Maddingley

Middle School Students Push Through Exams

Middle School exams are nearing the end and students are now more than halfway through. While there’s still work to be done, many are beginning to feel a sense of relief as they tick off completed subjects and focus on the final few.
This exam period has brought a mix of stress, pressure and determination. It’s natural for students to feel overwhelmed with the amount of revision and preparation required, especially as they balance their studies with other school responsibilities. Despite this, students have shown great effort and commitment, using their time wisely and supporting each other throughout.
Teachers have continued to provide guidance with revision strategies and extra help sessions, helping students stay focused and calm. From organising study groups to staying back after school for extra practice, many students have gone the extra mile to prepare as best they can.
As exams draw to a close, the hard work and resilience of our Middle School students is clear. With just a little more to go, students are encouraged to keep pushing through – success is just around the corner.

Shej S – Year 8 Captain

Exploring the Excitement of Co-Curricular Clubs at Our School

Every week, students from all year levels participate in a wide range of co-curricular clubs. These clubs, held during lunchtime or after school on specific days, have become a vibrant part of school life.

Why Are Clubs Important?

Co-curricular clubs offer students a place to go when they’re looking for something to do, feeling bored or eager to try something new. More than just a way to pass the time, these clubs provide opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills and connect with peers.

What Happens in the Clubs?

Each club offers a unique experience. Some focus on athleticism and competition, like badminton or triathlon. Others challenge the mind, such as Chess Club. Creative outlets are also available, including drama ensembles and choir. For those who prefer a more relaxed environment, board game clubs offer a fun and social way to unwind.

Students across year levels have shared their enthusiasm for the clubs:

A Year 4 student said chess club has improved their problem-solving skills.
Connor, Year 8, enjoys the drama ensemble for its variety of performances and strong sense of teamwork.
Ehaan, Year 6, appreciates badminton for the chance to spend time with friends and meet new people.
Harry, also in Year 6, values Triathlon Club for boosting his fitness and offering opportunities to represent the school.
Tanush, Year 6, finds choir a great way to express himself, build confidence and learn new songs.

Why Do Clubs Matter?

Beyond fun and friendship, each club teaches valuable life lessons. For example, badminton encourages good sportsmanship, while simply showing up regularly builds consistency and commitment. Importantly, clubs aren’t just for students who are already skilled in a particular area, they’re also a great way to discover new hobbies and make new friends.

Looking Ahead

Students are encouraged to check Schoolbox for upcoming club events and speak with House leaders or teachers to get involved. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of co-curricular clubs and discover how much fun – growth awaits!

Article by Lazurus S – Year 6 Leader

Woodlea

Middle Years Science

Year 6WD STEMpals

STEMpals brings together engagement with the STEM sector and the art of letter writing.
Students in Year 6 have taken part in the STEMpals program where they have been matched up with a STEM professional. This week, students have received their first letters from their STEM professionals and this was an exciting lesson with students reading their first letter and sharing their letters enthusiastically with their peers.
Some quotes from our students:
Shahzaad – My STEMpal is a pig research scientist, she works on the health of the pigs and how they can get nutrients.
Jack- My scientist sent me a great photo from a confocal microscope of brain cells. She works on how the brain responds to concussions.
Harsirat- I liked looking at the lab my STEMpal worked in, so I am sending a photo of my science room to him.
Niyamat- I learnt what a veterinary virologist does and how she helps animals. I liked how she had many similar interests to me.
The STEMpal experience continues into the remainder of 2025 with Year 6 students writing letters back to their STEMpals.

Li Richardson – Science Teacher
Elle Pelly – Head of Year 6 

Year 7 Staughton Vale Experience: Building Health, Resilience and Connection

As part of our commitment to supporting the physical, emotional and social development of our students, the Year 7 cohort recently spent two engaging days at Staughton Vale Campus. The visits, held on May 21 and June 16, were designed to deliver a bespoke health and wellbeing program, tailored specifically for adolescents and aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
Led by our Health teachers and Health Centre staff, the program focused on the key changes experienced during adolescence—both physical and emotional—as well as mental health awareness, basic first aid and strategies for seeking support at home and school. Delivered in a respectful and age-appropriate single-sex environment, the sessions created a safe space for students to ask questions, share reflections and learn from one another.
In addition to the health workshops, students participated in a wide range of team-building and outdoor activities that promoted collaboration, creativity and physical engagement. These included:
• Yabbying in the dam, offering hands-on environmental exploration
• Gardening, where students connected with nature and contributed to the sustainability of our campus
• Tabloid Games such as the Half-Pipe Challenge, Levitating Stick and classic Tug-o-War, all designed to build teamwork and trust
• A creative Obstacle Course Challenge where students worked in teams to design a course for others to complete
Across both days, students demonstrated enthusiasm, respect and a growing sense of maturity as they participated in these diverse experiences. It was wonderful to see them supporting one another, stepping out of their comfort zones and developing stronger connections with their peers and teachers.
We would like to thank all staff involved for their support in delivering this rich and meaningful program, and we commend our Year 7 students for the positive way they represented themselves and our school.

Krystal Pitt – Head of Year 7: Woodlea

My Adventure at the 2025 Young Women in Aerospace & Defence Program at RMIT University

Last term I had the amazing opportunity to take part in the Young Women in Aerospace & Defence Program at RMIT University.
Over four exciting days, I learned to code in Python, built a working satellite model and watched it collect scientific data after being launched from a drone 80 metres high! I also visited a drone manufacturing facility and had the chance to meet an aerospace industry expert who shared what it’s like to work in the field, and reminded us that anyone can be a part of shaping the future, irrespective of age and gender.
The program ended with a competition and interviews, and I was proud to win 3rd place! This experience taught me to stay curious, believe in myself, and that anyone can be a part of shaping the future—no matter their age or gender.
A big thank you to my parents, teachers and everyone who supported me!

By Sumishka B – Year 7WB