Junior School
SHELLEY PARKES
Head of Junior School
Orientation Day proved a wonderful success for our students and as always, is a positive Segway into the final days of Term 4.As I made my rounds of the Junior School last Wednesday, it was great to see our students actioning the 7 Habits. As a Lighthouse accredited school, our students truly live and reflect these principles.
This year we have also seen greater resilience within our parent community around class lists and teacher requests. To maintain fairness and equity for all, it is important we continue to respect the processes that are in place, trust that our educators set up classes for each child to begin their new year with the end in mind.
As parents, we should see Orientation Day as an opportunity to change the lens through which we are currently looking at our children.
Check-in and acknowledge the growth, strength and adaptability our child has managed across their current school year. We must also allow opportunities for our children to sit in ‘discomfort.’ This might be the feeling of uncertainty or anxiety because they didn’t get the teacher they thought they wanted, their friend is in another class or they had a conflict with another peer in Year 1 but are now making their way into Year 5. These are all valuable and necessary opportunities for our children to be exposed to.
It's imperative for a child's healthy development that they feel important and worthy. Those who feel good about themselves seem to have an easier time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures and applying a growth mindset.
Your children are remarkable and I encourage you to continue filling their bucket with love, encouragement as they prepare for their return to school after the much-awaited holiday break.
Thank you for walking with me over this year. Thank you for supporting your child’s educators, thank you for your patience, kindness and forgiveness when I may have got it wrong.
You are a mighty community!
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a seasonal break.
Be kind to yourself and stay well.
SARAH CAFFERY
Head of Curriculum - Junior School
How does the saying go? Never a dull moment! This saying reflects every school year at Oakleigh Grammar. However, combined with all things we have journeyed through in 2021, we should feel incredibly proud as a school community….because there have been no dull moments.
Every day brings something we can learn from, grow from, reflect upon or choose to act differently to the next time. This is learning. As my final 2021 Grammar News article, I have chosen to share with you a small collection of quotes that remind us to always keep learning.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and I hope the holiday break is filled with smiles, love and laughter. Take care and be safe.
AMBRE BORNEMAN
Head of Learning Enrichment
In 2022 we are excited to be offering exciting enrichment opportunities for the students of the Junior School.
We are pleased that the Chess club with Kids Unlimited will be back! As well as after school coding class and WiseOnes.
New for 2022 is the Fizz Kidz Science Program. Fizz Kidz Science Program is a unique program that offers children the opportunity to advance science learning through engaging in weekly science experiments and explore science through an emphasis on real-world practice and hands-on learning experiences. The sessions will be held during lunchtime.
Further information can be found on the website https://fizzkidz.com.au/school-science
To register your interest in the program, please contact Ambre Borneman at ABorneman@oakleighgrammar.vic.edu.au
Many of our associated businesses run holiday programs and classes, please contact the companies directly for further information.
Merry Christmas everyone. Have a fantastic summer break!
