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

Over the last few weeks, the Year 8s have had many opportunities to participate in GISSA events and Cura Personalis. It is always so lovely to hear the chatter, as our young people return from local activities full of news.

On June 25th, 125 of our Indonesian language students caught a bus to the Melbourne Zoo and spent a few hours walking around, visiting enclosures and learning about the animals. A focus of the excursion was Indonesian directions and following their way around the zoo using the language as a focus. Students were also able to read signs around the zoo that are written in Indonesian and see many native animals from the archipelago.

On Tuesday 30th July, all Year 8s participated in their Retreat Day held in St Thomas’ Church. It was organised and facilitated by students studying “Journey” and it was pleasing to see the passion and commitment shown by these young adults. A highlight was the performance by our very own Year 8 Rock Band. They raised the roof of the church with their talent and had everyone in awe.

Bookings are being finalised for a Careers Day in Melbourne in Term 4. Two classes at a time will be heading over to the city by ferry. One of the components of the day will be a tour of the Metro Tunnel Project. We will also visit a city university for lunch and catch the talking tram.

The Year 8s are on track to finish the Semester strongly. It is so pleasing to see how classroom culture is developing in each Mentor group as students make new friends and validate old friendships from last year.

Early in Term 3, we will be looking at subject selection, the Wollangarra Leadership application process and our Year 9 Indigenous Immersions. Whilst students are ready for a break, I encourage them to dig deep, work hard and finish this Semester strongly.

Ms O’Brien

Year 8 Coordinator