Year 8 students have continued to embrace their theme, "T.E.A.M - Together Everyone Achieves More." With a strong focus on maintaining high standards, and fostering consistency, they have continued their collective journey to pursue their personal and academic goals. Recently, the Pastoral Care program featured a variety of activities centred on team building, cultivating quality relationships, and exploring ways to enhance accountability.

In addition, Year 8 students have actively engaged in a series of leadership lessons, where they have been learning about the essential qualities and responsibilities of effective leaders. These lessons have been both theoretical and practical, allowing students to explore what it truly means to lead by example. In their PC classes, students participated in a variety of hands-on activities designed to strengthen their leadership skills. One of these activities involved working collaboratively in teams to build a “Tower of Feetza” (shoe tower), a project that not only challenged their creativity but also emphasised the critical importance of teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking in leadership roles. 

The current Year 10 SRC students, Lachlan, Luke, Ella and Juliet, also visited Year 8 PC classes to present a speech on the significance of applying for leadership roles, sharing their own experiences and emphasising how these opportunities can help develop essential skills and contribute positively to the school community. 

Furthermore, this focus on leadership has inspired several Year 8 students to take the initiative and apply for positions on the Student Representative Council (SRC) for Year 9, 2025. These students have demonstrated a strong desire to contribute positively to the school community, showing a commitment to embodying the leadership principles they've been learning. The process of applying for the SRC has provided them with valuable experience in self-reflection, goal setting, and understanding the impact they can have as leaders within the school. 

Under 15s MISA Girls Rugby League Runners Up

At the end of Term 2, our Division 2 MISA Girls Rugby League team, predominantly consisting of Year 8 students, were runners up in the competition. The girls showcased outstanding teamwork, skillfully coordinating their efforts on the field and supporting one another at every turn. Their dedication and collaborative spirit were evident in every game, as they combined their individual talents to form a cohesive and formidable team. This impressive performance not only highlighted their athletic abilities but also underscored the power of teamwork in achieving success at a high level of competition.

Awards

It has been pleasing to see so many students demonstrating the College values each day at the College. Year 8 students have been issued with a large number of class awards (merits) for class work, improvement in learning, assessment results, sustained work ethic, commitment to learning, service to others, involvement in extracurricular activities and promoting College spirit. At our College assemblies, many students have continued to receive their Bronze and Silver Principal Awards. Congratulations! 

Over the past few months, a significant number of Year 8 students have received their Gold Principal Awards. This is an outstanding achievement and is a reflection of their commitment to the College Core Values of discipleship and service, love of learning, quality relationships and personal best. In order to receive the Gold Principal Award, these students have previously received 3 Silver Principal Awards, 9 Bronze Principal Awards, 27 Year Coordinator Awards, and 135 Class Awards. Congratulations to the following students:

• Eli Attard
• Lily McMonigal
• Laila Maclou
• Maddison Audet
• Sara Puse
• Emily Sinfield
• Evelyn Poppleton
• Paul Collis
• Sophie Callaway
• Shayla Fairley
• Lincoln Orton
• Addison Howe
• Owen Moss
• Stella Hedge
• Xara Schryver
• Lucas Moore
• Oliver Moore
• Xavier Valentino
• Annabella Neist
• Katelyn Kilby
• Louise Vella
• Liam Carver
• Mia Mikhail
• Hamish Henderson
• Jordan Galea
• Luke Murray

Subject Selection

Year 8 students’ understanding of accountability has been further strengthened through their recent experience with the subject selection process. This significant milestone provided Year 8 students with an exciting opportunity to shape their academic future as they selected two electives for Year 9 in 2025. The process was not just about making choices but also about taking responsibility for those choices, as students were encouraged to carefully consider their interests, strengths, and long-term goals.

Over the past few weeks, students engaged in meaningful and thoughtful discussions with their teachers and Leaders of Learning, who provided guidance and insights to help them make informed decisions. They explored the content, expectations, and potential career pathways associated with each subject, ensuring that their selections aligned with their personal aspirations and academic goals.

The subject selection process culminated in a Subject Selection Information Night on Monday 19th August, where parents/carers and Year 8 students were invited to attend. This event offered a valuable opportunity for families to be involved in the decision-making process, fostering a collaborative approach to education. A special thank you goes out to all the parents and carers who attended, as your support and involvement are crucial in helping students make these important choices with confidence and clarity.

Mrs Katerina Cordina 

Year 8 Coordinator