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Leaders of Student Wellbeing

Year 8

Our pastoral lesson held in Week 6 provided an opportunity for our Year 8 students to re-visit our Year 8 Emmaus theme of "knowing your value". Students engaged in small group discussion and sharing focused around identifying their own value, and what they value in others. Students were challenged to consider the gospel values of kindness, honesty, compassion, empathy and love and how they can embrace these throughout their day and in their dealing with others so they can be a reflection of Christ to all.

In this week's Year 8 Pastoral lesson students engaged in their first Homeroom battle. Each term Year 8 students will spend a pastoral lesson engaging in a series of games and challenges where points are awarded to each homeroom. Points will be accrued throughout the year with a reward lunch offered to the winning homeroom in Term 4. These activities provide students the opportunity to deepen their connections with their peers and build their sense of belonging within their homeroom and the wider year group. It was fantastic to see the contributions and effort of all the Year 8 students this week in giving their best to score points for their individual homerooms.

Alana Johnson and Matt Currie
Year 8 Leaders of Student Wellbeing

Year 9

It was a busy week last week with Year 9 completing their last ever NAPLAN tests so congratulations on reaching that milestone! Students also competed in the inter house volleyball competition on Tuesday earning valuable house points. On Wednesday during our pastoral assembly in the Theatre, “The Great Aussie Bush Camp” was launched and students are really excited about this event which takes place in Week 4 next term. On Thursday, students gathered in the Theatre again to watch a presentation from Brad our School Counsellor and Sam our Student Wellbeing Officer launching the “Rock n Water” program. More information was emailed to parents and carers during the week so if you’re after clarification on anything please email me with your questions.

Best All Rounder

Congratulations to the following students for winning the “Best All Rounder” award over the past couple of weeks, you have earned a $5 canteen voucher. Well Done!

Bailey Webb

Sharon Shabu

Mylee Bartlett

Commendation Award

Congratulations to Zavier Duyster and Rune Fowler who were presented with a Commendation Award this week.

Zavier Duyster

Rune Fowler

Mark Sultana

Year 9 Leaders of Student Wellbeing

Year 10

Our Year 10 students are reading Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, a novel that invites them to reflect on themes of friendship, dreams, and social isolation. As they explore the lives of George and Lennie, two disenfranchised migrant workers, they are encouraged to consider the importance of empathy, respect, and understanding towards those less fortunate. The novel serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals who may not have the same privileges, and it asks our students to reflect on how we treat one another in our community.

This message of empathy and kindness closely aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ, especially in the Gospel passage from Mark 9:33-37 (Year 10s Emmaus Gospel). In this passage, Jesus challenges the disciples’ understanding of greatness, teaching them that the greatest among them is not the wealthiest, most powerful, or the best at sport, but the one who humbles themselves and serves others. Jesus calls us to reach out to those who are marginalised, offering love and care to all people, regardless of their status. This passage reminds us that true greatness lies in accepting and supporting everyone in our community, particularly those who are often overlooked or rejected.

Last week, our school also celebrated Neurodiversity Week, an important time to reflect on the value of embracing the unique strengths and challenges that individuals with diverse neurological profiles bring to our community. As we continue to explore the themes of “Of Mice and Men” and the teachings of Jesus, we are reminded of the importance of understanding, accepting, and supporting one another, no matter our differences. Just as Jesus showed love and compassion to those on the margins, we can each play a role in creating an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and understood. Your continued support in encouraging these conversations at home will help our students grow into compassionate individuals who care for and uplift all members of our school community.

Richard O'Connor & Anneliese Mills
Year 10 Leaders of Student Wellbeing