From the Acting Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Esteemed Students of Year 9,

I hope this message finds you well and thriving. As the acting Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing, it's my pleasure to share with you the latest updates on our journey towards holistic growth and development of the future leaders of our College..

Over the past two weeks, our focus has been on nurturing the character strength of hope. In our wellbeing sessions, students engaged in activities aimed at exploring the essence of hope and its significance in navigating life's challenges. It was heartening to witness the enthusiasm and thoughtful reflections of our Year 9 cohort as they delved into discussions and exercises centered around hope.

During one particularly insightful activity, students were asked to envision one thing in the world which they hold hope for change. From these discussions emerged common themes that resonate deeply within our group. Negative thinking, financial stress, and environmental concerns were among the issues our Year 9 students expressed they could have a positive impact. It's inspiring to see our young minds not only recognize these challenges but also harbor a sense of optimism and determination towards addressing them.

In addition to our wellbeing focus, I've been collaborating closely with our student body to foster effective study habits and organizational skills. Together, I have been working with a number of students to develop study timetables to streamline academic routines and promote a conducive learning environment. I encourage parents to reinforce these efforts at home and to utilize the resources available, including our Learning Centre, to support their child's academic journey.

I also want to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of some remarkable individuals within our Year 9 cohort. Kaitlyn Hall’s triumph in the Year 9 writing competition showcases her talent and creativity, while Brody McLoughlin's impressive 2nd place in the Sydney Royal Easter Show reptile competition highlights his dedication and passion for wildlife conservation. This is a significant achievement as the competition is now one of the biggest frog and reptile competitions in Australia. Further accolades should be bestowed upon our Year 9 debating teams. One team, Year 9 A is undefeated at the time of writing this article. Their success exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and intellectual prowess. The Year 9A debaters are Georgia Nash, Aishriya Lal and Nina Isakov. The 9B debaters are  Emily Stevenson, Angelina Chamoun and Meghan Bartlett.  Students making a significant contribution to our Faith in Action community are Brenda Abreu, Siyara Gauchan, Jolena Valencia, Theresa Batara, Bella Chand, Aurelle Husada, Kayya Magayaga, Emily Stevenson, Hannah Adrales and Sabrina Dutong who volunteered for the recent 'Lifted' excursion that embodies our College's commitment to service and community engagement.

As we progress through the representative sports season, I extend my best wishes to all members of our Intermediate representative sports teams, especially our Year 9 representatives. Your dedication and sportsmanship reflect the values of our College, and I have no doubt you will represent us with pride and excellence.

Finally, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the parent community for your unwavering support and partnership in nurturing the holistic development of our students. Your involvement and encouragement play a vital role in shaping the vibrant and inclusive culture of our College. Let us continue to foster a culture of hope, resilience, and excellence within our Year 9 community. Together, we can empower our students to thrive and make a positive impact in the world.

With warm regards,

Mr Nathan Weaver
Acting Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing