From the Leader of Wellbeing - Year 8
Celebrating Kindness, Growth & Community in Year 8
As we move through Term 2, it's been incredibly rewarding to see our students engage so positively with the opportunities around them. From their participation in the Athletics Carnival to their thoughtful reflection after the Brainstorm production Verbal Combat, our Year 8 students continue to demonstrate maturity, spirit, and kindness.
Athletics Carnival – Participation and Pride
Our recent Athletics Carnival was a standout success! Year 8 students showed outstanding levels of participation and enthusiasm throughout the day. Whether they were competing, cheering on friends, or lending a hand, their positive energy and sportsmanship were evident in every event. It’s days like these that truly build community and pride in our college.
Verbal Combat – Learning Through Performance
Earlier this term, Year 8 attended Verbal Combat, a live theatre performance presented by Brainstorm Productions. This engaging and thought-provoking show explored themes of bullying, resilience, and social responsibility, particularly in online environments. Students were encouraged to consider how their words and actions impact others and to strive to be upstanders rather than bystanders. The performance sparked meaningful conversations, and we are proud of how our students responded with empathy and reflection.
Kindness at the Heart of What We Do
This term, our wellbeing focus has been on fostering healthy and positive relationships, with kindness as the foundation. Kindness isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a powerful tool for personal and social development.
The science of kindness shows that small, intentional acts of care and compassion can significantly boost mental health, reduce stress, and even improve physical wellbeing. Research indicates that kindness releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, enhances connection with others, and builds a stronger sense of belonging. It also improves focus, mood, and engagement in the classroom.
At St Andrews, we’re actively working to embed kindness across all aspects of school life. In Year 8, this has included:
- Circle Talk sessions focused on empathy, gratitude, and respectful relationships.
- Classroom check-ins that invite students to support one another through small gestures and shared reflections.
- Teacher-led conversations about how kindness can show up in both words and actions—online and in person.
We are encouraging students to see kindness not as a one-off gesture, but as a daily choice that shapes who they are becoming. Our goal is to build a cohort that lifts each other up and leads by example in creating a respectful, inclusive community.
Subject Selection Evening – A Huge Success!
A huge thank you to all families who attended our Year 9 Subject Selection Evening. The turnout was exceptional, and it was wonderful to see students and parents engaging with staff, asking thoughtful questions, and exploring the many options available.
We hope you found the evening beneficial as your child begins planning for the next stage of their school journey.
Parent-Teacher Interviews – Semester 1
A reminder that Parent-Teacher Interviews for Years 7–10 are taking place on:
Thursday 3rd July (12.30pm–4.45pm)
Friday 4th July (10.00am–2.00pm)
Junior Campus Hall
Bookings can be made through Compass.
Key information:
- Thursday 3rd July: Junior Campus students dismissed at 11.45am.
- Friday 4th July: Pupil Free Day for all students.
These interviews are compulsory and a vital part of the learning journey. Students are expected to attend alongside their parents. It is a valuable opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for growth as we move into the second half of the year.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a culture of growth, kindness, and commitment within the Year 8 cohort. As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Mr Jarryd Leaves
Leader of Wellbeing - Year 8