Middle School Report

by Mr Michael Busscher,  Director of the Middle School 

In the final Crest report for this term, I would like to acknowledge the excellent manner in which the far majority of our students behaved and enhanced their education. Considering this was the first time in three years that the boys had an in-school experience in Term 3, much was achieved in making the school year a successful return to something close to normal thus far.

Also looking ahead all Year 9 students will attend their Term 4 Rite Journey experience at the Norval Camp facility in Halls Gap from Wednesday, November 2 to Friday, November 4. During the camp the boys will participate in a number of challenging physical experiences including hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, high ropes and conservation work, which will be conducted by Norval staff and assisted by St Patrick’s College staff. Boys will have the opportunity of selecting their own level of challenge ranging from an all day race called “Zero to Hero!” including a night out in the Grampians camping; down to two smaller hikes and sleeping in cabins for two nights. This element of individual choice will never have been experienced on a school camp ever before and it is one that helps solidify an individual students Rite Journey experience. To assist with the selection process all boys will complete the Beep Test which provides some indication of a boys level of aerobic fitness.

Objectives of the camp:

• To conclude the boy’s Rite Journey experience.
• To promote healthy natural environments to our boys.
• To encourage an appreciation of the natural environment, and to educate our boys about caring for our national parks.
• To encourage the benefits of team work and being a member of a community.
• To continue to develop leadership in our boys.
• To provide opportunities to build relationships between staff and students and students and students.
• To develop concepts of personal challenge and adventure in each boy’s life.

Term 4 will also see the final Middle School Examinations running from Monday November 14 until Friday November 18. This will be followed by two weeks of the Year 10 2023 Headstart Program where all boys will transition into their Year 10 classes and begin their work. In the final week of school we will conduct the 2022 Academic awards Ceremony where our key Year 9 Awards will be presented.

As always, I hope that everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday period and return looking forward to a successful Term 4 and the completion of their time in the Middle School.

Mr Michael Busscher

Director of Middle School