Dear parents/carers of Year 8,

It has been an action packed year so far with more exciting events to come!

SUBJECT SELECTIONS UPDATE

Thank you to our Year 8 students and their families for being so thorough and thoughtful during the subject selection process. All selections are now being carefully worked through with Ms Akai. Please note that student subject allocations will not be available for some time, but the school will communicate with families once this information is finalised.

YEAR 8 EMPOWER ME DAY

Year 8 will be participating in Empower Me Day on Wednesday the 3rd of September (Week 7). This pastoral program is designed to help students build confidence and self-esteem, strengthen friendships, and create a more supportive year group through a series of structured activities. The majority of the day is run by Enlighten Education. Enlighten Education offers evidence-based programs designed to boost self-esteem and confidence in young people. These workshops encourage students to become discerning consumers, critical thinkers, and to find their voice and power in a complex world. The workshops aim to help students move beyond stereotypes, resolve conflicts, connect with their peers, and develop positive wellbeing behaviours. For more information, visit Enlighten Education.

Key Information:

• Uniform: Sport uniform

• What to Bring: Packed lunch, recess, and a water bottle (canteen open as usual). Students also need a pen. Girls will additionally require scissors and glue for one of their workshops.

• Organisation: Students will meet as a year group in the gym after PALS. The day will conclude in time for students to catch their usual buses home.

• The day’s program will be separated into boys and girls groups to allow for tailored discussions and a more supportive environment in each session.

• Note: This is a compulsory event for all Year 8 students.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONFISCATIONS

• Mobile phones are not to be used at any time between 8:30am and the end of the school day. If a student has their phone out, it will be confiscated.

• AirPods are also not to be used by students unless under direct teacher instruction. These will also be confiscated. 

Consequences for repeated breaches:

• 3rd confiscation: student will be required to complete an in-school withdrawal.

• 4th confiscation: a second in-school withdrawal will occur, followed by a four-week phone monitoring period, as ongoing defiance is taken very seriously.

• Further confiscations: will result in suspension.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations at home so that all students can remain focused and engaged in their learning. We also encourage Year 8 to use lunch and recess to connect with friends, play games, and recharge. Breaks are a great time to build friendships, so we ask students to avoid isolating themselves or relying on devices.

BEING SAFE AND SENSIBLE ONLINE

Recently, there have been some negative incidents involving mobile phones and social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. To support our students in making safe and informed choices online, the Police will be visiting Year 8 in Week 8 to address important topics including sexting, online safety, pornography, and vaping. This session will highlight not only safe practices but also the legal ramifications of certain online behaviours.

We encourage families to continue having open conversations at home about responsible online use and to remain aware of their child’s digital activity.

LEARNING IN ACTION

It has been wonderful to visit Year 8 classes and see their learning in action. Recently, I dropped into a Science lesson where students worked in groups to construct their own marble towers. I witnessed lots of problem-solving, designing, and testing of their creations with enthusiasm!

MATERNITY LEAVE UPDATE

Earlier this term, I shared with Year 8 that I will be finishing up at the end of this term as I begin maternity leave. While it will be hard to step away from such a wonderful group, I know they are in great hands. The school is in the process of appointing an acting Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing, and I will ensure a smooth transition by sharing with them the needs of our students.

I am so grateful for the support I’ve received from families and look forward to returning to the role midway through 2026.