Junior School Update

Welcome to Term 2   

It was a delight to welcome our Junior School students and families back after the Easter holidays and to see everyone looking refreshed after a well-deserved break. We’ve certainly had a busy two weeks back! The whole school cross-country competition was a huge success, and we were blessed with amazing weather. Special thanks to Jo Ritson and Jules Whitehead for organising and preparing our Junior students for this great event – GO BLUNDELL! 

Time has been spent on the importance of ANZAC traditions in our classrooms and this learning will culminate in a special Junior School ANZAC Day assembly in the IRC on Friday afternoon. 

Easter Service and Bonnet Parade  

Our Junior School students were splendid in their Easter bonnet finery on the final day of Term 1. We love the tradition of hand-made Easter hats, begun by Ms Nguyen. The skill and creativity of our students really shines through at this event. 

Wellbeing – Developing Your Child’s Independence 

As we prepare for our first Junior School camp of 2024 – the Year 5 and 6’s are off to Sovereign Hill next month – this is an opportunity to focus on supporting your child develop independent skills in a range of areas. Your child’s ability to do things for herself is the smallest component of independence; the real gold in independence lies in what being able to do things on her own does for your child. This includes but is not limited to: 

• Enhanced self-esteem 
• Confidence 
• Problem-solving skills 
• Perseverance 
• Emotional regulatory skills as she learns to manage small failures  

All of these valuable life skills contribute to academic and personal success. Given time and encouragement, and according to her age, your child might surprise you with her ability to accomplish tasks such as: 

• Helping with the laundry, by sorting clothes into lights and darks 
• Feeding the family pet 
• Dressing herself (it doesn’t matter if her wardrobe choices are somewhat bizarre 
• Tying her shoelaces 
• Carrying/packing her school bag 
• Making her school recess and lunch 
• Solving friendship conflicts 

School Sport Victoria Swimming and Diving News 

Congratulations to Anna K in Year 6 who achieved a silver medal in the 50m Breaststroke event at the School Sport Victoria State Swimming Championships last Friday. A fantastic result Anna!  

Zara M in Year 5 is also to be congratulated for her efforts in the School Sport Victoria Diving last Monday. Zara is only 10 years old and came fourth in the Under 12 competition! She completed three dives; a back, forward and reverse dive. 

Science Talent Search  

Junior School students (Years 3 to 6) are invited to apply to participate in STAV's annual Science Talent Search. This year's theme is Species Survival: More than Just Sustainability. As only a limited number of projects can be entered, students need to email a proposal to Miss Sidaway at jsidaway@shelford.vic.edu.au by MONDAY.  

Further details may be found on Shelly HERE 

Vicky Gemmell

Head of Junior School – Student Wellbeing and Development

Jacqui Sidaway

Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning