Junior School update

Science Talent Search

The Science Talent Search (STS) is an annual, school-based science competition open to all primary and secondary students in Victoria. This year the theme was Glass: More than meets the eye. We would like to congratulate Alexandra C in Year 4 and Olivia B in Year 5 for creating two award winning projects. Both students participated in a special online ceremony last week, where they received a certificate, medal and gift voucher. Alex took part in the experimental research division and investigated the effect of coloured glass on our eyesight. Olivia created a picture book titled “I am a Glassmaker”.

Year 3 and 4 Camp Reflections

Two weeks ago our Year 3 and 4 students completed their first Shelford camp. On Monday November 7 the bus whisked them away for 3 days and 2 nights of fun at Gundiwinidi Lodge. Students completed many exciting and adventurous activities such as archery, low ropes and especially the giant swing! 

The giant swing was thrilling! I could hear my tiny uncontrolled squeals of joy! – Lili M

Camp Activities were exciting and nothing like classes at school. – Emma Z 

My favourite activity on camp was the GIANT swing because I have always been scared of heights and I faced my fear. – Shanaya J

I really liked camp because I got to go with my friends, eat pancakes and watch a movie. – Lucia W 

One of my favourite activities was the giant swing because it was really fun and a good experience. My favourite food was the pasta because it was really yummy! – Tayla B

The weather was fantastic – we got the warmest days of Spring! – CJ

The Giant Swing was electrifying, I had butterflies in my tummy. – Alex C

Career Allsorts Presentation

On Friday11 November, Years 3-5 had a career talk with some of the Shelford student’s Mums. Here are some things we learnt from a General manager at Telstra, a Software Engineer, a Defense Scientist and Technology worker, a Marketing Innovator and finally a former Criminal barrister.

To be a General Manager at Telstra you need to have good communication and teamwork skills, and you also need to be able to try new things and learn from your mistakes, in this job you need a lot of technology skills – Arin J

As a software engineer, you need to be able to code and learn from your mistakes, know when it’s time for a break and be able to implement new ideas – Meleri L

Being a Defense Science and Technology worker, you need skills that include communication and teamwork, being able to handle stress, working with a budget, and being flexible with staying late and going on trips for work – Clara B

I enjoyed the marketing presentation because I learnt about different products and what you do in marketing – Rose B

Criminal Barristers need to have lots of empathy.  They need to listen carefully and let the people they work with tell their whole story. Barristers need to follow many rules and procedures. They must wear certain types of clothes and even a wig when they are in court. – Alex C 

We would like to thank the speakers for giving us an insight into their careers. We have been inspired by your energy and dedication and you have given us lots of great ideas. As summed up by Charlotte C, “Careers Allsorts was enjoyable, educational and it was interesting to hear about jobs you normally don’t talk about.”

Junior School Music

Fourth term is always an exciting celebration of the musical year, with many performances. The Years 3 and 4 String, the Year 5 Band program and the Corelli Orchestra students were pleased to perform to their parents in a series of informal concerts last week. We hope many students who participated in class instrumental programs, such as Year 3 Strings and Year 5 Band, will choose to take up these instruments in 2023, and gain the benefits of individual tuition and involvement in the Shelford ensemble program. There is so much research on how learning an instrument is beneficial to brain development and social and wellbeing skills such as collaboration and resilience. 

We have enjoyed some terrific music in Junior School assemblies and chapel services this term. Thank you very much to our various soloists (beautifully accompanied by Ms Kathryn Pisani) and ensembles: Olivia Banerjee Yr 5 (violin), Chloe Wang Yr 4 (piano); Lili Metz Yr 3 (violin); Senior School Flute Ensemble led by Ms Katherine Semanov, Year 5 Beginner Trumpet Ensemble led by Ms Laura Hertaeg; Interband led by Mr Martin Mackerras.

Highlights still to come for our Junior School musicians as the academic year concludes are Presentation Evening at Robert Blackwood Hall, Year 6 Graduation Service and the Sheltones singing with Senior Choir at the Oaktree Carols in the Garden on Saturday 3 December. 

Thank you to all Junior School parents for your enthusiastic support of the music program in 2022, and especially for actively encouraging practice at home. 

Jenni Thom 

Junior School Music Coordinator

Vicky Gemmell

Head of Junior School – Student Wellbeing and Development

Jacqui Sidaway

Head of Junior School – Curriculum and Innovation