We did it! Well done students and parents. Together you have officially reached the end of your Year 7 journey. It should be a proud moment for you all. One of quiet pride and genuine celebration of achievement. It should also be one of reflection, considering what went well and what can be improved in the years to come.

As the Year 7 leadership team, we thought we would like to reflect upon the year and the wonderful milestones and achievements that have taken place.

We would firstly like to thank each and every student who has made Year 7 such a great space to work in. After settling into what became the routine of Year 7 life, including learning new subjects through electives and meeting new people as well as renewing old acquaintances, we found ourselves with a team of trusty leaders that were elected in Term 1, including Year Level Captains and House Leaders. In Term 1, we were taken out of our conform zone, heading to camp in Kyneton. This provided students and staff with the opportunity to learn more about each other and themselves, while participating in a range of challenges, team building and problem-solving activities. Overall, we were thrilled with the way students worked together and started building new connections with their peers and staff.

In Term 2, students wore their winter academic uniform for the first time and had to learn how to tie their ties (or find a helpful family member or friend to do it for them!!!) Later in the term we had our first Encounter Day, and hopefully the messages about being an “upstander” not a “bystander” will stay with them for life. The tiles the students designed on the day, which can be seen on the crosses positioned in the SAM Building entrance, will hopefully be an ongoing reminder about how important the role each of our Year 7 students can play in their school and wider community.

In Term 3, students participated in Mercy Day, which allowed them to learn about the importance of “Living Mercy”, raising money in a fun way through our carnival and fete events for people less fortunate than themselves and learning how doing “little” things can make a “big” difference.

In Term 4, students were kept very busy with the Bendigo Tech School visits, finishing off assessment tasks and enjoying the remaining weeks of the school year with their new and existing friends. It was terrific to see them all playing downball, basketball and sitting around in the sun sharing lunch and laughs.

Year 7s, you continue to learn and grow as young people. Your teachers have worked with endless patience to help you to realise your potential and be your best. Bring your best selves to Year 8 in 2026 and build upon the wonderful foundation you have laid during Year 7 in 2025. made.

Finally, we hope you and your families have a holiday that is full of all of the things that bring you happiness and joy.

Best wishes,

Mrs Hayley Lethlean, Mr Stephen Evans and Mrs Sarah Cody