Junior School Newsletter
Teacher Email Address Contacts
Upcoming Important Dates
From The Team
Hello to our wonderful Junior School families for 2026! We hope you have all had a lovely break and a chance to enjoy some rest and relaxation.
As the new school year begins, the Junior School is filled with mixed emotions for both students and parents, especially for our new Foundation students who have started school for the very first time! To help ease this transition, we have outlined some important information below and would greatly appreciate your support.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
In the mornings, we kindly ask that families wait outside with their child until the music begins playing. We have introduced a ‘Morning Greetings’ routine, which students use as they enter the classroom. This helps create a calm and predictable start to the day and we really appreciate your support with this.
At 3:30pm, please wait for your child outside near the undercover stage area. Teachers will walk students out to families at the end of each day.
Art Smock and Library Bag
If you haven’t already, please remember to send your child to school with a named art smock and library bag.
School Hats
Students have been advised to leave their hats at school each day. This helps reduce the chance of hats being misplaced during transitions between school and home.
Brain Food
Each morning at approximately 9:40am, students eat their brain food. We ask that this is packed as an individual piece of fruit (e.g. an apple or banana) or in a small, separate container. This supports students to manage this time independently and smoothly. It may also be helpful to chat with your child about what is in their lunchbox so they know what to eat at brain food, lunch and recess times.
The 2026 Junior School Teaching Team
Foundation W – Jordyn Whittington
I am so excited to be teaching Foundation this year! I have been teaching at Scoresby Primary School for 10 years and have taught across both the Junior and Senior School. SPS is my happy place and I love coming to school every day. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, spending time with friends and family, and teaching myself new skills around the house. Over the holidays, I installed a new benchtop, sink and tap, and tiled and grouted a splashback in my laundry. This year, I am really looking forward to seeing how much my new Foundation students learn, and celebrating their growth from the beginning of the year through to the end.
1/2F - Kate Fox (Mon - Wed, Fri)
I love being part of the wonderful community here at SPS. I’ve been teaching for 15 years and have a passion for working in the Junior School. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll often find me walking my dog, a cavoodle named Charlie, catching up with friends over coffee, buying indoor plants, or spending time with my son Liam. Over the holidays, I enjoyed working in my garden - although my poor strawberry plants got a bit roasted in the very hot weather! I’m really looking forward to a wonderful year ahead with you all!
1/2F - Merran Maguire (Thurs)
I am so happy to be teaching in the Junior School on a Thursday. It is wonderful to see the students I have worked with in previous years as well as connecting with new faces and families. Over the holidays, I spent lots of time in my garden as well as taking my cheeky dog Ollie for lots of walks. I am excited to see what fun activities and new learning we will be doing in the Junior School!
1/2P - Jamie Purdon (Mon - Thurs)
I’m thrilled to be teaching Year 1/2 at SPS this year! I’ve been teaching for two years and am loving my time at Scoresby. Having been part of the local community for over 30 years through sporting clubs, the CFA, and even as a former kinder teacher at Scoresby Village Childcare Centre, Scoresby will always feel like home. Some may also know me as a cricket coach on Friday nights! Over the holidays, my family and I enjoyed Puffing Billy, bike rides, the Christmas lights in Knox, and lots of beach time. I’m looking forward to a fantastic year filled with fun and learning at SPS!
1/2P - Kellie Symons (Fri)
I have been teaching at Scoresby PS for 27 years and I am so excited to working in the Junior School this year. I also teach Science to the whole school, which I really enjoy. I have 2 children, Mitchell and Nate, who both keep me busy with their sporting commitments. They play cricket, football, tennis and basketball, so lots of running around for me, but I really enjoy watching them play. I managed to get away to the beach for a few days after Christmas. When I do have a moment of spare time, I love to get lost in a good book. I look forward to a fantastic year ahead.
The 2026 Junior School Education Support Staff
Tania (1/2F - Tues, Foundation W - Wed-Fri)
I’m excited for what this year will bring. I love working with the F-2 students and cherish being part of their learning journey as they grow in confidence and learn new things. Outside of school, I enjoy walking my dog, gardening and spending special time with my family.
