Junior School

Life Lessons

As a young chap growing up in Penrith, the Panther’s 1991 Rugby League Grand final victory was a highlight of my school years. I remember that the whole town really came to life and that I was walking on air for weeks. Last Sunday’s Grand final loss for the Panthers was therefore disappointing to say the least and led me to reflect again on some of the many lessons that can be learned from winning, from losing and from simply playing sport.

As well as the intrinsic value of participating and competing and the friendships that are often forged in doing so, I have a high regard for the opportunities sport offers for discovering and developing oneself – for life lessons. For example, I have noticed since we recommenced the summer season that the boys on my Year 5 Cricket team rarely if ever need prompting to congratulate an opposition player on a good innings or check on a player who might be hurt; they never laugh or gloat at an opponent’s mistake or back-chat an umpire’s decision even if they disagree with it. These talented and hard-working boys know how to play hard and how to support each other when someone is down or struggling. They are learning to pay attention to the small things that can refine their skills and one day, possibly make the difference in a game. They are also learning the value of putting the best interests of the group before their own personal desires or stats. They have been showing, on the field and at training, many of the values and attributes we hope for all boys to develop during their time in the Junior School, and I am grateful to be able to share those experiences and lessons with them as a coach.

Selfless Silence Fundraising and Mission Mass 

Speaking of putting the best interests of others first, please support and encourage your boys to be very proactive in fundraising for Selfless Silence. It is great that so many boys have already made a huge effort to gain sponsorship for this event. Remember that our efforts support the important work done by St Edmund’s, Catholic Mission and Chetanalaya. The plans for our Mission Mass on Friday of Week 4 are looking great, and I am very much looking forward to celebrating in the Chapel with the boys and teachers.

Book Week Character Parade and Online Book Fair

This is a last-minute reminder that tomorrow afternoon will be our Junior School Book Week parade, so be sure your son has everything organised for his character costume. Remember also that the online book fair can be found through this link https://www.thechildrensbookshopspeakersagency.com.au/book-fairs/.

Ben Munday

Director of Junior School

Year 5 Mooney Mooney RFS Incursion 

On Friday 23 October, the Mooney Mooney Rural Fire Service (RFS) came to our school and taught us what it was like to work in the RFS. We experienced what it felt like to be on the front lines in a series of workshops throughout the day. The volunteers, as Mr Viney introduced them, were Captain Outridge, Senior Deputy Captain Ronald, Fire Fighter Tierney, Deputy Captain Daniels, Deputy Captain Malcolm, Mr Viney and Group Captain Francis.

The day started off with an introduction and overview in the Robson Auditorium. The workshops included both written and practical work. We learnt to use radios and the phonetic alphabet in Westcourt Library, we learnt to use fire extinguishers and rake hoes in the Junior School garden and saw a demonstration of a drip torch being used. Hoses were used in the Smollett Place carpark, where the brigade’s main fire truck, Mooney Mooney 1, was parked. We learnt about all the features of the truck. You may have also heard the chainsaw demonstration in the Powell Pavilion, highlighting the importance of both safety and clearing areas for easy access.  

We learnt that there are lots of essential pieces of equipment in a fire truck, the front lines can be very stressful and an overrun is when a fire is too strong and the fire fighters have to run back to their truck, get under fire blankets, turn the air conditioning on and wait until the fire has passed over to get out. We also learnt that backburning is a last resort and hazard control burns are prepared, planned burns that don’t get out of control.

We are extremely grateful for the opportunities the day provided for our Geography unit and look forward to using the information gained to address the inquiry question ‘How can the impact of bushfires on people and places be reduced?' Year 5 students were able to make a $500 donation to Mooney Mooney RFS with students bringing in a donation on the day. We hope this small contribution assists in some way to continue the important work of the RFS volunteers. 

Lachlan Hanna & Jackson Tan

Year 5 Students