Junior School News
From the Head of Junior School
It is hard to believe that the school year has ended and we are preparing for the holiday break and all of the festivities of the season. I would like to take the time to commend our students and thank our school families for how well they managed the end of year events. Carols Service, while a touch earlier this year, was still a very meaningful event with each House once again presenting thoughtfully and with respect to tradition. Our second Junior School Speech Night was as much a success as our first last year. I sincerely thank all of the staff involved in the planning and coordination of this event. The back stage logistics were carried out calmly and efficiently to ensure that all of our students were presented at the correct place and at the correct time. This no easy task when you consider that we were moving nearly 300 students backstage, many of them multiple times. Our students were wonderful and went through the different logistical requirements and, although they were quite excited, managed the movements calmly and efficiently. Congratulations to Matilda O’Sullivan (Jones) and William Slow (Millward) for being elected as our 2020 Junior School Captains. Matilda and William were inducted at our Junior School Speech Night.
I would also like to thank our students for the way they welcomed students who are new to our school on Transition Day. Many of our students were nervous about finding who their new teacher was and which friends they were with but they put those feelings aside and went out of their way to ensure that our new students felt welcomed. This selflessness was certainly appreciated by the new students and their families who went away from the day feeling like they were coming to a school where they were welcomed and where they too could belong.
Year Six Presentation Night
The Year Six Presentation Night is one of celebration and memories. Students enjoyed a wonderful evening together celebrating their time in Junior School. The quizzes about the teachers are always a hit and the speeches from students and staff about their journey in Junior School complete the evening. Joseph Baldwin (Y12 2016) was the guest speaker. Joseph talked about his experiences at school, focusing on giving every opportunity a go and not limiting what you can strive for. Joseph is an Australian High Jump Record Holder and is currently studying in Melbourne whilst acting in various theatre productions and training at the Victorian Institute of Sport. We thank Joseph for taking time out of his schedule to come back and talk to our Year Six students. The evening symbolises the end of one era where students may have travelled their Girton journey for one year or seven years. They will always be remembered for their contribution to Junior School and we wish them all the best as they now embark on new adventures in Senior School where they will meet new friends and have new experiences.
Please click on the images above to view the gallery
Last Day of School
Junior School students saw the year out with a fun-filled day, after a superb Speech Night.
The walk to the cinema was an excellent opportunity for some "buddies" to get to know one another. Choc tops seem to have been the order of the morning, with more fun activities in store for students in the afternoon.
Please click on the images above to view the gallery
Staffing
Next year we will welcome two new teachers to Junior School. Mrs Catherine Stagg has accepted a 12 month maternity replacement position to teach Drama while Mrs Rice is on leave and Mrs Anwar Almera has accepted a position as Teacher of Junior School French to replace Mrs Ryan who will be teaching in Senior School. Mr Norris has also accepted a 12 month position teaching in Physical Education in Senior School. Mrs Katherine Meadows has been appointed as a Junior School classroom teacher for 12 months to cover Mr Norris while he is in Senior School. Mrs Nicola Matthew has also been appointed for 12 months to cover Ms Rey who has been granted a further 12 months leave to continue teaching in a remote community in Western Australia. Both Mrs Meadows and Mrs Matthew have experience teaching in the Junior School.
Historically our Junior School policy has been to set a maximum of 25 students per Junior School Class. We are currently in the process of reviewing student numbers in the Lower Junior classes. The School Board have also approved the 12 month appointment of Classroom Assistants for Year One 2020 while this review takes place. The Classroom Assistants will be employed for half days from the beginning of the year.
Finally I would like to thank each member of our Junior School community, students, parents, staff and all of those people who, in some way, are involved in helping our School Community thrive. I wish you all a happy and safe holiday and look forward to working with you all in 2020.