Junior School

A warm welcome back to everyone as we embark on another exciting year! It has been such a joy to see the students back in school, brimming with energy and enthusiasm. As we settle into our routines, we are reminded of the importance of building positive habits and a sense of community within our school.

Building School Routines and Gratitude for Your Support

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all our wonderful parents for their continued support, particularly in helping students with their uniforms and ensuring they arrive to school on time. A special thank you to those who attended our recent Information Night—your involvement and engagement make such a positive impact on our school community. Together, we’re working hard to establish strong school routines that will help all our students succeed!

A Special Shout-Out to Our Prep Students

Our youngest students, the Prep classes, deserve a special mention for their remarkable resilience in the heat. Despite the hot weather, they have shown great perseverance and positive energy—well done to our Prep families for supporting them through this challenging weather!

Year 5 Leadership Recognition & First Junior School Camp

This term, we are incredibly proud of our Year 5 students who are stepping into their leadership roles. Their contributions to the school community, whether through helping their peers or showing initiative in their learning, are truly inspiring.

A huge milestone for Year 5 this year is their participation in the Junior School Camp at Phillip Island. This camp is not only an exciting adventure, but it also supports our Round Square and Leader In Me focus—developing leadership, responsibility, and global citizenship. The lessons learned at camp will undoubtedly stay with them for a lifetime!

Shout-Out to Our Dedicated Homeroom and Specialist Staff

I would like to take a moment to recognise the incredible dedication of our homeroom and specialist staff. They always bring their best selves to the classroom, showing unwavering commitment to our students each day. Beyond their roles at Oakleigh Grammar, many of them are mothers, fathers, and caregivers who give their time and professional commitment in ways that often go unseen. We are truly blessed to have them as part of our community.

Humility, Aspiration, Respect and Kindness, Ahead

As we continue this year together, I am filled with optimism, and excitement for what lies ahead. Our school community is what make our school so special. 

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and involvement. I look forward to all the wonderful things this year has in store for us!

Shelley Parkes

Assistant Principal - Head of Junior School

Embracing the after-school chat.

As parents, one of the most common questions we ask our children after school is, "How was your day?" While the intention behind this question is to show interest and keep the lines of communication open, sometimes it can unintentionally cause stress or anxiety, especially if our child has had a difficult or overwhelming day.

The key is to ask open-ended questions that encourage a relaxed, meaningful conversation rather than focusing on "Yes" or "No" answers. The goal is to create a safe and comfortable space where your child feels heard, without the pressure of needing to explain every detail of their day. 

Here are some helpful tips and types of questions to ask that I hope might foster a positive conversations with your child:

Keep the Tone Casual and Non-Judgmental

Tone matters, try not to rush in with a “How was school?”. Aim to create a warm, open atmosphere that invites them to share without feeling like they have to recall the whole day minutes after the end of day bell.

Ask Specific, Low-Pressure Questions

Rather than asking a broad "How was your day?" try breaking it down into smaller parts. Ask about specific experiences or moments from their day. 

Some questions that are easy to answer, yet still invite conversation, might include:

“What made you smile today?” 

“Did anything funny happen today?” 

“Who did you play with today?” 

“What was the best part of your day?” 

“Was there anything that made you feel proud today?” 

Be Interested in Their Activities, Not Just The Result

While it’s important to know how your child is tracking, focusing solely on academics can create unnecessary pressure. Instead, ask about their learning and experiences in a more holistic way. 

For example:

“What did you learn today that surprised you?” 

“What was something new you did today?” 

Let Silence Be Okay

Sometimes, children may not feel like talking right away. Respecting that silence can also be part of the process. After asking a question, if they don’t respond immediately, don’t push for an answer. Giving them space and time can be just as important as the conversation itself.

 Validate Their Feelings

When your child does open up, validate their emotions, even if they’re expressing frustration, sadness, or anxiety. 

Instead of offering immediate solutions or responses, acknowledge how they feel with phrases like:

“That sounds really tough. How did you handle it?”

“I can see why that would make you upset. Do you want to talk more about it?”

Ask About Feelings, Not Just Events

Instead of asking only about the events of the day, consider asking your child how those events made them feel. 

Questions like:

“How did that make you feel when that happened?”

“What was the hardest part of your day?”

Share Your Own Day, Too

Sometimes, leading by example can make children feel more comfortable sharing. Share a small, light-hearted moment from your own day, such as something funny that happened at work or an interesting fact you learned. This helps break the ice and makes it feel more like a shared exchange rather than a one-sided question-and-answer session.

Sarah Caffrey

Head of Junior School Curriculum