As we enter the second half of the term, there are a number of important activities being conducted over the next week which will complement the regular learning that occurs within the day to day classroom environment. These initiatives include:

Year 7 Camp  

Next Wednesday to Friday will see Year 7 attend their “Camp”, which is a combination of Teen Ranch and School based activities including Archery, Rock Climbing, Giant Swing and team building initiatives. Mackillop and Murray House students will attend Teen Ranch on Wednesday and Thursday, with Avila and Howard students involved in school-based spirituality, technology and team building activities. All Year 7 students will be off site on Thursday, and Mackillop and Murray will return for their school based activities on Friday. Thanks to Ms Toogood and Mr Sullivan for their work in organising the camp and to the staff who have given up their time to assist with supervision across three days and two nights. Thanks also to students and carers for their assistance in providing necessary paperwork and information that will ensure a safe experience for all concerned.

Year 8 Elevate Study Skills

Year 8 will be engaging with Elevate Education during their Pastoral lesson next Friday. These presentations will be conducted in Pastoral Classes by Elevate presenters and cover topics such as:

• Dynamic Reading
• Formatting your notes, and
• Mind Mapping

Thanks to Mr Teuma, Mr Barbera and the Year 8 pastoral team for organising and supervising these presentations.

Diet and Rest

Last week I made reference to the SEEEDSS program that provides students with a checklist of considerations for maintaining a balanced approach to wellbeing and learning. Two key points that can be addressed almost immediately are that of ensuring that students are eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting adequate rest.

A range of  various health agencies and specialist organisations such as raisingchildren.net.au recommend 8 - 10 hours of sleep per night for people aged between 12 and 18.  The Australian Healthy Eating Guidelines Summary is one resource that outlines recommended dietary patterns for all ages. Please contact your son or daughter’s Year Coordinator or Pastoral Advisor if you have any questions or concerns regarding these particular issues, or any others relating to their learning or wellbeing.

Thanks for your ongoing support.