Junior School News

From the Head of Junior School

I hope this message finds you all well as we enter our second term of the school year. I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back to School and hope that you had an enjoyable Easter break. 

This term, Mr Thompson has taken some well-deserved Long Service Leave. Although his presence will be sorely missed, we wish him an enjoyable time with his family. Whilst Mr Thompson is away, Mrs Peter will act as the Deputy Head of Junior School and Mrs Burge will take on extra duties within the leadership team. 

As we begin the second term, we are excited to continue our focus on providing the best opportunities possible for our students. We have some exciting events and initiatives planned for the term, including the Cross Country, visits to Palmers and Jets Gyms, our annual Foundation Day Service, and continued preparation for the Junior School Production of Aladdin.

This term we welcome five new students to the School. It is amazing how quickly these students have settled into our environment. This is largely due to the hard work of the Junior School staff and the welcoming attitude of our students. I would like to wish these students all the best in their time at Girton.

Last Friday the Years 3-6 Junior School staff and students attended the whole-school Assembly celebrating Girton Grammar School’s 30th Anniversary. The students were impeccably behaved and, although it was a very long assembly, enjoyed the opportunity to hear from Mr Jones (Founding Head), Mr Higgs (Founding Chairman of the Board), past student Mrs Francis–Wright and Dr O’Reilly. 

Invited guests were treated to a morning tea and the launch of the Girton Grammar School documentary. If you have not already watched this, I urge you and your child/children to do so.

Watch the Girton Grammar Story: https://www.girton.vic.edu.au/a-tribute-to-the-visionaries-girton-grammar-launches-documentary-on-schools-30th-anniversary/

Today, in the Junior School Assembly, I spoke to students about the importance of remembering and appreciating the historical background of our School.  I showed them some photos from 1993 which gave them a pictorial overview of the rebirth of Girton Grammar School and the work involved in getting the School operational. On Friday 12th May we will once again celebrate our rich history with Foundation Day.

Mrs Viv Bath

Acting Head of Junior School

School Refusal

School refusal is a complex issue that impacts a growing number of students and their families around Australia. It can be a challenging experience for everyone involved, including educators. 

School refusal is when a student has difficulty attending school, often due to anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including physical symptoms such as stomach aches or headaches, excessive worry, or outright refusal to attend school.

As a school, we want to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable coming to us with their concerns. We encourage you to communicate with your child's teachers. Together, we can identify the underlying issues and work to find appropriate solutions.

Some strategies that may be helpful include creating a plan for gradual exposure to school, setting achievable goals, and providing positive reinforcement for attending school. Additionally, seeking support from mental health professionals or other community resources may be necessary.

We understand that every student is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to school refusal. However, we want to assure you that we are here to support you and your child. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive school environment that meets the needs of all students.

Click on the link to an article explaining more about school refusal, including its underlying causes, signs and impacts: https://tinyurl.com/f2a3kx3j 

Year Six Camp

At the end of last term, our Year Six students attended School Camp in Canberra. Our students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. These programs link directly to our classroom curriculum, so it was a great experience for the children to be able to see so many aspects of what they had learned in the class in the real context.

Thank you to Mrs Bath, Mrs Milner, Mr Di Fede, Ms Holmberg, Mrs Henery, Mrs Vernon and Mrs Polidano who travelled to Canberra to facilitate this Camp. 

We also wish to thank the Australian Government for recognising the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government contributes $45 per student funding under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the School upon completion of the excursion and applied towards the cost of the Year Six Camp.

Camp Recount by Aanya, Amelia and Maya

We woke up very early on Sunday morning ready to go to Canberra. After various breaks, three movies and a very loud bus ride, we reached Leumeah Lodge, where we were staying. After a delicious dinner we went to Mount Ainslie, which had beautiful views, then we got back to the lodge and got ready for bed and went to sleep.

The next day we went to the Australian War Memorial. It was an informative and heartfelt experience. Next, we went to the National Capital Exhibition for some Canberra teambuilding activities, which was so much fun. After that we went to Parliament House where we learned about the House of Representatives and the Senate, and we also did a sitting Parliament roleplay.

