‘For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.’
– Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Oh, it has been wonderful to have love in the air! Year 9 students have been re-writing and then recording their scenes from Shakespeare’s classic; complete with sets, costumes and props. Not only have we been seeing co-educational collaboration at its best, but also engagement, creativity and the power of voice.
Student voice and agency is what led to the wonderful Dragon Boat Festival, Duanwu-Jie, held last week thanks to Bella (Year 9). Attendees delighted in the festivities which included traditional food stalls, cultural performances, calligraphy and an opportunity to engage in the spirit of dragon boat racing traditions. It was a truly special, student-led community event. It was wonderful to see Bella and her loyal friends developing and using their creativity, resilience and organisational skills.
As usual, this term it has been a pleasure to host the Year 4 Discovery Morning, Open Morning and the Special Tour. A new offering was our Inside Middle School Tour. Attendees saw students and teachers working through their normal timetabled lessons – core classes, electives and PE sessions. Their highlight was surely listening to our exemplary Year 8 and 9 Student Leaders. With nothing scripted and nothing off-limits, our leaders ‘did us proud’, happily answering questions and explaining our programs.
You don’t have to be a leader to have a voice in Middle School. All Year 9 C-Change students have presented their Ideas Worth Sharing. Presented similarly to a TED talk, they have been inspiring and thought-provoking calls to action. Year Level Forums and House Chapels have been wonderful opportunities for both big and small voices. Whether through singing a solo, presenting the reading, speaking on Growth, delivering a sports report, inspiring giving, introducing a speaker, giving a ‘shout-out’ or hosting the assembly – many, many students have bravely stepped up to the microphone and had their say.
Enterprise Week has seen Year 7 students using their voices to make positive change in the lives of others. Working with challenges presented to them by local organisations, and using design thinking, they have been developing empathy and solutions. We know from past years that the student presentations will be awe-inspiring and parents will have a hard time voting during the Showcase afternoon.
And of course, student voices have been thrilling the Middle School with songs and dances from our musical, Seussical. Highlights are many, but must include the powerful ‘Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!’ and sensational dance number ‘Horton Hears a Who!’ Congratulations to all students involved in this magical production.
Time and again, our students have proven themselves to be courageous, capable, caring and articulate. As we head into the holidays, I encourage all families to let their teenagers make plans, organise their days, stand up for what they believe and report back their highlights. Apart from anything else, it will give parents the chance to snuggle down with a good book – there is nothing like some peace and quiet!
Happy holiday!
Meredith Plaisted
Head of Middle School
