Year 8 have had a busy and exciting term! From Live for Life sessions to spelling bees and trivia, there’s been lots happening. I have seen the cohort grow in confidence as they all try out new things, and it was lovely to see a range of them in the recent Frayne Speech Festival. Our busy period ended with a Live for life celebration on Thursday, where we celebrated the work students have done on teen mental health with surrounding schools.

Our year-level focus this term has been on compassion and respect. Together, we’ve been exploring what these values mean in practice—whether it’s respecting our classroom spaces, looking after the environment, or showing compassion in how we treat one another.

To celebrate students who really embody these values, Homeroom teachers introduced a new initiative this term. Students who stepped up— by giving things a go, showing kindness, or doing the right thing day in and out -  were nominated by their teachers or year level leader, and recognised with canteen vouchers.

A big congratulations to our award winners:

• James Killick (8F)Gracie Cook (8E)
• Maggie Young (8F)
• Wilfred MacDonald (8A)
• Matilda O’Brien (8D)
• Alice McKenzie (8C)
• Cillian Durrant (8D)
• Sailor Christmass (8F)
• Mackinley Hardy (8B)
• Owen Vernon (8F)
• Viviana Wurcell (8G)

We are so proud of the way these students have shown compassion, respect, and a willingness to get involved in our year level.

Looking ahead, the SRC want to build on this momentum. Next term, they’ll be running a raffle where entries come from students who receive commendations for living out our Year 8 themes. It’s another fun way to keep recognising the effort and positivity that so many young people bring to our year level.