Middle Moments

Developing Physical Literacy

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I hope all Middle School students and families enjoyed the term break, and that the holidays were an opportunity to rest, relax and recharge in preparation for Term 2.

Physical Literacy

On Monday 1 May, Dr Natasha Schranz visited the College to address staff on the concept of physical literacy. Dr Schranz is the Active Healthy Kids Australia Co-Chair and Research Fellow at the University of South Australia. She was Lead Investigator, Lead Author and Project Manager on the 2016 Australian Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People.

Dr Schranz explained to Middle School staff that in today’s fast paced, time-poor, digital age, we find ourselves sitting for longer than ever before. All this sitting and inactivity is problematic for the current and future health of children. Relative to inactive students, active students have better concentration, are more confident, and have stronger muscles and bones, to name just a few of the health-related differences.

So, how can we encourage and support Middle School students to be more physically active every day?

The 2016 Report Card highlighted the concept of physical literacy, specifically the 'tools' children need to be physically active for life. Building physical literacy, like academic literacy, needs the involvement of parents, schools, communities, local, state and federal government.

If you would like further information on how to support the development of physical literacy in young people, please visit Active Healthy Kids Australia. 

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NAPLAN Testing

NAPLAN Testing took place for Year 7 and 9 students this week. Thank you to the students for their participation and effort during the testing, and for the Year 7 and 9 Home Group teachers who conducted the tests.

Currently in the Australian educational context there is a strong focus on improving student outcomes in schooling. Mercedes College is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to reach their God-given potential, and the quantitative data from NAPLAN Testing can be used to reflect on particular aspects of student progress in literacy and numeracy. Although useful in some respects, a focus on higher test scores matters far less than the development of compassionate learners who can make a difference in our world through a sense of justice and mutual respect. 

In the current climate of high-stakes standardised testing, the use of the Mercy Keys and IB Learner Profile at Mercedes College helps focus staff and students on the development of human potential. Successful schooling is not evidenced solely through test results, just like reaching one’s potential is not evidenced solely by what they record on paper one particular morning.

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Winter Uniform

Self-respect is a key component of mutual respect. One way students can demonstrate self-respect is to wear the College uniform in a manner that demonstrates pride in themselves and their school. Please note that in Term 2 the winter uniform is to be worn, with the blazer to be worn to and from school (regardless of the mode of transport). 

I appreciate the assistance of parents in ensuring students are well presented and representing themselves and the College with pride.

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Learning Reviews

I would like to thank those parents and students who attended our first set of 6 - 11 Learning Reviews on Tuesday 9 May, 2017. There is a follow up evening on Monday 15 May from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, for which online booking has now closed. 

These evenings provide an opportunity for students, parents and teachers to discuss academic and personal progress since the beginning of the academic year.  Students should be in attendance and be prepared to take on an integral part of the discussion about their learning. 

If you have been unable to arrange a learning review with a particular staff member, please contact them at the College and, if necessary, arrange another time to meet.

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Year 9 Camp

Outdoor camps are a key component of holistic education, and Year 9 students have been actively preparing for their upcoming bushwalking camp in the Grampians since midway through Term 1. 

Today the students participated in a day of preparatory activities in their walking and tent groups, ranging from discussions on nutrition and appropriate clothing to practical sessions on packing a rucksack and preparing a tent. 

We wish the students well in their final preparations before they head off on camp on Monday 22 May (AA Walks) and Tuesday 23 May (A – D Walks).

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Media Influence on Early Adolescents

Media influences play a part in shaping adolescent behaviour. Media influence can be deliberate (for example, advertising) and more indirect (for example, the sexualisation of content in television shows). Indirect media influences can suggest to adolescents that certain behaviours are 'normal', when the reality is quite the opposite.

You may be aware of 13 Reasons Why, a Netflix series that started on March 31, which presents a fictional story of a teenage girl who suicides, having sent audio tapes to those she blames for it. The programme has attracted a large teenage viewership. The College has a number of concerns with the content of the series. As such, and in line with our usual pastoral care processes, we will continue to monitor student behaviour and interaction, and will contact parents if we have any reason for concern.

In the meantime, I encourage all parents to read more on 13 Reasons Why from Mrs Anne Way, Director of Wellbeing and College Psychologist, in the Family Matters section of this edition of the Mercy Vine.

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ClassAct 50 Task Challenge

The ClassAct 50 Task Challenge revisits essential digital citizenship skills and encourages a culture of respect and positive interaction in both the online and offline world. This week, I would like to challenge all Middle School students to:

• Discuss the following question with parents: The online world is safer than the real world. True or False?
• Create a positive hashtag that encourages others to share photos that are respectful, kind and thoughtful.

I encourage families to partner with us and promote these tasks at home as well. Further information on the challenge can be located here. 

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Mother’s Day

On behalf of the students and staff in the Middle School, I would like to extend my best wishes to all the mothers in our College community, I hope you all have a lovely Mother’s Day on Sunday.

If you have any issues you wish to discuss, feel free to contact me. 

Jarrad McCabe
Head of Middle School - Pastoral
jmccabe@mercedes.catholic.edu.au