Junior School News

As we close for the Christmas break, I wanted to take the time to say thankyou. We know how hard parents have worked this year with the number of interruptions and the amount of time spent learning from home. Your patience as we adjusted programs and your commitment to making everything work effectively for your children at home was very much appreciated. 

Although it was a disrupted year, we were very proud to have been able to provide our students with most of our key events throughout the year. It did make for a very crowded calendar at the end of the year, but our staff and students negotiated this with good humour and good grace. All of our year levels were able to attend a camp this year. Our Preparatory students were able to perform in a music and drama showcase for their parents. Our Year Six students backed up two full rehearsal days and two days of performances with their Year Six Presentation lunch and then the Art Show. There were no complaints, in fact it was the opposite with our students approaching each day full of energy and enthusiasm. This was in no small part because of the support of their teachers who maintained high but reasonable expectations. Unfortunately, we could not hold our Junior School Music Ensemble this year however Mrs Dusseljee, always on the lookout for opportunities for our students, entered our Junior School Performance Choir into Echofest 2021 by filming and submitting their performances. Last week we received word that our choir won their section, beating Secondary School choirs to take the honours.

Our students have faced many difficulties this year, having to negotiate several snap and extended lockdowns but, with the support of their parents and teachers, have managed to succeed nonetheless. While not our preferred year, our students have struggled with determination, overcome the difficulties and have grown as a result. I congratulate them for an excellent year of work in less than excellent conditions and look forward to seeing everyone back at school at the beginning of 2022. Have a safe and happy holiday.

Mr Donald Thompson

Head of Junior School

Last Day of School

The last day of school for 2021 saw the students relax with a morning at the cinema to watch a Christmas movie and then a special lunch back at school. It was a lovely way for the whole Junior School to come together and end the year. Some of our Year Six students also took on the staff for a staff v students netball match which the staff were very excited to win for the first time since 2017. 

Please click on image above to view the gallery of the Cinema visit

Netball match

Year Six Graduation

Year Six students gathered together to celebrate their graduation on Monday 22nd November.  Students enjoyed a relaxing morning enjoying the company of friends and catching up with teachers.

Students gathered together to capture friendships and memories in a photobooth, followed by a luncheon in the John E Higgs Hall.  At the last minute, covid restrictions eased, allowing parents to join their children in the Hall to watch them cross the stage.  

Wishing our Year Six students the best of luck, we will miss you.

Carols

Despite the annual House Carols Church Services being unable to proceed, the Junior School composed some traditional and modern musical pieces to celebrate Christmas. The Senior School students enjoyed watching the musical performances at their end of year Carols assembly. 

Footage: Christmas in the Scrub

Footage: Hosanna Rock