Year 7

miss Christina Romano | Year 7 Coordinator

With timid faces and baggy blazers, the Year 7 cohort of 2021 began the year on a really positive note with their cool confidence. The focus of the year was ‘responsibility’ as the students were encouraged to show leadership in their organisation, relationships with others and extracurricular activities. Despite the challenges that 2021 brought, the students showed impeccable resilience and determination in their studies.

The rolling green hills of Gippsland served as a background for the first experience as a cohort, for our Camp Rumbug experience. Students particularly enjoyed canoeing, archery and group activities in the muddy country terrain. Despite some tears and homesick hearts, overall the camp set the tone for the remainder of the term and allowed students to establish lasting friendships. In 2021, the Year 7s quickly warmed to the various College events including House and College Carnivals where they ardently participated in friendly house competition. Furthermore, demonstrating their understanding of the Don Bosco spirit, students learnt the importance of almsgiving through the Eat Up Australia activity which allowed the boys to give back to the local community. Building on resilience and sense of responsibility were central themes for the year as the Year 7s navigated remote learning and developed their organisational skills. The Mother and Son Evening was a celebration of the positive relationships the boys have with their mothers or an important female mentor in their lives. Despite this being an online event, the boys and their mothers and guardians thoroughly enjoyed this heart-warming experience in the comfort of their own homes. Music and Performance took centre stage across the year, with all students having the chance to pick up a musical instrument (many for the first time!) and getting to perform in front of their families. It came to my attention that we have some brilliant singers and musicians in the cohort!

From a pastoral perspective, the Year 7 and 11 Mentoring Program was a great addition to our oratory program which allowed the students to build and foster positive relationships with senior students. Unfortunately, the usual program was disrupted by COVID, nevertheless the Year 7s relied on the counsel and advice of their senior buddies throughout the year. Overall, the program allowed the boys to feel part of the Salesian community and enabled them to feel a greater sense of belonging. Overall, the year presented the students with challenges, both good and bad. They sailed the ebbs and flows that come along with being new students and overcoming various lockdowns; I am proud to say that the boys embraced these challenges and learnt more about themselves and others through the process. It has been a pleasure supporting and building rapport with such an eclectic group of young men and taking the time to celebrate their various talents during the year. Now with a more confident presence and a few extra centimetres – I wish the cohort every success as they continue on their high school journey. All the very best, boys!