Year 8

As we conclude Week 4, I am reflecting on the dynamic start to the term that Year 8 has experienced. The immersion program last week was, by all accounts, a resounding success. During luminary time on Monday, I asked the students to complete a reflection survey, and collectively they rated the immersion program an impressive 4 out of 5 stars.

The students were also asked to reflect on how the Immersion program had impacted their understanding of Indigenous culture. Here are some of their responses:

‘The Immersion program was able to help me understand more of the Indigenous culture like the ceremonies that happened and how the Dreaming stories relate to everyday life.’
– Euna Cho (Year 8)

‘It let me see everything from a new perspective and help understand the belief and culture of Aboriginal people better, seeing how they do things and watching their dances and listening to their Dreaming stories really let me understand how their view on the world is so different from Western civilisation.’
– Ruth Overton (Year 8)

‘I gained a very deep understanding of the prejudices that Aboriginal people have faced and also opened me up to a wide variety of ceremonies that were enjoyable and made me feel a sense of belonging.’
– Ivy Doan (Year 8)

‘I learnt more about their culture and the way their societies worked, and how they still work now after the profound effect of colonisation. I wasn’t aware of the initiation processes and enjoyed finding out about how and why they were carried through.’
– Audrey Sivyer (Year 8)

During Chapel this week, Reverend Viniana Ravetali and Principal Lisa Moloney announced that the School has officially adopted the Hijab as an optional part of the school uniform. Joumana Reehman (Year 8) eloquently spoke about the significance of this decision for her culture and sense of belonging. One of the prayers of intercession beautifully encapsulated the importance of this moment: ‘Jesus, you have called us into living a life filled with compassion and respect, you have shown us how to live the way of love, peace and justice.’

Key Dates for the Diary:

• Senior School House Athletics Carnival – Thursday 4 September 2025
• MLC School Dance Showcase – Saturday 13 September to Sunday 14 September 2025

– Kate Schurch
Acting Head of Year 8

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