Junior School Principal Report

Happy New Year! Welcome back to the 2026 school year and a very warm welcome to our new Year 7 students and families. It was a pleasure to see so many of you enjoying a sausage and meeting the mentor team.

Our Year 7 students enjoyed an engaging two-day Transition Program, with a focus on getting to know their peers and mentor teacher, whilst also supporting the students so that they feel ready to tackle formal classes. A big thank you from me to Ms Collins, Ms Pratt and Mr Cox for their work setting up and running the transition program. When contacting the school please utilise our Mentor teachers, they work with the students daily and welcome parent communication, the easiest way is through Compass. 

Our Year 8’s have also settled in well with some positive messages from teachers around engagement. We are looking forward to the different opportunities that 2026 will provide them with a new year 8 team of Mrs Coverdale (HOYL) and Mrs Kennedy (Coordinator).

New subject at Yr 9

Mr Given presented to Year 9 parents about the journey that we have been on through our intergenerational project and the exciting times ahead. 

All year 9 students will have the opportunity to volunteer their time at an aged care facility or a primary school for one term in 2026, through our subject: Beyond School: Work, life and Community Yr9. The teachers involved in the program are Mr Given, Miss Bukojemski, Miss Oostermeyer and Miss Smith and will be in contact when it's your students turn. 

If you have any concerns, please get in contact with Mr Given ASAP.

Microsoft to Do and Junior School Handbook

Students will again be asked to use Microsoft To Do for their planning and calendar.

As part of our move toward more interactive, digital learning tools, we replaced our traditional hard copy planners last year with this cloud-based platform, offering students a way to manage their tasks and homework.

With Microsoft To Do, students can create customised lists, set reminders, and break down larger projects into smaller tasks, all in one place. 

The best part? The platform syncs across multiple devices, allowing students to access their tasks on their school computers and then check or update them on their phones at home. While phones are not allowed during school hours, students can sync their To Do list on their devices at home, ensuring they never miss an important deadline or homework assignment.

If you are interested in modelling this at home, there is a tutorial video available.

The only downside of having no planner is the important information that used to sit in the front of the planner. To assist in that information students and parents have access to the Junior School Handbook.

If you have any questions about our practices in Junior school, the handbook is the one stop shop. 

'A New Year of Learning' Webpage 

A new school year is an exciting time for students and families, but it can be a big step – particularly for those moving to secondary school.

The Department of Education has published a webpage with resources and information to help you prepare for the new school year.

Please consider reading through the resources, which include:

• tips to help transition between primary to secondary school

• what to expect at school

• help with school costs and fees

• health and wellbeing guidance to support children’s mental health. 

Please refer to the New year of learning webpage.