Junior School Report
A highlight for this term has been the Junior School Leadership Camp, where our current and aspirant Junior School leaders visited Camp Allambee, near Warragul. Despite some very challenging weather, our young leaders showed persistence and determination in completing a range of outdoor activities. They swung from the top of the giant swing, climbed the vertical challenge in the rain, and completed challenges on the initiative course in the mud. Our Year 9 leaders had an opportunity to lead a teamwork seminar on the first night which highlighted the value of collaboration and communication.
The leadership camp was a huge success and we thank the students and the staff involved for their persistence. Keysborough College were lucky to be offered this camp for free as part of the Positive Start program run by the Department of Education. All activities, accommodation and transport were paid for our 52 students selected to participate as part of our Junior School Leadership program.
All Junior school students had an amazing experience stepping back in time to participate in our very own History Day. Each year level experienced a range of activities from the time period of history they have been studying this term. Our Year 7 students have been studying Ancient Civilisations and experienced a range of activities including Mummy wrapping, exploring monster myths
and model making. The Year 8 students have been studying The Medieval Era and had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities from sword fighting to exploring medical treatments used in 1500AD. Our Year 9 students have been studying WW1 and participated in games replicating trench warfare. They also cooked scones, a staple food made by women back home that were then sent to the troops on the Western front.
The History Day provided students with an opportunity to get hands on experiences as they participated in an extensive range of activities. The students had a great time trying new things and applying their knowledge learnt during classes throughout the term.
What a load of GEMs! The Junior School GEM program has been sparking lots of interest with all classes competing to earn individual gems when teachers recognise their use of the 5P learning behaviours or displays of Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness during classes. Each year level will receive a prize to acknowledge the amazing efforts of the form group that earnt the most gems.
We have also had a number of students selected this term to participate in engagement programs at Operation Newstart and Myuna Farm. We are very proud of the accomplishment’s students make at these programs as they are designed to push students out of their comfort zone and require students to work collaboratively with people they do not know, developing their communication, teamwork, personal organisation skills as well as working on academic capabilities.
Yusuf Imre in Year 8 is pictured giving a speech at his Myuna Farm graduation ceremony. As part of the program he had the opportunity to earn his Barrister Certificate, Cybersafety Certificate and a Responsible Pet Owners’ Certificate. Yusuf also assisted on the farm with the upkeep of animals – milking them, checking their temperatures and giving the animals injections.
As we head into the holidays we would like to also promote the fantastic & free opportunities that the Greater Dandenong Council has to offer for young people looking to get involved over the break - activities include: Plays at the Drum Theatre, Children’s Exhibition, Noble Park Aquatic Centre activities, outdoor movies just to mention few. For more details please visit: https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/school-holiday-activitie
The Student Excellence Program also has a term break enrichment program for any student that might like to extend to their learning, just visit ARC to see the extensive range of programs on offer: https://arc.educationapps.vic.gov.au/eventhub/channels/VCES
We hope that everyone has a safe break and gets to spend some quality time relaxing with their family and friends.
Matthew Sloan and Melissa Williams
Assistant Principals - Junior School