Year One Assembly

On Monday we were entertained in the Simons’ Auditorium by the Year 1 Class Assembly. The students put their own twist on the classic story ‘Farmer Duck’ by Martin Waddell and Helen Oxenbury. They also embedded elements of their Mandarin Chinese program into the play. Well done students, Mrs Callinan, Mrs Alexander and Ms Liu.

ICAS Reach Testing

Last Thursday saw the commencement of our ICAS REACH testing for students in Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Online Spelling, English and Mathematics papers will be sat by the students over the coming weeks. REACH assessments provide teachers with rich diagnostic data which allows them to benchmark their students, support the best outcomes for cohorts, to better understand what each student can and can't do at a given point in time and to help track student progress from year to year. The assessments are set up using the identical interface as the current NAPLAN testing for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Stem/Digital Technologies

Our Year 2 and 3 students have recently been working with Makey Makeys; an electronic invention kit. The Makey Makey kits allow students to take everyday objects and combine them with the internet. Using alligator clips attached to any conductive material, students can control the keyboard of a computer, such as the space bar, arrow keys and left click of the mouse. They can even control an electronic piano keyboard with their fingers and toes.

Berry House Initiative

Berry House are holding a soup drive to collect cans of soup on behalf of the Uniting Church to give to those people less fortunate than ourselves. We encourage you to bring in as many cans as you are able to help support those in need in our community. Please place cans in the basket in Myrniong Reception. Spaghetti, baked beans and canned fruit would also be appreciated. Thank you.

Tom Templeton & Sam O’Sullivan - Berry House Captains

Stephen Nelson

Head of Junior School

Division 4 and 5 Hockey

Division 5 College Kangaroos came up against a strong Coleraine Red side and were defeated 8 - 3 in a high scoring game. Goal scorers for the Kangaroos were Camilla Edgar (2) and Maggie Mercer. The team is playing an entertaining brand of hockey and we look forward to their continued improvement in matches ahead. Best on ground on Saturday were Katharyn Marziale, Finn Hawthorne and Maggie Mercer.

Division 4 Tassie Devils had a comprehensive 20 - 0 win over Monivae. In bright sunshine at the Neil MacLean Field, Tassie Devils dominated all facets of the match, leading 13 - 0 at half time. The goals were certainly shared around the team; Will Baker (4), Tom Templeton (3), Will Templeton (3), Archie Young (2), Arbella Little (2), Evie Templeton (2), Charlie Hawthorne (2) and single goals to Fergus Giles and Dougal White. Best on ground for Tassie Devils were Arbella Little, Will Templeton and Will Baker.

Division 4 Bandicoots scored a strong 7 - 0 win over Demons. The Bandicoot girls dominated the score sheet, with Izzi Adamson (2), Sophie Merrin (2), Millie Mould (2) and Chloe Laidlaw all finding the back of the net. Best on ground for Bandicoots were Chloe Laidlaw, Ava Mould and Izzi Adamson.

Mr Stephen Nelson

Head of Junior School

Throughout all Junior School sporting experiences there is one motto that never changes for us. TO BE GRACIOUS IN DEFEAT and HUMBLE IN VICTORY. Our students are developing their awareness of behaviours and language that help to make us both gracious when faced with defeat and humble when honoured in victory. This is so important during competitive situations both in P.E. classes, at recess and lunch while at school and during weekend and after-school sport. This motto has well and truly been on display this term – well done Junior School!

On Thursday 13 May, just over 40 Junior School students competed in the annual HDSA Cross Country event. It was a very cold and wet day which added an extra challenge to both the 2km and 3km events. Our school was well represented in each age group and I am very proud of our results overall.

Congratulations to the following students who placed in the top eight of their age group.

9yo Boys: Jack Novikov (2nd)
10yo Boys: Sam McDonald (6th), Jimmy Dyer (7th)
10yo Girls: Yolanda O’Sullivan (1st)
11yo Boys: Harry McDonald (2nd), Lachlan Reid (3rd), George Nicholls (6th)
11yo Girls: Millie Mould (2nd)
12/13yo Boys: Harry Mercer (1st), Sam O’Sullivan (6th), Jack Wallis (8th)
12/13yo Girls: Marianna Novikov (4th), Chloe Laidlaw (5th), Sophie Hill (6th)

Following on from this event, Jack Novikov, Sam McDonald, Yolanda O’Sullivan, Lachlan Reid, George Nicholls, Millie Mould, Harry Mercer, Sam O’Sullivan, Jack Wallis, Marianna Novikov, Chloe Laidlaw and Sophie Hill travelled to Warrnambool’s Deakin University Campus to compete in the SSV Division Cross Country Event. This course is much hillier than the Hamilton Lake and provides an exciting challenge for all runners. All of our runners performed to the very best of their ability and represented our school with incredible effort and sportsmanship. I was very proud to cheer on our amazing runners!

Particular congratulations are extended to Yolanda O’Sullivan (3rd overall in 9/10yo girls), Marianna Novikov (7th overall in 12/13yo girls) and Harry Mercer (2nd overall in 12/13yo Boys). It was so exciting to watch our students try their best and succeed against the best runners from all south-west division schools. These talented runners will challenge themselves further in the SSV Greater Western Regional Cross-Country Championships. It is a mighty effort to reach this stage and we wish all three runners the very best of luck for their next event!

Of course, none of our students would have the opportunity to attend such events and experiences without the constant support of their parents. We are very grateful to the parents who transport children to and from these events. Your enthusiasm and encouragement is greatly appreciated.

Mrs Louise Patterson

Junior School Sports Co-ordinator

Dates to Remember