FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL
Year 8 and 9 prepare for 2023
The last few weeks of the year have seen many transition activities focussed on our current Year 8 and 9 students preparing for the move to Years 9 and 10 next year. Change is challenging for most people, and we therefore provide as many opportunities as possible to make this transition smooth and positive.
Year 8s enjoyed a full day of transition activities on Thursday 24 November with Mrs Fiona Taylor, who is the Year 9-10 Coordinator, and the four Senior School Heads of House. Time was spent enjoying team-building activities in mentor groups, during which most students were able to meet their new mentors. Heads of House ran a session setting out expectations for Senior School and getting to know their new charges. A barbeque lunch was then followed by an amazing race around the Senior School campus – a fun way of familiarising themselves with their new environment.
As Head of Senior School, I have had the pleasure of spending time with each Year 8 class focussed on getting to know the students and discussing what the changes will be like for them next year. The very diverse nature of our community was highlighted with all students being encouraged to venture across Penquite Road with a broadminded positive attitude. It was emphasised that the change to Senior School requires an element of maturity in each student’s approach to each other and their new environment. At the same time, students were reassured that we focus on them all as individuals and help them to strive for personal success.
Year 8 and 9 students will be in combined mentor groups in 2023, as they were this year, and this creates an element of vertical pastoral care which helps both Year levels integrate into the more adult environment that they will now be part of. During Week 8, students in both year levels have had the opportunity to meet the other students in their mentor groups and spend time with their mentors.
The Year 9 cohort has had an excellent year and has been praised for being a very settled year group. They have spent time with the Futures Centre team in the past few weeks learning about the opportunities that exist for planning their TCE journey which begins in 12 months. The Futures program has also given students an opportunity to put together a resume that they may use when seeking part-time employment over the coming months. Mrs Judy Poynter and Mrs Teresa Darcy from our Futures team were very impressed with the engagement of Year 9 students in this program and are looking forward to guiding the students through their careers learning and future pathway options over the next three years.
The activities of the last few weeks have gone a long way towards preparing our students for the 2023 school year and, following a relaxing summer break, it is envisaged that students will be ready to take on their new challenges with enthusiasm.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Senior School families a safe holiday break, during which quality family time is enjoyed by all. This is a great time to reflect on the last twelve months and set fresh goals for 2023.
Stuart Walls
Head of Senior School
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Congratulations to the 17 students who have completed their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in the past six months.
The following students received their certificates at a recent assembly and should be very proud of their efforts in building personal skills and contributing to the community.
Bronze Award: Jack Duncan, Sophie Marshall, Lily Ayre, Ella Fischer, Charlotte Oates-Pryor, Annabel Peddie, Lara Hoare, Stephanie Wilks, Amelie Hughes, Lucien James-Wever, Georgie Watson, Lily Cleeland.
Silver Award: Charlotte Oates-Pryor, Clair Russel, Oscar Winspear, Lachlan Robins, Kate McShane.
Lauren Hayes
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Coordinator
Year 9 Education Outdoors Aurora program
Last week students from Dean and Nance House spent the week exploring the beautiful Tasmanian wilderness on their bushwalking journeys. Students at Freycinet National Park enjoyed warm weather and sunny beaches while students in the Mersey Valley experienced lush rainforests, blooming wildflowers and alpine tarns, and even snow!
Accompanying photos are from the Walls of Jerusalem and Lee’s Paddocks groups.
Lauren Hayes
Education Outdoors
Debaters visit Parliament House
On Thursday 24 November, the members of our winning Parliamentary Plate debating team were invited to visit Parliament House in Hobart and to have lunch with the Speaker of the House and the Deputy Premier. Stephanie Wilks, Jasmine Irani, Amelie Hughes and Chloe Davis were the winning team members. Students toured the House, including the Speaker’s private chambers and reception rooms, the Long Room, committee rooms, the parliamentary museum and both chambers of the House, which were sitting on the day. It was an excellent opportunity to observe the daily workings of our State parliament.
Sharon Beattie
Person-in-Charge of Debating