Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
The in-term swimming programme has started brilliantly, and what a lovely way for students to finish off the final few weeks of the term with daily trips to the pool. Each day begins with normal classroom routines until midday, then classes load into buses and make their way to Albany Aquatic Leisure Centre (ALAC) for swimming lessons. Students are grouped in swimming competency stages and coached by training swimming teachers from the aquatic centre on their stroke technique and swim survival skills.
At the end of the two-week swimming block, families will receive a swimming competency report detailing what their child is able to confidently demonstrate. Swimming skills are important for children at any stage of the year but particularly as we enter into the summer months where many families access pools and beaches more frequently. These annual swimming lessons are valuable for students, and I encourage families to upskill yourselves on general water safety practices also. The Surf Life Saving Western Australia and Royal Life Saving Australia websites linked below shares some key aspects to be aware of for water safety. We have a magnificent environment in the Great Southern region, our access to water being a key feature. Enjoying this safely as a family is something we can all keep in the forefront of our minds.
Surf Life Saving Western Australia
Upcoming events
ECC Beach day
Next Wednesday 30 November students in Kindergarten to Year Two will travel to Emu Point for a morning of beach games and activities together, celebrating a wonderful year in the Early Childhood Centre. Miss Claire Hard, Early Childhood Centre Coordinator has organised a rotation of beach activities for all the students to enjoy together with their teachers and Education Assistants. Parents are most welcome to attend and join their children for morning tea before classes travel to their swimming lessons at ALAC.
Year Six Celebration and Learning Exhibition
Next Friday 2 December, 4.00pm to 6.00pm, is the Year Six Celebration and Learning Exhibition. This is a culmination event for Year Six students and their families to recognise their transition from Junior School into Year Seven. The occasion is in two parts, the celebration ceremony then their learning exhibition. The Celebration ceremony will take place in the Multi-Purpose Sport Complex where each student will be recognised before their peers and family for their contribution to Year Six and their time in the Junior School. Then students move into their Learning Exhibition which is a showcase of their final inquiry for Year Six exploring ‘Who we are – the influences and experiences that have shaped us as young people’. This inquiry helps students to articulate a sense of self at this time of transition as they culminate their Junior School years and prepare for Year Seven. Each student has their own display set up in the Junior School area that they will share with all families in Year Six. During the day other year levels will be able to view the Year Six displays.
Into the Final Week
Monday 5 December, families are invited to attend a whole school Christmas Service at 10.15am in the Multi-Purpose Sport Complex. Our Year One students will be performing a nativity play.
Tuesday 6 December is the final school day for Junior School students. Parents are warmly invited to attend the Junior School Awards Ceremony commencing at 9.00am in the Multi-Purpose Sport Complex, followed by a P&F morning tea at 10.30am then Christmas Concert at 11.00am also in the same location. The Christmas Concert is a very special event where each class presents a performance item for our community. These occasions are a fabulous way to celebrate the year and wish everyone a Merry Christmas for the break period.
Preparations for 2023
Class letters will be emailed to families next Friday 2 December detailing your child’s class teacher for 2023 and some special features for the year ahead.
Stationery Lists and Primary School Workbook lists are now online via MyGSG portal in the Junior School tab. Parents are welcome to click on those links and commence those pre-orders now. It is important to remember that Primary School Workbooks need to be ordered online prior to Friday 9 December.
MyGSG link to Primary School Workbooks and Stationery Lists
If you have any questions regarding preparation for your child into 2023, please feel comfortable making contact either myself or one of the Junior School Leadership Team to field your question or help guide your enquiry to someone who can help.
Mr Ken Raven – Head of Junior School
Mrs Leah Field – Assistant Head of Junior School
Mrs Donna Diletti – Learning Support Co-ordinator
Miss Claire Hard – Early Childhood Centre Coordinator
Warms regards, and appreciation,
Mr Ken Raven | Head of Junior School