Junior School News

From the Acting Head of Junior School

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of visiting our Year Four students and staff at the Log Cabins camp in Creswick. Despite the inclement weather the students and staff had a wonderful time and made the most of all of the experiences.

 

Throughout the duration of the camp, the dedicated team of teachers and camp instructors worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students. From organising engaging activities and monitoring each student, they played an integral role in making this experience truly exceptional. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the staff members involved for their commitment and dedication.

 

During the camp, our students had the opportunity to engage in a variety of team-building exercises, such as rope courses, trust-building activities, and problem-solving challenges. These activities not only encouraged cooperation and communication but also instilled a sense of resilience and self-belief in our students. It was heartening to witness their growth and development as they faced and overcame various obstacles together.

 

Throughout the camp trip, our students displayed exemplary behaviour, showing respect for their peers, the camp staff, and the natural environment. They embraced challenges with enthusiasm and supported each other through every endeavour. I am immensely proud of the way they represented our School and upheld our values during this trip.

 

I would also like to express my gratitude to all the parents and carers who supported their children in participating in this camp experience. Your trust and encouragement are vital in enabling us to offer such transformative opportunities to our students.

 

Thankyou to Mrs Begg

This term Mrs Dusseljee has been away receiving medical treatment.  Mrs Begg has kindly stepped in and run Music and Choir classes.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Begg for her hard work and wish her a well-earned holiday as she and her husband begin adventures in travelling around Australia.

 

Parent Code of Conduct

As a school, we feel it is important to establish clear guidelines for parent conduct and involvement in their children’s education. I encourage you to read these guidelines so that we can all work to ensure a safe and enjoyable place for all parents and carers:  https://www.girton.vic.edu.au/images/11.12-Parent-Code-of-Conduct.pdf.

 

Upcoming Semester Break

I trust you all, whether you are travelling overseas, locally or staying at home, have a safe and enjoyable break. 

 

Mrs Viv Bath

Acting Head of Junior School

 

 

Year Two String Recital

On Tuesday 6th June, the Year Two students held their first String Recital for parents and friends. The students displayed what they had been learning in their string lessons, how they have learned to play as an ensemble and delighted everyone with their performances.   Year Two Strings is part of the curriculum in Junior School and for many, the introduction to our Performing Arts Music Program.  Students in Year Two learn the violin, viola, cello or double bass.  Lessons are held weekly and students can take instruments home to practice for the family.   We have many students at Girton Grammar School who commence a string instrument in Year Two and continue on into Senior School Orchestras, VCE studies and beyond. 

 

Students will spend next Semester refining their skills in readiness for their end of year Recital. 

Year Three Humanities

In Year Three, students have been researching about celebrations and commemorations in places around the world, for example, Chinese New Year in countries of the Asia region, Bastille Day in France, and Independence Day in the USA.  Celebrations included those that are observed in Australia, for example, Christmas Day, Diwali, Easter, Hanukkah, the Moon Festival, and Ramadan 

Year Four Camp

On Wednesday 7th June Year 4 campers left Girton Junior School to go on a three-day adventure to the Log Cabin Camp in Creswick. On the way we stopped in Castlemaine for a break as the rain poured down. Our teachers attending were Mrs Fisher, Mr Flanagan, Mr Gibbs, Mr Stewart, Mrs Rice and Mrs Keig. After we had arrived at our camp spot in Creswick, we had a safety discussion, and we were given our cabin groups. We completed a number of fun activities over the three days including: giant swing, zip line, commando course, clip and climb and milk crate stack. After a big day we always looked forward to meals. Chicken Schnitzel was on the menu on our first night. The highlight was the yummy desserts and sticky date pudding. After a fun few days together, a quiz night and a movie night, we were all tired and couldn’t wait to get back to our families. Year Four camp was a wonderful experience for all Year Four Students. 

 

MOST ENJOYABLE EVENT:

Movie Night because I got to watch the movie with my friends!

Sophie Lee 4D

 

I liked the giant swing but I also really liked movie night.

Belle Armour 4D

 

When I was on the giant swing.

Sebastian Collie 4D

 

My favourite event was sleeping after a long day of activities,

my hands and legs were so sore, I fell asleep immediately.

Keshavi Grover 4D

 

The Giant Swing! It was one of the most thrilling and energetic. It was quite a straight up shock at first but then turned into an adventurous time. I loved the feel and sound of the wind against me and I could see the countryside before me. It was  one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Grace Beattie 4M

 

The giant swing. it was thrilling and energizing but it was also very scary and I went to the top. Once I did it I felt really confident.

Katherine Morsillo 4M

 

I was excited when I went orienteering with Charles plus, we won, which is always an added bonus.

Ben Bolam 4V

 

The Zip Line because it felt like I was flying and I was singing I Believe I can fly.

Polly Barber 4V

 

I WAS NOT FEELING CONFIDENT WHEN:

When I first stepped up to go on the zipline, I looked down and I thought I couldn't do it, I would fall. But I gathered my courage and confidence and I stepped off the platform. It turned out to be very soothing with the wind against my ears and I had a magnificent and spiffing time. It was very enjoyable. 

Grace Beattie 4M

 

I was at the Zipline because it felt like you were going to drop when you stepped off and it was very fast. We spun around and felt like we were going to hit the trees and get hurt.

Katherine Morsillo 4M

 

I was excited when I was doing milk crate stacking because our stack fell with 1 minute remaining!

Síofra OMalley 4V

 

The giant swing was so fun, and I went upside down on it

Layla Kreuger 4V

 

I felt scared when I went on the giant swing, but everyone was cheering me on so I found the courage to do it.

Ben Bolam 4V

 

I was on the click and climb and I was going to do the leap of faith but I was scared. But I did it soon after when Mr. F wasn't looking.

Polly Barber 4V

 

I was scared when we did the giant swing but I remembered that it was the safest activity on camp! 

Síofra OMalley 4V

Regional Cross Country Loddon Mallee

A big congratulations to the seven Junior School students who competed at this event in trying conditions on Tuesday 6th June. In rain and mud, they produced some outstanding results. Particular congratulations to Lucy Richard who finished 2nd in the 12 Girls Final.

 

Results

Lucy Richards 2nd 12 Girls

Alicia Crowley injured 

Lauren Davenport 6th 11 Girls

William Martin 6th 11 Boys

Noah Kroschel 12th 11 Boys

Sophie Lee 17th 10 Girls

Aria Hendrix 44th Girls

 

Lucy, William, Noah and Lauren will all now head to the state level Cross Country in Melbourne in July. Thank you to all parents for transporting students on the day.

 

Mr Paul Flanagan

Teacher of Year Four