Middle Years Matters: Masks, Camps, and Leadership

As the term gets underway, it's timely to reflect on a message shared with students during our last Phase Assembly of Term 2 about the masks we wear. Students were encouraged to consider how we all wear masks in different situations, sometimes to feel confident, sometimes to protect ourselves. These masks can serve a purpose in moderation, but if worn for too long, they can become harmful, hiding our true selves and limiting authentic connection. Part of growing up is learning when to wear a mask and when to have the courage to take it off.

This theme of challenge and authenticity carried through to the Year 9 Camp, where students who attended were challenged to step outside of their comfort zones in a three-day experience that demanded resilience, teamwork, and independence. Camps offer rich learning moments which are not always possible in a classroom. Some of these include learning to navigate discomfort, build stronger peer relationships, and discover new strengths. The students were exceptional across the three days, and we thank them for their positive engagement and behaviour.

Our camp program is evolving to offer developmentally aligned opportunities at each year level. In the future, students will participate in:

• A 2-day Year 7 day camp to foster early connections,
• a 3-day Year 8 experience designed to build confidence, and
• the 5-day Year 9 Wilderness Camp as a rite of passage marking the end of the Middle Years phase journey.

To ensure every student gets this chance, 2026 will serve as a transitional year, with tailored experiences offered across the 7 to 10 year levels.

Another exciting initiative is the launch of our Middle Years Leadership Program. Year 9 students recently began lunchtime sessions focused on developing leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and confidence. This program offers a space for young leaders to reflect, learn, and grow. A more formalised version of this program will be introduced to Year 8 students later this year, creating a clear leadership development pathway in the Middle Years.

Over the last week, our Year 7 students have had the opportunity to take part in presentations delivered by Elevate Education, focusing on essential study skills. This engaging and practical session introduced students to effective strategies for organisation, time management, and active learning techniques. By equipping our youngest high school learners with these foundational skills early in their journey, we are setting them on the right path for academic success. Developing good study habits now not only builds confidence but also promotes independence and a proactive approach to learning that will benefit them throughout their schooling years and beyond.

Finally, to our parent community, raising teens can be difficult at times. One moment your teen is laughing with you, and the next, they’re slamming doors or serving up one-word answers. It’s natural to take this personally but remember it’s rarely about you. Adolescents are navigating huge internal shifts. Their brain is still developing in areas like impulse control and emotional regulation. Their mood swings and defiance often reflect their growing need for independence, not a rejection of you.

So here are some tips and hints to help when you find yourself in the trenches with your teen. Remember to stay calm and set clear boundaries without anger. Be empathetic, but don’t let their mood dictate yours. Most importantly, stay connected. Small gestures of kindness and presence matter, even if your teen ‘pretends’ they don’t. The respectful, trusting relationship you’re building now will stand strong into the future.

In this journey of masks, camps, and growth, thank you for walking beside your child and our College community.

Mr Steven Hohn
Dean of Middle Years