From the Head of Junior School

Well, we have certainly hit the ground running in Term 2! Coming back for a three-day week after the Easter break, you would be forgiven for thinking that it might be a slow start to the term; however, it has been anything but that. 

We arrived back for Term 2 to find more work had been completed on the Angus Mackay Pavilion over the break, including the installation of speakers, external flood lights, security cameras and a sound system connection. In the coming weeks, an amplifier will be installed, giving us full functionality in the space. You may have also noticed fencing has been installed around much of the John E Higgs Hall, with work on its renovation commencing in earnest this week with minor internal demolition and structural testing. 

We started last week with a whole-school assembly on Tuesday, where we welcomed eight new students to our Junior School. Then, on Thursday, our Student Representative Council ran our Junior School Anzac Day service under the new Angus Mackay Pavilion. It was a very well-rehearsed and moving service, and I was particularly proud of the way all our students from Prep to Year 6 gave their attention and respect to those speaking. 

On Friday, many of our Junior School students attended the dawn or morning services in Bendigo and surrounding towns. Our Junior School Captains, Grace Beattie and Ryan Guo, represented the Junior School at the Morning Service, where they laid a wreath on the Bendigo War Memorial cenotaph as a sign of respect from our school community to all those who have served their country. I thank all our students who attended one of the many services for representing the school with pride and for showing their respect to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

On Thursday, 24 of our Junior School students travelled to Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre to compete in the SSV State Swimming Championships. Getting to state level is an excellent achievement of which they should all be very proud. It means that they are in the top eight competitors in the state in their respective age categories. Thank you to Mr Epps and Mrs Stanton for accompanying our swimmers.

Next Wednesday, our students will compete in the Junior School Athletics Carnival at the Lar Birpa Athletics Complex in Flora Hill, and on Friday night our Year 3 to 6 students will come together with the Senior School for our annual Foundation Day service. A very busy few weeks to start the term! 

Mr Don Thompson 

Head of Junior School