Junior School

Term 2 has begun with great momentum, bringing a lively buzz throughout our Junior School. In just the first few weeks, students have already taken part in a variety of events, from the Junior School Cross Country and School Photo Day to the annual Open Day and IGNITE Extension sessions led by Mr Dickson. Amidst all the activity, students have smoothly transitioned back into their learning routines after the Easter break. It has been uplifting to witness the high level of participation, curiosity and enthusiasm across every year level as we embark on another exciting term.

Creating Healthy Digital Habits

Over this week and next, students across our Junior School from Prep to Year 6 will participate in engaging, age-appropriate sessions designed to help them build healthy digital habits. These sessions, led by Marty from Inform and Empower, aim to equip students with important tools and strategies for managing screen time and developing positive online behaviours.

As digital technology continues to play an integral role in the lives of children, both at school and at home, it is important for families and educators to work together in promoting balanced and healthy use. Here are some simple and practical ways parents can support their children in developing healthy digital habits:

Set Clear Boundaries: Establish consistent rules around when, where and for how long devices may be used. Aim to keep screens out of bedrooms and make mealtimes screen-free.
Use Technology Together: Engage with your child’s digital world by exploring apps, watching videos or playing games together. This not only fosters connection but also helps you better understand the content they are accessing.
Encourage Offline Activities: Support your child in finding enjoyment away from the screens, whether through reading, sport, creative activities, or outdoor play. A healthy balance is easier to achieve when other meaningful activities are available.
Start Open Conversations: Talk regularly about what your child sees and does online. Encourage critical thinking and create a safe space where they feel comfortable to share any concerns or experiences that may arise.
Be a Positive Role Model: Children learn by observing the behaviour of adults. Demonstrate balanced digital use by setting aside screen-free time and being fully present during family interactions.

By reinforcing these habits at home, parents play a vital role in helping children become safe, responsible and well-balanced users of technology.

During some downtime this week, I came across this story that really hit home. Given the topic that our students have been exploring, I thought it appropriate to share it with you in this edition of The Vine.

A Wish that Hit Home

While marking a stack of student writing on the topic ‘If I Had a Wish’, a teacher was struck by one heartfelt piece. The student’s wish was simple yet deeply moving: “I wish my mum and dad would give me as much attention as they do their devices.”

The teacher’s heart sank. She felt a wave of sadness and frustration toward the parents who, in her eyes, were clearly missing precious opportunities to connect with their child. That evening, she shared the story with her husband, expressing her disappointment and concern over how easily technology could intrude on family relationships.

Later that night, as she returned to her pile of marking, she paused to take a closer look at the handwriting and name on the top of the page. Her breath caught. It was her own son’s work.

In that moment, the teacher’s perspective shifted from judgement to reflection. She realised that in the busyness of life – juggling responsibilities, lessons, emails, and endless to-do lists – she had unintentionally become the very parent she had been quick to criticise.

The experience became a gentle wake-up call, prompting her to reevaluate her digital habits and commit to being more present with her family. Sometimes, the most powerful lessons do not come from professional development, parenting books, or expert advice but from the innocent, honest words of a child.

It is easy to justify our use of technology. After all, we are often using it for legitimate and purposeful reasons – responding to a work email, organising a play date, checking in with family, or managing daily life. However, from a child’s perspective, the screen can sometimes feel like a wall between them and the connection they crave.

This story is a timely reminder to all of us, as parents and carers, that we are our children’s most influential role models. Our use of technology sets the tone for their habits and expectations. By putting down our devices and being fully present, we not only meet their unspoken wishes – we show them what meaningful connection truly looks like.

House Cross Country

Glorious Autumn sunshine set the scene for our House Cross Country on Wednesday 30 April. Students from Prep to Year 6 embraced the challenge with energy and determination, cheered on enthusiastically by peers, families and staff. The positive atmosphere and sportsmanship on display made for a memorable day.

After crossing the finish line, many students enjoyed a warm sausage on bread, helping to raise $633 for Amari, a Community Development Program in Uganda (www.amari.org.au).

Thank you to Mrs Carolyn Connelly and Mr Tim Ashmore for their outstanding coordination of the event. We are also grateful to the parent helpers and staff who supported the BBQ.

For a full report and more photos go to Junior Sport.

State Swimming Success

We are proud to acknowledge and congratulate our Junior School students who represented our College at the Victorian State Swimming Championships held at MSAC on Thursday 1 May. It was a fantastic achievement to have four students compete at this elite level. A special congratulations to Bruce Z (4D), who is now the State Champion in the Age 9-10 Boys 50m Breaststroke, taking out first place in a highly competitive field.

We also celebrate the incredible team effort of Bruce Z (4D), Hanson L (4D), Stacey W (5M) and Ayan G (4D) who swam brilliantly to become State Champions in the Age 9-10 Boys / Mixed Freestyle Relay, also securing first place.

Well done to all four students for their determination, hard work and outstanding performance at the state level.

Dates to Remember

Parents, we would like to take the opportunity to remind you that all Junior School students will not be expected at school on the following days:

Report Writing Day – Friday 6 June
King’s Birthday Holiday – Monday 9 June

Mother’s Day

This Sunday, we celebrate Mother’s Day, a special opportunity to honour the mothers and significant women in our students’ lives. In the Bible, we are reminded of Hannah, a faithful and devoted mother from the town of Ramah. Each year, she would travel to Shiloh to visit her son Samuel, who served in the temple. The journey from Ramah to Shiloh would have been approximately 30 kilometres on foot, across rugged and hilly terrain, likely taking a full day or more. Yet, with love and dedication, Hannah made the journey each year, bringing with her a new coat she had made for Samuel – a symbol of her ongoing care, presence, and prayerful support (1 Samuel 2:19).

Proverbs 31:28 reflects the impact of a mother’s love.

In the same spirit, we acknowledge and thank the women in our community who invest so much into the lives of their children with selfless love, wisdom, and strength. We wish you all a special Mother’s Day this Sunday. May it be a time of feeling deeply loved and appreciated for all that you do.

Amy Liddle

Head of Junior School