Junior School

It’s hard to believe we’re already at the end of Term 3. Although it’s only been a short term, it’s certainly been jam-packed and fast-paced. The boys have engaged with a wide variety of experiences including the Year 7 and Year 8 Retreats, a number of wellbeing programs such as the Brainstorm Productions performance and the Year 8 Health Respectful Relationships Day, 2026 subject selections for our current Year 8 students, and of course, the ever-busy co-curricular program.

For our Year 7 students, it is remarkable to consider how far they have come in such a short time. As they now approach the final term of their first year at SPC, we are so proud of how well they have adjusted, how confidently they have found their place in our community, and the young men they are becoming. Much has changed since they first arrived, and it is rewarding to see the growth in both their learning and their character.

Our Year 8 students are preparing to embark on their final term in the Junior School. This is an exciting time for them, as they look ahead to Year 9 and the opportunities that come with beginning to choose subjects more closely aligned with their strengths, interests, and goals. They have worked hard this year, and we are confident they will carry this momentum into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

A highlight of this term for the cohort was their engagement in the Respectful Relationships Day, Values in Action. The boys are to be commended on their conduct throughout the day—something observed by both their Homeroom Teachers and the external facilitators, who spoke glowingly of the students’ participation. The success of the program was due in large part to the cooperation and positive attitude of the boys, and we hope each of them walked away at the end of the day feeling more confident and equipped in the important space of Respectful Relationships. 

Another highlight for the Year 8 program has been our recent visits to Nazareth House, where each Homeroom Group takes time to connect with the residents. So far, three groups have made the trip, and the experience has been genuinely warming. It has been wonderful to see the boys engage in conversation, hear the stories of the residents, and learn about the lives they have lived—including what life was like when they were growing up. These visits provide a valuable opportunity for the boys to practise empathy, respect, and active listening while building connections across generations in our broader community.

They have worked hard this year, and we are confident they will carry this momentum into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

None of this progress would be possible without the dedication of our Homeroom Teachers, who deserve recognition for the vital role they play in supporting the boys. Each morning, they set the tone for a positive and productive day, offering guidance and encouragement, and throughout the day they remain a consistent source of support. Importantly, they also deliver the Respectful Relationships Curriculum through the Pastoral Care Program, helping the boys develop the skills and values that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Our Year 7 and Year 8 Coordinators also provide another layer of care and support, complementing the work of our Homeroom Teachers and ensuring that every boy feels guided and supported on his journey.

As we conclude Term 3, I want to congratulate the boys for all they have achieved and the way they have approached the term. I wish them a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to welcoming them back in Term 4, refreshed and ready to finish the year strongly. With the support of staff and their families, I am confident we will help them close out 2025 productively and with pride.

GRIT Awards:

We also congratulate our GRIT Award winners for the second half of Term 3. At SPC, GRIT stands for Growth Mindset, Respectfulness, Inclusivity, and Tuned In—qualities that are essential both at school and in life. These boys have demonstrated GRIT in a variety of ways, whether it be pushing through a difficult task, showing persistence in sport or study, or finding a way to adapt when things didn’t go as planned. GRIT can come and go, but the more it is practised, the better equipped we are to problem-solve during moments of challenge. It is a skill necessary for success in adulthood, and it’s important that we continue to reference and value it—not only in our school setting but in the many other communities our boys are a part of.