It has been a positive and calm start to the year in Middle School. On the first day, I spoke with students about the power of choice - reminding them that not everything will go our way, but how we respond, reset and bounce back truly matters.
Much like the Winter Olympics motto, “It’s Your Vibe,” the vibe across Middle School has been positive, calm, happy and inclusive. Our Year 5 students have settled in beautifully, impressing staff with their listening, manners and growing independence. Year 6 students are embracing their extended lunchtime, making the most of the oval, Gaga Ball and the tree-line spaces. Year 7 students have shown responsibility by asking questions when unsure, forming new friendships and actively including others. Meanwhile, our Year 8 students have stepped up with maturity and strong engagement in their learning.
It is still early days, but I want to commend the entire Middle School community for making positive choices. Thank you also to our staff and parents for your ongoing support as we continue to strengthen the partnership between home and school.
Thank you to all the families who attended our Middle School Partnerships Evening. It was wonderful to see you in person as we continue to strengthen the important connection between home and school. If you were unable to attend, please feel free to reach out to your child’s Home Group teacher, who will be happy to support you.
Calendar Dates
Wednesday 18 February - School Photos, MS Leaders Day – St. Paul’s Traralgon
Friday 20 February - School Photos
Saturday 28 February - Year 7 2027 Scholarship Testing 10am-2pm
Tuesday 3 March - Year 5-12 House Surfing Smith’s Beach
Monday 9 March - Labour Day Public Holiday
Saturday 14 March - Open Morning
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Introducing our Middle School Captains for 2026
My name is Ivy Addison, and I am Middle School Captain this year. I’m excited to support students as they work toward their goals and to help create an environment where lifelong friendships and meaningful memories can grow throughout our Middle School years.
My name is Annabelle Fallu, I am Middle School Captain for 2026. I am looking forward to helping as many people as I can with their confidence and enthusiasm towards school this year.
My name is Soul van Stokrom, I am Bass House Captain this year. I am looking forward to encouraging everyone to participate in House events and for everyone to have a great time in Bass House.
My name is Stevie Kent-Ford. I am a Bass House Leader. I’m excited to strengthen my relationships with my leadership peers.
My name is Ruby Pedersen, and I am a Clarke House Leader this year. I am looking forward to encouraging and helping all students throughout the year.
My name is Thomas Simon. I am Clarke House Captain. I love playing sports, I also have two dogs that I love to bits. I wish we have a fantastic year in Clarke House!
My name is Frankie Leary, and I'm one of the McHaffie House leaders for this year! I'm really looking forward to watching and participating alongside, my fellow McHaffie teammates in all House activities in 2026!
My name is Bella Oudshoorn, and I am McHaffie House Captain for 2026. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone better and helping anyone whenever they need.
My name is Lavenia Hewitt, and I am Sambell Captain in Middle School this year. I am looking forward to leading by example and showing commitment, passion, and positivity at every House event.
My name is Cruz James, and I am one of the Middle School Sambell House Captain for 2026. I am looking forward to supporting students to achieve their own goals and collaborating with teachers to make sure Middle School stays a fun, positive, and inclusive environment for everyone.
My name is Alice Martindale, and I am Middle School Sports Captain this year. I am looking forward to helping at all the sports events!
My name is Flynn Doig, and I am one of the Sports Captain for 2026. I would love to contribute by helping people at sports events.
My name is Alice Bell, and I am a Wellbeing Captain. This year I hope to bring smiles to faces, and loud laughs across Middle School.
The start of the year was impressively calm and orderly. I’m Steven Chen and as Wellbeing Captain this year, I hope to see the same positive energy continue throughout the year.
My name is Michael Christofi, and I am the Middle School Music Captain for 2026. I am Invested in getting more people into music this year and displaying how good an instrument can be!
My name is Sophia Hardy, and I am the Middle School Drama Captain this year. I can't wait to share my love of drama with everyone.
My name is Sam Bowtell, and I am the Sustainability Captain for Middle School this year. I look forward to leading initiatives that reduce waste, encourage responsible habits, and strengthen our school’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
My name is Molly Mackenzie, and I am the Sustainability Captain. This year I am excited to make a change and inspire young minds.
Year 7 Transition Day
Our Year 7 students have started the year with a huge bonding session - Transition Day! It was all about making friends, getting to know teachers and House mentors, and feeling confident in their new environment.
From team-building games at the beach to bowling, laser strike, pool and table tennis at Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre, there was plenty of fun and laughter all day long.
Thank you to all the teachers and mentors who assisted on the day.
