Years 8 and 9 Camp

Years 8 and 9 will head out on camp in the next two weeks. The Year 8 Challenge Camp and the Year 9 Service camps in Week 5 provide a wonderful opportunity for the girls to step outside their usual routine into nature and grow in their knowledge of the world and themselves.

Often at Year 12 graduations, students reflect on the memories they made on a school camp. These camps are a wonderful opportunity for girls to develop their social skills, meet other students, disconnect with technology, learn new practical and physical skills, and develop independence.

In the lead up to camp, please encourage your daughter to make the most of the opportunity. Help her to step outside her comfort zone, meet new people and try something new. If your daughter is apprehensive about going on camp, help her to focus on the positives and what she might learn about herself and others on this camp.

Balance during examinations

As Years 7 to 9 approach their examination period next week, we will be reminding them about the importance of planning their time well as they prepare, so that they can find a good balance between work and rest. The cocurricular program will continue to run during this period as we believe it is important for the girls to keep moving their bodies and using their minds to create and perform to bring balance to their revision.

We encourage the girls to set up their study space well by removing distractions and take regular breaks to get a drink, eat, play with a pet, have a conversation with a family member or go outside and get some fresh air.

Sleep is also vital for the girls during this period. The girls may be tempted to study late into the night if they are feeling anxious but, in our experience, less sleep only compounds these feelings and leads to poorer performance in the examinations.

Finally, at Meriden we encourage the girls to remember that these examinations are an opportunity for them to show what they know and to keep these exams in perspective. Trying their best but having the long view of their schooling and knowing that these examinations are but one building block in a long journey of their formation.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7