"Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.

Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.

Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.

Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance."

Yoko Ono.

Welcome to Term 3! As we settle into the winter months, Yoko Ono’s reflection on the seasons feels particularly fitting. Term 3 is often when perseverance becomes essential, not just in learning, but in attitude and day-to-day responsibilities. It can be a time with routines tested and energy waning, but it is also a season when students can showcase their resilience and character.

Throughout this term, Year 8 students are encouraged to maintain high standards in their learning. This means staying organised with homework and assessment tasks, remaining engaged in class, and asking for help when they encounter challenges.

Equally important is the way students conduct themselves. We continue to promote a respectful and responsible community grounded in our Catholic faith. As adolescents develop socially and emotionally, we ask them to face challenges with maturity, respond thoughtfully to setbacks, and treat others with care.

At home, you can continue to nurture perseverance by helping your child manage routines, encourage good sleep habits and regular exercise, support balance with screens and study, and most importantly, celebrate effort; especially when things feel difficult. Your modelling of these skills and support makes a real difference.

This term, Year 8 also have the exciting prospect of selecting their elective preferences for Years 9 and 10. This process will allow them to take more control over their subjects and interests. It is always a good time to discuss with your child what makes them happy and what are their strengths. The VIA character strengths questionnaire may be helpful to students who are unsure about their preferences. It can be found at:

www.viacharacter.org

I look forward to a productive and rewarding term with our Year 8 students. Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping your children grow and develop to be the best they can be.

Year 8 Shout Outs:

• Well done to Jensen Robinson who represented NSW in Ice Hockey.

Any questions or queries please feel free to email me on Meredith.macdonald@mn.catholic.edu.au or call on 40147300.

Warm regards

Meredith MacDonald Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement