Year 7

It has been a very exciting week with our Year 7 students returning back onsite! It was lovely to hear laughter and chatter in the corridors once again.

Whilst most Year 7 students are very excited about returning to school, as they have only had 14 weeks onsite at the College, it will be like beginning all over again for some of them and their wellbeing and smooth transition back to school are key elements of their learning. 

For some, returning will be very difficult and anxiety will be high. Additionally, family circumstances may have changed, and each individual family may have had to deal with stressful situations. We aim to transition the girls back with patience and compassion. No homework has been given in the first week and staff will be encouraging group work activities where possible, to give them opportunities to reconnect and consolidate relationships. 

To support our Year 7 students with their return to onsite learning, a range of support systems have been put in place. This includes: 

1. Room 76 was established as the Year 7 Support Room and has been staffed by a member of the Student Wellbeing Team. Students who are feeling overwhelmed are able to access support via this structure or will be provided with the opportunity to compose themselves before returning to class. This support structure will be in place for another week.

2. Each Homeroom has been allocated two wellbeing periods (one per week) in their timetable. During the wellbeing periods, each Homeroom will meet with the College Counsellors and the Student Wellbeing Team to review their return to school, to discuss support structures available within the College and to check-in with all members of the class. The purpose of the wellbeing period is to develop students' understanding of social and emotional skills that they could implement in their life as well as review the strengths they and their classmates possess that they can draw on when presented with challenges. 

3. Student interviews. A member of the student wellbeing team will meet with each Year 7 student to check-in on them, to discuss their progress during the remote learning period and to determine support that may be required over the course of this term. 

4. Subject teachers have facilitated, a short mindfulness exercise at the commencement of each Period 3 lesson. Subject teachers have incorporated, brain breaks into their lessons. 

It is going to be a very positive term! The wellbeing team are cognisant of how important the girls' wellbeing is. We aim to specifically concentrate on gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and relationships as much as possible in the coming weeks to help the girls stay positive and motivated.

Year 7 Fundraising Initiative

Many of our Year 7 students are involved in wonderful community outreach programs. I am exceptionally proud of Cara and Kayla, who are raising money for The Royal Children’s Hospital. I am sure there will be more details to follow.

Hi! Our names are Kayla and Cara. This year for Christmas, we will be holding a fundraiser by selling Christmas Cards, Baubles, Tags, Stickers, Bon Bons and Wrapping Paper. We have up to 70 items to choose from. The money will be going towards the Royal Children’s Hospital. We will be able to deliver, or you are able to pick up. For our pricing and pictures please email Cara at cara.honan@kilbreda.vic.edu.au

We hope you can support us and the kids. 

Best wishes, 

Kath De Bruin

Level Leader: Year 7