I was so proud of Middle School during our traditional Anzac Day Assembly. It was expertly crafted by our Chaplain, Scott Bramley. There were many poignant moments including: our co-captains, Hazel and Henry, delivering their beautiful reading of the tribute to Sergeant Stuart Swanton; the Middle School Chamber Choir’s emotional performance of Amazing Grace; Deputy Principal Kate Croft’s personal reflection shining light on the concept of remembrance; and Graham ‘Smokey’ Dawson’s reading of the Honour Roll with his commanding voice echoing around the Memorial Great Hall. With our 780 student standing still, silent and sombre, the important Anzac spirit was definitely alive.
Tradition, as an inherited belief or a regularly occurring event, plays a very important role in all communities, schools included. Traditions set the culture and tone, they can be rites of passage, in a school they are frequently great learning and wellbeing moments. Great traditions are very precious to community members who cherish the sense of belonging, love the emotional connection and guard the event passionately.
The Carey Middle School has only existed for 30 years, yet we are very proud of a number of traditions, especially our belief that we should provide a broad education: ‘Opportunity, Challenge and Choice’. As stated in our Pathways curriculum documents, ‘Carey Middle School offers our young adolescents an extensive range of subjects and experiences. Combined with common studies, immersive learning units, and our extensive elective program, students enjoy the challenge of learning about the world within and beyond themselves.’ This principle is as alive as ever and is played out this term with many, now traditional, events taking place.
The Student Representative Council launched the term with one of their traditional lunchtime barbecues. Not only do these fill our endless hungry tummies, but they also provide wonderful leadership opportunities to these enthusiastic and responsible students. And yes, no phones has meant the role of counting the cash is back!
House Music rehearsals start this week. This lively event involves all students and allows our student leaders to flourish. With a theme of songs from female artists, this is sure to be an event that will bring energy, excitement and a sense of belonging to House and community like no other. During May we have a Year 7 Australian Indigenous Art of Storytelling Day as well as the whole-school Literature Festival and associated Poetry Evening. These unique events are more recent additions to our program but are developing their own traditions as they allow students to freely express themselves, make some emotional connections and find their place in our community.
As Year 8 students are fully aware, preparations are in full swing for their traditional three-week immersive program of Hattah Outdoor Education, Human Rights Convention and Rural Experience. Again this year, this will be combined with a Calibr8 day of Career and Leadership workshops. As Year 8 students participate in these activities, and become something like the 30th group of Carey students to walk Hattah, they too will sense the history, share the journey and hear the stories.
The Year 9 C-Change program celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. What a wonderful rite of passage this subject has become for our Year 9s. Exploring change in themselves, others and in the world, presenting TED Talks, actioning community projects and undertaking the city challenge program, gives students the opportunity to think about who they are and who they want to be.
How lucky we are to be able to grow our students through so many diverse and enriching traditions.
Meredith Plaisted
Acting Head of Middle School
