Junior School News

FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Today we inducted our House Captains and Vice Captains for 2021 who will join Ruby Flanagan and Hamish Worme as our 2021 Student Leadership group. We would like to thank Ruby and Hamish for the way that they have led our Junior School Assemblies so far. They display the leadership traits that I am sure were evident to the students who voted for them, organisation, endeavour and commitment to their roles. I am sure they are looking forward to sharing the load with those students voted into the House leadership roles this week. 

While it is an exciting time for those who were voted into roles and inducted today, it can also be a time when other students are upset or despondent at not receiving a role. We should take nothing away from those students who were elected. They are thoroughly deserving and were elected by their peers who recognise their potential as leaders. There are however many more students who would also be wonderful leaders in our school but who, due to limited numbers of roles, do not get a position. Each year I speak with our Year 6 students about what it means to lead. Any of our students can lead in their everyday interactions around the school. They can lead by example, doing what needs to be done not because they are asked or are elected to a position, but because it is the right thing to do. 

At our Community Assembly on Monday I spoke about one of our Year 6 girls who quietly helped to pick up some rubbish, not because she was asked to do it or because someone was watching her, but because it needed to be picked up. Without being asked she quietly went about clearing away the rubbish. The same girl will quietly look after other students if they are by themselves or feeling a bit down. While she might not get a badge or an official leadership role, she is a leader in our school. I am sure as parents you have hundreds of examples where you have seen your child doing things for others without being asked or without expectation of reward. They may hold a door open for strangers when out at the shops or offer to help carry the shopping. Perhaps you have seen them go to the aid of a younger child in distress or a friend who is feeling down. Perhaps they have thanked a coach at the end of a sporting event without being asked. Your children are doing the right thing and setting a great example for others. They are displaying leadership, not for reward or recognition, but because it is the right thing to do. 

As parents, we have all been in a situation where our child is disappointed at not receiving a role or recognition. It is important in these situations to acknowledge their feelings as being legitimate and normal. It is OK to be disappointed and quite normal. It is also important to discuss with them that we appreciate their character and that they are showing good leadership, not for a badge but because they know it is the right thing to do to make our school, our community and our society in general, the best that it can be for everyone.

Meet the Teacher Evening

Thank you to all of the parents who attended our Meet the Teacher Evening. It was our first parent function for almost 12 months and while we had to be flexible and adjust the night “on the fly” I think it was a successful evening.  Parents on the night appreciated the opportunity to meet their child’s teacher, view the classroom and meet other parents.  We had great attendance and the evening had a lovely relaxed feel. Thank you to the Friends of Junior School for their contribution of refreshments and to the staff who prepared and served the food and drinks.  We look forward to being able to host more events this year should restrictions allow. 

Parking

The City of Greater Bendigo has asked that we remind parents to follow the signs regarding parking around the MacKenzie St site. We have had concerns raised about parents parking in the No Standing Zones, in the Disabled Bay and in the bus pull-in area. Of particular concern are parents parking in the no parking zones running up MacKenzie St. These bays are for drop off only. Parents who park in these bays and walk to the gate or into the classrooms are adding to the congestion down MacKenzie St where other parents are having to wait to pull in. The Council will be sending Parking Enforcement Officers out to patrol these areas. They explained that photos are taken of cars not following the rules and fines issued in the mail. 

Our newest members

All students have all returned with enthusiasm but none more than our Preparatory students.  Even the pouring rain on the first day of school couldn’t dampen their spirits. Our newest members of the Girton community have enjoyed learning in and also outside, the classroom.  It is great to see them in their new shiny shoes, uniforms and huge school bags, excited to commence their school journey with Girton Grammar School. 

Preparatory students were asked what was the best thing about starting school. 

1.            Playing with the toys

2.            Sport days

3.            Drawing

4.            The spiderweb play ground

5.            Building with mobilo

6.            Playing with my friends

7.            I like school but it’s a bit too long

8.            Playing in the blue house (blue tank cubby)

9.            Playing with pipe cleaners

10.          Show and Tell 

Junior School Swimming Carnival

Next Friday is our annual Swimming Carnival.  The first of our carnival series where student get to represent and support their House in various events.   The Swimming Carnival will be held at the Bendigo East Swimming Pool throughout the school day.   Students will travel by bus to the pool and parents may collect them at the conclusion of the carnival. 

The swimming sports is the first opportunity to show their House spirit, dressing up in House colours, cheering their House mates along in all events and participating in events to obtain points towards the House Cup.  They will also compete over the highly sought after House Spirit Cup by creating a unique chant for their House.   All details for the day can be found on Astra. https://astra.girton.vic.edu.au/homepage/2227

Friends of Junior School

Friends of Junior School is a group of parents and staff who meet twice a term to help the Junior School maintain a good sense of community and culture. The key focus of this group is maintaining a positive presence, as well as fostering good, healthy relations amongst the parents in each year level. Friends of Junior School hit the ground running this year by hosting morning tea on the first day of school for new and existing parents. Despite the rain, there was a good turn out of parents who enjoyed catching up and meeting some new friends. The group are busy now getting the sausage sizzle ready for the Swimming Carnival and hosting coffee catch up’s for parents in their year level.  If you wish to be involved or know more about the group, please speak to your classroom teacher or call Junior School Reception.   

A Simple Formula for Parenting – Parenting Ideas, Michael Grose

With the internet awash with child-rearing advice and theories it can feel totally overwhelming being a parent. At Parenting Ideas, we help parents focus on the things that matter when raising kids. Here’s a potent formula written in plain language to help you focus on what really matters as a parent.

• Show kids how to behave.
• Keep pets to develop nurturance and responsibility.
• Be the adult in the parent-child relationship.
• Cultivate good manners.
• Build character daily.
• Catch kids being kind, gentle and strong.
• Establish healthy habits early.
• Stick to routines.
• Have fun.
• Eat together every day.
• Focus on excellence, not perfection.
• Spend individual time with each child each week.
• Expect kids to change.
• Keep an adult only place at home.
• Admit it when you’re wrong.
• Choose time and place to deliver big messages.
• Keep the meal table free from arguments.
• Prepare for tomorrow the night before.
• Expect children to help.
• Encourage siblings to apologise.
• Send kids to school with breakfast, a kiss and a smile.
• Celebrate success as a family.
• Spend time in nature together.
• Let go.