Junior School
Stephen Nelson, Head of Junior School

Junior School
Stephen Nelson, Head of Junior School
Term Three is always a busy period, and this term has certainly lived up to expectations. There have been plenty of moments when the calendar appeared to have developed a mind of its own! Yet, through it all, our Junior School teachers and students have continued to work together with enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to making our school the very best it can be. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to such a successful term. I hope the spring holidays give you a chance to slow down, recharge, and enjoy some well-earned family time.
Our Junior timetable will remain the same for Term Four. With the changeable spring weather, we are giving Junior School students a two-week window at the start of Term Four to choose summer or winter uniform. All students must be in their summer uniform by Monday 19 October.
Students from other schools joined us on Thursday for Magic of Myrniong. Classroom and Specialist teachers ran a range of stimulating activities showcasing the programs and unique learning environment that is the Junior School. It was also our annual Footy Colours Day, where we raised funds for the Fight Cancer Foundation.
Each year, we invite all ELC 4 to Year 5 students to enter a competition to design the front and back covers of the next year’s student diaries. The theme for 2027 is ‘Myrniong Through The Seasons.’ We will select four winners, as we have two diaries (Prep to Year 3) and (Year 4 to Year 6). Students will have a few weeks to complete their designs. All entries must be in portrait mode. The competition closes on Friday 9 October, end of the first week of Term Four. We look forward to some stunning entries.
Congratulations to Year 6 student Amina Barrera, who decided to raise funds for those less fortunate in Nepal, following the tragic floods that impacted the mountain nation. Amina busked on Hamilton's high street, singing and playing her violin. Via in-person donations and the setting up of a UNICEF Nepal Flood Emergency Appeal page, Amina raised an incredible $1300.00 for those in Nepal-well done, Amina!
Selected Junior School students recently sat the online ICAS Mathematics competition paper. Our students competed against the strongest students in schools across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. Congratulations on the following excellent results.
Merit - Top 45% of Students
Sam Uebergang - Year 3
Rosie Bell - Year 4
Credit - Top 35% of Students
Rihaan Golwala - Year 2
Emily McVeigh - Year 3
Penelope Copley - Year 6
Whilst Grand Final results did not go our way, the 2026 Hockey season has been a huge success for our College junior program. Our player numbers are strong, and we have an abundance of talent across the under 10 and under 13 ranks. I thank the College parents for supporting all players, managers, and coaches throughout this season.
Results from last weekend’s Hamilton Hockey Grand Finals.
Under 10 College Knights went down 1-0 to Coleraine Maroon. It was a tense match that ebbed and flowed, with both teams having multiple shots on goal. At the final whistle, one goal separated two strong teams. Knights should be proud of their efforts, with all players contributing to a successful season. Congratulations to Sam Uebergang, who was awarded the Under 10s Best and Fairest Award.
Under 13 College Chiefs went down fighting 5-2 to a determined Coleraine Gold. Whilst trailing on the scoreboard for most of the match, the Chiefs never gave up the fight and left nothing on the field. Goal scorers were Tommy Brown and Hugo Cameron.
College Girls State Hockey 7s Champions
Congratulations to the Girls’ Hockey 7s team, who were crowned State Champions last Thursday in Melbourne. The girls progressed through their pool matches to the final, where they faced Cathedral College Wangaratta. The girls chased the scoreboard on several occasions, and with the score level at 2-2 at the end of regular time, extra time and double extra time were required. A short corner goal at the death sealed the deal, with 4-3 being the result. The girls were wonderful ambassadors for the College and displayed grit, determination, and an unflappable trust in each other. Thank you to our College parents for supporting the team. Mr Tim Cameron and Bec Small coached and managed them expertly.
American college football coach Nick Saban is quoted as saying, ‘When people have success, one of two things happens. They either get really satisfied and want to keep thinking about it and talking about what they did, or the success becomes a little addictive, and it makes them want to keep having more.’ In the last 7 years, the Junior School Hockey 7s Boys’ and Girls’ teams have won four State Championships and were runners-up in 2024.