Primary School News

Dear Parents,

As you read this newsletter article, you would be well aware that we are currently enjoying our final, full week together here in the Primary School for 2023.

For all boys across both year levels, this week should be a time of reflection on the year that was. Year 5 boys should be looking back and reflecting on how much they have grown and developed as young Marist men from their early days huddled together in the courtyard during Week 1 of the year. At the start of the year, on their very first day, all the Year 5 boys were challenged by Mr Newman to get involved in everything they possibly could. I doubt there would be a single boy who could not look back and be satisfied that they got involved in what we have to offer them here in the Primary School. We look forward to these boys taking the role of leaders next year as they enter into Year 6 and we welcome a new cohort of Year 5 boys in 2024.

For our Year 6 boys, this week is a time for them to reflect back on all their Primary Years as they are about to enter the secondary phase of their schooling journey. I would like them to think back on their time in our Primary space with fondness and a sense of pride in the effort they have put into starting their careers as Marist men. During this term, the Year 6 boys have been involved in a number of transition activities to assist them in making the change to Year 7 next year. I hope that they are excited to be starting secondary school, but, at the same time, a little sad to be leaving the teachers and boys of the Primary School behind. They are all welcome back of course, to visit and share the stories of their experiences in Year 7.

For our parents across Years 5 or 6, this week will hold different emotions I imagine, depending on what year level your son is in. I look forward to seeing our Year 5 mums and dads again next year in and around our Primary School as we embark on 2024 together. I am particularly looking forward to celebrating our Year 6 Graduation with our boys and parents next Thursday. It is sure to be a wonderful event, focusing on our boys’ primary years.

Anthony Graham – Primary Pastoral Leader 

Lunchtime Football Competition

We're excited to share the thrilling highlights of our recent school-wide 5-a-side football competition, which brought the entire school community together during lunchtimes. Toby Russell, an enthusiastic student, took the initiative to organize this exciting event, and his dedication truly shone through. With the primary leaders by his side, the event was a resounding success. The competition not only showcased our students' talent and passion for the beautiful game but also promoted teamwork and sportsmanship. It was heartening to see students of all ages coming together and fostering a sense of unity through their shared love for football. Congratulations to Toby Russell and the primary leaders for their outstanding efforts in making this event a memorable one. We look forward to more such events that bring our school community closer together through the spirit of sports.

Year 6 Transition Activity

Our recent transition activity, in which the Year 6 students watched the Ephrem rock climbing event with their new house for next year, was a thrilling and symbolic experience. As they cheered on their housemates and observed the impressive feats of athleticism on the climbing wall, the students forged connections and started to build a sense of belonging to their future house. It was a glimpse into the excitement and camaraderie that awaits them in the next stage of their academic journey. The event not only showcased physical prowess but also underlined the importance of teamwork and support, values that will surely be at the core of their house's identity. This transition activity served as a meaningful step in preparing our Year 6 students for the next chapter of their school life.

Calendar Events: 

• Years 5 and 6 Fun Day –  Wednesday 22 November. The Fun Day promises an exciting day of fun and camaraderie for our students. Boys from each year level will engage in a range of enjoyable activities tailored to their age groups. While we will share more details in the coming days, this event offers an excellent opportunity to celebrate a year of incredible learning. Moreover, it holds special significance for our Year 6 students as they prepare to graduate from primary school. Each year group will have its unique schedule for the day, featuring activities designed to suit their interests. We look forward to sharing more information as the event approaches, and we're committed to making it a memorable experience for all our students.
• Year 6 Graduation – Thursday 23 November. Information has already been shared with Year 6 families regarding the event. This is also the last day of the school year as Friday 24th is a pupil-free day. 

Jen Little, Primary Learning Leader

Assessment and Reporting

As we wrap up another busy year, I am pleased to say that the boys have made great gains in their learning across the board. Please note that both parents and students are able to access assessment results from this term through Parent Lounge and Student Café. Whilst it is important to review the results, please also note the specific feedback that teachers have provided for the boys. Ultimately, it is this feedback that assists in moving learning forward. Semester Two Report Cards will be available to parents at the conclusion of the term. An email will be sent to all parents when these become available. Boys are encouraged to use their Learning Profile Spreadsheets to track their GPA’s. 

Booklists:

Book/ Stationery lists will be released to parents later this week.

Literacy Cup and Numeracy Trophy

Congratulations to our winners for the week:

• Literacy Cup: 5 Gold and 6 Gold
• Numeracy Trophy: 5 Red and 6 Red

Congratulations to our overall winners of these competitions:

• Literacy – 5 Gold and 6 Gold
• Numeracy – 5 Red and 6 Blue

These classes will celebrate with a Pizza Party on Monday of next week for our Literacy winners and Tuesday of next week for our Numeracy winners. 

Debating

Recently, our four Primary teams capped off the debating season with four victories across Years 5 and 6. The students have found debating to be a valuable opportunity, helping them to develop their research skills, speech writing and confidence. We thank the students for their hard work and effort over the season and extend special congratulations to the following students who remained undefeated for the season: Sebastian Kaminski, Ethan Yi, Lincoln Bartlett and Archer Hardiker. Well done boys!