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Empowering Middle School students to make a difference

Head of Swimming, Janine Bates, is assisted in the pool by Raya (Year 8)

Through the International Baccalaureate, we encourage our Middle School students to be more than just learners; we inspire them to be active, compassionate contributors to the community.


Service as Action engages students in meaningful work that positively impacts others and fosters personal growth. Whether through volunteer efforts or curriculum-based projects, our students are encouraged to extend a helping hand to support various causes.

One of our initiatives this year was the Junior School Swimming Program, where Year 8 students like Raya (pictured above) volunteered their time to help younger children build confidence and safety skills in the water. By contributing to the Junior School Swimming Program, these students develop valuable leadership and teaching skills and gain hands-on experience in guiding and mentoring, enhancing both their personal and professional growth while also supporting staff.

The Year 7 JOY Program - Journey of You, was an exciting four-day event designed to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing. Year 7 students took on meaningful service projects, including a special cross-age teaching initiative where they guided Year 1 and 2 students in activities centred around happiness like reading and yoga, building emotional connections and spreading joy across age groups.

In the Planting Collaborative, students teamed up with Monash Council and the Wesley grounds team to plant Indigenous species, helping to restore our local ecology. This hands-on project strengthened our student’s bond with nature, while learning lessons in ‘grounding’ and deepening their connections with their community.

Other initiatives like making toys for the RSPCA and donating food and clothing to those in need strengthened our ties to the community.

It was wonderful seeing so many students get involved in these initiatives, which empower them to take care of themselves while making a positive impact on others and the environment.