Junior School News
From the Head of Junior School
At last week’s assembly, I spoke to the Junior School students about being kind and including others. I discussed the power of kindness and the importance of making everyone feel welcome. Including others is not just a nice thing to do; it’s essential for creating a happy and supportive school environment where everyone can thrive.
Our students heard that when we include others, we show that we value them. The simple act of smiling and saying hello or asking someone if they would like to join in with us can make a huge difference in someone’s day. Imagine being new to a school or feeling left out during recess. A friendly smile, an invitation to join a game, or a simple “Hello” can turn things around completely. Including others helps everyone feel like they belong and are an important part of the school community.
Inclusion also teaches us about diversity and acceptance. Each of us is unique, with different backgrounds, interests, and abilities. When we include others, we learn to appreciate these differences and understand that they make our community richer and more interesting. It helps us build empathy and respect for one another, which are important skills both in school and in life.
Including others can also make activities more fun and exciting. Whether it’s working on a group project, playing a sport, or simply talking with each other at lunch, having a variety of friends brings new ideas and perspectives and new opportunities. This can lead to better teamwork, more creativity, and a lot more fun for everyone involved.
Our school and our students have a very good reputation in the community for being caring and inclusive. When we practice inclusion, we set a positive example for others. Our older students look after the younger students as well as looking out for each other. When we have students visiting or new to the school, there are always plenty of students willing to help show them around and make them feel welcome. This helps create a culture of kindness that benefits everyone. As we enjoy time with our families over this long weekend, it would be a good opportunity to discuss the theme of kindness and inclusion and how it is enacted at school, at home and in the broader community.
Zone Cross Country
Congratulations to the following students who represented Loddon Mallee at the Zone Cross Country in St Arnaud last week.
Alice McIntosh, Lauren Davenport, Will Martin, Sophie Lee, Stella McIntosh and James Davenport.
Lauren Davenport and Alice McIntosh were successful in placing at St Arnaud and will now progress to the State Finals in Melbourne.
Mr Donald Thompson
Head of Junior School
2024 Junior School Cross Country Carnival
The Junior School Cross Country Carnival was held on Friday, 24th May, at Beischer Park in Strathdale. In conditions perfect for running, students from Preparatory through to Year Six participated in the event with enthusiasm and vigour. They huffed and puffed their way over varying distances ranging from 1km through to 3km. It was wonderful to see so many parents, grandparents and carers who came along to volunteer their time at checkpoints as well as supporting and encouraging students throughout the day. In addition, our students and staff were supported by a large group of Year 8 students from the senior school. They were perfect role models for their junior counterparts and the carnival could not operate without them. A big thank you goes out to all involved in the day.
Congratulations to Frew House on winning the Cross Country Cup!
Results
PREP
Girls | Boys | |
1st | Frankie McManus | Tex Lee |
2nd | Stella Norman | Ted Crameri |
3rd | Ingrid Campbell | Charlie Weston |
YEAR 1
Girls | Boys | |
1st | Neve Armour | Henry Beal |
2nd | Matilda Thomas | Benji Donaldson |
3rd | Anaisha Nair | Teddy Alexander |
YEAR 2
Girls | Boys | |
1st | Sophie Collier | Alexander Lee |
2nd | Anni Rao | Coen Tuang |
3rd | Zara Syed | Campbell Martin |
9 YEAR OLDS
Girls | Boys | |
1st | Lilly Smith | Ronny Epps |
2nd | Hildi Ramm | Joshua Purton |
3rd | Billie McManus | Nate Burnett |
10 YEAR OLDS
Girls | Boys | |
1st | Maddy Canobie | James Davenport |
2nd | Felicity Ford | Edward Esposito |
3rd | Hanah Jalal Thumpalasseril | Billy Knight |
11 YEAR OLDS
Girls | Boys | |
1st | Sophie Lee | Peter Smith |
2nd | Stella McIntosh | Conor Elliot |
3rd | Rae Anwyl | Otto Chapman |
12/13 YEAR OLDS
Girls | Boys | |
1st | Lauren Davenport | Elijah Willits |
2nd | Alice McIntosh | William Martin |
3rd | Priya Lewis | Joshua Ashby |
New Equipment for the Sports Shed
The Junior School Student Representative Council (SRC) would like to thank the Friends of Junior School for their kind and generous donation to purchase new equipment for the Sports Shed. This money was used to purchase new soccer balls netballs, footballs, soccer balls and basketballs.
Special thank you to Chloe Jesser and Ruby O'Rielly who selected the equipment to be ordered.
Mr Jamie Turner
Teacher of 6V
Girton Wellbeing Dogs, Murphy and Nina, Celebrate Birthdays with Students!
Students at Girton Grammar School recently gathered at a short Assembly on Wednesday 6th June, to celebrate the birthdays of Murphy (2 years old) and Nina (4 years old). As a special treat, Mrs Barnes and students prepared delicious meat and yogurt birthday cakes for the dogs and also wrapped some gifts to show their appreciation. The atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration as the school community came together to honour their beloved furry friends.
Happy Birthday, Murphy and Nina!
Camp Australia