Students in the Middle School will start Semester II including moving into new subjects in this coming week. Well done to our middle school students for completing their exams across these last few weeks. As we move towards the term break it is worth reflecting on the first half of the year which has included learning across the eight learning areas as well as sport, excursions and competitions.
Year 9 Explore Program
The Year 9 Explore Program was a tremendous success, providing students with three action-packed days of memorable city experiences. Highlights included visits to ArtVo, the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG, and the Old Melbourne Gaol offering students engaging and enriching opportunities beyond the classroom. A big thank you to the Middle School Team for their exceptional organisation and seamless delivery of this outstanding program.
Year 10 Work Experience
Our Year 10 students will step into the world of work when they begin their Work Experience on Monday 22 June. This valuable opportunity allows them to gain real-world insight into various industries, explore potential career pathways, and develop a deeper understanding of how businesses and organisations operate. Work Experience is a significant step in helping students connect their learning to future aspirations and build essential workplace skills.
Semester Reports
Semester reports are coming later this term, offering students and parents a broad picture of progress and achievement. A sincere well done to every student who has committed themselves this semester — particularly those who have reflected on their assessments, embraced feedback, and put suggested strategies into practice. That willingness to grow is itself a mark of character.
It is worth remembering, though, that report time can be difficult for some students. Even those who have genuinely given their best may feel they have fallen short or let others down. This kind of self-doubt deserves to be taken seriously.
So how do we build genuine, lasting self-esteem in young people at this time of year?
A good starting point is taking a strengths-based approach — making it clear that your care and respect for them is not contingent on grades or behaviour. This means recognising and celebrating the full range of a student’s abilities: their creativity, resilience, kindness, curiosity, and every other quality that does not show up on a report card. When young people feel seen and valued as whole people, they are far better placed to take pride in their efforts rather than measuring themselves purely by outcomes.
Ultimately, what we want for every student is a commitment to their personal best — across all facets of their lives.
Mr Ian MacLeod
Campus Principal – Middle School