Exciting Times for Middle School Students

What an exciting term we have had in Middle School!

Year 5 have created game boards based on colonial themes. Whilst Year 6 created a taste sensation with the incorporation of the weekly cafe, as a reward for their amazing classwork and awesome behaviour. This was enhanced by our second round of DaVinci electives where students are challenged and extended in a wide range of subject areas, from science to entrepreneurship and beyond.

We also had the pleasure of hosting a group of teachers from St Mary's Catholic College Wellington to see the amazing things that Middle School students are doing. It was great to share with them during the exhibition of the Year 6 Fashion Show, to inspire them with our approach to fitness, and to share our journey with restorative justice. Earlier in the term, elected Year 5 & 6 students did an amazing job in the Wakakirri Dance-Story Challenge making the evening WIN News! Great job to Mrs Cochrane and team.

In sport across Middle School, students have competed with commitment and great school spirit in netball, soccer, rugby league, rugby union and athletics to name a few. The inaugural season of afternoon sport began with a rugby 7's competition amongst the key Hunter Region independent schools. This new initiative was another outlet for our talented footballers in Year 7 & 8 who were successful in finishing a tight competition in second, for both boys and girls teams. Next year, the goal is two first places!

We also have been very successful in Year 5 & 6, with excellent results being achieved this term. Such results include the Cessnock District Netball Gala Day, qualifying for the NSW State Finals in futsal, and being undefeated in the local girls Rugby League Gala Day.

We have had students be successful at the HRIS Debating Competition, whilst others have been raising funds for their trip to the orphanage in Cambodia in the holidays, and other very worthwhile causes through the Year 8 IMPACT Project.

A big congratulations to Hamish of Year 8 on placing second in the Robocup Junior Hunter Regional Competition at the University of Newcastle.

Thank you to all of the students and parents for a great Term 3. Enjoy your holidays, and we look forward to seeing you back in Term 4.

Phil Gallagher

Head of Middle School