Respect, Responsibility and Relationship
Middle School is about far more than academics. It is a time where students develop character, responsibility, and the habits that shape the kind of people they become. Across Years 5-8, we continue to encourage our students to be engaged members of our school community by doing and saying what is right, even when nobody is watching.
Often, it is the small things that make the biggest difference. Using manners such as “please” and “thank you”, showing kindness to others, and speaking respectfully all contribute to a positive environment where everyone feels valued. We also encourage students to give their best effort in every class, even in subjects they may not naturally enjoy or when learning feels challenging. Perseverance and resilience are important life skills that grow through these experiences.
Respect for our shared spaces is another important responsibility. This includes returning tables and chairs to the correct rooms and configurations if they have been moved, wiping down tables when students have dirtied them, and taking pride in keeping classrooms and locker areas tidy. Something as simple as picking up a piece of rubbish, even if it is not theirs, shows care for our community and respect for others.
We are also reminding students about the importance of punctuality, organisation, and safe behaviour, particularly when travelling on buses and interacting with peers. These everyday actions help create a calm, respectful, and safe environment for everyone.
Perhaps most importantly, we continue to work with students on accountability, empathy, and owning their actions. Mistakes will happen, and part of growing up is learning how to respond when they do. Saying sorry and meaning it matters. Showing remorse when words or actions have hurt others, listening to feedback, and making better choices next time are all signs of maturity and strength of character.
I also want to acknowledge my own role in this. Recently, I have found myself having to reprimand students more frequently, and at times, my interactions may not have been as positive as I would have liked. As we ask students to own their behaviour and reflect on their actions, it is equally important that we as adults model this ourselves. Relationships matter greatly in Middle School, and I am continuing to reflect on how I can best support, guide, and connect with our students, staff and parents while maintaining our shared expectations.
For our students to thrive, we also need the support of our families. Schools work best when parents and staff work collectively, trust one another, and reinforce shared expectations and values. When the expectations at school differ significantly from those at home, navigating behaviours and building consistency can become difficult for students. We ask parents to continue partnering with us by supporting our expectations around respect, responsibility, effort, and accountability.
Building a positive Middle School culture is a shared responsibility between students, staff, and families. Together, we can continue to create a community where students feel safe, supported, challenged, and proud of the way they contribute.
Upcoming Events
Friday 29 May - Year 5-6 District AFLW & Boys Netball 9:30am-2pm, Wonthaggi
Wednesday 3 June - Elephant Ed - Year 7 Body Image session 11:30am-12:30pm
Wednesday 3 June- Elephant Ed - Year 8 Sex & Social Media session 12:35-1:35pm
Wednesday 3 June - Reconciliation Day Walk - Oval 2:20-3:20pm
Thursday 4 June - Year 3-6 Regional Cross Country 9:30am-2pm, Drouin
Monday 8 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday
Wednesday 10 June – Year 8 Community Project Expo The Collect 2:20-3:20pm
Friday 12 June - Correction Day (no school)
Friday 12 June - Year 5-6 District Soccer
Wednesday 17 June - MS Assembly 2:20pm
Friday 19 June - School Trivia Night 6:30pm, The Collect (Year 12 students, parents and staff)
Thursday 25 June - Year 5-6 Division Winter Sports 9:30am-2pm, Wonthaggi
Friday 26 June - MS House Music Competition Performances 1:05pm, The Collect
Friday 26 June - Final Day Term 2 – 2:20pm Finish
Monday 29 June – Monday 20 July - School Holidays 3 weeks
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Year 8 HAS Presentations
On Friday, 8 May we welcomed a range of experts from the local community representing a range of local organisations, including Bass Coast Councillor Mat Morgan, Jarvis Weston from Phillip Island Nature Parks, Kavindra Parange from Westernport Water, Simon Helps from Energys Australia, Environment Planning and Meg Humphrys and Peter Maganov from Bass Coast Shire Council.
Our guests came to hear from and question our Year 8 Humanities and Science (HAS) students who had devoted their time to examining the current and future energy needs of the island and how plans could encompass climate-sensitive solutions.
The experts were so impressed by the quality of the presentations that they were unable to choose a single winner. Councillor Mat Morgan, a member of the Greens Party, said the passion and thoughtfulness the students showed towards their topics left him feeling optimistic and confident about the future.
Marc Tillotson
Middle School Teacher
