Term 1 is coming to a close and we have been able to work towards achieving many successes. We had Year 5 students present their Maths skills to the Middle Years cohort at a recent assembly. Reading Improvement Strategy has moved on from the strength it gathered in the P-6 classes in 2018 and is being implemented in the Year 7-9 areas with strategies being utilized through to Year 12. The majority of our students are working effectively in class and gaining the rewards associated with hard work and effort.

A focus at the moment for us is the development of the design for the Middle Years Plaza, an area to be constructed for the beginning of the 2020 school year. The students in Year 5 and 6 will be having a look at the design today or tomorrow. It will be fantastic to get their feedback as they have had input into the design through class discussion. While Middle Years Education relies on many elements, a feeling of ownership and belonging are very important. Having an area to call their own will be a big step forward in our implementation of the philosophy of effective strategies for students of this age.

As young people go through a time of discovering a new level of independence, they can struggle with their day to day interactions with others. Students at this stage of their development often act before they fully think about the outcomes and consequences of their words or actions. This often leads to times of disharmony and conflict. This week, we have promoted the idea of kindness, that we should all take the time to ask ourselves, "is what I am going to say or send 'honest, kind and necessary?'" We can relate this back to our Christ Values in the words of Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do unto others what you would have them do to you.” In this modern world of electronic conversation, we need our children to understand that clicking send is the 21^st century signature. Some thought, at times, saves a lot of pain and hurt.

The holidays are upon us and this is time for students to recharge ready for Term 2. It is a time for them to enjoy their family and friends without the pressure of school and study. Encourage them to use this time to explore their passions. A smiling face is the sign of happiness that can be our best barometer of how they are feeling. Take the time to find activities that allow children to make the most of time away from school. At the end of the break we celebrate Easter and Christ’s resurrection, a time when we realise that Jesus lived, died and rose again so we can live together in a life that nurtures and supports all those around us. Enjoy the break.

Steve Gillespie

Acting Assistant Principal Middle Years