Junior School News

From the Head of Junior School

What is the difference between jealousy and envy? Or the difference between anxiety and stress? These were questions posed to our teachers and parents by Yale Professor of Psychology, Dr Marc Brackett. We were very lucky to have Dr Brackett visit us last week to provide further training in the RULER approach. At Girton, we know that understanding and managing emotions promotes wellbeing and success. This was the basis of our decision to begin implementing Yale's RULER approach 13 years ago. RULER is an evidence-based social and emotional learning program that provides an effective framework for teaching children about emotions. It stands for Recognising, Understanding, Labelling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions.

Teaching children to recognise their emotions is the first step. By identifying what they feel, children can begin to understand the causes and consequences of their emotions. Understanding emotions involves comprehending the complexities behind these feelings, including the triggers and the impact on themselves and others. When Dr Brackett posed the questions to us, he was prompting us to think in more depth about these emotions. As adults, it was not a simple task to define the differences between the terms that he presented.

Helping our children to develop a deeper understanding of different emotions helps them to more accurately articulate their experiences, making it easier to seek help or communicate their needs when necessary. This will be one of our focuses as we continue to implement the RULER approach in Junior School. Later in the year, our RULER team will be presenting an information session designed to assist parents and carers in supporting their children's emotional development. In the meantime, parents can access RULER resources on Astra.

Red Shield Appeal

This weekend is the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. Our school is a strong supporter of this cause, with our Senior School students taking on the role of collectors over the weekend. While our Junior School students are too young to be collecting, they have supported the appeal over the last few weeks by collecting non-perishable food items and coins for donation. On Wednesday, the Junior School also held a 'Splash of Red' day to highlight the importance of the Red Shield Appeal.

Mr Donald Thompson

Head of Junior School

District Athletics

On Friday 17 May, 58 Junior School students represented Girton Grammar School at the District Athletics held at the Flora Hill complex. The District Athletics Team comprised students who had placed first or second in our school Athletics Carnival. It was an excellent day, held in sunny weather, with excellent contributions from all students.

It was terrific to see the students supporting and cheering each other on in their individual and team relay events. Thank you to Mrs Hamilton, Mr Doherty and Mr Turner, who assisted with running the event, and to Mr Gibbs and Ms Grant for directing and supporting the students. Thanks also goes to the group of Year 9 students who volunteered to assist on the day.

Congratulations to all students who competed, and we wish those who qualified for the Divisional Athletics all the best next term.

Bendigo Art Gallery Excursion

Simultaneous Story Time

The students of Year 5M worked with a Talking Partner to discuss and analyse the story Bowerbird Blues. They used talking prompts connected to the text to express their ideas and justify their opinions. Finally, they responded in writing and illustrated their responses in the style of the creator, Aura Parker.

Divisional Cross-Country

Our students experienced a wonderful day of cross-country racing out at the Bendigo Racecourse. Congratulations to all the students listed below who represented Girton Grammar School.

District Competitors

Student Name		Age Group	Year
Ronny	Epps	9	3D
Oskar	Hall	9	3D
Louis	McIntrye	9	3M
Hugo	Moule	9	3M
Nate	Burnett	9	3M
Lilly	Smith	9	4M
Priya	Thoutham	9	3M
Margaret	Yau	9	3M
Maya	Oldmeadow	10	4D
Felicity	Ford	10	4D
Harvey	Starr	10	4D
Zac	Brown	10	4M
Harry	McIntrye	10	4V
Maddy	Canobie	10	4V
Eamon	Primmer	10	4V
James	Davenport	10	4V
Edward	Esposito	10	4V
Charotte	Diss	10	5M
Billy	Knight	10	4D

Wallace	Yau	11	5M
April	Theobald	11	5M
Xave	Tweed	11	5M
Connor	Elliott	11	5V
Sophie	Lee	11	5V
Rae	Anwayl	11	5V
Stella	McIntosh	11	6D
Peter	Smith	11	6M
Joshua	Ashby	12	6D
Owen	Barnes	12	6D
Alice	McIntosh	12	6M
Lauren	Davenport	12	6M
Arthur	Attwool	12	6M
Gracie	Seipolt	12	6V
Edward	McMillan	12	6V
Elijah	Willits	12	6V
Jimmy	Byrne	12	6V
Zororo	Tamangani	12	6V
Arlo	Speer	12	6V
Will	Martin	12	6M