Learning Beyond the Classroom

I extend my sincere thanks to the staff who accompanied our students on many off-site trips and experiences. These included the Cadet promotions courses at the end of last term, the Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition, and the Athletics Coast 2 Coast trip to Queensland. Opportunities like these prove time and time again that learning never stops; our students continue to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and refine their craft through targeted camps, key competitions, and annual events.

Year 11 Northern Territory Immersion

This week, we also welcomed back our Year 11 students who travelled to the Northern Territory as part of our annual immersion program. Developed through our connection with the Yadha Muru Foundation, this city-country partnership allows our students to engage in authentic learning and broaden their perspective on the true potential of such connections. While a dedicated article in this newsletter edition will be able to detail much more of what makes this immersion so memorable, the hands-on learning and being on Country, alongside the deep reflections, no doubt would have been central to the experience.

My gratitude goes to the staff who accompanied this immersion: Mrs Fiona Brennan, Mrs Vicki Sheehan, Mr Richard Hughes and Mrs Jennifer Juhn. A special thank you to Mrs Jenny Greenhalgh, who works tirelessly behind the scenes in her role as Coordinator of Learning Link-Cultural Connections, to facilitate such partnerships.

Key Notices

• On Wednesday 5 August at 4:00 pm, we will conduct a test of our emergency messaging systems. You will receive both an SMS from Meriden and an app notification reading: “We are testing our emergency messaging system. No action is required from you at this time.” Please feel free to disregard the message when it arrives.
• Year 10 camp is on next week, Wednesday 5 August-Friday 7 August. Please ensure you have accepted permissions via Parent Lounge or the Meriden Parent App for your daughter to attend this compulsory camp.
• A new event has been published for all Year 7-10 students on Parent Lounge/the Meriden Parent App which advises that as part of the compulsory PDHPE practical program in Semester 2, students may participate in offsite activities at Strathfield Sports Club. Please accept these permissions.
• Recently we have upgraded the security of our campus gates. Redmyre Rd gates will be open between the hours of 6.30am and 9am, remaining locked until 2pm. They will open again until locking for the evening at 6pm. To enter the Senior School campus outside of these open hours, please use the Margaret St entrance, at the Sports Centre.
• During the Trial HSC Examination period students are permitted to wear their Full Sport Uniform (with the tracksuit jacket and tracksuit pants as the outer layers) to and from School for practical PDHPE lessons and sports training, when exams are held in the Sports Centre. Days students are permitted to wear their sport uniform to school are:
  • Monday and Tuesday Week 3
  • Monday, Thursday and Friday Week 4