The Year 8s have had such a positive start to school this year and I have enjoyed meeting with each of the mentor groups over the course of the term. I have been particularly impressed by the number of positive reports from staff about how engaged and respectful our Year 8 students have been in their classes.

On March 17 our school participated in the World’s Greatest Shave. We are proud of Year 8 students Felix and Lachy who volunteered to shave and contributed to raising funds for the Leukemia Foundation. This demonstrates their courage and generosity – well done boys! A big thank you also goes to our Student Councillors and House Representatives who helped with the organisation and promotion of this event and assisted with the bake sale on the day.

Over the coming weeks, students will be completing an increasing number of assessments and winter sports will soon be starting, too. I know for many students this means juggling competing commitments.  Students are strongly encouraged to regularly check their Connect classes and to take time to revise their schoolwork and complete any outstanding work. Maintaining a routine is a great way to keep on top of their study load and social life. School diaries have been provided to all students and these are an excellent way to keep track of the different tasks they need to complete. If your student did not receive a diary, please ask them to check in with their Mentor teacher.

Over the coming weeks, Year 8 students will be participating in one of our much-loved Kalamunda SHS traditions: The Bibbulmun Challenge. Mentor groups will be walking a section of the Bibbulmun track as part of our focus on our school values of Pride, Resilience and Community. Students will bring home additional information as their opportunity to participate approaches and I look forward to taking on the challenge with the students over the coming months.