Junior School News

From the Head of Junior School

One of the many things I love about being a teacher in a school such as ours is the excitement and variety of activities that take place every day. Today we have the induction of Semester 1 SRC and the launch of our involvement in the National Day Against Bullying and Violence. When I went over to check preparations for Assembly a group of our students were busily putting the final touches on their dramatic presentations. There was a combination of excitement and nerves. Our SRC members to be inducted were waiting patiently filled with the same emotions. 5 minutes after that I was corralling some very excited Year One students when I was called to retrieve a possum from their classroom. It had inadvertently stepped on the wrong ceiling panel and found itself in the middle of the Year 1 Science experiment and reading corner. They may look cute but I can attest to the fact that they are not as adorable when cornered (possums of course, not students!) From there it was out into the playground for a quick game of cricket with a group of students who ranged in age from Year 1 to Year 6.

When considering this morning’s activities which, wildlife aside, are not all that unusual, I reflected on the fact that it is easy for us as adults to be caught up in the busyness of our day to day lives. Children tend not to suffer from this problem. They are able to live in the moment and appreciate whatever is happening in front of them with a mixture of wonder and excitement. Perhaps this weekend parents might take the opportunity to ask their children what moments of wonder or excitement they have experienced so far this term. In turn parents might reflect on, and share with their children, some of the experiences that have brought them joy over the past few weeks.

Mr Donald Thompson

Head of Junior School

Junior School Swimming Carnival

Friday 21st February our students were excited to compete for their Houses in the Junior School House Swimming Carnival.  The students showed the great character and grace that we have come to expect, cheering on their House and their peers in all the events.  It is the first event for our newly appointed House Captains to take charge and they did a superb job motivating their House throughout the day and for the House Cheer at the end of the day. Thank you to Mrs Hamilton, Mr Doherty, Mr Robertson and Mrs Hurley for a well run event.  It is always pleasing to see the Senior School helpers getting in and assisting throughout the day.  Thank you to the Friends of Junior School for putting on the BBQ again, it is very much appreciated by the students and families of Junior School. 

Congratulation to Jones House for taking out the Carnival and to Millward House for their entertaining House Cheer.  

Congratulations also to our Age Champions:

9 year old            Emma Pomeroy, Jones                  Archer Yuen, Frew

10 year old          Ruby Flanagan, Jenkin                  Spencer Snell, Riley

11 year old          Alodie Thomson, Aherne              Thomas Seipolt, Riley

12 year old          Isabel Mulder, Aherne                     Fraser Allan, Frew

We wish all the students who were selected to compete at the Divisional Swimming this week all the very best.

Please click on the images above to view the gallery

SRC Inductions

Semester One SRC (Student Representative Council) students have been hard at work this term, assisting with fundraising for the World’s Greatest Shave.  They were officially inducted into their roles by Mrs Viv Bath, Deputy Head of Junior School, today.  We congratulate all our SRC reps on being elected by their peers.

Indigenous Cultures Workshop

On Wednesday 26th February Uncle Ron visited our School. He taught us all about Indigenous Culture. I really enjoyed learning about, spears and the didgeridoo.

Uncle Ron told us a story about his totem, the red tailed black cockatoo. He also told us about playing the digeridoo all over the world.

Marana Murray (4 Jenkin)

Please click on the images above to view the gallery

Developmental Play

Preparatory students enjoy developmental play every Friday afternoon.  This is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn through social, physical, emotional and cognitive play.  Play is an important and powerful activity.  Children use their imagination with dress-ups, building blocks, figurines, playdough, drawing and much more.

We asked preparatory students what their favourite activity is:

‘We get to build motorbike tracks’ Edward

‘I like building with the big blocks with my friends.’ Eamon

We get to play with people from both prep classes’ Bea

‘Dressing up is fantastic fun!’ Quinn

‘I like everything, but the knights are fun.’  Graham

Please click on the above images to view the gallery