Junior School

It has been wonderful to welcome our students back to the Junior School for the beginning of Term 3. A real sense of energy and anticipation already fills the campus as we look ahead to a busy semester of learning, growth, and special events. A particular highlight will be our upcoming production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. which promises to showcase the creativity, confidence and talents of our students.

Before students returned from their winter break, our staff spent Curriculum Week preparing classrooms, planning learning programs and ensuring everything was ready for the semester ahead. An important part of the week was time spent with Tarun Stevenson exploring the topic of Engaging and Educating Boys. This valuable professional learning gave staff practical insights and strategies to strengthen boys’ engagement, support their learning, and help them flourish at school. We look forward to putting these ideas into practice and working in partnership with families to make Term 3 a positive, enriching and memorable one for every student.

As we begin the term, the words of David in Psalm 34 offer us a wonderful encouragement:

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8

David’s invitation to “taste and see that the LORD is good” was not written from a place of comfort or ease. It followed a time when he had been frightened, vulnerable and uncertain about what would happen next. Yet, as David looked back, he could see that God had heard him, remained with him and brought him through. His words invite us to do more than simply know about God’s goodness; they encourage us to recognise and experience it personally in His daily provision, His presence through difficulty and the many blessings that can so easily go unnoticed.

The theologian J. I. Packer once wrote, “Knowing God is a relationship calculated to thrill a man’s heart.” The Christian faith is not simply about knowing facts about God; it is about enjoying a living relationship with Him. As we trust God and experience His faithfulness for ourselves, our knowledge of His goodness moves from something we have merely heard about to something we have personally “tasted” and seen.

Corrie ten Boom’s story offers a powerful reminder that God’s goodness is sometimes recognised only when we look back. While imprisoned with her sister Betsie in the Ravensbrück concentration camp during the Second World War, Corrie discovered that their overcrowded barracks were infested with fleas. Betsie encouraged Corrie to thank God even in these deeply unpleasant circumstances. Corrie found this difficult, but they later learned that the guards avoided their barracks because of the fleas. This allowed the sisters to read the Bible openly, pray with the women and offer hope and encouragement without interruption. Corrie and Betsie discovered that God’s goodness does not mean every circumstance will be good or easy. Rather, it means that God remains present and at work, even during life’s darkest moments. Like David, they experienced God’s goodness as they took refuge in Him and stayed attentive to the unexpected ways His provision, protection, and presence were revealed.

As we look ahead to another busy and exciting term, may we take time to notice God’s goodness in both the significant and ordinary moments: in friendships, opportunities to learn and grow, encouragement from others and strength during challenges. May we not only know about God but grow in relationship with Him and personally “taste and see” His goodness at work in our lives.

On Wednesday 28 July, our Prep students marked an exciting milestone—their 100th Day of School! It was wonderful to celebrate how much our youngest students have grown and achieved. Thank you to our Prep teachers and Learning Support Assistants for making the occasion so memorable.

During Chapel on Thursday 6 August, we formally recognised and welcomed our Semester 2 Home Group and Enviro Captains into their new leadership roles. Each captain was presented with a badge and certificate to mark this special occasion.

Our Chapel message drew on Carl Laferton’s picture book The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross, which explains how sin separated people from God and how Jesus opened the way back to Him through His death on the cross. Students were reminded that Jesus did not simply show us how to come to God but rather—He is the Way.

The message also explored what it means to follow Jesus’ example as a leader. Jesus demonstrated that leadership is not about being important or placing ourselves first, but about serving others, showing kindness, acting humbly and helping others experience His love. Our new captains were encouraged to remember that the best leaders are also the best followers—followers of Jesus.

We congratulate our Semester 2 student leaders:

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended our recent Parent–Teacher Interviews. These meetings provided a valuable opportunity for teachers and families to discuss each student’s progress, celebrate their achievements and identify areas for continued growth throughout Semester 2. We greatly appreciate the time families set aside to participate in these conversations and the thoughtful insights they shared. Open communication between home and school plays an important role in supporting each child’s learning and wellbeing. We value the opportunity to work in partnership with you as we encourage every student to grow, learn and reach their full potential.

Excitement is building as our Junior School students prepare to take the stage for our upcoming production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. Students and staff have been working incredibly hard in rehearsals and behind the scenes, and we are looking forward to sharing this wonderful production with our school community.

Performances will be held at the following times:

• Matinee - Wednesday 9 September from 11.30am to 1.00pm  
• Evening performance - Wednesday 9 September, at 7.30pm  

• Evening performance - Thursday 10 September, at 7.30pm 

   

Tickets are now on sale, with limited seats remaining for the Wednesday and Thursday evening performances, so families are encouraged to book soon to avoid missing out. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.

A late start will be available for students on the mornings following each evening performance. All students are expected to arrive at school before 11.00am. Supervision will be provided for students who arrive before recess.

Important Dates

As we continue through another busy and exciting term, thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. There is much to look forward to in the weeks ahead, particularly our upcoming Junior School production. We encourage you to stay connected with College communications and keep our students and staff in your prayers as they continue to learn, grow and serve together.

Mrs Amy Liddle

Head of Junior School