Inside the December Middle School Assembly

With the Winter Break fast approaching, it is important to practice acts of kindness and self-care activities that work towards positive mental health. 

These were the themes of the recent middle school assembly that took place on Thursday, December 10. Ms. Wachter, Director of Grade 7 and 8, opened the assembly by reaffirming the month’s message of being kind and introducing the various speakers presenting that day. Mason Kohler ‘26 took the stage to share what his plans are to stay mentally and physically fit during the break, which included learning how to snowboard. 

Ms. Whittingham was this Assembly’s guest speaker and opened up by sharing a story of how a student’s kind remarks once turned her day around completely. She encouraged students to reflect on the people who speak positively of them, and how students can also strive to be that kind of person to someone else. 

The Community Support Committee (CSC) introduced themselves to the middle school students, and explained the various initiatives Grade 7s and 8s can participate in throughout the school year. From organizing therapy dog visits to Myth Buster Mondays, the CSC reminded everyone that they are here to support students’ physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

The colder months are also a sign of the upcoming Winter OE trips, and Ms. Girvan gave students a sneak preview of what to expect on their Grade 7 and 8 trips. Students were excited to hear the different activities that Winter OE has to offer while discussing amongst themselves what items they’ll need to pack in the coming month. Ms. Jouppi followed up with a recap of the Fall OE trips and what students can do to manage homesickness and any difficulty with being able to fall asleep. She recommended packing a good book to read before bed and a favourite stuffed animal to make the nights a little easier.

Chloe Austin ‘27, Jamiee Ruby ‘27 and Maddy Shaw ‘27 next took the podium to inform students of the various clubs at Greenwood that they can join at any time. They highlighted clubs starting in the new year, such as the Fashion and Architecture clubs. Applications to join committees in the 2026-2027 year were announced to open up in April 2026. 

The Kindness Crew were the last group to take the stage, announcing the Kindness Market which was set to take place on Friday, December 12. This event gave Grade 7s and 8s the opportunity to spend their ‘Kindness Cash’ on treats, toys and half-dress down days. 

Asher Rosenberg ‘30, one of the Grade 8 Representatives, closed out the assembly. He addressed both attending grades by expressing his enjoyment of the school’s community and taking initiative to involve himself in student leadership. Sydney Kronick ‘30 followed up with her own experience of being new to Greenwood this year and encouraged her peers to get involved with the committees and clubs as she had.

There’s always something exciting happening with the Grade 7s and 8s, and we’re looking forward to the next middle school assembly in the new year!