Junior School

Welcome to Term 3 in Junior School  

Article by Nicola Treacey, Head of Junior School

As we begin Term 3 this week, students have been engaged in conversations around behaviour and learning expectations. Revisiting routines, such as arriving on time, being prepared for the day, and taking pride in bookwork, helps to reduce cognitive load and allows students to focus more deeply on their learning. It is also essential that Class Essential Agreements are revisited and goals are set for Semester 2. 

Research into behaviours for learning consistently shows that when expectations and routines are explicitly taught, regularly reinforced and consistently applied, students experience greater engagement, improved self-regulation and stronger academic outcomes. Predictable routines reduce the amount of mental energy students need to devote to organisational tasks, allowing more working memory to be directed towards learning new concepts. Combined with clear learning goals and positive relationships, these routines create learning environments where students feel safe, confident and ready to achieve their best. 

As we move into Semester 2, our Junior School teachers are looking forward to seeing these positive learning behaviours continue to flourish. The routines, expectations and habits that have been explicitly taught and practised throughout Semester 1 provide a strong foundation for students to build upon. With consistency between home and school, we are confident that our students will continue to grow as capable, confident learners who are well equipped to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead this semester.  Term 3 promises to be a busy and rewarding term as students continue to build on the strong foundations established throughout the first half of the year.  

This term ahead will see a number of events on the Junior School calendar. Here are some of these listed for your information.   

Swimming Program 

Starting in Week 2, students in Years 1 to 4 will take part in our Swimming Program during their scheduled PE lessons. Please ensure all clothing and belongings are clearly labelled, including sports bags, jackets, jumpers, polo shirts, shorts, trackpants, towels, and underwear. Goggles, swim caps, and beanies are optional. 

House Encore Event Winners 

At our first Assembly in Week 3, we will be announcing the overall winners of our House Encore Event held at the end of last term. We look forward to celebrating the achievements.  

Book Week 

On Friday 21st August, students are invited to dress as a character from a book that connects with this year’s theme, ‘Symphony of Stories’ which reminds us that every book tells its own unique story, just as every instrument contributes its own sound to an orchestra. Students are invited to celebrate this year's theme by dressing as a favourite book character, a storyteller, a musician from a story, or any character whose story has inspired them. Every costume will help bring our school's "symphony of stories" to life. The annual Book Parade will be held on Friday, 21st August at 9am, and families are warmly invited to come along and cheer on the students, all welcomed to join in the spirit and dress up too. In recognition of Book Week, Author visits will also take place to support the celebrations of Book Week. 

Be Heard – House Pillar Focus 

This term students will attend House Meetings centred on the Pillar of Be Heard. This pillar highlights the importance of public speaking and sharing ideas. These sessions aim to boost students' confidence and communication skills. House Captains will lead fun, interactive games to help students practice speaking in a supportive and enjoyable way. 

Parent Teacher Interviews 

Parent Teacher Interviews will take place later this term, on Thursday, 10th September and Tuesday 15th September,  as part of the Semester 2 reporting process. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity for parents and teachers to work in partnership by discussing each child's learning, progress and wellbeing. Teachers will share insights into your child's achievements, current learning goals and areas for continued growth, while also providing an opportunity for parents to ask questions so that every student is supported to achieve their personal best. 

Footy Day 

On the final day of Term 3, students are invited to display their team spirit by wearing the colours of their favourite AFL team to celebrate the lead-up to the Grand Final. These can be worn with the Overnewton Sports Uniform on the day.  

Alongside these events, students will also take part in year-level celebrations and experiences. These include the Prep students 100 Days of School, Year 4’s Genius Hour Exhibition and a variety of incursions and excursions that extend learning beyond the classroom. 

We look forward to an exciting Term 3 ahead.

Languages and Cultures Week in Junior School 

Article by Grace Wen, Junior School Language Leader 

During the final week of Term 2, Junior School students enthusiastically celebrated Languages and Cultures Week through a variety of engaging Mandarin learning experiences. 

Prep students explored the fascinating stories behind the Chinese Zodiac and discovered their own zodiac animals. While Year 1 students learned about the structure and meaning of Chinese names. They explored how Chinese names are formed and designed beautiful silk fans featuring their Chinese names. 

Year 2 students developed their chopstick skills, learning about the three major types of chopsticks used in China, Korea and Japan. They dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and practiced a range of basic Kung Fu movements. 

Year 3 students experienced the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy. Using traditional brushes and ink, they practised writing Chinese characters and learned about the Four Treasures of the Study – the brush, ink, paper and inkstone. 

Year 4 students discovered the rich world of traditional Chinese music. They explored several traditional Chinese instruments, had the opportunity to play the Guzheng and created their own Guqin craft. 

Students embraced these rich cultural experiences and developed a deeper appreciation of Chinese language, history and traditions throughout Languages and Cultures week.