Heads of Year Reports

Year 7 and 8

Both Year 7 and 8 cohorts have participated in Anglicare WA presentations during Extended PCG lessons over the past fortnight where Community Engagement Officer, Tegan, facilitated discussions about Healthy Relationships.

The Year 7 presentation focused on Respect: recognising respectful and disrespectful behaviour and understanding the impact disrespectful behaviour can have on others. Identifying gender stereotyping and the impact stereotyping has on everyone was a new topic of conversation for the Year 7s and one which was well received.

The Year 8 presentation focused on Boundaries: understanding, setting, and communicating personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others. Discussions around differences in the online and physical spaces were highlighted and students

Year 9 and 10

I hope those of the Year 10s that joined us for the River Cruise had a wonderful night. It was certainly a great time filled with laughter, dancing, and good food. To all the parents and guardians who I did not get to say this to on the night - thank you for your support of this event and help in making sure the students had a fantastic time.

The Year 10s are starting to explore the options for their work experience in Term 2. No doubt they will be asking for ideas and suggestions at home, and I want to thank you for this in advance. Our focus is on having as many students as possible undertake this within the CBD. There is also the option to do Virtual Work Experience here at school.

Year 11 and 12

Friday, 10 March was a truly magnificent evening for our Year 10 and 11 students. The Crystal Swan provided an amazing backdrop for the river cruise as the students enjoyed the magnificent setting sun over the City. It was wonderful to see our students dressed up for the occasion, and they looked absolutely fabulous.

The evening was filled with delicious food and non-stop dancing. It was an absolute joy to see nearly all the students enthusiastically jumping and dancing, with so much energy that the boat was bouncing.

I would like to extend our gratitude to all staff who provided supervision and support throughout the event, particularly Miss Wilkinson who played a crucial role in organising the evening. The undertook to spend some time reflecting on their own boundaries and how they communicate them in these spaces.

St George’s staff were proud of the way in which both year groups conducted themselves during these discussions. This was topped off by wonderful feedback from Tegan, the Anglicare WA community Engagement Officer, “The students were absolutely wonderful! They were all so engaged and willing to participate, answer questions and offer their insights. I really enjoyed meeting them.”

Ms Taryn Sephton Head of Year 7 and 8

Both our Year 9s and 10s have put in a phenomenal amount of effort and dedication with the World’s Greatest Shave and I am so proud of them all. It is incredible to see the year groups coming together for a tremendous cause.

Miss Katie Wilkinson Head of Year 9 and 10

students had an unforgettable experience, and it was all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff.

Overall, it was a truly memorable evening, and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide our students with such a fantastic experience.

Mrs Ingrid May Head of Year 11 and 12

Why going to university open days is useful for high school students.

If you are a high school student who is thinking about your future education and career options, you might be wondering whether it is worth going to university open days. The answer is most definitely yes!

University open days are a great opportunity for you to explore different campuses, courses, facilities and activities that universities offer. Here are some reasons why you should attend open days:

• You can get advice from experts: At open days, you can talk to academic staff, counsellors, admissions officers, and career advisers who can help you with your questions and decisions. You can also learn about scholarships, fees, entry requirements and pathways that suit your needs and goals.

• You can get a feel for the university culture: Open days allow you to experience the atmosphere and vibe of different universities. You can meet current students who can share their insights and experiences with you. You can also participate in information sessions, workshops, demonstrations and tours that showcase the teaching style and learning environment of each university.

• You can discover new possibilities: Open days expose you to a wide range of courses and disciplines that you might not have considered before. You can find out what subjects interest you, what skills you can develop and what careers you can pursue. You might even discover your passion or dream course!

• You can have fun: Open days are not only informative but also enjoyable. You can join various activities such as games, competitions, quizzes, and entertainment that make learning fun. You can also get free goodies such as bags, pens, stickers, and snacks that make your day more memorable.

Going to university open days is a valuable experience for high school students who want to make informed choices about their future education. So don’t miss this chance to explore your options and find out what university life is like!

Mrs Sharan Tagore APEx and Careers Coordinator

As Term One draws to an end our Lego Club is slowly making progress with their build. Work stopped for two weeks while we waited for a replacement pack for parts that went missing. Now work has begun again in earnest. Homework Club has also been busy after School with teachers available to help on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons until 4.30pm in all curriculum areas.

We had a lot of new books processed this term and there has been a flurry of borrowing. Students are making the most of their time outside of their timetabled classes to borrow for their extended reading in English classes. Some keen readers have expressed interest in David Eddings’ fantasy series that have been ordered. These are an old series, but clearly loved.

We are starting two book clubs in Term Two. The first will run on Wednesday afternoon in the Library and is open to all students. The second will run, by popular demand, on Friday at lunchtime in the Library. This is a specific “crime fiction” club, for readers from Years 7 to 12. Several students have expressed a keen interest in crime. They can visit me in the Library or direct message me for details.

My own reading has been varied. I finished two of Mark Smith’s young adult, dystopian novels; The Road to Winter and Wilder Country. Distinctly Australian, I enjoyed these for their unromantic exploration of life for a community in the aftermath of a pandemic. While the setting is tough for the characters, there is also hope in the survival of individuals who do not resort to barbarism and mayhem. I have also finished The Perfect Storm, by Sebastian Junger. This is the account of the loss of a commercial fishing vessel in the north Atlantic during an extraordinary storm. The book is a grimly fascinating exploration of the fishing industry and the unpredictability of the weather and the ocean. I am also reading Hamnet, by Maggie O’Farrell. Set in England in the late sixteenth century, this novel explores the impact of the plague on a family as they lose their 11 year old son to the disease. The tragedy is interwoven with the past story of the parents’ meeting and love. Together, let us read.

Dr Annette Pedersen Library Services Coordinator