Middle School
Ms Katrina Stalker – Head of Middle School
Resilience, and respectful relationships
MS KATRINA STALKER HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
The year started very well, with the excited, albeit a little nervous, Year 7s making their first steps into their six-year journey in the Senior School. The routines of the Scotch day, including regular assemblies in Memorial Hall, are now becoming second nature to the boys, and new friendships continue to be formed.
The camp at Cowes was a highlight of the start of the year for most of the Year 7 boys. They cemented friendships with their classmates and started to get to know their teachers, while learning about the koalas on Phillip Island, sailing or boogie boarding at YCW Beach. And though they may have missed their parents and the comfort of their own beds, the fun observed at every camp spoke volumes for the value of this camp as part of the transition to the Senior School.
The Year 8s also started the year well and settled into their new classes with, for most, a new form group. Mixing the boys up between classes is based on their subject selections and helps to broaden their friendship groups, as well as creating new opportunities, and gently begins their transition into the Upper School. As the Year 8s are no longer the youngest in the Senior School, the expectations on the boys are greater, particularly with their academic studies. Challenge classes have started for some boys, as have many of the extension activities in which Year 8s can participate.
We continue to encourage all the boys to find and pursue their passions. Alex Jones( Year 8) is passionate about cycling, and gives his all to this sport. He is to be congratulated on his amazing feats at the 2018 Cycling Australia Junior Track National Championships, held from 21 February. Victoria won 21 of the 28 gold medal events on offer across the four days. The champion of champions awards in the under 15 events went to Alex, who claimed five gold medals, in individual pursuit, time trial, sprints, the points race and the scratch race.
In the Middle School the pastoral care program is delivered by the Year 7 and 8 Form Teachers. The program covers study skills but the main focus is on resilience and respectful relationships. The first three-quarters of the program have students working on the social and communicative skills needed to understand and manage their emotions, problemsolve, manage stress and anger, and engage in peer support and help-seeking. These are the skills that underpin respectful, positive and caring relationships, regardless of gender.
In the sections on gender and respectful relationships, they are challenged to identify the gender stereotypes that influence attitudes and behaviour, and to question when and where various expectations can be harmful or limiting for both boys and girls. They think through the skills and strengths they would need to act with respect in a challenging situation. This program is designed to help teachers provide learning that supports development of personal and social capabilities, which are part of the Victorian Curriculum. It includes a focus on social and emotional learning and respectful relationships. This program is run in conjunction with a number of other programs in the Middle School.
The Relating Respectfully program will again be held for the Year 8 boys. This focuses on media portrayal of relationships, and after the success of last year’ s sessions with the Man Cave organisation, the Year 7 and 8 boys will partake in this program. The sessions look at breaking down stereotypes and being proactive at developing positive relationships; giving the boys the space and the language to express themselves, and encouraging them to become the young men to which they aspire.
YEAR 7 BOYS AT THE CAMP AT COWES
18 Great Scot Number 153 – April 2018