Junior School

Joy to the World! 

Article by Nicola Treacey, Head of Junior School 

One of the most joyous events each year in the Junior School is the Junior Schools Carols Service. Each year, we transport every Junior School student and staff member into St. Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the beginning of the festive season. This is a very special occasion that we look forward to.   

Throughout Term 4, the Junior School students learn about the Christmas Story in Chapel and RaVE sessions and practise the singing of some of our favourite Christmas Carols in preparation for the event. Selected Year 4 students are featured in the Carols Service as this will be their very last time visiting the Cathedral as Junior School Students. The Year 1 and 2 Choirs, Year 3 and 4 Choir, Stringlings, Junior and Suzuki String Ensembles and Orffestra will also be featured to support the music on the day. 

We welcome Junior School families to join us at this special occasion, if available to attend. The details are as follows: 

Event: Junior School Carols Service 

Date: Tuesday 25th November 

Time: 10.30-11.15am 

Venue: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne 

*Note: Parents/guardians or family members attending this event are asked to sit along the sides or towards the rear of the Cathedral. The main pews will be reserved for students and staff.  

We also ask that parents/guardians and other guests attending do not take photos or film students inside the Cathedral during the service. 

Health and Physical Education Week 

Article by Aleisha Dakin, Health and Physical Education Leader

During Health and Physical Education (HPE) Week, the Junior School came together to celebrate the importance of being active, healthy, and connected through fun, movement-based activities. HPE Week highlights how physical activity supports not only fitness and wellbeing, but also teamwork, problem-solving, and joy in learning.  

The highlight of the week in Junior School was the Duck Dash — a lively and fun event that encouraged collaboration and movement. Around 160 small yellow rubber ducks were hidden across the school grounds for students to find, with Year 3 & 4 searching on Tuesday and Prep – Year 2 searching on Thursday. Students dashed to find ducks and completed a mini obstacle course with the PE staff each time they returned with a duck. Excitement built around the chance to find the final hidden ducks with each numbered duck going into the draw for the chance to be drawn out at assembly to win their class a special lunchtime session of games in the gym. The Duck Dash brought energy, laughter, and friendly competition to the week, reinforcing that being active is not only good for our health but also a wonderful way to build community spirit. 

Year 3 Camp at Campaspe Downs

Article by Sophie Bertolini, Year 3 Leader

Last week, Year 3 students headed off to Campaspe Downs in Kyneton for three action-packed days filled with exploration, teamwork, and personal growth. The camp offered the perfect chance for students to challenge themselves, discover new strengths, and build confidence in a fun outdoor setting. 

During their stay, students took part in an exciting mix of activities such as Flying Fox, Archery, Bushcraft, Possum Glider, Aeroball, Climbing, Challenge Course, and Raftbuild. Each experience tested their problem-solving, cooperation, and perseverance in different ways. From soaring through the treetops on the Flying Fox to building rafts and learning bushcraft skills, students embraced every task with enthusiasm and determination. 

What stood out most was the way everyone looked out for one another. Whether it was lending a hand during the Challenge Course or cheering friends as they aimed for the bullseye in Archery, the group showed incredible encouragement and teamwork. Their willingness to support and motivate each other created a strong sense of community where everyone had fun! 

By the end of camp, new friendships had formed, confidence had grown, and memories were made that will stay with them long after the adventure ended.