From the Middle School
From the Head of Middle School – Jenny O’Donnell
On Tuesday, Year 7 had the opportunity to attend Manly Surf School at Long Reef Beach as part of their annual Mind Body Spirit Day. This was a time to celebrate their wonderful achievements throughout 2025, and a chance to take time out of routines to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. The girls took to the water on longboards and boogie boards, expanding their skills and spending time walking along the beach in groups to explore the rock platforms with friends. A picnic lunch and some beach games rounded off the day, and by all accounts, the girls were sensational!
Please enjoy the student reflections below:
On Tuesday, we had the opportunity to go to the beach for Wellbeing Day. We got to school bright and early, and hopped on the buses taking us to Long Reef Beach. The sun was shining, which was perfect for our first activity – surfing. Before we got on the waves, we had a lesson on the basics of surfing and how to stay safe in the water. The waves were great, and some girls even managed to stand up. We then moved to our next activity – boogie boarding. The waves were massive, but the instructors kept us safe in the water. Afterwards, we warmed up and had some food before heading off on our beach walk. The scenery was beautiful; we took photos and even made sandcastles. By the time we got back on the bus, everyone was tired, sandy, and smiling from all the fun we’d had. – Luci and Taylor.
MBS day was really fun! We went for a walk along the beach and learnt how to surf and boogie-board. My group tried surfing first, which I enjoyed the most. We shared a board between two and tried to stand up while riding the waves back into shore, I definitely fell over a few times, which made it a lot funnier. Boogie-boarding was also great, the big waves would catapult us and it was HILARIOUS. At some points it would get really cold, so we took a break and I made a slide in the sand that we would ride down on our boogie boards! The walk along the beach was stunning, and the weather was perfect with blue skies and sunshine. I don’t think anyone has any storage left on their phone. If it was up to me I would do MBS day, EVERY DAY. – Lexie Kostalas
Year 7’s MBS day was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To be able to try new things with some of your closest friends meant a lot to both of us and Year 7 as a whole. We started the day off with a lovely beach walk, the perfect start to a thrilling day! It was nice seeing everyone enjoy their time down at Long Reef Beach where we would dip in the water, take some photos of the ocean view, and just admire the scenery. I remember being hesitant to go in the water and having sandy feet for the rest of the day, but after going in the glistening water, it was definitely worth it in the end! After the quick walk back, we had a small lunch break where everyone talked, played games, and had a lot of fun! We spent our time playing Uno and laughing every time someone added a +4 card. We could smell the salty, sunscreen-scented air filling our lungs until that was all we could smell. Next up on the list was surfing! After getting a demonstration on how to surf safely, we headed down to the area where we would be riding the waves! The wind blew against our hair as the sand sprayed onto our skin. Our nerves were getting the best of us as we initially struggled to stand, but eventually, we had a go and finally stood up! After a tiring session of surfing, we moved on to our next activity, which in this case was boogie boarding! Smiles lit up our faces as this was something most of us were familiar with. On your marks, get set, go! Everyone raced toward the horizon, trying to reach the ocean first. It DEFINITELY wasn’t us, but we were close enough! Boogie boarding was a blast until we had to walk back shivering… Overall, the day was electrifying, and I would absolutely do it again if I could! I think everyone, including me, is looking forward to the next MBS day!! But I simply don’t think anything can top this one!! – Ishika S and Christina H
As Year 8 come to the end of their Middle School journey, and after completing their final assessment block this week, they will have the privilege of coming together as a year group next Thursday to enjoy a day at Luna Park – a new initiative that is very well deserved. The focus will be on independence, having fun, and being inclusive. This event is something that the girls are really excited about, and it promises to be a lovely farewell celebration as they prepare to step up to Upper School in 2026. Please ensure you have completed the permission form for your daughter to attend.
On Friday 21November we will be holding our traditional Christmas Chapel Service for Year 7. Invitations have been sent to parents, and we look forward to welcoming families back to chapel for this student-led celebration. Remembering that families joined us in Chapel on the first day of Year 7, this event bookends their entry year into Middle School. Afternoon tea will follow, providing a chance for parents to catch up and reflect on shared experiences.
Congratulations and good luck to the following girls who have progressed through to the UN Voice of Youth, State Semi-Finals to be held this Saturday.
- Junior division: Aaira Khan and Arabella Hoang of Year 8.