In Term 3, we welcomed three new students to the Year 8 cohort: Jiayi (Emma) Wang and twin sisters Yanyu (Sophia) Jiang and Yanzhu (Sunny) Jiang. We also welcomed back Ms Liv Cher into 8BB as Form Teacher, who has recently returned from the position of Acting Head of Arts.

At the end of Term 2, the Year 8 piano students put on a concert for their cohort. It was wonderful to note the depth of musical talent performed on the day. We plan to have other performances during the term.

In the first week of the new term, St Catherine’s welcomed six students (five girls and one boy) and two teachers from the Olive Tree International Academy, Hangzhou, China. During their stay, the students attended classes with their ‘buddies’, received a special Chinese and Geography lesson, and visited the Junior School. Outside of school hours, they visited many tourist attractions, including making the long journey to Phillip Island to see the penguins. There were nine Year 8 students involved in buddying the visitors; these girls enjoyed making new friends and being hosts. These students are participating in the Cultural Tour to China during the September holidays and will again meet the students when they visit the Olive Tree International Academy.

St Catherine’s Year 8 students with students and teachers from the Olive Tree International Academy.

The 2020 Subject Selection Information Night was well attended by the Year 8 cohort and I am of the view that the majority of students in the year level are organised and very clear of their subject interests. A reminder that the subject elective submission date via the portal is due today, Friday 9 August.

Last Monday, students in Years 7 and 8 watched a performance delivered by Brainstorm Productions, called The Flipside. The focus of the performance was to make students aware of online ethics. It aims to challenge their perspectives on what is a joke, what is private, what can be humiliating, and what is safe and appropriate online behaviour.

Below are some of the Year 8 student’s reflections on what they learnt from the performance:

“I learnt that everything you do online can be traced back to you. I learnt never to take a video or a photograph of someone without their permission because what might be a joke to me, may not be funny to them.” – Georgia Szer.

“I found it helpful to learn about location services on my devices, not to use other people’s content and report a threatening action to a trusted adult or the police.” – Christina Wu.

“Do not save images of others without their permission and that past actions can affect future actions.” – Claudia Sowerby.

“I learnt not to join online forums or make comments online because everything is traceable. I know that if I post something of someone without their permission, it can spread so fast.” – Phoebe Hogan.

“Not to film others and post images without permission, always think about what you are saying and doing, and consider whether it will hurt someone.” – Natalie Apos.

“I learnt that it is not safe to have your location on your device.” – Charlotte Rodgers.

“The play enabled me to better understand that once you place something onto the internet, no matter how hard you try, it will be there forever.” – Ava Colosimo.

“Uploading photographs and images of other people is very impolite and it is not a joke, this may cause harm to them.” – Zixuan (Anna) Li.

“Put yourself in other people’s shoes before you say or do something online, be far more aware when online.” – Miranda Ware.

“If you receive a threatening message, tell your parents or someone you trust, do not try to hide or avoid because the situation can get worse.” – Qingyu (Eva) Liang.

The Years 7 and 8 students learnt about appropriate online behaviour through a performance delivered by Brainstorm Productions.

These performances help to reinforce the messages that we endeavour to deliver to the students at St Catherine’s.

The students have many activities beyond the classroom to focus on during the term. Students are currently preparing for the Tournament of Minds Competition and House Debating; rehearsing for Cinderella; participating in the many musical bands, ensembles and choirs; preparing for the Gala Concert; attending lunchtime clubs and activities; playing GSV Sport; and participating in the Learn to Row program. There is much to do at lunchtime and we encourage all students in the year level to be involved.

We look forward to yet another busy and fulfilling term ahead.