News from the Year 10 Dean

Our first few weeks in Year 10 – weEmbrace!

What a delightful start to the year we have had in Year 10! From day 1, I have had the pleasure to greet a friendly and energetic group of students who are willing to give everything a go! This wonderful sense of community and purpose is evident in the way the girls are approaching their academic responsibilities and indeed, every area of School life.  They are experiencing the clear leap in work expectations from Year 9 to Year 10, with many girls attempting a VCE Unit 1&2 subject this year. What an important learning experience and crucial preparation for their final years of School.

A large proportion of the Year level are extensively involved in Rowing, with the excitement building as we approach the big HOSG in a few weeks. Girls are excited about their GSV involvement and many can be seen on Friday mornings sweating it out at Boot Camp! They are indeed a fit Year level!

Of course, the commencement of DAV Debating is just upon us with many girls signing up to be part of this challenging and important co-curricular activity. In preparation for their debates, girls commit to attending meetings and practice sessions. Similarly, it is great to see so many Year 10s expressing an interest in tutoring students of non-English speaking background at St Ignatius Church, Richmond, every Friday afternoon. Others have committed themselves to making a difference to the environment and have joined the Environment Club. Whilst others are exploring their creative sides, through Viva Voci and the various Music Ensembles, Design Club and Writers Club. The girls are making the most of all the opportunities available to them.

Students have also expressed keen interest in completing their Year 10 Leadership Diploma at both the Light Blue and Dark Blue level. Ms Skye Stansfield, the Year 9 and 10 Programs Co-ordinator has been inundated with ideas and proposed initiatives, which is a testament to the desire of our students to make the most of their education.

Next week, we look forward to a talk about community service on a more global level and students will participate in Careers Day, as well as celebrating International Women’s Day.

As I reflect on the beginning of the School year thus far, I feel so proud of this wonderful group. Their positive attitude reflects the fact that they are ready to take on the challenges of Year 10 and VCE study and to carve a place for themselves as future leaders of St Catherine’s School and beyond. At Year 10, the girls are certainly encouraged to ‘embrace’ life.

 

Vasiliki Spanos, Year 10 Dean