Head of Junior School 

Welcome Back

Even though we are now in Week 2, I would like to welcome everyone back to the Junior School for Term 3. I would like to thank Mrs Sue Burrows for stepping into my shoes for Week 1. This enabled me to spend time in Minnesota with my daughter, Meg, as she underwent and recovered from hip surgery. The temperatures in America were definitely warmer than what I arrived back to!

Speaking of cooler temperatures, while it is no longer compulsory to wear a jumper or tracksuit top to and from school this term, I would very much encourage you to send your son with one on. We have had some extremely cold mornings this week and some cold bodies on the playground, with only a short-sleeved shirt for warmth.

Welcome to the Thrift Family

This term we welcomed a new family to our College community. Alby and Teddy Thrift have joined Year 3 and Prep, respectively. The family has moved from Adelaide with their parents, mum Shannon, a teacher, and dad Shae, a neurosurgeon at the Royal Hobart Hospital. I know you will all join me in making them feel welcome in our community.

Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

Thank you to the families who were able to attend Parent/Student/Teacher conferences to discuss your son’s progress with his class teacher. If your son’s class teacher requested an interview with you and you were unable to make the time to come in, please make every effort to do so in the coming weeks. It is important to keep the lines of communication open between the School and home, so you are continually aware of how your son is progressing at School.

Road to the Olympics!

If you’ve been following the Australian Swimming Team at the Olympics, you may have seen Maximilian Giuliani compete. Max attended the Junior (Years 5 and 6) and Senior Campuses. He was on the swimming team and in Year 6 was awarded the JSSATIS Bill Henderson Memorial Trophy for the best swimmer. This week, Max qualified for the final of the men’s 200m final, placing 7th. Max was also the first leg of the men’s 4 x 200m freestyle team, which finished 3rd, earning the team a bronze medal. We look forward to inviting Max back to the Junior School in the near future so we can congratulate him in person on his achievement.

Opening Ceremony and Mini Olympics

On Thursday and Friday of this week, we celebrated the Olympic Spirit. On Thursday 1 August, instead of afternoon fitness, we hosted a mock Opening Ceremony. At our Opening Ceremony, each house paraded in, representing a different country. Hessian was Kenya, Doyle: was Greece, Dwyer: was Ireland, and Joyce: was Sweden. Each student came into the ceremony carrying a mini flag of their ’country,’ while their Captain and Vice Captain carried the larger versions. The Olympic rings were represented by hula hoops. It was a great prelude to our Mini Olympics.

On Friday, the Years 3 to 6 classes (morning block) and Prep to 2 classes (afternoon block) participated in a range of ‘Olympic’ themed activities including Horsey Hurdles, Bionic Beanbag, Snail Roll, and Rapid Running. The activities aimed to have fun and participation. Spot prizes were awarded for various outfits assembled and participation. Students were asked to come dressed as an athlete, a sport, a chosen country’s colours, a commentator, a referee, or maybe even a lifeguard!

Year 1 Excursion - Salamanca Arts Centre

Year 1 used their creative thinking and worked collaboratively with their peers to design and make artwork reflecting Rocket Sam's Adventures in Space. Rocket Sam, and some of what he encountered during his travels in space, made their way to the Art from Trash Exhibition currently on show at the Salamanca Arts Centre. Using our earthly SVC school bus, we had some very excited and proud students visit the exhibition and see their artwork on public display. So many conversations were overheard about the design and details of other artists too. The marble run was a huge hit!

Parents & Friends Association News

Father’s Day Breakfast

Our annual Father’s Day breakfast will be held on Wednesday 28 August from 7.30 am. EdSmart communication will be sent out shortly for more information.

Football Margin tickets are on sale and will be until Friday 27 September, for $20 a ticket. The margin competition is for the AFL Grand Final on Saturday 28 September. If your ticket number is the margin at quarter, half-time, or three-quarter time, you will be rewarded with $50. If it is the final margin, you will win $400. Profits from the sale of the tickets will go straight to P&F to help continue to raise money for a new playground.

Upcoming events

• Mary Rice Day: Friday August 16

Prep to Year 6 students will travel to the Senior School in the morning to participate in the annual walkathon to raise money for the Mary Rice Centre. We will also celebrate Mass and students will be provided with lunch.

• Book Week and Book Week Parade: Tuesday 20 August at 9.00 am
• Year 5/6 AFL Alex Gadomski Cup (SVC vs The Hutchins School): Wednesday 21 August
• Combined Years 5-6 Band Day with St Mary's College: Monday 26 August
• House Athletics Carnival with SMC (Years 2-6): Friday 6 September