Can you picture the Nutri-Grain advert from a bygone era? It was my challenge to our Year 8’s as we start the year off with a blast at the annual Year 8 Beach Day. Our students had a brilliant time participating in team-building activities, creative problem-solving challenges, and soaking up the sun with friends. Not only was it a fun day out, but it was also an excellent opportunity for students to bond with their form and build strong relationships.
Speaking of team building, our Year 8 students impressed further, with their participation in the recent athletics carnival. Students displayed sportsmanship, and it was clear that they all had been working hard to improve their skills on the track. Congratulations to all the students who competed and represented their House with pride.
We have been utilising our Form and Extended Form times to build on our theme “Purposeful Friendships”. These times are spent engaging in activities designed to build on their strengths, confidence in social settings and enjoy their time together. Each student brings something unique to the table, and we encourage students to celebrate each other’s differences.
We also take this time to build our student’s character. We have welcomed presenters from Zero2Hero sharing on wellbeing and resilience throughout the year. The resilience project’s “GEM” curriculum is designed to help our students develop their emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and gratitude. These sessions are valuable and we can see students beginning to use the strategies they are learning to help them navigate challenging situations.
Throughout all these learning opportunities, we are reminded that the famous motto from a certain cereal may just be the key to seeing our Year 8’s thrive. Jesus puts it this way:
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (NIV)
We are looking forward to seeing all the great things our students will achieve in Term 2.
Chris Field
Head of Year 8
