Middle School Term 4 Week 9

What’s Happening at Middle School

Week 10

• Wed 6 Dec – Carol Singing at Hospital
• Wed 6 Dec – Middle School Celebration Evening – 7pm
• Thurs 7 Dec – Adventure Park Day – Years 5-8
• Fri 8 Dec – Christmas Service
• Fri 8 Dec – Conclusion of Term 4 – 2.30pm Dismissal

Term 1, 2024 Week 1

• Wed 31 Jan – Students Commence Term 1
• Thurs 1 Feb – New Student ID Photos
• Fri 2 Feb – Year 5 Chilli Challenge Day

Market Day 2023

The day was finally here. The day which all Year 6s have been eagerly awaiting, Market Day. This event is something that the Year 6 students at Highton have been working on throughout the entire term and this was finally the opportunity to put everything into action. It was the day for the students to showcase their learning through their businesses. Each student’s business was designed to either sell something or provide a service. Many took on this challenge by researching the student community at Middle School to find out what they were interested in to ensure that the businesses they created appealed to as many as possible. As you walked around the market it was amazing to see what students have created. Dog treats, carnival games, stickers, jewellery, vertical jump game, a photo booth and plants were just a small selection of what was on offer and the biggest challenge for all other students was figuring out how to spread their money to give everything a go. The Year 6 students were in high spirits and really appreciated the many year levels that came out to support them throughout the day. This included cohorts from Surf Coast and Junior School, which we are very thankful for. Thank you to all teachers who were able to work around our Market Day and provide an experience for their students and for ours.

Market Day finished with the Year 6s coming together for a community sausage sizzle which was an amazing opportunity to share the successes of the day, spend time together as a group and share some food. The Year 6 teaching group commends the students’ efforts in preparing for such an amazing day, and a big thank you to the families that again supported the event. It was wonderful to feel such a sense of communit – this support sustains us all. The total amount of money that was raised by the Year 6s tipped the scales over $3500, with all money to be donated to the Cancer Council, a charity chosen by our Year 6 cohort.

Thank you and look out for next year’s Market Day!

Students Dive Into a World of Discovery and Fun

Year 9 Marine Studies students recently embarked on an unforgettable marine adventure, immersing themselves in the captivating beauty and diverse ecosystems of Port Phillip Bay. The aim of the trip was to provide a hands-on experience, allowing the students to both learn about, and appreciate, the unique life that thrives within this local marine ecosystem.

The boat first went to Pope’s Eye, a highly biodiverse area within the bay. As our boat charted its course towards the site, students soon jumped in, exploring the marine sanctuary using the skills they have learned this term. They marvelled at the kaleidoscope of colour found in numerous species of fish and vibrant seaweed.

Students then had the opportunity to swim with the playful seals. Glad to have their 5ml wetsuits, they laughed, swam and splashed in the crystal-blue water as the graceful and lively creatures engaged with their new human companions, creating lifelong memories for all involved.

A Great Final Week for Year 9s!

What a week we have shared with the Year 9s for their final week at Middle School. We have celebrated and shared so many special moments. On Wednesday, our Year 9 students worked closely with our Chaplain Andy Francis to prepare a beautiful Christmas service. Brighid Mantelli worked with some of our gifted musicians, and we were all blessed with some amazing music. After the Christmas service, we presented our Endeavour of Learning awards to each homeroom, there was so many students recognised by their teachers across their subjects for 2023.

We had a wonderful night at Clyde Park, Bannockburn and students were impeccably dressed, and danced the night away. They looked so grown up with their suits and dresses. We loved seeing them engage with the Bellarine students and start to make connections that will flow into next week at Senior School for transition week.

On Thursday we enjoyed a wonderful Activities Day; starting with roller skating and an afternoon of Christmas shopping at Westfield with the inclement weather. It was fun to see some students posing for a photo with Santa and really celebrating a positive year. It really highlighted how close they have become over the year.

To signify the end of their Middle School journey, the Year 9 students’ efforts were recognised through their Graduation service on Friday. Homeroom teachers and student representatives reflected on the highlights and memorable moments of the year. On behalf of all the staff at Middle School, I wish these students all the very best as they begin the transition process to Senior School next week in preparation for Year 10 next year.

Project Care Wrap Up

Project Care 2023 has been a resounding success, with students showing great enthusiasm, raising over $700 for the Offspring charity in their first activity this term. The students’ efforts have not only raised money but also helped them gain an understanding of the role of the charity and how it supports trafficked people.

As the term draws to a close, the school has been collecting for the Reverse Advent Calendars, and the donations have been very generous. These hampers will be delivered to people in the Geelong region, though Mr Andy Francis. Years 5R and 7G have particularly got behind the event by bringing enough food and items to fill several boxes. The Project Care Representatives have done a great job of supporting this event, and both Andy Francis and I are very appreciative of their help.

It’s heartening to see the students making a positive impact in the community. Their dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and we hope that they continue to make a difference in the world around them.

Sebastian De Marte summed up our year and term in the following paragraph:

“This year in Project Care has been very rewarding. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve made change, from this term’s Reverse Advent Calendar boxes to MND Awareness Week in Term 2. Project Care is a great opportunity to create positive change in the school and outside.”

I have enjoyed working with all the Project Care Reps this year and hope they all have a blessed Christmas and a restful holiday.

Canteen Announcement – Last Week of Term

Please note, there will be no online canteen orders available during the last week of term (December 4 to 8). Students can only make over-the-counter purchases.

Get Some Unique Christmas Cards and Support Williams House

This year Williams House is selling packets of Christmas cards designed by our own little artists!

We are selling our Angel/Shepherd cards for $5 for a pkt of 6 and our Nativity cards are $7 for a pkt of 10. Each packet contains either 6 or 10 different designs.

If you would like to support the kinder and share our creations with the community this Christmas, the cards are available at all CCG campus receptions and of course at Williams House. Payment can be made with cash or card.

We also take over-the-phone orders with direct deposit. Phone 5241 3556

All money raised will go towards making some new additions to our outdoor yards!

We hope you love these gorgeous creations and enjoy sharing them with your family and the community this Christmas!

With thanks from all the children and the team at WH!