From the Head of Junior School

The first of our Kindergarten Orientation Programs took place last Thursday. New children from surrounding neighbourhood Centres joined with our own ECC students to make friends and familiarise themselves with the campus, the Kindergarten teachers and teachers’ aides. The students were very excited to learn they will be back again this week for a second orientation day filled with fun and adventure in preparation for next year.

Remembrance Day was acknowledged in a variety of ways in the Junior School. The Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students represented the Junior School at the Commemoration Service on Friday by laying their floral tributes and reading prayers. Later, at our Assembly some Prep 3 boys roused us with their emotive ‘senses’ writing, reminding those of us, who could not attend the Service of the reasons we remember the sacrifices of the Servicemen and Servicewomen in times of world conflict. 

Some of the boys’ writing follows:

“The scent of the majestic, blood-red poppies wafted through my nose. I saw wreaths being placed down. The badges on the Veteran’s blazer caught my eye. I felt the sadness of those whose relatives sacrificed themselves for humanity. I could hear the Last Post playing and the poem, In Flanders’ Fields, being read.” 

Manning (P3)

“As I walked in, the sadness touched my heart. I saw the poppies as I sat down and all I could hear was silence. I saw bronze, silver, and gold medals around the hall, twinkling like shooting stars. There was an ocean of people bowing their heads to remember the brave and fearless soldiers who fought so hard and risked their lives to protect Australia.” 

Timmy (P3)

“I see poppies as red as a pounding heart. They sway in the grass. I smell their perfume. It touches my heart and tastes like sadness. Tears roll down my cheeks. I know I am safe. We remember you. As the trumpet blows and everyone stands, still nothing is to be heard, not even the wind in the trees.” 

Ben (P3)

“I smell the poppies through my nostrils. I see everyone bow their heads as the instruments play. I remember those who made sure we can live the way we do today.” 

Andrew (P3)

“The scent of poppies floats through the air. A school of people slowly walk through the door. I hear nothing, pure silence. I see people choosing their spots. Lest we forget.”

Quentin (P3)

From the Junior School Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Week 4 was Family Week in the Junior School. Students were not given any homework, instead they were asked to shift their focus toward their own wellbeing. They were encouraged to go out and play, be active, organise play dates, take part in family activities and to help out around the house to the best of their ability.

It has been pleasing to hear about some of the activities that the boys and girls have taken part in, such as: surfing, cricket, skating, walking, going to the park with friends, meditation, reading, drawing, family outings, family dinners, to name a few. We loved hearing stories of our students, helping make dinner, clearing up plates and doing extra chores to help their families.

At School, it was great to see so many students showing us their dance moves during our two 'Just Dance' sessions on Tuesday and Thursday before school. Thank you to everyone who once again made Family Week very special. We hope you all enjoyed it and got plenty out of it.

Junior School Sporting Achievements

SOFTBALL

Congratulations to Rose (J4) and Violet (J5), who recently competed in the State Championships and won!

SURFING

Congratulation to Imogen (J4), who recently competed in the Woolworths Surfer Grom Comp for the Northern Beaches and came 5th overall in some horrendous conditions!

She is now ranked 11th in NSW and 21st in Australia for her age group. Amazing!