MIDDLE SCHOOL
MS KATRINA STALKER HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
RECONNECTIONS AND NEW CONNECTIONS
The joy at being back at school was evident with the energy levels in the Quadrangle , as the boys restarted school this year . They reconnected with mates they hadn ’ t seen over the long summer holidays ; and for the Year 7s there was the excitement of making new connections .
Although initially there were many wrong turns as they navigated our campus , the Year 7s are now experts . The trepidation of the first day of school has faded to a distant memory , and the boys of Years 7 and 8 are settling into the routines of the Senior School .
After the interruptions of the 2020 school year , this has been a little more difficult in terms of organisation and the development of some social skills . Years 10 , 11 and 12 boys have ably assisted the younger boys in a variety of ways , including organised sport at lunchtime , homework clubs , and Peer Support sessions .
These programs not only give leadership opportunities and training to the senior boys , but the mentoring provides wonderful support to the younger members of our school community , as the older boys impart invaluable knowledge of how our school works .
With great expectations , each of the Year 7 forms headed to Scotch-at-Cowes on Phillip Island . Much laughter was had as the boys started to get to know each other and their teachers . When asked about what was the favourite activity the answers they gave were varied , including the sailing , boogie boarding , mutton birds , snorkelling , and the food !
I was most impressed at how well the Year 7s transitioned to remote learning for the three days of lockdown this term . Having only just been introduced to our Learning Management System they quickly adapted to following their teachers online . Thankfully we quickly returned to campus , wearing masks but at least back to our lives of personal connection .
The Big Ideas Lecture series to Year 8 boys started around International Women ’ s Day with a topical address on the Suffragettes . The series is designed to bring a focus to ideas , people , movements and / or events that have made an indelible mark on the world as we know it . Our aim is to challenge boys to engage with these ideas , and to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of accepting difference and developing respectful relationships .
20 Great Scot Issue 162 – April 2021