Junior School News

From the Head of Junior School

Even though it has been a very busy term, and one that has been disrupted with building works and relocated classrooms, it is hard to believe that we are already at the end of it. I have been proud of the way our students have adapted to the reduced playing spaces, particularly as we have the strongest enrolment numbers in our history. 

Our students have been creative in their play and co-operative with each other.

On Tuesday I was pleased to meet with Fairbrothers Construction to complete the handover of the Thomas Building precinct. Teachers have begun the move back into their classes in Thomas Building which will be completed over the holidays. From Day 1 of Term 2 our Year 2, 3 and 4 classes will be back in Thomas Building. While the planning and permit progress is being completed for the new hall build, we will be utilising the additional area from the footprint of Higgs Hall as play space. You will see that the architect and builders have creatively incorporated some of the beams from Higgs Hall into the temporary play spaces. We would like to particularly thank architect, Rim Martin, from ePlus for assisting us to protect the heritage aspect of the Hall for our future build, incorporate some of the historic materials into the new space and maximise the use of the space while we prepare for the new build. We would also like to thank Fairbrothers project manager, James Atkinson, and foreman, Chris Peter, who have been working with us to minimise the impact on our school community, keep everyone safe during the process and complete the demolition and reparation as quickly as possible. Schools are dynamic environments and James and Chris have been flexible and accommodating without extending the process. We are all looking forward to moving back into Thomas Building next term.

In addition to settling into the new school year and working hard, our students have been competing hard with our annual Junior School Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. After breaking a 33-year drought by winning the House Cup at the Swimming Carnival, Millward followed with a double by also winning the Athletics Carnival. An excellent result after so many years of hard work without reward.

2026 Junior School House Cup Winner – Millward House

2026 Junior School Spirit Cup Winner – Jones House

Congratulations to the following students who were Age Group Champions at the Athletics Carnival:

• 8/9 year old: Neve Armour, Reeve Weston
• 10 year old: Piper Theobold, Astin Fleming
• 11 year old:  Lilly Smith, Meloz Pambai

• 12/13 year old:  Will Jackson Sloane, Abigail King

   

We have also had strong community service initiatives this term starting at the beginning of the term with a group of students raising money for the Harcourt Fire Recovery. We then had our brave shavers who, along with our student community, raised money for the Leukaemia Foundation and then our SRC ran an Easter Egg raffle. Money raised from the raffle will be used to buy materials to be donated to the Bendigo Hospital Children’s ward. I feel privileged to work at a school where our students have such a strong sense of service to others.

I hope that everyone has a safe and restful Easter and I look forward to seeing everyone back.

Mr Don Thompson

Head of Junior School

Junior School Music Department celebrates Piano Day

Question: What musical instrument has the largest note range of any other instrument in the world? Answer: The Piano!

Since 2015, Piano Day has been a worldwide celebration on the 88th day of the year. 88t represents all the keys on a standard piano. To celebrate Piano Day, the Junior School piano students were invited to participate in lunch time activities held on Tuesday 31 March.

Piano students were allocated to three different rooms according to their year level and their piano level. Students were encouraged to play their favourite piece to their peers. The unique characteristics and grandeur of the piano was admirably celebrated through the diverse repertoire played by the students. All students who participated were presented a certificate.

Many thanks to all the students for their inspiring performances and for the Girton piano teaching team for making the celebration a fitting and memorable occasion.

2026 Junior School Athletics Carnival

On Friday 27 March, our Junior School community came together for a fantastic day of track and field at the La Birpa Athletics Track in Flora Hill. The weather was cool, overcast and windy, but the atmosphere was buzzing with energy as students competed in a wide range of events, demonstrating not only athletic skill but also sportsmanship, encouragement and House pride.

It was a tightly contested carnival, but Millward House emerged triumphant, taking out the coveted House Cup. Congratulations to all Millward students for their outstanding efforts throughout the day! The Spirit Cup went to Jones House for their wonderful and unique rendition of Survivor’s 'Eye of the Tiger'.

We are proud to celebrate our 2026 Age Champions, as shared by Mr Thompson above, who excelled across multiple disciplines and showcased amazing dedication and skill. These students are commended for their consistent performance and commitment throughout the day.

A big thank you to Mr Epps, Mr Robertson, Mr Doherty, Year 9 student helpers, the Maintenance & Tech crews and our wonderful teaching staff, whose support and enthusiasm made the day such a success. Well done to everyone involved – we are already looking forward to next year’s carnival!

On the 27th of March, we had Junior School House Athletics day, and what a thrilling day it was! Students competed in shot put, discus, long jump, high jump, triple jump, hurdles, relays and running races. We were very lucky to have so many Year 9 helpers assist at the carnival, setting up events, helping record times and boosting the overall spirit! And a big thanks to Mr. Doherty, Mr. Epps, Mr. Robertson and all the other teachers who helped out on the day. It was great to see so much House spirit, both in the House chants and in the races, when everyone was non-stop cheering on their friends and House members! The House chants were amazing to see. We had Kung Fu Fighting from Aherne, Shake it Off from Frew, Back in Black from Jenkin, The Eye of the Tiger in Jones, Mr Bright Side for Millward, and The Best Day of Our Lives, We’re Blue, and Never Gonna Give You Up from Riley- wow! Well done to the students who won events, and to every single student who participated and gave it a go! A very big congratulations to Millward, who won the Athletics Cup and another huge congratulations to Jones, who won the Spirit Cup!

Madeleine Rowse-Wells (6 Jones)

Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival School Relay

It was a fun and successful morning on the streets of Eaglehawk on Saturday 21 March as 36 of our students took to the pavement for the Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival School Relay. The morning kicked off with 1st place, 2nd place and 4th place in the Year 3-4 event. Success followed in the Year 5-6 event where we achieved 1st, 4th and 6th places! 

Year 3 & 4 Event

Year 5 & 6 Event

Please join me in congratulating all students involved for their success and the positive way they represented our school within the community!

Mr Jarrod Epps

Junior School Teacher of Physical Education & Teacher of Year 3M