From the Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9

Congratulations on another term in 2022. 

You should all be proud of what you have achieved and should be looking forward to a restful break. Use this time to start a new hobby, catch up with friends, exercise and more importantly relax. We have had a busy term with Athletics Carnival, Reflection Day and Unity Day and for you all to continue to apply yourselves in your classwork and assessments has been a good thing to see. 

Unity day

Congratulations to all students who performed on Unity Day and thanks to everyone who got involved representing their culture. It was great to see the pride and passion you all had and it was great to see how supportive you all were during the day. 

As we look ahead to Term 3, set yourselves some new goals to achieve so you can remain focused and continue to strive for your personal best. 

YEAR 9 REFLECTION DAY 

On Friday 17th of June, Year 9 attended and participated in their Reflection Day. This day was about understanding God and our connection with Jesus in our lives. Students participated in a lot of icebreaker games and sessions in which they had to think about their choices, think about themselves and to reflect on the day. Students watched the YMT group perform dramas with a message which the students were able to understand. 

I am very happy with how everyone had an open mind and engaged in the day. It was really good to see this from each student. I hope everyone enjoyed this day. 

Last Friday, year 9 had gone over to the senior campus in order to engage in our year group's reflection day. The entire day was based on reflecting upon our thoughts and values, and also living on the mission of Jesus. To assist with displaying and helping us understand Jesus’ mission, the YMT group visited our school and brought forth a variety of activities that helped us to understand ourselves and our connection with Jesus. The thing I liked most about the year 9 reflection day was the drama plays that the YMT group had performed. This is because they were able to display such an entertaining performance whilst also showcasing an important message. These messages included being yourself and ways we were able to strengthen our relationship with Jesus. Personally, the key message that I took from the entire reflection day was that everyone is unique and that others around us don’t get to choose our worth and value because, at the end of the day, Jesus loves us all equally. 

Alexandra Marasigan

What the day was about:

On June 17, 2022, the Year 9s took a break from their normal school routine and had the opportunity to reflect on morals and values: two important aspects of life to preserve. Throughout the day, YMT (Youth Mission Team) organised activities for the Year 9s which helped them to reflect on their identity, relationships and spirituality.

What I liked most from the reflection day:

• For me, I personally enjoyed the group or whole cohort activities which were organised by YMT. Some activities included role-playing, while others included running!! These activities helped the Year 9s with their teamwork skills, but also helped the students to get to know their peers better.
• I even enjoyed the drama presentations which could be described in just three words: hilarious, heart-breaking and high-quality! I definitely took in the messages which were conveyed by the team.
• Another thing that was enjoyable was the reflection writing, in small groups. The activity allowed myself to be honest about my “true self” or simply my identity - like what I adore, believe and do.

Messages I learnt about:

• Always be truthful to God. When you become honest in your relationship with God, he can help you through your struggles, so that you can experience the best quality of life possible.
• Be honest in your identity. When you show off your “true self” to people around you, loss of identity is prevented and intimate relationships can be developed.

Ben Reyes

UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS

As always, a reminder of uniform expectations. If you need a reminder of what the uniform expectations are, look in your Learning Planner on pages 15A and 16A.

I wish to remind everyone again that the following needs to be done at all times or a red card will be issued:

• Blazers should be worn into Learning Group until their Learning Advisor sees them
• Blazers should be worn after period 6 and when leaving the College
• Non-St Andrews items such as beanies and hoodies SHOULD NOT be worn to school. 
• If a student cannot wear their sports uniform, they are required to wear their normal school uniform
• School jumpers cannot be worn over sports uniforms. A school sports jacket is required.
• Boys must have their facial hair shaved

I understand with the weather getting a lot colder students may want to keep extra warm. However, you need to comply with the school policy and not bring any hoodies or beanies. A black or navy scarf and gloves can be worn. 

STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Congratulations to all year 9 students who represented the school in sport and any extracurricular activities. 

Next term we have Oztag and Girls Basketball, hopefully we will have a good representation of year 9 students. 

Off-campus/School Events Permission Slip

As reminded on Compass this week, you need to return this note to the office or myself ASAP. If you need another note, please see me in B1

Final Message

Have a good holiday. See you all next term!!

Mr Kharl Carlos
Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9