From the Head of Junior School

Greetings from Victoria!

I am writing to you from Echuca in northern Victoria as I am away with Year 5 and 6 students on the biannual, seven day Vic Trip, which has been fabulous so far. This trip is a long-standing Grammar tradition that offers students in Stage Three the opportunity to build on curriculum knowledge with hands on experiences and visit location they study in class.

We departed Wentworth Falls early on Wednesday morning, making our way west through Bathurst and Cowra before stopping in at Young and Lamming Flats. Lamming Flats were the location of riots between European and Chinese miners over rights and ownership during the gold rush period. Today there is a memorial garden in this location. The Junee Chocolate and Licorice factory was a hit in the afternoon before spending the night in Wagga Wagga. While students have covered Australian geography in their HSIE lessons, travelling by coach over these longer distances and seeing the changes in the landscape, fauna and climate, they have been able to add a further dimension to their learning. 

Thursday was another early start with a 5:45am wake up to depart Wagga and eventually make our way into Victoria. We have visited Jerilderie for a walking tour with a local guide who showed places where we are confident Ned Kelly has spent time, then across into Victoria. 

In Echuca we have enjoyed riding on a paddle steamer, visited the Twisted Science museum and explored how Australia’s river systems were integral to the growth of the nation. This afternoon is horse riding, commando courses and night activities.

This trip, with accommodation in differing locations each night so far, as well as multiple activities each day shows some of the benefits of being a Grammar student. At meal times, during activities and transitions, as well as on long bus trips, the students have managed their behaviour and belongings effectively, responsibly and independently. The routines and skills that teachers and families have deliberately developed over time are very clear and the result of consistent reinforcement. Parents, you should be proud of the way they have carried themselves so far. 

I do want to acknowledge the staff; Mrs Arrell, Mr Coote and Miss O’Keefe who are on the trip and also doing the late nights and early mornings. Also, I do give deep thanks to the staff back in the Mountains who are running both Junior School campuses without key staff. It is a sign of our strength that these particular four staff can be offsite and the school run highly effectively. 

Finally, I do want to wish families and students a restful break. We have had a very busy start to the year and we are all ready for some slower time before we return for term three with Science week, Book Week and more. Thank you for the words of support and encouragement as I have spent six months settling into this role, may the next six months be as successful and positive as the first. 

Christopher Sanders

Head of Junior School