From the Head of Junior School

Dear Families, Students and Community, 

I want to rotate the content of my fortnightly newsletter to keep families up to date on the happenings of the Junior School, but also about the educational research etc. that sits behind our decision making. Each fortnight I will swap between the two topics so I can communicate about the theory, but also show how it is working out in action. 

Swimming Carnival

Thank you to everyone who came to support or prepared their child well for the carnival last week. After a rainy start to the day, the skies cleared and we were able to enjoy an excellent day together. Many thanks to the Acting Head of Sport, Mrs. Wade who organised the day, as well as the parents who volunteered in official and unofficial ways. 

I was impressed by both the House spirit, with cheers and chants but also the support for friends and schoolmates of all ages. In a Junior School our size it is easy to know each person and that was evident in the way students cheered and clapped for people outside their year group and friendship group. Some ribbons were given out on the day and the remainder will be handed out at an assembly soon. 

Leadership Induction 

On Monday at Wentworth Falls we held our leadership induction ceremony. These leaders were elected last year and while they have been fulfilling their duties for some weeks now, receiving their badge from Mr. Coote was a special moment for them. We had a professional photographer onsite to capture these significant moments, so keep an eye out for them because I will publish them once we receive them.

Our Springwood campus leaders were named on Tuesday at their assembly. These leaders took part in workshops that helped them to consider their leadership style. Are they more like the wise owl, powerful eagle, charismatic peacock or the peaceful dove? All five of the students planned and presented their speeches well, and I do want to congratulation the Kinder – Year 4 students who listened, reflected on the candidate and placed their votes. 

P&F Picnic

Thank you to the P&F who organised the picnic on the Wentworth Falls oval this week. There were sack races, egg and spoon races, three-legged races and a tug-of-war that was a lot of fun. This was a low-key afternoon and staff and students enjoyed the opportunity to relax at this event. 

Coffee with Chris 

At the beginning of the year I explained that I wanted to get to know as many families as quickly as possible through Coffee with Chris on selected mornings. There has been mixed attendance at these events, but keep an eye out for these if you would like to catch up. 

Thank you everyone for a very positive fortnight. In our next newsletter article, I will discuss how we have high expectations and high support for children and young people, then taper the support away to build independence. 

Per Ardua Ad Altiora

Christopher Sanders

Head of Junior School