Junior School Report

It's hard to believe that Term 4 is already in full swing, as we find ourselves already preparing for the final weeks of Semester 2. The last quarter of the year has brought with it a flurry of activities and events that have added excitement to our school days. Among the highlights of this term, we are proud to share the success of our Junior school students who recently participated in an aspirant leaders’ program at The Ranch located on the Mornington Peninsula.

A selected group of our young leaders from across the College embarked on an initiative adventure camp. The day was filled with challenges, camaraderie, and personal growth. The aim of the program was to foster leadership skills, teamwork, and resilience in our future leaders, and we are thrilled to report that the experience was a resounding success. Our young leaders supported each other to move outside their comfort zone and try something new, encouraged each other through moments of uncertainty and celebrated each other's success.

All our Year 7 students from across the College recently embarked on an unforgettable trip to the Melbourne Zoo, bridging the gap between theory and real life experience, enhancing their English informative writing assessment. During the visit, students had the chance to select animals of interest and engage with in-depth research while observing the animals in their natural habitat. This experience not only brought an exciting element to students’ studies but also fostered a deeper connection between the students and the animal subject they were researching, creating a more immersive and enriching learning experience.

In a refreshing departure from the hustle and bustle of the classroom students had the opportunity to embrace a zen atmosphere during a SANGAM yoga session - known as ‘Yoga of unity’. As students rolled out their mats and settled in, the classroom was transformed into a sanctuary of relaxation, stretching, mindfulness and deep breathing exercises. These grounding practices are aimed at helping students incorporate self-reflection, self-awareness, and enhanced resilience into their lives, fostering a stronger mind-body connection.

Our Year 8 students recently participated in an inspiring incursion led by Project Rockit. This immersive program was designed to empower students to take control of their actions and reactions, both in online and offline environments, with empathy at the forefront.

Throughout the day, students actively participated in a variety of activities and discussions, equipping them with a valuable toolkit of strategies. The aim was to foster the skills needed to lead safe and healthy digital lives while being prepared to navigate challenging online experiences, such as cyberbullying, online hate, and image-based abuse.

Project Rockit's mission aligns perfectly with our schools commitment to nurturing a safe and inclusive learning community, and we are proud to see our students actively engaging in this initiative to make a and we look forward to the positive changes this program will inspire in our students.

“Project Rockit built upon our current knowledge using interactive games and then linking it to real life lessons / meanings. This was an engaging way to refresh the importance of cyber safety and our impact and interactions in the online world”- Rosa Galban Year 8

In the coming weeks as we approach the end of Semester 2, it is crucial that students confirm the submission of all Common Assessment Tasks for grading. We strongly encourage parents to regularly access Compass to track their child's work submission and monitor their progress in various subjects. Additionally, we'd like to remind families that homework support is readily available to aid students in completing their assignments every Thursday night from 3.30-4.30pm. Your continued involvement and support play a significant role in ensuring the academic success and well-being of our students.

We kindly remind all parents and guardians of the importance of notifying the school of any student absences via Compass. Keeping the school informed about your child's attendance allows us to provide appropriate support and ensure that they do not fall behind in their studies. Moreover, consistent school attendance is a crucial step in a child's education journey, as it helps them build a strong educational foundation and maintain social connections with their peers. For those facing challenges related to attendance, please contact the College for support as we are committed to ensuring that every student receives the best possible educational experience. Having parents actively involved in monitoring their child's attendance and communicating with the school helps to create an environment where every student can thrive.

Melissa Williams & Matthew Sloan

Junior School Assistant Principals