paired physical activities with some real discussion surrounding the importance of mental health in order to be able to contribute to society in a meaningful way.

The Wellbeing team is looking at including more workshops that aim to support the mental health of our students.

Work Ready Day 

This term our Year 12 Vocational Education and Training Students participated in the Work Ready Day. The purpose of the event was to equip our students with skills and knowledge to prepare them for their assigned work placements. This will provide them with relevant and appropriate skills to utilise in the Business Services, Hospitality and Sports Coaching context. A great experience and opportunity for students to become immersed with roles and responsibilities of the VET framework.