On Day 3, after an early breakfast, we went to Government house which was stunning! Then we went to the Electoral Education Centre where we did a mini-election featuring which fruits we liked the most. Then we went to the Museum of Democracy which showed us how democracy has changed in Australia over the years. After that we went to the U.K. High Commission which is so special because the Commission is not open to the general public or school tour, but an ex-Girtonian, Millie McNair, let us in and showed us around. 

After a great day, we finally arrived at Questacon, where we had the best time of our lives. While we were there some brave students and teachers went down the vertical slide. To top it all off we had dinner there which was delicious. 

On Day 4, after breakfast, the first thing we did was go to the national zoo and aquarium, which was spectacular! We also had lunch here. Then we went for a bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin which was perfect because the weather was amazing. Then we had dinner at 5.30 so that we could go to Zone bowling at Belconnen. It was nice to see everyone having fun even although we were all exhausted. 

On our last day in Canberra, we got up very early and were treated to a special pancake breakfast. We packed our suitcases, got on our buses and were ready to return back to Bendigo. Everyone was extremely eager to see their loved ones after such a long time. 

Aanya Bhat (6 Jones), Amelia O’Rielly (6 Jones), Maya Dhanapala (6 Riley)

Lisa Chesters Visit

Year Six visited Parliament House when on Camp but unfortunately Lisa Chesters, MP – Bendigo, was not in Canberra at the time due to Parliament sitting the week before.  This term however, Ms Chesters took the time to visit our Year Six students. She presented the students with certificates acknowledging their visit to Parliament House and took the time to talk to them about her experiences as a Member of the Australian House of Representatives. Ms Chesters answered student questions and explained to them about the coming Budget announcement and Referendum. The visit was a fitting bookend to the Year Six studies on Civics and Citizenship. 

Year Five Excursion: Marvellous Melbourne Excursion

Last term, Year Five went to Melbourne for an excursion. I will tell you what happened!

The bus ride over was kind of boring when we got onto the highway but it was fun when you have friends to talk to. When we were in Melbourne, we saw a peaceful protest. A couple of people were holding the Eureka flag. It was really exciting to get to Melbourne.

Next we went to the Old Treasury Building. One group went to have the tour while my group went to have recess. During a game of chasey, I slipped and fell over on the wet grass (when I got home, I realised I had a trail of mud on my dress. 

After that, our groups swapped over and we had the tour. We saw the world’s biggest gold nugget, The Welcome Stranger. The replica was ENORMOUS! I literally freaked out when I realised the gold nugget was three times my weight.  There was also a part where they told us about the kind of fashions at the time. 

Then we went for lunch outside the Melbourne Museum. While we ate lunch, we cheered for this guy who I nicknamed ‘Skateboard Dude’ trying to do a 360-degree flip on his skateboard. Hazel called it free entertainment. 

Next we entered the Melbourne Museum. We split up for the Scavenger Hunt. There were boundaries, but at least we could enter the Cole’s Book Arcade section! We saw the chicken that laid eggs for children to have fun. Even though I only got two questions, I had a great time checking out the cool bits, such as the ‘Little Lon’ area.  We found out about what life was like before this generation. Sadly, we couldn’t see the eels. 

Finally, we boarded the bus to go back to Bendigo. I had a great time. 

Audrey Sheng (5 Jones)

On the 5th April, 2023 we as a Year Five group went to Melbourne. I arrived around 7:30am, about 15 minutes before we had to board the bus.  The bus ride was a two-hour journey and about 30 minutes until our destination, we saw a protest which mostly tradies were protesting for.  We saw the Eureka flag which we later learned about in the Old Treasury Building. 

When we finally reached the Old Treasury Building, we got split in half.  Our half went to the Treasury Gardens. We had our snacks and had a play before we switched over. Inside the Old Treasury Building, we saw a replica of the world’s biggest nugget. They said it weighed about 70kg! Then we saw a little area which was about the Eureka Flag. We learned that it was used mainly for protests. Afterwards, we went up some sets of stairs until we were in the Governers Office. We got to see the Victorian Parliament House and we learned if we saw the flags up, Linda (The Governor) was in Victoria and down if she was not. 

