Junior School Report

From the

Director of Learning

Junior School

Miss Jessika Cichy

Welcome back to Term 3, everyone! We’re excited to see our Junior School students return refreshed and ready for another busy term of learning, activities, and opportunities to shine. It’s hard to believe we’re already more than halfway through the year, and with only four weeks left of Term 3, our Year 7s and 8s are inching closer to being one year older. With elective selections for 2026 already underway, the level of responsibility is growing – and our students are getting wiser by the minute!

Motivation Station – Our Junior School Punctuality Initiative!

This term, our Junior Sub School is running Motivation Station – an initiative designed to promote, encourage and reward punctuality and timeliness to classes. Students who maintain a high attendance percentage over the term will go into the draw to win a $10 canteen voucher. The better the attendance, the more chances to win! Our key focus is reducing unapproved lates and encouraging all students to arrive on time, ready to learn.

We kindly request parents and guardians to support us and their children by:

• Ensuring students are at school by 8:55am each morning

• Regularly checking their child’s attendance on Compass

• Having open conversations with their child about the importance of punctuality and responsibility

Together, we can help students build the habits that set them up for success both now and in the future! 

Past Events

Year 8 Bounce Excursion (20th June) – Our Year 8s had a fantastic day at Bounce as part of their Gymnastics Unit in Year 8 PE, putting their energy, teamwork, and coordination to the test. Students had the opportunity to practice their new skills, including their jumps, balance, and basic shapes and rotations. It was a successful excursion with plenty of fun and smiles all round, and students even had the chance to do some rock climbing!

Athletics Carnival (12th August) – A huge thank you to all students who participated, assisted, and cheered on their peers in our House Athletics Carnival. It was wonderful to see so many of our Junior School students giving their best effort and showing great school spirit.

Upcoming Events

Vaping Workshops (Friday, 5th September) – This term, Year 7 & 8 students will take part in workshops run by Blurred Minds, focusing on building awareness and education around the risks of vaping. These sessions are designed to give students the knowledge and tools they need to make positive, informed choices, and to understand the supports available if needed. You can find resources and supports for families and students over on their website: https://www.blurredminds.com.au/community/

Year 7 Melbourne Museum Excursion (Thursday, 12th September) – As part of their Ancient Australia unit, Year 7s will visit the Melbourne Museum. Students will experience the First Peoples exhibit and enjoy an IMAX film, tying together the knowledge they’ve gained throughout the term about Indigenous Australian cultures and practices. Consent and payment of $22 are due by 5th September.

Wellbeing Focus & Reminders 

In the Junior School, we are continuing to support student wellbeing and encourage families to have conversations around the following:

• Hygiene – With warmer weather approaching and increased activity on sport days, students should begin using deodorant (preferably an anti-perspirant) and maintaining good hygiene practices. 

• Online Presence – Recently, we have had incidents involving negative interactions between students outside of school hours on social media. We encourage parents to talk with their children about safe and respectful online behaviour, what bullying looks like, and how to respond appropriately. A useful resource for families to explore together is the e-Safety Commissioner website: https://www.esafety.gov.au

By working together, we can continue building a Junior School community that reflects our CARE values both inside and outside the classroom.

Warm regards,

Miss Jessika Cichy

Director of Learning – Junior School

Westall Secondary College

Year 7 Experience the Power of Indigenous Dance with One Fire Dance Troupe

On Wednesday, 25th July, our Year 7 students were treated to a memorable and enriching experience, from the One Fire Dance Troupe. This captivating incursion offered students a powerful introduction to the importance of dance in Indigenous Australian culture.

The troupe shared how traditional Indigenous dances are much more than movement — they are a form of storytelling that passes down knowledge, history, and connection to Country. Students learned about the cultural significance of storytelling and the didgeridoo, an iconic instrument that plays an essential role in many traditional performances.

The highlight of the session was the performance by One Fire, which held the students in awe with its energy, rhythm, and cultural depth. Students then had the opportunity to learn and participate in traditional dance movements, guided by the troupe. In a joyful and inclusive finale, students performed alongside the troupe in group dances, proudly sharing what they had learned with their peers.

An important teaching from the session was the meaning behind the group’s name: “One Fire”. It represents the idea that dancers from all regions can come together, bringing their own “fire” — their story, their culture, their energy — to create a shared experience through dance, fire, and song.

This incursion supported the Year 7 PE Dance Unit, deepening students’ understanding of Indigenous history and strengthening their connection to Australia's rich cultural heritage. It was an inspiring and powerful day that will remain with students for years to come.

Ms Miranda Jenkin

Physical Education Teacher