From Year 7
It has been a huge few weeks across the school, with plenty happening both in and out of the classroom. Our Year 7 ACS teams have been thriving, with four teams making it into their Grand Finals this week (Girls A and B Basketball, AFL Football and Soccer). A big congratulations to those teams and their coaches for their dedication and teamwork.
On a sweeter note, the school hosted Cannoli Day, where students embraced the opportunity for some "mass consumption" of delicious cannolis. Alongside this, we've seen three standout events for our Year 7s in recent weeks:
- TLC Orientation Sessions
- ACS Cross Country
- Year 7 Maths Games
TLC Orientation Sessions
Over the past month, our Year 7 Student Leaders have been playing a vital role in supporting the transition of Grade 6 students into high school through our TLC Orientation Sessions.
These sessions gave our leaders the chance to step up as role models and guides for the younger students. Some of our Year 7s stood in front of classrooms to share their own personal experiences, what they found challenging when starting secondary school, how they managed change, and most importantly, what they love about being part of the St Aloysius community. Others took part in a parent Q&A panel, answering questions from families about subjects, routines, friendships, and the opportunities available at our school.
The feedback from both parents and staff was outstanding. Families commented on how confident, articulate, and genuine our students were in sharing their stories. It was clear that the Grade 6s found great reassurance in hearing first-hand about what lies ahead, and many left feeling excited and eager about their own journey to secondary school.
During the time when I was doing TLC, I learned many valuable skills such as talking and acting out of my comfort zone, by talking to many kids and interacting with them as well. I tried to keep a straight face, but it's hard to talk when many people are staring, but over the weeks I pushed on, learning many skills and experiencing public speaking for the first time.
Jack Brown, Year 7
Over the past 4 weeks I have had the opportunity to do the TLC and the Q and A panel. During this time, I got to speak to the incoming Year 7s and their parents about my experience so far at St Aloysius. I spoke about public transport to the students and answered many questions from their parents. I am not a formal leader here at St Aloysius, so I am so lucky I had the opportunity to do this. I had so much fun sharing my experience with our incoming students and their families.
Milla Hachem, Year 7
ACS Cross Country
The ACS Cross Country was another highlight, with over 130 students representing St Aloysius on the day. As a school we finished 4th overall, which is an outstanding achievement.
Our Year 7s made their mark amongst hundreds of competitors:
- Elliot Savage – 4th
- Flynn Carr – 18th
- Kiara Bieri – 7th
- Abigail Rees – 12th
A fantastic effort by all involved, showing grit, determination, and school spirit.
Last Friday a selection of St Als students and teachers drove down to Bundoora Park to compete in cross country. Everyone did amazingly and tried their very best. It felt amazing to run in nature and the sight of trees and blue skies really helped me push through. Everyone is so proud of everyone that competed and I'm proud St Als came 5th overall without any Year 10, 11 or 12 boys. Keep it up St Als!
Abigail Rees, Year 7
Year 7 Maths Games
Last week, organised by our Maths Learning Leader, Kelly Gallivan, two teams of Year 7 students travelled to Penleigh and Essendon Grammar to compete in a series of mathematical challenges.
Students worked head-to-head with peers from across the state, tackling puzzles and problem-solving activities that stretched their skills and creativity across a wide range of maths areas. It was a brilliant opportunity to challenge themselves and showcase their teamwork.
On Monday I participated in the maths games. We went to Overnewton college to do complicated maths equations. We started with problem-solving questions. Most questions involved thinking deeply and using lots of working out. I really enjoyed the origami where we had a list of designs we needed to create. I finished making the pig and the boat.
Ollie Jones, Year 7
Jordan Miller
Year 7 Leader