We welcomed the Year 8 students back after a three week break. We particularly welcomed Xi (CiCi) Xi to St Catherine’s School who has joined 8DS. The first week was very busy with students attending the Rowing Information Evening and Subject Information Evening. Ten students from the Olive Tree International Academy in Hangzhou China joined us on Tuesday 17 July for three days as part of a study tour. There were eight girls, two boys and two staff members. Students from our Year 8 Chinese classes were buddies for the visitors during their stay, which involved taking them to classes and interacting with them during recess and lunchtime. The visitors participated fully in the Year 8 academic program, received a geography lesson on Australia, visited Barbreck and generally enjoyed their interactions with our students.

We have another action packed term ahead. Rehearsals are already underway for the Term 4 production ‘Arabian Nights’. GSV training for Soccer, Badminton, Waterpolo and Athletics has begun. Skiers are preparing for the competition ahead and they started with a very successful training weekend at Mt Buller. The Learn to Row Program has been greatly supported again this year, with the first session taking place on the Yarra River on 4 August. Preparation is beginning for the DAV Debating program. All girls who have signed up for Debating and Public Speaking are reminded of the importance of regularly checking the tile on the portal.

In Level, we continue with the emotional intelligence activities and we have arranged a guest speaker from Warner Youth Education Services to provide an informative presentation on alcohol, during Level time on Monday 30 July. Music is again a focus for the term, with the Music Camp, which will take place in August, and the Spring Concert in September. As we have many talented musicians and singers in Year 8, we will all be looking forward to seeing the upcoming concert.

In the coming weeks, the Year 8 students will be working on a food drive for the Malvern Emergency Food Program. The students have been asked to provide a minimum of two food items that can be put together to create a meal for those families who are in need of assistance.

We look forward to many great results from our busy schedule.

Miss Jennifer Molloy Head of Year 8