Attending school is like a roller coaster, sometimes scary, sometimes fun, but most importantly we want you to enjoy the ride. As you read this the third week of the term draws to a close and the holidays feel like something in the distant past. For the Year 8s the first few weeks of school can be somewhat daunting. Our Year 8 cohort consists of students from over thirty different schools and sometimes settling into the routines of secondary school take a little time. Many students appear to have settled in very well and have begun developing new relationships with their peers. As I was chatting to some students they said they felt like they had been at Kildare forever and they like it so much more than primary school. Some of our students might take a little while longer to feel completely at home here. Remember we have many structures in place to support all our students. The Peer Support Leaders who have been involved in the transition process are always there for your daughter. These students continue to be involved in structured Peer Support sessions throughout the semester. Please don’t hesitate to contact your daughter’s PC teacher if you have any concerns.
The Year 9s have hit the ground running this term. I am always amazed at the difference a year makes. When I think about these students twelve months ago, it is hard to believe that they have grown and matured in different ways. During our Girls Achieve Day the Year 9s were engaged and energised throughout the program, particularly during the activities between recess and lunch. The beginning of the year can sometimes be challenging because students are somewhat out of their comfort zone, adjusting to new teachers and new classes. However focussing on the positives of the situation and being open minded to change is the way to developing a growth mindset. It is only through meeting challenges and persevering that we grow as a person.
Students have had their ID photos taken and Year 8 and new students in Year 9 will undertake the Progress Achievement Tests. These tests provide baseline data for the teaching team to identify students who may need extra support, as well as those identified for enrichment. Students are retested at the end of the academic year so that their progress and development can be monitored.
Michelle Camilleri
Middle Years Coordinator
