28/11/19
Dear Matthew,
I am Matthew from year 8, All Saints College. Year 8 has been a good year for me, but there were a few bumps along the way. I had lots of great learning experiences, but the best learning experience of Yr. 8 had to be dissecting animal parts in science. I had a lot of fun learning about how the internal body parts worked and what they looked like first hand. This was the first time I had ever dissected an internal part of a body and it was exhilarating. Though this was the best learning experience and one of the most pleasant experiences it wasn’t the most enjoyable moment of year 8.
The most enjoyable moments of year 8 be this year’s camp where I got to know most of the people in Stirling house, Yr. 8, and become more of a leader myself. We had a lot of fun together and by the end of camp, we as a house became very close. Being with my house group is also where I learnt the most about myself, but I also learnt a lot when I was with my friends. The way I act with my friends reflects a part of me that I learnt is competitive which gives me an edge in my subject because I am always trying to push myself to be better, not only than myself but, my peers as well.
The other part of me that I learnt a lot about was done in camp and other moments with my house like competitor selections for athletics, where I found out that I am a leader. When there was a need for a leader Stirling house looked to me for guidance and the head of Stirling (Mr Gatti) looked to me to help communicate messages and to be a leader that year 8 Stirling knows and is comfortable with.
Two of the biggest contributions I made this year was when I acted in the performance of “The Monster Calls”, where I played one of the major roles, the Dad to the main character. We did this performance and raised money. Deciding as a group we gave the proceedings to a charity for parents who have cancer. Another big contribution I made this year was competing in the ACC athletics team as I did last year.
The one thing I would change about this year in the ACC I only qualified for 2 events (Shotput and Discus) and a last-minute relay after having a quick race to prove I was faster than another competitor replacing an injured runner. Whereas last year I was in 3 events (100m, Shotput and Discus) had a secured spot in the relay and reserved for several other events. This coming year of 2020 I plan on training and sharping my skills for my main events, 100m, 200m, shot put, discus and a few others like I should have done this year, so that is if I do get selected for the ACC team of 2020 I can be prepared to compete against harder competitors unlike this year.
And a finally to part with a piece of advice for all those years 7’s moving to year 8, it is important to stay focused and try your hardest. The tests in Yr. 8 are set out differently than year 7. They are set to make you use the knowledge you learn in class in real-world scenarios. Remember also not to stress to much and set time for rest and fun.
Matthew E