Term 3 has been a blast! The Year 9s started the term with the year 9 camp in week 3.  At the heart of the camp was the desire to instil in our students two of our school values; Love and Grit. By participating in a variety of demanding tasks such as bush walks and abseiling students were able to overcome fears and develop some grit and resilience. Students also engaged in some fun team activities in the evenings where there were able to strengthen their relationships with each other. Throughout the camp the students were encouraged to write meaningful positive comments to each other that students were then given on the final day. These activities were designed to teach students the act of kindness, a foundation of love as defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4.

As the Year 9s navigate what can be a tricky year, with new demands and relationships, it is good to be reminded that no one does the journey alone. In fact, we need to reach out and rely on one another to overcome many of life’s obstacles. Students reading the messages of kindness they had written to each other was a particular highlight.

In week 7 students attended the Murdoch University Career Taster where students were able to grow in the other two school values of Wisdom and Hope. They gained insight to a variety of opportunities at university and the different pathways to get there. They heard from a variety of current Murdoch students and the different pathways they took to get to the course they finally ended up on. These talks would have provided some inspiration and hope for students not sure of what they want to do in the future and some clarity for those who already fell they know where they want to end up. In reflecting on the diverse range of passions and skills amongst the cohort I was reminded of the following verse from Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men”. While not all our students will end up at university, it is our hope that they will apply themselves to whatever career they choose. I am very grateful to Mrs Van der Linde, our VET & Secondary Careers Coordinator who organised this event.

Later this term, the students will be embarking on the Solo Experience as part of our Rite Journey Programme. A day has been set aside at the end of this term to provide students with an opportunity to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, disconnect from technology and spend some very rare time in complete solitude. Given that students of today don’t spend much time without some form of technology or friends nearby, this experience is a challenge that students must overcome as part of the Rite Journey Programme. I am very grateful for all the Rite Journey teachers who will be attending this day to support our students in this challenging endeavour.

As always, if you have any questions about the wellbeing of your child or the activities that are going in Year 9, please contact your child’s form teacher or myself. We’d love to connect with you.

Oliver Oeij

Head of Year 9