As Term 3 draws to a close, our Grade 8 students have taken time to reflect on ‘What Went Well' and their responses have been both thoughtful and heartening. This Term, we placed a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence and connection through our Pastoral Care program, and based on student voice it’s clear that these values have resonated across all areas of school life. 

In the classroom, many students celebrated their growth across subject areas; from mastering challenging concepts to completing creative projects, students expressed pride in their learning. These moments of achievement reflect not only academic progress but also the courage to take on new challenges and the responsibility students are taking for their own learning 

“I liked doing the extended maths program because I got to try something new ” 

“In Art, I liked doing the laser art” 

“I enjoyed Science, dissecting a chicken wing was fun” 

“HASS is fun” 

“PE because we did a dancing unit” 

“Fitness Fanatics” 

“English because it was interesting” 

“Health with Mr Smith” 

“My ability to learn” 

“Pickle ball in PE” 

“Drama” 

“HASS because we learned about urban and rural areas and it was fun” 

“Spending time with my friends while doing work” 

“Writing my Science essay on radiation sickness” 

“Sports For Girls excursions were fun because we went to Anytime Fitness in the double blocks to work out and I really enjoy that” 

“Being able to try new things” 

“Having fun with friends and trying new sports I haven’t done” 

Students also shared the importance of being listened to. One noted, “It was good because my teachers asked what went well and if it was too easy or too hard so they could get the right work for me.” This reflects our commitment to respect and student voice, ensuring every learner feels seen and supported, as well as students’ own commitment to their continual learning and growth.  

Outside the classroom, connection was a recurring theme. Whether it was fishing on Winter Sports Day, bushwalks in Outdoor Ed, or going on an array of excursions and extra-curricula learning opportunities, students communicated their appreciation for time spent with friends and the opportunity to build relationships. These experiences foster a sense of belonging and highlight the importance of shared experiences in building a strong school community. 

“I loved the gala days, spending time with my mates competing for the school.”  

“Winter sports day, I enjoyed spending quality time with my friends” 

“Hanging out with friends” 

“Mountain Biking" 

“The astronaut excursion” 

“We got to catch fish” 

“Soccer” 

“I made really positive connections with other students” 

“The whole Term was fun and entertaining” 

“Me turning up and participating” 

“Excursions are fun” 

“I think the Science Fair went really well because I got to meet new people that have the same interests as me” 

“The Maths Relay was really enjoyable because I was surrounded by people who loved maths” 

“The questions are fun on the tables so we could share what happened in our week or weekend” 

As we head into the break, we celebrate not just the academic milestones, but the friendships, fun, and personal growth that have defined Term 3 for this vibrant cohort. Thank you to our students for their honesty, enthusiasm, and willingness to reflect, and to our staff for creating the conditions in which these memories and connections could flourish.