Junior School

Helping children learn responsibility is one of the most valuable gifts we can give. When children take responsibility for their actions, belongings, and choices, they build a foundation for a strong work ethic, self-discipline, and confidence. In Junior School, we support the development of responsible young people who can positively contribute to their families, communities, and world.

As the well-known saying goes,

Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.

This idea resonates with how we can empower children through responsibility. When we assign age-appropriate tasks and guide them in mastering these skills, we equip them with valuable tools for their future. By teaching children how to fish for themselves, we are giving them lifelong skills that build character and independence.

Dr James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, emphasises that responsibility should begin early in childhood with tasks suited to a child’s developmental level. Starting with small responsibilities and increasing them as children mature helps them grow into capable, self-reliant adults. Here are some examples of age-appropriate tasks to foster responsibility, particularly around getting ready for school:

For Ages 5-7:

• Putting away toys after playtime
• Carrying their own school bag to class
• Bringing their hat for outdoor play
• Helping to set out or prepare lunch with guidance (like packing snacks)
• Checking that homework or any required items are in their school bag

For Ages 8-10:

• Packing their school bag with everything needed for the day, including homework, and hats.
• Being responsible for making part of their lunch (like packing a sandwich or fruit)
• Bringing necessary items to and from school (e.g., musical instruments, sports equipment, or library books)
• Ensuring they have the right uniform and hat for outdoor activities
• Reviewing their schedule for the day to remember any specific items they will need

For Ages 11 and Up:

• Packing and organising their own school bag, checking for assignments, supplies, and personal items each day
• Preparing their full lunch, including making a sandwich or choosing healthy snacks
• Organising their schedule for school and extracurriculars, ensuring they have all required items ready to go
• Using an alarm or reminders to manage their own time for getting ready, leaving for school, and arriving on time

Starting with manageable tasks helps children build confidence and feel a sense of accomplishment. You might consider using gentle reminders and offering praise for a job well done to reinforce their efforts. It is normal for children to make mistakes along the way, but these moments are valuable learning opportunities. By handling these situations with encouragement rather than frustration, we can teach our children that responsibility is not about perfection but rather growth, perseverance, and the willingness to keep trying.

When children feel trusted with responsibilities, they see themselves as capable and valued contributors in their families and beyond. They learn that their actions make a difference, which can encourage them to act responsibly in all areas of their lives. As Proverbs 22:6 says, 

Train up a child in the way he should go.

By nurturing responsibility in our children now, we help them build a foundation of values and habits that will guide them throughout their lives.

Focus on the Family’s Dr James Dobson reminds us that our goal is not only to raise children who are polite and cooperative but to equip them with skills and values that will serve them well as adults. As partners in your child’s education, we appreciate your support in building these skills at home. Together, we can raise children who know how to fish, so they are equipped not only for today but for a lifetime of purpose and fulfilment.

ROAR Awards

In Week 4, we had the privilege of awarding the following students for their ROARsome behaviour as they have shown either Respect, Obedience, Acceptance or Resilience during the first half of the term. 

Our Prep – Year 2 athletes put on an amazing show at their recent Athletics Carnival! Students gave it their all representing their Houses. The spirit shown by all participants was truly inspiring – from their can-do attitudes to the way they cheered each other on throughout every event. See the Junior Sport article for photos and to read more.

We are buzzing with excitement about our upcoming Writing Celebration. This special event will showcase how our students have grown as writers throughout the year, particularly in their mastery of VCOP (Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers and Punctuation) techniques. Students are currently putting the finishing touches on their work, eager to share their best writing with a broader audience. We warmly welcome parents to join us on Thursday 21 November from 8.45am – 9.15am, for this celebration of creativity and achievement. It is heartwarming to see our young writers so proud to share their literary accomplishments with family and friends.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are pleased to announce that the booklists are now available through Lilydale Books. Families should have received our comprehensive Let’s Get Ready for School guide via email from the College Administration team. If you have any questions or are missing information, please contact office@oxley.vic.edu.au.

The end-of-year festivities are fast approaching, including beloved events like the Prep Nativity, Year 6 Graduation, Final Junior Assembly, and our special Parent Volunteers’ Morning Tea. We are thrilled to welcome parents to these celebrations. Stay up to date by checking the College App regularly and referring to The Vine calendar for important dates. Remember, your child’s teacher is always happy to help with any questions. We cannot wait to celebrate these memorable moments with our school community while celebrating the gifts and abilities God has given each of our students.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4: 10 & 11b

Mrs Amy Liddle

Head of Junior School