Newsletter

Year 8 Science

In the year so far, our students have extended their understanding of the world by exploring the physical, chemical and biological sciences. We began our studies with Physics, looking at how energy is transferred between objects and transformed into different forms through various processes. One such process is chemical.

It was during our Chemistry unit that our students took to their lab coats and performed a number of experiments. Through their experimentation, students began to identify the indicators of a chemical reaction – that substances had been altered at the atomic level. By the end of this unit students had improved their practical skills and extended their theoretical knowledge of the substances around them.

While some themes throughout our study were easily observed, others required the use of a microscope. In our Biology unit, students learnt about the structure and function of different types of cells – the basic building blocks of all living things. To consolidate their understanding, students were tasked with creating their own cell models. Students showed off their creativity and knowledge to produce thoughtful and beautifully crafted cell models.

Well done to all our Year 8 scientists, we are so proud of what you have achieved this semester and we cannot wait to see more.

Over the course of our cells science topic, my class has been introduced to all sorts of organelles, and cell body types. We were engaged in the use of microscopes where we performed experiments with cell discs and onion skins. This topic taught us all new things about cells and how they interact within animals and plants. We learnt of organelles and how together they perform different roles in a cell to help it run. Overall this topic helped us improve previous knowledge and expand our understanding of the topic.
Ava B, 8C

In our Cells and Microscopes unit, we learnt about the different parts of plant and animal cells and how they function. We too had the chance to use microscopes to look at the cells up close. The year level also learnt about the different parts of microscopes and what they do.
Jack F, 8C

I have really enjoyed science these last few terms, we have been learning important topics for a good future career like cells and biology while doing fun hands on activities like looking at cells through microscopes and creating our own cell model, when we learn information it is always through a helpful and organised powerpoint where we can take notes and ask questions as they come and then completing a worksheet to make sure we understand fully, I look forward to learning more.
Dulcie B, 8C

Ana Milosovoska
Teacher - Science & Mathematics

Italian Poetry Recitation Competition

On August 28th, our college hosted the Centre of Italian Studies (CIS) Poetry Recitation Competition, providing students with a wonderful opportunity to engage deeply with Italian poetry. The event highlighted the discipline and dedication required to memorise poems and express their understanding through performance. Students impressed the judges by bringing the poetry to life, showing both their language skills and their connection to the emotions and themes in the poems.

This experience fostered an appreciation for Italian culture and enhanced key skills like memorisation and public speaking. We are proud of our students’ efforts and achievements, and we hope the students share this pride.

I was very proud of my poem and how I delivered it. I was especially pleased with my pronunciation. I memorised the poem easily by repeatedly reading the first line with the paper in front of me, then taking the paper away and reciting it from memory. Overall, I think I did a good job and feel proud of my performance. - Harrison B 8F

I memorised my poem with the help of an older student and by reading over each line five times, then reciting it a few times every day. I struggled with pronouncing some words, but my peers and teacher helped me improve. I'm proud that I was able to recite my poem fluently and confidently at a good pace. It feels rewarding to see my hard work pay off. This experience has improved my understanding of the language, as I now know how certain words and letters are pronounced, and after reciting the poem so many times, I sound quite fluent.
Saskia W, 8B

This year, all Year 7 and 8 students studying Italian had the opportunity to participate in the CIS poetry competition. We each had to choose one of the four Italian poem options, memorise it, and recite it to an adjudicator. Everyone had different methods of memorisation, and one approach that worked well for me was breaking the poem into segments and mentally repeating each section on my way to school.
One challenge I encountered was perfecting the pronunciation of certain words and aligning the tone of my voice with the tone of the poem. We were given recordings to practice with, and we also had lunchtime sessions where the older students helped with our pronunciation, which I found very helpful.
On the day of my recitation, I felt quite nervous, but afterward, I was proud that I had learned a poem in a language that was not my first. This experience not only taught me new words but also gave me and my peers the chance to explore Italian as a language of communication, literature, and art.
Noah R, 8F

Prof. Stangherlin and Prof. Schiliro
Year 8 Italian Teachers