From under the southern sky, reach for the stars - Year Level Update - Year 8

Being the best version of yourself is a core component of a Jesuit education. This relates not just to pursuing personal excellence in the classroom but learning about self and how to be a more generous, compassionate person that is community-focused. Having conversations and reflecting upon the impact of our actions encourages a more just and socially responsible person that builds strong relationships with others.

This has been evident in so many of the recent events and learnings Year 8s have been involved in and I am incredibly proud of their developing ability to discern, engage and respond to the vulnerable people in our community and to be open to growth. Their effort in supporting “Geelong Mums” and the abundance of items brought in shows this commitment to be of service to others. Then at the Time and Space Father – Child evening on Tuesday, it was a wonderful opportunity to engage with fathers and share thoughts about the challenges of being a teenager. I’m always in awe of the special bond the facilitator, Bill Jennings, creates between the father and child as he encourages families to find the time and space to listen to and interact with each other. The beautiful images of this connection show how important it is to be there for your child, even if they sometimes appear to not need you. Huge thanks to those fathers and sons/daughters who came out on a cold evening to support our endeavours to build community and connection; in particular, to those students who presented the Prayer and Acknowledgement to Country – Lua Payne & Will Hewitt.

On the academic front, students have applied knowledge learnt to the construction of experiments and models. In Maths, during the study of ‘Ratios and Rates,’ students did a sherbet experiment that involved sampling different types of wizz fizz to calculate the perfect recipe. The practical aspect of this task had much appeal for the students (& perhaps showed how much sugar there is in sherbet lollies). In Humanities, students have constructed some amazing Medieval weaponry and castles, and detailed their purpose and impact. The creative aspect of this task really allowed students to show their grasp of each device and its damaging effect on the enemy. Usually this unit culminates with a visit to Kryal Castle but as they were unable to accommodate us this year, Ms Anderton and Ms Windmill have organised presenters to come in next Tuesday for an Immersive History experience. Students will be able to partake in calligraphy, sword play, Medieval costumes, dance and other stimulating experiences linked to this Middle Ages period. Should be heaps of fun. In English, students have shown commendable endeavour in reading the challenging text, “The Book Thief,” and are now preparing a text essay response as they reflect on the Holocaust and Nazi Germany in 1939. Narrated by the character of Death, this text offers a poignant insight into the lives of those affected by war and their struggles to overcome adversity. Students are grappling with serious and confronting ideas raised in the text and have shown an impressive maturity and curiosity.

Looking forward, students are eagerly anticipating the Yr 8 camps and the chance to be in nature and amongst peers that they can get to know better. Our first camp for 90 students is in Wk 10 of this term and is based at Kinglake, whilst the remaining camps to Wollangarra and Buchan will occur early in Term 4. The beauty of camps is the growth in relationships, being challenged to go beyond your comfort zone and immersing oneself in the glorious outdoors. Leaving phones behind and truly engaging with each other is such a highlight so we hope students continue to be excited as the dates approach.

It’s been a busy and very productive term for learning as the GISSA and Cura Personalis programs have added even more opportunity for students to follow their interests and passions. I know students have been grateful to staff for providing them with such a breadth of choices.

Deborah Hodge | Year 8 Level Coordinator