Term 3 has begun with tremendous energy and enthusiasm, and it has been fantastic to see students return ready to learn, challenge themselves, and make the most of every opportunity. Across classrooms, students have demonstrated a positive attitude, strong engagement, and a commitment to achieving their personal best. The excellent start to the term reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and families working together to create a supportive and successful learning environment. We look forward to building on this momentum and celebrating many achievements throughout the term ahead.

Subject Selection Reminder

All students have been emailed a link to complete their subject selection, and there are three key questions they need to respond to:

1. Are they returning to CMCB (If unsure, tick NO and include details in the comments).
2. Select LOTE or Supported English – If they select LOTE, they will be assigned to the language that they have studied in Year 7.
3. If they would like to continue with Classroom Music (In place of an Art or Tech subject).

Students need to click through until they get to the button that says “Submit Valid Preferences”.

Key Dates for Year 7 into 8 Subject Selection

• A personalised email with their login links to web preferences was sent to Year 7 students on Friday 24 July (Email was sent from “CMC Timetable”).
• Subject selections must be completed by Friday 7 August

Students have 3 submission attempts on web preferences. If they need more than 3, please contact the Mercy Homegroup Leader for support.

Recognition of Achievement: Silver Commendation

Congratulations to Makayla Jackson on receiving her SILVER Commendation badge and certificate for being awarded over 20 commendations from her teachers who recognise all the ways Makayla demonstrates what it means to Be Respectful; Be Responsible; and Be Kind. This is a terrific achievement and well deserved.

Quite a large number of students have also received their BRONZE badges for ten or more commendations and are wearing these with pride.

Learning Focus: English

This term, the Year 7s are developing their literacy skills through Australian ‘bush’ poetry. The students compare and contrast the ways in which Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson depicted life in the bush and analyse how their deliberate language choices convey messages about the Australian landscape, identity and perspective. Students are introduced to the unique features of short stories and poetry as well as the literary devices of alliteration, rhyme, imagery, juxtaposition, similes and hyperbole. The unit culminates in students writing an analytical paragraph in response to a poem and a topic.

How to assist your child with English at home?

Ask to see your child's homework. All Year 7 students have a homework book, and they are expected to complete as much as they can of the set homework each week. This is a terrific way for you to see where they are up to with their reading comprehension, spelling, grammar and writing skills. If you are concerned, please contact your child’s English teacher.

Ask your child which novel or non-fiction text they have chosen to read at the beginning of every class (except pracs). If they can’t tell you, perhaps they are not consistently reading at school. You can support them to find a book at home to bring or remind them that the library is open before and after school, at Break 1 and Break 2.

Have high expectations. All English and Supported English teachers believe that your child can succeed. We scaffold, modify and adjust where needed, and encourage your child to push further. Although sometimes this is challenging, we are seeing excellent growth in those who accept the challenge and know that improving their literacy skills helps in all areas of their curriculum and more broadly, life.

Mrs Kim Greenwell, Mr Sebastian Greene, Mrs Sarah Cody and Ms Alyssa Lemon, Year 7 Leadership Team