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Our Year 9 students have built upon their good start to the year taking challenges like NAPLAN testing in their stride. Recent months have seen many in the cohort spend some time away from school due to health and safety protocols. Through it all, I’ve been so impressed with the resilience shown by the Year 9s. They’ve engaged with online learning, contacted teachers for clarification, and reached out to friends to wish them well. 

KINDNESS IS KEY 

The most encouraging thing to witness is the way new students have been welcomed by all and have quickly made new friends. I described in the March newsletter that kindness would remain a theme for the Year 9s. The way the cohort has embraced our new students is kindness personified.

Matthew Chapter 25 can guide us in the way we welcome others. Speaking to his followers, Jesus said, ‘When I was hungry you gave me food, thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.’ His followers hadn’t recognised Jesus being in need. He continued, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.’ 

This might seem like a lot to unpack. Put simply, these selfless acts of kindness, encouraged by Jesus’ teaching, are what we see in our Year 9’s every day. Thank you and keep it up! 

CAREER CURIOSITY

Another initiative integral to the groups’ holistic development is helping the Year 9s to think about their future career paths. The Year 9s complete a career development program in extended form time with a focus on helping them identify strengths and skills sets. Then, we spend time matching strengths with career and study opportunities. 

CRAZY ABOUT CAMP(S) 

Year 9 is the ‘year of camps’. Everyone gets involved in the Year 9 camp in August and there’s the Rite Journey one-night camp to end Term 3. Students taking the Outdoor Education elective have two more camp opportunities! Camps are an incredible opportunity to be challenged, to get out of your comfort zone, and to deepen lasting friendships. They’re also a rare chance to take a tech break. I’d appreciate so much if you would make a plan to hold onto your child’s phone when sending them to camp. You can always reach them on the school’s mobile number which we’ll provide to you. 

If you have any questions about the Pastoral Care work we do in Year 9, please contact your child’s form teacher or myself. We’d love to connect with you.  

Simon Bint, Head of Year 9