Junior School Report

From the

Director of Learning

Junior School

Miss Jessika Cichy

Welcome back to Term 4! It’s hard to believe we’re in the final stretch of the school year. Our Junior School students have made a fantastic start, already taking part in activities that continue to build their confidence, curiosity, and sense of community.

The Road So Far

Peter Combe Concert – Tuesday 21 October Our Year 7 students began the term with a burst of energy at the Peter Combe Concert, acting as mentors for younger students from Westall Primary School during Period 2 in the Sports Centre. It was a full-circle moment for many—students who were in primary school themselves just last year are now role models for the next generation. 

A special thank-you to Ruzgar and Amogna in Year 7 for assisting Peter during his performances.

We’ve also seen our Year 7s attend a Scienceworks excursion as part of their science classes, and some of our Year 8s were off on a camp for their Outdoor Ed iCreate! All our students are showing great CARE values – including care for themselves, others, and their education. 

Celebrations and Looking Ahead

Junior School Celebration Day – Thursday 27 November (Week 8)

Mark your calendars—this is one not to miss! To recognise the growth, effort, and achievements of our Junior School students, we will once again hold our annual Celebration Day. This event is all about coming together as a community, having fun, and practising key skills such as teamwork, confidence, and resilience. 

Students will enjoy a large inflatable ninja-warrior course, an optional movie excursion to M-City, a petting zoo, and other activities. Consent and payment for the optional movie excursion are due by Wednesday 19 November 2025, so please check Compass to ensure all requirements are completed on time.

HeadStart – Weeks 9–10

During HeadStart, students will “step up” into their 2026 classes, meeting new teachers and classmates while getting a head start on next year’s curriculum. This is an important time where students begin engaging with content for the following year. We encourage all students to come prepared, arrive on time, and bring the tools they need to succeed. Students will need their laptops, pens, pencils, exercise books, and lunches each day. HeadStart is just as important as any other part of the school year, and full attendance is expected.

Healthy Eating = Healthy Learners

As we move into the last part of the year, we want to remind everyone how important healthy food is for learning. Lately, we have noticed some students coming to school with chips, lollies, and soft drinks, or asking the Sub-School for food. We know mornings can be busy, but eating well helps students stay focused, calm, and full of energy all day.

At Westall, we promote the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, which shows that a healthy lunch should include:

• Fruit and vegetables

• Wholegrains (like bread, rice, or pasta)

• Protein (like meat, eggs, beans, or lentils)

• Dairy or dairy alternatives (like milk or yoghurt)

• Water as the best drink

You can find more information about this guide and recommendations for healthy foods on the government’s website: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/eating-well 

Simple Lunch Tips

• Pack fruit or vegetables every day.
• Bring water, not soft drinks or energy drinks.
• Include foods that fill you up, like sandwiches, rice, or wraps.
• Try healthier snacks like popcorn, yoghurt, or wholegrain crackers.
• Pack lunches the night before to save time in the morning.

Family Challenge

Can your family go one week where:

• Everyone drinks only water, and/or

• Every lunchbox has at least one fruit or vegetable?

Healthy food helps students feel better, learn better, and finish the year strong!

As always, we extend a sincere thank you to our families for your ongoing support and for helping make Term 3 such a success. We look forward to carrying this momentum into Term 4 and finishing the year on a positive and productive note.

Warm regards

Miss Jessika Cichy

Director of Learning – Junior School

Westall Secondary College

Junior Food Tech

The Year 8s have been cooking up a storm in the kitchen this term. They enjoyed their time in kitchen as they have made some amazing dishes ranging from sushi to scones. The students have been focusing on food kitchen safety and hygiene, making sure they are being safe and responsible while in the kitchen. These practical skills they have learnt will be transferred into the later years when they become some master chefs!

Ms Donna Yuan

Classroom Teacher

Peter Combe visits Westall SC for a Concert

On Tuesday, October 21st, the Year 7s hosted Prep – Grade 2 students from Westall Primary School for a Music Concert in the sports centre. Over 120 students enjoyed a lively and fun environment, singing and dancing their way through the hour. Popular songs such as “Newspaper Mama and “Wash your face in orange juice” were sung by Peter Combe, students, teachers, and staff.

The concert was part of the Peer Support Program run by Junior School Captains to show their organisational and leadership skills, which were clearly evident on the day. The Junior Captains wanted to bring some sunshine and spring happiness to the term, which they certainly achieved. Promoting the event, holding meetings to discuss details, organising the paper hats and giving a speech on the day showed impressive leadership skills. 

Congratulations to the Year 8 students who helped on the day to make it an event to be proud of.

Ms Lee Read

Activities and Student Leadership Coordinator