Middle School

HAYDN FLANAGAN

Head of Middle School

Welcome back to Term 4! Where has the year gone?

Term 3 finished in a flurry of excitement with the Year 7 and 8 Camps, as well as the Year 9 City Experience taking place. Term 4 is sure to fly past with a packed schedule of quality learning and special events in store for our Middle School students.

Year 7 Camp

During the last week of term, our Year 7 students ventured to Merricks for a three day camp of coastal and adventure activities, that included surfing, bush walking, mountain biking, tree climbing and coastal walks. The camp was a great success, and our students received high praise from the camp operator for their manners, enthusiasm and conduct on the camp. Aimar Peoples from Year 7A, shared his account of the camp below.

Day 1

As soon as we reached the camp site, we all unpacked the bus then went into the dining room to get introduced to the staff on sight. Then we had morning tea, settled into our cabins and got a rundown of the schedule for the day. We went down to the beach to enjoy the sunshine and the open breeze. We then did some activities, then walked down to the beach, eventually walking on the rocks to get an amazing view of the ocean. Then we came back to enjoy some dinner.

For dinner we had pumpkin soup, roast beef with vegetables and some chocolate mousse. We had circle time (when we talk about what is in our minds that needs to be heard out). We learned lots about each other and what we go through in every-day life. Then it was lights out and we went to bed.

Day 2

When we woke up, there was lots of noise outside. We were all very active for the day, and I will admit did annoy the teachers. For breakfast we had cereal, bread, baked beans and eggs. Oh and I forgot to say that we were assigned groups according to the activities we are doing, so group four had to clean the dining room. I was in group two, so the first activity was bush cooking where we made damper and roasted some marshmallows. Then we went to surf some waves.

We went to Point Crunchy where we learned the basics of surfing from the professionals, and rode some waves. We came back late for lunch, and my group had burgers. After that, we had some team activities that needed teamwork. Then we had bike skills where we cycled around the mountain, and I personally got my first bike ride. Then we came back to the camp site where we had the liturgy or Saint Estaphios. Father George came to the camp sight to see how we were doing and have some fun.

After the liturgy, we had dinner which was tomato soup, chicken margarita, and custard. Then we goofed around the campfire, played some guitar and nearly got to hear a scary story from Mr Damatopoulos. Then after that it was lights out.

Day 3

When we woke up, we were as active as always. For breakfast we had cereal, bread, eggs and bacon. Then we had an activity called line orienteering which required a pair go to the area marked on the map and find a paper slip with the right colour, and write what it says. To complete the activity, you needed to go through every colour of maps available. Then we had tree climbing and we climbed a 40 metre tall tree that was at the camp site.

Then we had lunch which was tacos. Then that was the conclusion of the camp. We gave our thanks to the staff and teachers that came along for the ride. We packed our bags and we went back to school. All and all this was a great camp, plus it was my first camp.

Thanks to Mr. Damatopoulos for his organisation of the camp, as well as to all staff who gave up their time to attend the camp.

Year 8 Camp

Year 8 students headed off to the Snowy Mountains for a five day camp on a working Hereford Stud farm. During the camp the students had the chance to go abseiling, orienteering, bush walking, rafting, horse riding and caving.

Year 8 Camp, By Iliana Gerantidis of 8B

On the last week of school, the Year 8s travelled to Karoonda Park for our camp. We heard the trip to Karoonda Park would take a while, so we decided to play games with each other and talk to people we don’t usually hang around with. This camp was a “no technology” camp which made us all stress initially as to how we would survive, but it was an opportunity to bond with all students and do things outside of our comfort zone.

This camp would have to be one of the best camps I’ve ever been on, because it was all about trying something new and teamwork. Activities included horse riding, abseiling, flying fox, team building and white water rafting. My experience at Karoonda was amazing, and I enjoyed every bit of stepping out of my comfort zone, which was an amazing challenge!

My two favourite activities were white water rafting and horse riding. I would definitely recommend this camp to all parents because their kids will have so much fun. I would definitely go back to Karoonda because the staff were amazing, and so were our teachers. I can say on behalf of the Year 8s that it was an experience of a lifetime.

Thanks to Mr. Costello for his organisation of the camp, as well as to all staff who gave up their time to attend the five day camp.

Year 9 City Experience

Also during the last week of Term 3, our Year 9 students undertook a week of experiential learning in the Melbourne CBD, where they independently travelled to, and navigated their way around the CBD. During the week they also had the chance to attend the theatre to see the production of Aladdin, enjoy a scenic and historical boat cruise, and have lunch in Williamstown to admire and learn about Melbourne’s renowned Street Art. Alexandra Konstantinidis has shared her experience below.

Year 9 City Experience By Alexandra Konstantinidis of 9A

City experience was very fun. We got to spend more time with friends, and get closer to people we usually do not talk to. We visited many venues and explored lots of workshops, such as the Eureka Tower and Williamstown. Personally, my favourite activity was watching Aladdin the musical. The songs, the dances, the costumes and the actors made me love it. My favourite character was the genie, who was funny and loveable. The teachers' idea to go and watch this broadcast was genie-us.

One of my other favourites was the graffiti art tour and workshop. There we got to admire some of the amazing masterpieces and create our own graffiti artwork. Another very important workshop was the empathy and sympathy talk. This talk was very important because it helped us understand the difference between these two words. Overall it was very enjoyable and I strongly recommend for all the other future Year 9s.

Again, thanks to Mrs Tsiagalos for her organisation of this special week, and to all the staff who attended or contributed to the success of the experience for the students

Welcome Morning

On the morning of Thursday 26th October,  nine new students were welcomed into the Oakleigh Grammar community, as they joined our existing Year 5 class to participate in the Year 6 2018 Welcome morning.

The morning was an opportunity for new and existing students to meet, mix, make friends and get a taste of what is in store when they join the Middle School in 2018.

Students were divided into two classes for the morning, and undertook a welcoming Pastoral session, and then participated in sports trial as a fun way to get active and get to know one-another.

The students had a fantastic experience making new friends. The welcome morning was a great success, and will help students by encouraging a smooth transition into Year 7 next year.

Thanks to all staff and parents who contributed to the success of the morning.

Student Medication

A number of painkilling cold and flu tablets continue to be found in the Middle School of late, presumably falling from student’s pockets or lockers which raises many safety concerns. Please be reminded that medication must be left, including instructions, with the school nurse, and taken under her supervision when required. Students are not to carry and self-administer any forms of medication whilst at school. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Upcoming events

28th October Commemoration Day Lunch – Friday 27th October

Glendi Festival – Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November

Melbourne Cup Weekend – School Closed Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th November

Year 9 Wilson’s Prom Bushwalking Camp – Monday 27th – Wednesday 29th November