MIDDLE SCHOOL
MS KATRINA STALKER HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
OUR STUDENTS SHINE IN A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES
BOYS FIND THEIR PASSIONS AND ADAPT WELL TO CHANGE
ABOVE : YEAR 8 BOYS DISCUSSING BIG IDEAS IN THEIR
MAN CAVE
Artificial intelligence ( AI ) has the potential to transform countless aspects of our lives for the better . At the same time , while AI offers immense potential for improving education , it is essential to approach its implementation thoughtfully and ethically . Striking the right balance between technology and human interaction will ensure that AI genuinely enhances learning experiences and empowers students to thrive in the modern world .
With its ability to analyse data , AI can revolutionise industries , drive innovation and enhance student potential . It can improve quality of life , push the boundaries of innovation and help us to tackle global issues collectively . It is an exciting time for our students as they consider their possible future careers , and also for teaching and the changes which will inevitably follow AI technologies .
As the pandemic reinforced , school is an important place for social interactions between peers and a place for students to build their empathy , resilience and confidence . Scotch is partnering with the Resilience Project to deliver a positive mental health program to our Year 7 students .
The program focuses on three key pillars : Gratitude , Empathy and Mindfulness . Gratitude helps students to be aware of the positives around them , and empathy encourages the students to be kind and compassionate towards other people . They are encouraged to be calm , mindful and to concentrate on one thing at a time . The program helps to enhance the students ’ emotional literacy , softening negative feelings and nurturing positive responses . There is a strong focus on connection , purpose and physical health .
We continued our partnership with the Man Cave , which worked with our Year 8 students to empower the boys with the critical emotional and social skills they need to lead flourishing lives . The Year 8 students
again worked with Elephant Ed presenters to explore respectful relationships . They also engaged with a guest speaker from Internet Safe Education , and listened to a Big Ideas lecture on the Suffragettes and sexuality , unpacking the ideas presented by the Year 11 students leading the conversation .
Term 2 saw the Middle School boys display their ability in Public Speaking as they competed in the inter-form event . The Year 7s spoke to the prompt ‘ Courage is found in unlikely places ’, taken from the work of J R R Tolkien . There were many takes on the theme , with all boys presenting their ideas well . It was a close call , with Kieran Talbot ( 7GD ), who spoke clearly and with courage in front of his peers , winning the competition .
The Year 8 competition tackled the theme of ‘ A return to nature ’. The diversity of speeches was great and all were well presented and delivered . Thomas Findlay ( 8HC ) gave an insightful take on the theme , tying in our First Nation peoples ’ relationship with nature .
We congratulate our da Vinci Decathlon teams , who achieved great results in the state competitions , with our Year 7s coming third overall . The team comprised William Wang , Aaron Shen , Matthew Dallalana , Jun Gardiner , Yevan Navaratne , Thomas Doan , Alexander Gordon and Kevin Sui . The Year 8s came second , the team comprising Cameron Wong , Matthew Wang , Aaryan Berera , Jayee Zhang , Joshua Wang , Gabriel King , Gary Kong and Hayden Yu .
We also congratulate Elias Cattermole ( 8EE ) for winning a gold medal in the board relay at the State Surf Lifesaving Championships , held in Warrnambool in March .
Our students continue to shine in a range of activities , displaying their varied interests , finding their passions and adapting to change with enthusiasm .
22 Great Scot Issue 169 – September 2023