From the Upper School
A message from Mrs Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
It was exciting to welcome the latest group of Year 9 adventurers to Vision Valley last Sunday for their Residential Program. They have been joined by 50 boys from Churchie in Brisbane for the four-week program. It was a little bit of a wet start for all involved, particularly our Queensland visitors, but all students are in good spirits and settling in well. Parents of participating girls can keep track on the daily events through the blog. Links to this have been provided by the Vision Valley team.
Zara Cooke of Year 10 has been selected in the U16 Australian Water Polo team to play in The World Aquatics Women’s U16 Water Polo Championships will be held in Manisa, Turkey from June 28 – July 4, 2024. Congratulations Zara.
Compass Curriculum
Each week Compass teachers lead students in a Compass curriculum lesson. Our Heads of Year 9 and 10 have provided the following overviews of the topics for this term.
Year 9
This term in our Year 9 Wellbeing curriculum time we are focusing on respectful relationships and inclusion to create well-rounded women of the future. These lessons include opportunities to work through scenarios, discuss open topics and share an understanding of what it means to show care and integrity to others.
This will be paired alongside group active movement courses to ease stress and give a natural energy boost to our students. Year 9 is also highly involved in five ways to wellbeing activities to support belonging and further opportunities to interact with the many individuals in our year group.
Year 10
This term, Year 10 Wellbeing curriculum will centre on understanding the significance of perception and fostering healthy relationships. By gaining insight into how perceptions influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, through a variety of activities and discussions, students will develop valuable skills for effective communication, empathy and conflict resolution.
Year 10 will also continue the work they have been doing on strengths and skills to help them make informed decisions about their subject choices for Year 11 and 12. They will receive guidance and support from our Curriculum and subject departments within the College, making sure that their subjects align with their academic pursuits, passions and aspirations. In addition, students will attend a presentation by Y-Safety to build on their knowledge and skills of navigating our online worlds.
Boarders’ Week
As we approach Boarders’ Week, we asked one of our Upper School Boarders to share an insight into her home on the lovely South Coast. Thank you Ella.
Hello, my name is Ella Mitchell, I’m in Year 10 and I’ve been boarding since Year 8 in 2022. I live in Dolphin Point, a small town on the South Coast of NSW. In my family there is myself, my older brother, Oliver, who is in Year 11, my mum and dad, Michelle & Adam, and my three baby cocker spaniels, Spencer, Beatrice and Beau. For most of my life, my family and I lived in Queanbeyan, a small town bordering ACT, Canberra, but we recently moved to the coast around June of 2023, needless to say we were all bursting to be able to wake up and have a quick walk to the beach.
Although I love being in Sydney through the school term, with the busyness and city life which provides so many opportunities, going home is definitely a highlight. The minute I am home, I feel calm and relaxed. There’s never a dull day in Dolphin Point, the water is always clear, matching the sky and the sun shining down onto the many beaches filled with locals fishing, swimming or relaxing with a friendly smile and up for a chat.
Even though I have been saying that I live at the beach, the view from my window is actually a reserve for endangered black cockatoos. Every morning, I wake up and am lucky enough to look out and see such beautiful birds in a safe environment. My usual day at the coast is exploring new beaches and lakes, and exploring I mean, driving the boat around while my dad fishes and I have a swim. I then socialise near the beach and chilling at the rocks, or, working at the local bakery, Lagom, a fun and vibrant area where locals or tourists come to grab a coffee and a sweet treat or their weekly loaves. Either way, I always come back home for dinner with the night sky and the fire pit on.
PAC Week
We were thrilled to see so many of our talented Upper School students wow the crowd at the PAC lunchtime performances. Here are just a few hightlights.
Reminder
Families would have received a link to complete the MMG education Parent survey. If you have not already completed this survey, we would appreciate you doing so soon. The information gathered will be used by the College to assist in its continual improvement. Thank you.
Key Dates
Monday May 13 Mother’s Day Breakfast
Thursday May 16 Year 10 Meningococcal Vaccinations
Friday May 17 igsa Cross Country
Thursday May 23 Year 9 Residential Program Group 2 Parent Workshop
Wednesday May 29 Year 7 to 12 Pymble Athletics Carnival onsite
Thursday May 30 YSafe Talk to Parents at 6.30pm
Saturday June 1 Indigenous Round of Sport
Sunday June 2 Afghan Football Match at Pymble Ladies’ College
Wednesday June 5 Year 9 Residential Program Group 3 Parent/Student Info Night
Friday June 7 Boarders’ Travel Day
Monday June 10 King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Wednesday June 12 Year 10 into Year 11 Subject Selection Event (Parents/Students)
Tuesday June 25 Secondary School Ensemble Concert
Friday June 28 Boarders’ Travel Day & last day of Term 2
Victoria Harrison
Head of Upper School