Market Day, held on the November 25, was an opportunity for the cohort to showcase their learning; the students designed small businesses where they sold a product or service. Students took on this challenge by researching and conducting surveys within the student community at Middle School- Highton to find out what students were interested in and to ensure that the businesses they created appealed to as many as possible. Walking around the market, there were stalls that produced dog treats, carnival games, stickers, jewellery, fidget toys, a photo booth and plants. This is just a small selection of what was on offer. The biggest challenge for other year levels was figuring out which stalls to visit! The Year 6 cohort was in high spirits and appreciated the school community supporting them throughout the day. During lunchtime, the Year 5/6s came together for a community sausage sizzle which was a fantastic opportunity to share the successes of Market Day. The Year 6 staff would like to acknowledge the students’ efforts in their preparation for such a huge day. We are also grateful to our students’ families that supported the day and the wider College community for once again demonstrating what it is like to be a part of a community that supports and sustains each other. The total amount of money raised came to $3148.30; all money made has been donated to our chosen charity, the Cancer Council of Victoria.

The plan was to create an entirely new product or improve and existing product or company to become more sustainable and eco-friendly. This worked in tandem with the English text the students had recently read – The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, where the main character William was able to bring power and water to his drought-stricken hometown of Malawi, Africa. Our students took great inspiration from William’s story.

The Year 9 Transformation Space played host to up to 20 small booths for each exhibition, and the students put on a wonderful display of research and learning. Some of the ideas presented were based on ocean rubbish collection, solar power usage, renewable energy, clean drinking water, and many more. The exhibitions were a wonderful success, and the students were very proud of their work.

We had a wonderful night at Clyde Park, Bannockburn where students were impeccably dressed, and danced the night away. On Thursday we enjoyed a wonderful activities day; starting with roller skating and an afternoon of adventures at Eastern Beach where students participated in a range of fun games and really celebrated a perfect 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.

Some important information to note:

• Students will depart Middle School – Highton Campus at 9.20am and return at 3.15pm
• Students are permitted to wear casual clothes
• Bathers and towels are needed if students wish to use the water slide, paddle boats and canoes. Whilst in their bathers, students must also wear a t-shirt or rash vest
• Hats are required to be worn throughout the day
• Sunscreen will be available to students throughout the day and students are encouraged to also take responsibility for reapplying this
• Students may bring their lunch, snacks and drinks. A shop is available for the students to purchase food, drinks, ice-creams etc, should they feel the need to do so, at their own expense.
• Students are not to bring mobile phones to Adventure Park. These are to be left safely with a teacher or locked in lockers back on campus.

• If you require your child to be picked up or dropped off at the venue, we ask that you email your child’s Homeroom Teacher before Wednesday the December 7.
• In case of emergency whilst on this excursion, the teacher in charge is Mr Adam Kennedy who may be contacted via Middle School – Highton Campus Reception on 5241 1899.

 Please contact your child’s Homeroom Teacher should you have any further questions.

We look forward to a wonderful day.

It has been wonderful to offer this tool, alongside our school’s Online Safety Hub, to parents and our broader community to support our children and teenagers in this space. I encourage parents who have not already done so to activate their account, and to explore the support resources under ‘Child Safety App’ on the Online Safety Hub. 

It may also be helpful to explore the article ‘Should I be using a parental control?’ which has helpful information and advice about the place and role of a tool like Qustodio in your overall home digital wellbeing strategy. 

Qustodio Parent Feedback Survey 

I invite our parents to take just a few moments and share some feedback on Qustodio and getting started with the parent app. Please click the link to access the Parent Feedback Survey

Holiday Resources for Parents on our Online Safety Hub 

As we approach the holiday break and Christmas, there are a range of helpful guides and resources on our Online Safety Hub that parents may find supportive. There are direct links to some key guides below: 

• First smartphone 
• Creating a tech agreement 
• Screen routines 
• Online safety quiz 

The hub also has lots of helpful parent guides for specific games, social media platforms and other general technology and cyber safety questions under the ‘Parent Advice’ section.

Students currently in Year 9, 10 and 11 are invited to audition for the play which will be staged from May 11th-13th 2023. An information session has been held at senior school and Highton Middle school for interested students and anyone who did not attend this but is keen to audition should contact Ms.Calderwood to be added to the Teams page where all the information about the play is located. Information will be conveyed to Bellarine Campus students next week. Auditions will be held during Transition week. We will be looking for a cast of about 30 students for both female and male roles. 

The play will be directed by Ms. Kelly Clifford alongside assistant director Ms. Taylah Broad. 

More information about rehearsals will be conveyed after auditions but at this stage they will be held at senior school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Several Sunday rehearsals are also scheduled as listed below and students must be available to attend these if cast.   

Sunday 23rd and 30th April and Sunday 7th May. 

Any enquiries please contact Ms. Mandy Calderwood at Senior school, Ms. Taylah Broad at Highton Middle school, or Ms. Victoria Kent at Bellarine Campus. 

There are a number of different programs at different venues including the following: 

Note: This is a program supported and promoted by Rotary International, hence students may wish to seek sponsorship from a local Rotary club. Details are on the Santos Science Experience website. 

Each program is designed to provide students who have an interest in science with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work. Participants perform experiments in laboratories, meet and hear senior lecturers in lecture theatres, attend site visits and walk around and experience what it is like to be on the campus of a university or tertiary institution 

You are invited to visit the website for more details and to enrol. 

https://www.scienceexperience.com.au/