Year 8 have been busy engaging with a range of learning activities and other school events throughout the term. They have been reminded to make the most of their time in the classroom, making efforts to be engaged and take risks with their learning. An area I will be encouraging Year 8 to involve themselves more in is their social justice and other extracurricular opportunities available at St John’s. Involvement in social justice is an excellent way to establish positive connections with other students and staff at the school, as well as making a positive difference in the wider community. Three great social justice initiatives we have at St John’s that are open to students of any year group include Vinnies Youth, JAG  and PAX. Weekly meetings and events for these groups are regularly advertised for students in the daily notices.

Let's take a moment to celebrate some recent highlights from the adventures of our Year 8 students.

WEEK  6 - TECHNOLOGY MANDATORY MOBILE DAIRY VISIT

On Thursday of Week 6, the Year 8 Technology Mandatory students were involved in the mobile dairy incursion. The day included discussions on the agri-food chain in the dairy industry, sustainability, biodiversity and nutrition of our animals. 

Hands-on activities enriched the learning experience, with students participating in a hand-milking session, skillfully separating whole milk into skim and cream, and eagerly competing in a butter race. Additionally, they had the opportunity to delve into the art of cheese making, further immersing themselves in the fascinating world of dairy production.

Thank you to Ms Hall, Ms Renshaw and Ms Walker for your organisation and support of this excellent learning experience. 

Throughout the mornings, students engaged in enlightening workshops. A bushwalk, centred on the concept of Stewards of Creation and inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, encouraged contemplation and appreciation for the natural world. Meanwhile, a beachwalk focused on the principles of Caring for our Common Home, drawing insights from Laudato Si, Pope Francis' encyclical on environmentalism. The liturgy, centred around Environmental Stewardship and echoing the year group's motto, 'Let your light shine,' provided a spiritual anchor for the day.

The enthusiasm and active participation displayed by Year 8 students were truly inspiring. They embraced the opportunity to connect with nature and engage in personal reflection. We extend our gratitude to all the students who participated, as well as to the staff members who contributed to the success of these meaningful days: Mr. Lopez, Mr. Beneditti, Ms. Jennings, Mr. Gray, Uncle Archie, Mr. Fuller, and Ms. Veale.

Student Reflection: Isabella Binney

As soon as we jumped off the bus we head straight into our classes, we were rushing to get to do as much as we could, when we were in our classes my class, 8REJ went down to the beach for some meditation with Mr Benedetti, we listened to the waves crash as we had a few minutes to think to ourselves. After that we went for a bush walk with Uncle Archie, listening to nature all around us and learning so much about everything around us. Lastly we met up with Mr Lopez and had a short liturgy.

SPORT 

The PDHPE and Sports teachers have shared incredibly positive feedback regarding Year 8's enthusiastic involvement and active participation in sports this year. Throughout Term 1, students have energetically represented their respective Houses in the pursuit of the coveted House Cup. A diverse array of sports, ranging from modified netball to soccer, volleyball, and basketball, have been enthusiastically embraced by the students.

As the Term 1 House Cup competition enters its final stretch, we extend our best wishes to all teams. May your determination and sportsmanship continue to shine brightly in these remaining weeks of the competition!

GEOGRAPHY - FIELD SKETCHWORK

Ms Lloyd's Year 8 Geography students spent their Monday morning lesson this week exploring Geography skills, specifically Field Sketching. As a class, they went through the requirements, looked at examples and then went outside to put their knowledge into practice. Awesome way to start the week on such a beautiful morning!

PI DAY

It was pleasing to see a group of Year 8 students get involved in Pi Day on March 14. A special mention to Rachel Martinez for her impressive efforts during the school wide competition!

YEAR 8 AND REPRESENTATIVE SPORT

A notable group of Year 8 students have involved themselves in Representative Sports so far this year. Whilst some events have already occurred, there are also many coming up and it has been great to see students dedicate time during their own lunchtimes for training and trials. Well done to the students who have competed so far and good luck to those who have events coming up!

SOUTHERN AFL 

We are very proud of Year 8 student Fergus Coughlan who has been selected in the Southern NSW AFL team! Good luck to Fergus as he travels to Wagga Wagga for the NSWCCC AFL trials in May.

 UPCOMING DATES

 'Let your light shine.'

Mrs Kate Jennings 

Year 12 Coordinator