MIDDLE SCHOOL
Term 1 so far has been a buzz of energy as students are adjusting to new timetables, classes, teachers and expectations. It has been great to see students connecting with their peers in a positive way and engaging with their learning, especially in their electives. Whilst we acknowledge this has been a period of change that has challenged many students, most have settled in well and have shown resilience to focus on their learning and support our new Year 7s to settle into high school.
Thank you to our new staff for engaging so positively with our students, bringing enthusiasm and energy to their classrooms as they become part of the GSC community. Thank you also to our Year 9 Year Level Leader’s Rana Bakdache and Liam Watt for hitting the ground running with supporting and advocating for our Year 9 students.
One of the additions to the Year 9 program is Connect where students are working their way through Unit 1 – Leading Yourself. Connect is designed to support students to explore their strengths and skills to identify potential pathway options and become active citizens in the Greenvale and Melbourne communities.
We have asked that all students identify an external mentor, who is not their parents, to expand their network of support and help to keep them accountable throughout the year. This person will check in with them weekly to see how they are going in their learning, as well as support them to do their personal best in projects and tasks. If possible, they will attend Showcase events throughout the year (there is one every term) to help celebrate the achievements of their mentee! Most students have identified their external mentor now and have hopefully had a conversation with them about it. If not, please encourage them to get the ball rolling on this extra level of support.
This term students are developing a Personal Best Project where they are identifying an area of interest or passion to work on, creating and implementing an action plan and presenting it to their peers and parents/mentors on Wednesday 20th March. You will receive your invitations to this exciting display of student achievement this week! We hope to see you all here to cheer on our students as they showcase their work.
I am also sending this information in a presentation via Compass to highlight the key events of the year, including slides which portray previous Personal Best Projects to serve as inspiration. Please support your children by checking in with where they are at and encouraging them to challenge themselves over the next 4 weeks.
Upcoming Key Dates for Year 9 students and parents (a calendar was sent home – if you didn’t get one, please let us know):
- This week and next week – Milestones Due. Great opportunity to check in with your child’s learning growth so far
- 27th February – School Photos – remember to wear Academic uniform and blazer
- 7th March – Parent Teacher Interviews – looking forward to seeing you and your child there!
- 13 – 15th March – NAPLAN (last one for Year 9 students!)
- 15th March – National Day Against Bullying
- 20th March – Personal Best Showcase (11:30 – 3pm)
We are very excited about the opportunities available this year and look forward to seeing the extent of individual and cohort success as the year unfolds and we look towards Senior Schooling.
