Junior School Update

Go Grey In May  

The Junior School loves to dress up for a good cause, no more so than on Go Grey In May Day, which was celebrated with bubbles, dancing and chalk artistry on the Helenslea forecourt. 

Chess Competition 

Last week, a chess tournament for over 100 girls was held at Presbyterian Ladies College. Five of our Junior School students attended to play 7 matches against opponents from various schools. All were quite nervous, but excited for the challenge ahead. We are pleased to share our team placed 7th out of 25 teams – a fantastic achievement and Shelford only just missed out on the State Championships by 0.5 of a point! 

The 2023 Victorian Junior Chess Championship is scheduled in the June school holidays, and we encourage any interested students to register. 

Further information can be found here. 

Bebras 

On Tuesday the 9th of May, 21 students from Year 4 – 7 participated in the online Bebras Australia Computational Thinking Challenge. The Bebras Challenge is an international initiative aiming to promote Computer Science among school students. Students needed to solve 15 questions within a set time period to earn as many points as possible. The questions are broken up into 3 sections, easy, medium and hard. 

We would like to congratulate all the students who participated in our recent challenge and extend a special commendation to a few individuals who were able to achieve a High Distinction or Distinction. These students were: 

High Distinction 

• Charlotte (Y4)  
• Lili (Y4)  
• Olivia B (Y6)  

Distinction 

• Ava (Y4)  
• Ashleigh (Y6)  

Many thanks to Mr Hogan for organising and hosting this challenging opportunity for our students. 

Eisteddfod 

Oriana K (Year 5) has excelled at the Hobart Eisteddfod. Oriana placed 2nd in the 10 Years and Under section, and 1st for 12 years and older. She then went on to play a 15 minute piano solo recital and won that section and played in the Undergraduate level group, competing against Melbourne Uni and VCASS students and won that group too! That was the highlight of her trip as well as playing in Government House and being greeted by the Governor. Well done Oriana, you have done us proud. 

Student Wellbeing: Sex Education Australia 

On 1, 8 and 15 June, the Junior School will be visited by educators from Sex Education Australia who will deliver learning sessions to each year level. 

Sex education is an important component of a comprehensive health education curriculum. It provides children with accurate information, promotes healthy attitudes and behaviours, and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating relationships and their own bodies. It is crucial to deliver age-appropriate sex education that:  

• respects students’ developmental stages and individual needs 
• aligns with students’ cognitive abilities  
• is understandable and relevant to their stage of development 

A fundamental aspect of age-appropriate sex education is promoting body literacy. Students will learn accurate anatomical names for body parts, understand basic body functions, and grasp the concept of personal boundaries. Teaching children about their bodies helps develop a positive body image, fosters self-respect, and empowers them to make informed decisions regarding their health and wellbeing. 

The students will also explore healthy relationships, learning about friendship, trust, empathy, and respect to lay foundations for healthy interpersonal interactions throughout their lives. 

The older students will investigate the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty, with an understanding that these changes are natural and part of normal development.  

Sex education for primary school students fosters healthy attitudes and values, including respect for oneself and others. It promotes inclusivity, challenges gender stereotypes, and discourages bullying or discrimination in a spirit of open-mindedness, tolerance, and acceptance of diverse identities, orientations, and family structures. 

Vicky Gemmell

Head of Junior School – Student Wellbeing and Development

Jacqui Sidaway

Head of Junior School – Curriculum and Innovation