From the Head of Junior School
This week has been as busy as ever, and of course, tinged with green and gold! Both Junior School campuses got into the spirit of supporting the Matildas on Wednesday and everyone had a wonderful time. Despite the Matildas loss to the Lionesses, Australia has gained so much through watching this inspiring group of women on and off the pitch. Their grace when winning and losing, and how they treated their team mates and their opponents echo much of the learning we covered in Wellbeing Assemblies in Term 2.
Last week I attended the IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads Association) conference in Tamworth. It was an excellent opportunity to meet with other leaders and build networks. We met to give feedback regarding new, draft syllabuses for Creative Arts, PDHPE, HSIE and Science. We take seriously our opportunities to have an independent voice amongst our Department of Education and Catholic Sector colleagues, and help make decisions for the future of curriculum development in NSW.
We also got to hear from an engaging speaker named Nathan Wallis, who is a leading educator in the area of Neuroscience in New Zealand. We looked particularly at how the brains of children work in the Early Years, and how to help children affected by trauma or stress. It was encouraging to be reminded by an expert about the importance of well being and play on the cortex, where academic learning takes place. I would encourage you to look up Nathan’s podcast as you’d find his work fascinating.
A reminder to parents that communications now come via MyBMGS. We have the up and coming events on there for you to see and plan ahead. We are working with parents to ensure that anyone with technical difficulties can be helped, so please let Mrs Arrell or Mrs Boros know if you need a hand. Mrs Andrea Jackson will be available at Springwood Campus on Wednesday, 30th August and at Wentworth Falls Campus on Thursday, 31st August. Bring your device and we will happily help at our ‘helpdesk’ if face to face help is what you need.
Book Week 2023 – Read, Grow, Inspire
Along with our traditional Book Day costume parade, we're very excited to have award-winning Blue Mountains children's author Jodie McLeod (Leonard the Lyrebird / Lilah the Lyrebird) visit both Springwood and Wentworth Falls Junior School campuses on Thursday, 24th August to read and talk about her NEW book The Black Cockatoo With One Feather Blue!
Illustrated by Katoomba artist Eloise Short, The Black Cockatoo takes readers on an adventure through the Australian bush to find a missing blue feather... and discover what's truly important. It's a story about friendship, kindness and the magic of giving, and we're thrilled to have Jodie share it with us!
If you'd like to purchase a signed copy of The Black Cockatoo or any of Jodie's other books (which are set in the Blue Mountains - featuring the landscape we all know and love!) you can do so either with cash or card on the day, or online in advance at Jodie's Etsy store here - please apply the code LOCAL upon checkout to waive postage fees. Jodie will bring your book to school for your child to collect. Also let Jodie know if you want a personalised message in your book by adding a note when you make your purchase (simply provide your child's name, class and school).
- The Black Cockatoo With One Feather Blue (hardcover) $25
- Leonard the Lyrebird (hardcover) $25
- Leonard the Lyrebird (paperback) $17
- Lilah the Lyrebird (hardcover) $25
To find out more, visit www.jodiemcleod.com/books
Mrs Rachael J Newton
Head of Junior School