Sparkles of Joy in Year 8 

We asked Year 8 students what had sparked joy for them in Year 8 in 2023. Below are some of the highlights from our Year 8 Cohort.  

GSV Sport

GSV was a great experience that brought joy, connectedness, and motivation to many of the Year 8s. The Softball Team made it to the grand final and enjoyed a well-deserved win against Ruyton. The display of teamwork and determination was evident. The triumphs didn’t stop there, the Netball, Tennis, Soccer, Hockey, and Badminton Teams also exhibited outstanding performances. The pre-dawn training sessions on Wednesdays, followed by the long bus rides home on Thursdays, were well worth the effort!
Claudia Driver

Learn To Row

In Term 3, one of the things that sparked joy for many Year 8 students was the Learn to Row Program. This experience helped us decide if we would like to continue with Junior Rowing in Year 9 and fostered independence, teamwork, and rowing skills. We worked with different coaches and crews, adapting techniques and skills to row smoothly as a team. The Program concluded with a Regatta where we raced each other, with our families watching and cheering.
Lily-Belle Stephens  

The Addams Family: Middle Years Production

In Semester 2 several Year 8s were involved in the Middle Years Musical, The Addams Family. The experience was tremendously exciting, with every rehearsal and performance presenting its own challenge, whether it be through trying to block a scene with the whole cast, or Mr Grunden trying to help the sopranos sing a tricky note. The final performances were so memorable and a clear highlight of 2023.
Fleur Angenent  

The Central Australia Experience

In Term 2, the Year 8 cohort went on camp in Central Australia. It allowed us to step into the native lands and understand the culture of Indigenous people. We were able to see the dessert landforms and identify the different kinds of energy – what we were learning in Geography and Science – in real life! Bike riding around Uluru and walking on Kings Canyon were great fun. The view was incredible. It was bright and vast, and the deep valley echoed our laughter as one group called out to another on the other side. On the other hand, there was also the peaceful Simpson’s Gap and the sacred waterhole that brought a smile to everyone’s faces. However, it is the little details that made the journey memorable. We always had delicious food waiting for us as we took a break from activities. On the way to different destinations, our bus drivers would tell stories and jokes. The students all sang together and took photos for each other, grasping the moments of joy.
Yuetong (Elsa) Wang  

The Gala Concert

The Gala Concert was a huge success for our Year 8 Cohort. So many Year 8s took part in the Concert, showing their amazing talent and abilities, and how each and every person has so much potential. My fellow peers who took part put in so much work prior to the performance, and it paid off. Students were involved in Strings, Concert Band, Choirs and Jazz Bands. Year 8 has lots of different talents, and it is so exciting to see my peers show off their musical skills. The energy leading up to the Gala Concert was awesome! The Year 8 Cohort was so supportive of everyone who contributed. It was a truly delightful and exciting night! 
Phoebe Butterfield 

Clubs

The most popular club among Year 8 students this year has been the Chess Club. Held every Friday, Ross (the coach) provides challenging weekly puzzles, and thanks to Mrs Hosking signing us up, we were also able to go to interschool tournaments, from PLC to Mordialloc College. We had a whole Year 8 team come first in the PLC Tournament and Vera Zeng managed an individual second! Chess provides not only a brain exercise but a fun pastime too.
Eva Yinuo (Eva) Li