Middle School News - Camps, Real Talk and French Expo

Well done to our intrepid Year 9 students who braved the wintry weather, rode mountain bikes along challenging dirt tracks and carried their backpacks along a path that was aptly named ‘Heartbreak Ridge’. However, it’s not the outdoor adventure camp nor any of the activities that make a successful camp. Rather, it is the sense of achievement, learning to manage fear and at times failure and appreciating the value of a supportive community in the midst of challenging experiences. These character building activities are what achieve the important objectives of a school camp. The support and exceptional work of the camp teachers who led their groups so well is the secret ingredient to achieving this. On behalf of the students, I would like to say thanks to these teachers.

Assessments, managing time and good stress

Already, students are seeing the assessments that are coming up and are perhaps feeling a little overwhelmed! Stress can be a good thing, as without it we may not ‘get off the couch’ and get stuck into the job. Please encourage your child to speak with their Pastoral Care teacher or Year Level Coordinator to assist with managing their workloads. One of GCC Middle School’s strengths is the Pastoral Care program. These teachers are more than happy to work with your child. However, if they don’t know – they can’t help.

School Rules Reminder

On our College Connect site students can see the list of the school rules that are in place. One of them is that Students are not allowed to contact their parents by text or message and ask to be collected by family or friends prior to 3pm. Students who are unwell or need to be collected must report to Admin and speak to the First Aid staff member or Admin staff who will then contact home for them. This is an important duty of care process and must be followed.

Real Talk Seminars

This week, Year 8 and 9 students had presentations from Real Talk. The presentation addressed healthy relationships, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other related information. Knowledge is powerful and it’s important students are well informed so they can make healthy choices for their own lives. Students responded positively to these presentations and I hope they give further opportunity for ongoing conversations at home.

Secondary French Expo

See pictures here of this lovely event held during a lunch break this week.