It has been a busy few weeks in Year 9 – never is there a dull moment!

A highlight over these weeks were the games that were played during a pastoral lesson. The students played old fashioned games such as tunnel ball and egg and spoon races, among others. The purpose of these games was to create unity within the year level and individual Homerooms. It was sensational to witness the students being ‘children’; for their inner child to come out; for them to be free of any stress or pressure and for them to enjoy each other’s company. The laughter, the smiles, the enjoyment witnessed were a pure delight. The strategies used by some of the Homerooms, whilst questionable, will be spoken about as they value added to the experience and the fun. The character strengths of teamwork, perseverance, zest, humor and fairness were on display.

Class Captains

I had the pleasure to meet with the Class Captains recently. As representatives of the year level, they are exceptional individuals. The respect they showed to each other and the contributions they made to the discussion were mature, honest and enlightening. Our Captains displayed the character strengths of kindness, teamwork, leadership and honesty. May I introduce our Class Captains for Semester 1:

9K1	Cleo Ruthven	Riley Dow
9K2	Rhiannan Marie-Jeanne	Eve Dziurek
9K3	Chloe Thomas	Leila Timms
9K4	Ella Kerambrun	Zoe Lee
9K5	Lily Mealor	Lara Mhanna
9K6	Eloise Holborn	Jasmine Cusack
9K7	Bridget Monaghan	Indira Alappatt

Inspiring STEM+ Programme

The Inspiring STEM+ Programme modules have been another highlight. As the students gathered in the Kildare Centre, the engagement with and interest in the material presented by the guest speakers was palpable. This is a amazing opportunity for our students!

Palm Sunday Walk for Justice for Refugees

Last Sunday, two Year 9 students, along with their mothers, participated in the Palm Sunday Walk for Justice for Refugees. Rachel Pound and Rhiannan Marie-Jeanne lived out our motto of ‘Strength and Kindliness’ by participating in this event. It was an honour to walk alongside and to be led by Rachel and Rhiannan.

Homework Timetable

With the Parent Teacher interviews held in this last week of term, all Year 9 students are encouraged to act upon the advice given to them from their subject teachers. As the term draws to a close, and Term 2 is yet to begin, the reality is, that the semester examinations will be upon us quicker than we would like. It is imperative that students act on the advice next term in order to be prepared for the examinations and all assessments that will occur next term. Students are reminded to review their Homework Timetable – Did they use it effectively this term? Do they need to make alterations to accommodate new activities that take place in the new term?

The Year 9 students are to be commended for the manner in which they have conducted themselves throughout this term. It has been an honour to work with them. I wish every student, and their families, a very happy and safe holiday. I look forward, already, to seeing each student next term. Until then, please take care.

Jane Cowan
Level Leader: Year 9