Year 8 Encounter Day

Year 8 celebrated their Encounter Day on Wednesday 6 August. This was an incredibly successful day which allowed students to engage with guest speakers and a variety of activities focused on the theme Respect for self. Respect for others.

Mr Luke Kennedy attended the College and spoke directly about how his choices challenged who he wanted to be and led him down a difficult path with gangs and law enforcement. His message was clear; be true to yourself, surround yourself with people who build you up and you are perfectly imperfect when you’re on your own path. Students were enthralled by his personal anecdotes, recognising how their own struggles and actions can go against who they want to be.

Senior Constable Countache and Sergeant Ashcroft from Victoria Police attended to present a workshop on Respect and Cyber Bullying. Students learned what the legal ramifications could be and how to get support if something happens. These sessions were complemented with sessions working with Mrs Greenwell and Mrs Snyman on empowering our inner voices, recognising how we treat ourselves can flow on to how we treat others, or working with Mr Hann on what we see in the mirror and who we want to be.

We unpacked The Good Samaritan parable, comparing our own personal characteristics to those of each of the characters. Students reflected on their own choices and what decision they would have made if they were faced with the traveller in need. They then compared this to a dilemma which occurs regularly – when jokes are inappropriate and we are faced with the choices we could make. Students were challenged as they reflected on what reduces harm, is fair and how they would feel about their choice afterwards.

To finalise the day, Father Junray led us through a liturgy focusing on being our authentic selves and celebrating who we are. Our previous Spirit of Catherine award recipients and student leaders supported Father Junray through prayer, and actively joining in with the celebration of ourselves and our community.

On behalf of the Year 8 Leadership Team, thank you to all the staff, students, guests and families who supported our Year 8 cohort on their Encounter Day. We hope that they had an amazing day and take the on board the message of being authentic to who you are, being respectful to those around you and empowering yourself to enhance the (already) amazing version of yourself.

Mrs Kim Greenwell, Year Level Coordinator – Year 8 (Acting)

REMINDER: Year 8 Subject Selections – Due This Week

A reminder to all Year 8 students that subject selections for next year are due by Thursday, 15th August. This is an important step in planning your learning journey, so please ensure your selections are submitted on time. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to speak with your Year Level Learning Leader, Mrs Snyman, before the end of the week.

Kind regards, Mrs Marinè Snyman