Junior School

Susan McLean's Cyber Safety Parent Presentation

Susan McLean, Australia’s foremost expert in cyber safety, presented a ‘Securing Your Digital World’ information session to College parents on Tuesday evening. Her presentation was thought provoking, informative, to the point and, at times very confronting. It certainly reinforced the fact parents have a difficult role in navigating a safe, respectful and responsible path for their children in the ever-changing online world. My major take-aways from Susan’s presentation:

• 86% of under 13s are on platforms they should not be on, with parental permission.
• Be the loudest voice in your home and do not allow your children to have devices in bedrooms and bathrooms.
• 60% of 12-year-olds have received or viewed sexualised images.
• If your child downloads new games or apps, parents should view them first to gain an understanding of their content.
• If a child is using an app or playing a game, you need to be present.
• If your child experiences inappropriate behaviour from people online, report before you block. If you block first, it is harder for the police to trace them.
• Roblox is a portal for over 40 million different games. Many are highly inappropriate for children.

The comment that resonated most with me was this “Your child is only as safe as their friend with the weakest digital rules in their home.”

ICAS Competition Assessments

Thank you to the parents who responded to the invitation and entered their children in the 2025 ICAS English, Spelling and Mathematics assessments. Along with students nominated by the Junior School teaching staff, we have 29 students sitting the three online assessments. The first online competition paper will be the ICAS English on Wednesday 13 August. Results should be available before the end of this term. We wish all students well who will sit these Australasia wide assessments. 

Operation Christmas Child

Our Junior School Captains Livvy Bell and Hugo Cameron spoke to this week’s Assembly about ‘Operation Christmas Child’. Over the last five years, the Junior School has committed to supporting this cause. Operation Christmas Child is run by Samaritan’s Purse. Shoe boxes are filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for underprivileged children around the world. 

Since 1993, more than 232 million children in more than 170 countries and territories have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. This project delivers the joy of what, for many children, is their first gift.  If you have any empty and clean shoeboxes at home, please send them into the Junior School reception. We are aiming to pack and send around 15 boxes over the next 10 weeks, from the ELC and Junior School classes. 

Star Student Awards

The following students received ‘Star Student’ awards at this week’s Assembly.

Piccino:

• Isabelle Lyons for showing resilience and kindness with her peers. She has shown great courage in branching out, trying new things and building wonderful new friendships. We are so proud of the way you include others and continue to shine as a caring and confident friend.

   

• Elena Charlton for bringing happiness and laughter to everyone around her. She always includes others in her play, shares her wonderful sense of humour and spreads joy throughout the day. Thank you for being such a bright and caring friend: you make our community a happier place.

Year 1: Freya Nettleton for working hard to develop her reading fluency skills.    

Year 2: Jasper Hoffmann for being a conscientious and hard-working member of Year 2. He brings a positive attitude to everything he does and tries his best.

Year 3: Chelsea Tang for being a motivated student who works hard to improve her knowledge and understandings in all areas. She is organised, has a positive attitude and tries her best in everything she does. 

Year 5: 

• Ed MacDougall for a wonderful start to Year 5 at College, settling into things quickly, taking everything in his stride and making positive contributions to discussions and our classroom culture.

   

• Penelope Copley for settling into Year 5 quickly and making the most of all the opportunities, involving herself in different school groups and teams and contributing a sense of humour and curiosity to our class. 

Year 6:

• Alice McDougall for settling in well to our class, showing great enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards her learning. She is beginning to build strong friendships and is becoming a valued member of our classroom community.

   

• Nate Weilbaecher for working hard in class and consistently taking the time to check in with his teacher to ensure he is on track, demonstrating focus and responsibility for his learning.

   

• Alinta Margetts for being a kind and helpful member of our classroom. Alinta is always willing to assist her classmates, whether it’s helping to tidy up or offering support where needed. 

   

• Lachie Sweeney for making a positive start to the term, showing a fantastic work ethic in class. Lachie approaches his tasks with determination, a positive attitude, and a strong commitment to his learning.

Sports update - Mrs Patterson

Good luck to our Hockey 7s teams who are competing in the Greater Western Region Hockey Tournament at Pedrina Park next Tuesday 12 August. Winners from this competition automatically qualify for the SSV State Hockey Championships. Thank you to the P&F who are kindly running a canteen for all students on this day.

On Wednesday, 13 August, we are delighted to welcome Jono Box and Tristain from AFL Victoria to run clinics with each of our P.E. classes.This is a perfect lead into our AFL 9s experience the following day. Please, everyone, remember P.E. clothes on Wednesday, 13 August.

On Thursday, 13 August, all Year 5/6 students will travel to Pedrina Park, following the Open Morning at Myrniong, to participate in the AFL 9s structured football experience. This is run by the Hamilton District Sports Association (HDSA) and is a really wonderful opportunity for all students to participate in the game of AFL in a modified and inclusive way. Thank you to our very kind parents who have offered to coach our girls and boys teams. This afternoon is always a favourite on the Junior School sporting calendar!

Hockey

College Under 10 Falcons had an entertaining 3-3 draw with Demons Red.

College Under 13 Eagles had a strong 11-1 over Coleraine Maroon.

College Under 13 Hawks went down 3-1 in a close match with Demons. 

This weekend’s matches:

• College Under 10 Falcons v Demons White -12.00 pm at Pedrina Park
• College Under 13 Eagles v Dunkeld - 2.00 pm at College
• College Under 13 Hawks v Coleraine Maroon - 3.30 pm at Pedrina Park

With three rounds remaining in the regular season, all three College teams are in the running to play finals.