Newsletter

A brand new term means our Year 8 students are exploring new content in new contexts. From delving into the work of advertising in English to shaping their own ceramics in Art, the Year 8s are in for a busy term.

The weather is finally changing which means Spring is on its way! Learning extends beyond the classroom walls, and we’re thrilled to provide students with learning opportunities outside of the classroom in Physical Education. Outdoor learning enables students to embrace a deeper connection with the world around them and foster creativity and curiosity.

The Year 8s are embracing diverse learning opportunities in their Outdoor Education Adventure Activities Unit. Students have begun to develop their teamwork, communication and leadership skills by tackling complex problems in outdoor environments. Throughout this unit, students will learn to utilise critical thinking to create solutions to challenging problems, navigate using a map and compass and enjoy working in the great outdoors!

Madeline Vines
Year 8 Health and Physical Education Teacher

In Health Education the students have commenced their Consent Education Unit. Consent Education plays a vital role in forming the foundation of respect and positive interactions between individuals. The aim of this unit is to empower the Year 8 students with knowledge and understanding of consent in different contexts, building a toolkit to utilize as they navigate through adolescence and beyond.

The following topics are explored in this Unit:

• Introduction to Consent
• Power and Relationships Imbalances - Healthy relationships
• Consent, the Law and Child Safe Standards - Rights and Responsibilities
• Myths and Misconceptions
• Social Media Consent

The excitement surrounding the Olympics has motivated the Year 8 students and other year levels to compete in a range of sports for their Houses! It is fantastic to see them actively participate and support their peers at lunchtimes. GO VERDON!

Emma Turner
Year 8 Leader

This term in Health and Physical Education we have started the topic of Consent and Outdoor Education. I have really enjoyed the outdoor education because we have done team building activities and this has greatly improved my communication skills with the people around me, It is an important thing for us to do because it is a great way to get out of the classroom and be active. We have done activities that require a lot of critical thinking, and this is a very important skill to have in life. In Health we have been introduced to consent and why it is important in life. This is important because in our life consent plays a very big role in maintaining good relationships. It gives us the tools and awareness of what is out there in the world and gives us a head start into what is key in life for consent.
WIlliam M, 8F

This term in Health and PE, we have started doing outdoor team building activities. Each week we do different activities that require us to show leadership and teamwork. Some of the activities we have done are capture the flag, ladder race relay and some smaller activities that have made us use our critical thinking skills and creativity. As part of Health we have been looking at consent which means asking for permission. Consent is really important because we want others to feel their boundaries are being respected and we are not making them feel uncomfortable. We have done various topics such as consent in school, respectful relationships, and consent in the law. I have so far enjoyed doing both these units because we have got to learn new skills that can help us in and out of the classroom.
Matilda O, 8D

In term 3, for Health and Physical Education, we have begun learning about the importance of consent. We learnt that we should always get an "enthusiastic yes" before we do something with other people. While, in Physical Education, we have started outdoor and team building activities, in these, we worked as a team to overcome problems such as building a tower with Jenga blocks or playing capture the flag. These are important because they help us improve how we work as a team, such as improving leadership, communication, and strategy.
Archer C, 8D

This term in Health and PE we have started a consent unit. This is an important topic for us to learn because it teaches us to be respectful to not only ourselves but also those around us. It teaches us to set boundaries, speak up when we are uncomfortable and learn how to recognize when it’s an enthusiastic yes or not so much. I've really enjoyed this topic because its helping me feel more confident with speaking up and voicing my opinions. In Physical Education class we are doing some outdoor activities. Because of the nicer weather recently we've been able to get out and have fun. The team building exercises help to strengthen our bonds while still getting to have some friendly competition with the other groups. I've really enjoyed it because I get to work with people who I wouldn't normally while also getting to work with friends. The fresh air has been a really nice change from being inside all day.
Gabriella R, 8F