Week Ahead

Monday, October 14th

- Year One Assembly - 2.30 pm

- Christmas cake baking week commences

Tuesday, October 15th

- Parents and Friends Meeting - 6.00 pm at the Senior Campus

Wednesday, October 16th

- under 12 boys’ and under 13 girls’ cricket commences - 4.00 pm

Thursday, October 17th

- Session 2 of the Prep Orientation program - 9.15 am

Staff and Student 'Shout-Outs'

One of the College values is ‘gratitude’. This term we have two ‘Shout-Out’ boards in the Junior School; one in the staffroom and one in the Myrniong hallway. Staff and students can give a written ‘shout-out’ to someone worthy of their thanks. A number of lovely messages have already been left for passers-by to enjoy.

ICAS Reach Mathematics Success

The follow students received Commendable (top 20%) certificates at this Monday’s Assembly;

Year 2 - Elsie Brown, Georgia Kennedy, Rhiognach McClure, Alveena Nadim and Sophie Satchell

Year 4 - Rupert Merrin and Ned White

Year 5 - Harriet Nicholls

Year 6 - Emma Donovan, Annabel O’Toole and Sophie Merrin

Congratulations to Reian Patel in Year 2 who received an Outstanding certificate (top 10%).

2020 Staffing

Our Prep transition program commences on Thursday. The very experienced Mrs Sharon Kelly will be the Prep teacher for 2020. Sharon will visit the Early Learning Centre to touch base with the Piccino students enrolled in next year’s Prep class. The following Thursday will see this group working with Mrs Kelly in their 2020 classroom. The Year 1 to Year 6 staffing will be announced on Orientation Day - Thursday, November 14th. On this day, students will move up to their 2020 classrooms and meet their new teachers.

Summer Uniform

A cold snap has heralded the start of the final term for 2019. Students have a two week period of grace in which they can opt for summer or winter uniform. On Monday, October 21st, all students are expected to be in their summer uniform. School jumpers are permitted to be worn over dresses and the new crested boys’ shirts. If students choose to wear a tie, this must be accompanied with a blazer to and from school. Hats are now compulsory for students, to and from school, and at recess and lunch. With Australia topping the 2018 list of countries with the highest rates of skin cancer, the Junior School views skin protection as a vital component of our safety polices. Students without hats at school will spend time on shaded balcony areas. Parents are asked to assist us by making sure all hats are labelled and children leave for school in the mornings with their hats on their heads.

Stephen Nelson

Head of Junior School

The Early Learning Centre

Early Childhood Languages Program

Last term we had a little hiccup in our Early Childhood Languages Program, but we are happy to report that we are back for Term Four and looking forward to providing our Piccino students with a rich, developmentally appropriate Mandarin Language programme. Each Monday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Ms Patricia See will again join us and lead us in some engaging, play-based learning experiences to support the children in learning not only Mandarin, but also about important aspects of Chinese culture.

Why the Early Childhood Languages Program?

In 2019, for the first time, the Victorian Government has created a program that actively encourages children at kindergarten to learn in another language. Education experts have found that there are many benefits in learning additional languages at a young age, including:

• increased reading and writing skills

• cognitive flexibility

• strengthened brain development

• improved problem-solving skills.

Learning in another language gives children a richer understanding of how languages work, and bolsters their literacy skills. For those children already fluent in another language, it can bolster self-esteem and strengthen cultural identity. The language program recognises that through encouraging diverse language skills in our kindergartens, Victorians can build stronger local communities and prepare children for an increasingly connected world later in life. (taken from the Department of Education and Training)

Frances O'Brien

Early Learning Centre Director

Netball

A reminder that Netball starts this Saturday 12th October.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your game as it is important to warm up before you play. Your coach also needs this time to get you ready to go onto the court.

Please remember to remove any jewellery, including earrings. These cannot be taped.

Uniform is the same as you would wear for P.E. lessons.

Remember to bring a drink of water.

Training is Mondays at lunchtime. Don’t forget to bring your runners.

Thank you to those people who have already registered online. If you have not yet done so, would you please do so before Saturday’s game.

http://vic.netball.com.au/membership/netball-victoria-membership/

Draw – Saturday 12th October:

11 and Under College Jaguars play Good Shepherd College at 8.30 am
13 and Under College Panthers play Hamilton Nth Vixens at 9.30 am
NET SET GO 10.30 am

Game times will vary each week. Please make sure you check the Newsletter so that you don’t miss your game. The draw can also be found on Facebook.