Growing Together in the Middle Years

It’s hard to believe we’re already three-quarters of the way through the year!

As we take stock of all that has happened, it’s encouraging to see the growth our Middle Years students have made, not only in their learning but also in the way they are developing as young people.

This year, we’ve been talking a lot with students about respect: Respect for others – whether that’s in the classroom, in the playground, online, or in day-to-day conversations – respect for our school and its property, and, importantly, respect for themselves by taking responsibility for their actions.

When things go wrong, we encourage students to step up and say: “I did that, and this is how I am going to fix it,” instead of pointing fingers. These moments of honesty and accountability are where real growth happens.

We’ve also been giving students some simple but powerful tools for managing social situations. If someone crosses a line, we encourage them to use calm, respectful language: “Please stop, I don’t like what you are doing/saying.”

And just as importantly, if they hear that message from someone else, the right response is to stop and offer a genuine apology. These small interactions help our young people practise consent, kindness, and respect in everyday life.

Another focus area this year has been understanding relationships, specifically the difference between an acquaintance and a friend.

Adolescents are at a stage where social connections are incredibly influential. By recognising what makes a genuine friendship, mutual trust, respect, and care, students are better equipped to form healthy and supportive relationships.

Of course, adolescence is also a time when mistakes are inevitable. As educators, we remind students that mistakes are opportunities for growth. By reflecting on their actions and learning from missteps, young people can limit future mistakes and continue to develop stronger decision-making skills.

As parents and carers, you play a vital role in these conversations. The discussions you have at home about respect, boundaries, communication, and kindness are just as important as the ones happening at school.

When young people see these values modelled both at home and at school, they are more likely to carry them into all areas of their lives.

Together, as a school and parent community, we can continue to guide our students towards becoming respectful, resilient, and responsible individuals.

Our young people will not only succeed in their education but also grow into adults capable of building healthy, respectful relationships in all areas of their lives.

Mr Steve Hohn
Dean of Middle Years