Celebrations

Last Monday we held our second ‘Retreat Day’ where students continued to work towards teambuilding, communication, resilience skills participating in a variety of team-based activities and challenges. Our day started off with an inter-team show down in the gym where our 10 teams faced off against each other in a series of teamwork and relay-based races. Teams who were the most successful with this displayed effective communication and commitment to each of the relays. All teams showed great competitive spirit. Students then completed a series of three activities in their rotation before meeting back with their team teacher mentor, debriefing their learning across the two Retreat Days and reflecting on the skills they have been developing.

We would like to thank the Grade 7 teaching team for providing such wonderful, engaging and challenging activities for our students to complete across the two retreat days.

Grade Focus

Our Grade focus for the remainder of the term is students arriving to class on time and organised with all their necessary equipment. We have provided students with a 5 minute window for them to arrive to class on time which has been trialled and tested by a staff member coming in from lunch. Students need to ensure that as soon as the music begins to play, they make their way to the Junior Common Room to access their locker. They should be in class no later than 5 minutes after the bell. It is important for students to note that during break times they need to ensure they are organised, having been to the bathroom, eaten and had something to drink. This will help better prepare them for their learning. Students should not be visiting the bathroom when the music plays or after the bell.

Mrs Hume and Miss Males are sent the names of students each day who are either late to class or arrive to class without their required equipment. These students are then sent an email on CANVAS or via their student email to meet them at lunchtime the next day. During these lunch time sessions organisation is discussed with the students and supports, or strategies are put in place to ensure that students are better organised.

Grade Assembly

Last week we were fortunate enough to have Constable Johns as a guest speaker at our Grade 7 assembly. Constable Johns spoke to the grade about ‘Hands Off’ behaviour and the legal implications of physical behaviour if it is taken to the police. At our school we have a ‘Hands Off’ policy that aligns with Respect, Keep Safe and Sensible Behaviour in our ROCKS school-wide expectations. It is vital that our Grade 7 students understand the implications of their physical behaviour and the significant consequences that can lead to later in life. Constable Johns took lots of questions from our Grade 7 students during the session who were interested in discussing the legal implications of being reported to the Police and how that can impact future job prospects. We would like to encourage parents/carers to discuss these topics with students.