After a wonderful and interesting tour, we went back on the bus and went to the Melbourne Museum. We first had lunch before we went inside the museum. We saw a skateboarder which was entertaining and we cheered him on. Then Mrs Matthew asked up to drop our bags off and come inside. 

Inside the museum we went up the escalator and started our Scavenger Hunt. It was about the olden days. There was a massive Coat of Arms with the Emu and Kangaroo.  There also was an interactive map of Melbourne and a Black and White Movie Theatre.  There were also many topical things when Melbourne was around which kids loved back in the day such as ‘Coles Book Arcade’, ‘Little Lon’ and many more. Then we were asked to stop and went down the escalator and tried to see the eels since it was a big part of the First Nations diet. Sadly it was locked away due to construction. 

Then we came back home on the bus and talked and played some games on the way.  To sum up, it was fun. I was happy the whole way and I learned lots of fun information. It was the best excursion ever! 

Rrig Sharma (5 Jenkin)

Year Two Excursion: Golden Dragon Museum

In the last week of Term 1, Year Two went to the Golden Dragon Museum. There were lots of dragons. We saw dragons that we hadn’t seen before. We went to the gardens. In the gardens we saw a pond that had lots of different sized fish. We went to the temple. We had to walk in with our left foot first. We thought the excursion was fun.

Avika Soni ( 2 Millward)

Henry Smith (2 Frew)

Junior School Athletics Final Results

Our Junior School Athletics this year was a three-phase event with the Years Three to Six program being held on Friday 24th March. The Prep to Year Two program was rained out on the 24th so held over to Tuesday 4th April and our Spirit Cup was held in between time at school.  

Due to the Prep to Year Two events not being held until the last week of term and our Year Six students away at Camp, students had a suspenseful wait to find out the winner of the Annual House Cup!   

At our first Junior School Assembly for Term 2, students eagerly awaited to find out the final results of the 2023 Junior School Athletics House Cup……………

Congratulations to JENKIN House who won by just 38 points! 

State Swimming Championships

On Friday 28th March, a group of 13 Girton Grammar School students travelled to Melbourne to compete in the annual School Sport Victoria State Swimming Championships. The event was held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC). To gain entry into this State level competition, competitors must have achieved first place at the Regional Swimming Championships that were held in Swan Hill in March.  

Our Junior School students were very excited to be representing their School at such a high level and against many other talented swimmers from across the state. Each student competed in their events with fierce determination whilst also displaying fine sportsmanship. When our students were not in the water competing, they were in the stands cheering on our Senior School representatives. 

Many of our swimmers achieved personal bests on the day in their respective events. A real highlight of the championships was for our 9-10 Year Old Girls 50 metre Freestyle Relay Team who placed second in their event. This is a fantastic achievement and the girls should be very proud of their efforts.

We congratulate all the students who swam at the School Sport Victoria State Swimming Championships. We especially applaud them for the support and comradery displayed on the day. We also thank the many wonderful parents, grandparents, and carers who travelled with the students and supported us all throughout the day.

Mr John Doherty 

Teacher of Physical Education

Divisional Cross Country

Congratulations to the 47 Junior School students who represented Girton at the Sandhurst Division Cross Country at the Bendigo Race Course on Wednesday 3rd May. It was a day of many seasons as the wind blew, sun shone and rain fell as the students ran.  

A special congratulations to the following 10 students for their top 12 placings in their age group, meaning they will progress to St Arnaud for the Regional Championships in June.

James Davenport - 7th (9 Boys - please note, 9 year olds do not progress to Regional)

Belle Armour - 6th (10 Girls)

Sophie Lee - 5th (10 Girls)

Aria Hendrix - 9th (10 Girls)

Lauren Davenport - 5th (11 Girls)

William Martin - 5th (11 Boys)

Noah Kroschel - 12th (11 Boys)

Lucy Richard - 4th (12 Girls)

Maya Dhanapala - 5th (12 Girls)

Alicia Crowley - 6th (12 Girls)

Mr Paul Flanagan and Mrs Erin Moss

Canteen News

A reminder that the Junior School Canteen now has an online ordering system. Flexischools is an online ordering, payment and communication app for parents and schools.  

Please find below the instructions and log on code for your convenience. Cash payments are still available, however ordering via email on Astra will cease from Monday 15th May.