Books: Are there lots of books in your home? A new study of 31 countries shows that ‘being surrounded by books in the home during adolescence may have as big an impact on long-term literacy, numeracy, and digital skills as a university education’. Reading and being able to learn about 
things outside of our physical world is an amazing and important gift we give each generation of young people. Another study made this comment, ‘while many working-class boys love reading, some can be discouraged by particular notions of masculinity, such as those that value physicality and strength while devaluing reading’. The research highlighted ‘that boys who indicated high-levels of enjoyment for books and the social aspects of reading … exceeded year level reading requirements’.
Congratulations to Chelsea Lewis, Charlie Bidgood and Henry Wells on achieving a first at our regional QUEST challenge and who then went on to Brisbane this past weekend. They competed against much older teams and so while not placing can be proud of this achievement. We look forward to seeing how they go over the next few years.
Milestones
Last week, 50 young women and 40 Year 9 gentlemen spent an overnight camping trip in our beautiful national parks reflecting on growing up. What fine young men and women they are becoming. It takes a village to raise a child – and many influential people are guiding and directing these already wonderful young men and women. The staff at Glasshouse are privileged to partner with parents in helping them along in this journey!
GCC families can see all the photos on Pixevety.
Finishing well
Over the next few weeks, students will be finalising assessments and studying for tests. It is vital they complete their 70 minutes for Year 7, 80 minutes for year 8; or, 90 minutes for Year 9 of homework or study each weeknight so that they can achieve results they are proud of for their end of semester reports. If there appears to be no more homework, have I mentioned yet how invaluable it is to read? 😊
2019 preparation and some things to start thinking about for the holidays
Class lists: Parents, please let Mrs Vreeling know in the next week if you have any particular requests you would like the school to consider related to 2019 class Lists.
Laptops: Students will be keeping their laptops over the holidays. I know of several parents who put the laptop in a cupboard along with all the other school items over the holidays. However, if you find some benefit in allowing your child use of this device you may also be interested in finding out more about the ‘Parent Controls’ that can be put in place through the ‘system preferences’ on your child’s laptop. This website gives more information on this and is a great idea for peace of mind and to manage laptops without nagging or constant reminding of particular rules your family has for their use at home.
Last week of term
At Glasshouse, the last week of the term provides an alternative program for Middle School students from Monday to Wednesday. For Year 7, it will be a Billy Cart designing, constructing and, of course, races! For Year 8, the program will have a focus on the environment and the precious most important resource – water. Year 9s will have a career and DeLorean project focus in preparation for Year 10. Thursday is an offsite excursion for Year 7 and 8. Year 9 have the day off to get ready for their Celebration Dinner in the evening. Semester reports will be finalised in this week and will be accessible on the parent portal, the week after school finishes. Happy report reading.
Jacq Vreeling, Head of Middle School