Donna (Foundation W - Mon-Tues)
I’m thrilled to be working as an aide in Foundation this year alongside Miss Whittington and all our wonderful students. Outside of school, I love cooking and experimenting with new recipes on my very willing taste-testers - my husband and three big boys! I also enjoy spending time in the garden whenever I get the chance. I’m really looking forward to a fun and exciting year with FW.
Jenny (1/2P - Mon-Thurs)
I am excited to be working in the Junior School again in 2026. I have worked at SPS for many years and really enjoy helping students learn. I love going for walks and am a huge Western Bulldogs supporter! I go to many games throughout the year. I also enjoy spending time with my young nieces.
Tracey (1/2F - Mon, Wed-Fri)
l have worked at Scoresby Primary since 2003 and have enjoyed helping many students during this time. I love to go on holidays, and spend time with my family and friends. I like to relax and read, watch movies and go for walks. I am looking forward to the year in the Junior School and seeing all the amazing things the students will achieve.
Raelene (1/2P - Fri)
I have worked at Scoresby PS for a very long time. I am a keen follower of the night skies and animal welfare issues. I love the Richmond Tigers and spending time with my grandchildren.
What We Are Learning
What We Are Learning in Specialist Classes in Term 1
- CULTURAL STUDIES -
Foundation – Year 2
Bonjour! Foundation to Year 2 students will begin learning French through fun, hands-on activities that build confidence with simple everyday language such as greetings, polite words, and familiar classroom phrases. Using songs, games, stories, movement and role-plays, students will practise listening and speaking while developing an ear for French sounds and rhythm. They will also explore French culture - including symbols of France, well-known places, food and celebrations while making connections to their own experiences.
- PERFORMING ARTS -
Foundation – Year 2
In Performing Arts this term, students will perform melodic patterns on the xylophones and sing familiar songs. They will create and respond to rhythmic patterns using hand drums, and develop their understanding of rhythm notation, including quarter notes, eighth notes and their rests.
Students will rehearse multiple parts on the xylophone, including bass and melody, and practise responding to and replicating rhythmic patterns in 4/4 time. They will develop singing skills and play the major scale using classroom instruments.
- PHYSICAL EDUCATION -
Foundation
This term, students will practise the fundamental motor skills of run, jump, leap, dodge and underarm throw through minor games and activities. Students will practise cooperation, following rules and fair play.
Students will also have structured swimming lessons later in the term.
PE lessons will be on Tuesdays (or Wednesdays) so please wear sneakers/runners.
Year 1/2
This term, students will continue to develop the fundamental motor skills of run, jump, leap, dodge and underarm throw through minor games and activities. Students will construct rules to promote fair play and practise cooperation and good sportsmanship.
Students will also have structured swimming lessons later in the term.
PE lessons will be on Tuesdays (or Wednesdays in February) so please wear sneakers/runners.
- SCIENCE -
Foundation – Year 2
This term in Science, students will focus on Biological Science. They will investigate the needs of living things and how an animal's environment provides those needs. They will examine the observable features of animals and classify animals by their features. They will learn how an animal's features help it to survive.
- VISUAL ARTS -
Foundation
In Term 1, Foundation students will explore colour, line and shape. They will be introduced to primary colours and blend yellow, red and blue plasticine to make secondary colours. Students will view and discuss Piet Mondrian’s art, create birds using simple shapes, and practise their drawing, colouring and cutting skills.
Please ensure your child has an art smock to protect their school uniform. Smocks can be bought or made from an old, oversized top. The smocks must be clearly named and will be kept in a classroom tub for the children to wear when using messy art materials.
Year 1/2
This term, students will further develop their understanding of colour whilst practising their fine-motor drawing, cutting, painting and colouring skills. They will mix primary coloured paint to create a colour wheel, and learn to differentiate between warm, cool and neutral colours.
Students must bring an art smock to school to protect their school uniform. Smocks can be bought or made from an old, oversized top. The smocks must be clearly named and will be kept in a classroom tub for the children to wear when using messy art materials.
Reminders
Swimming Permission Reminder: Please complete the Compass permission for our upcoming Swimming Program (Monday 23rd March - Thursday 2nd April). Permission is due by 4th March.
Annual Consent Forms: Please return this form if you haven’t done so already.
ICT Agreement & Code of Conduct: Please sign and return these to your child’s teacher ASAP. Thank you!
Try This...
Try this brain teaser with your family. How many squares are there in this picture?
Foundation: First Day of School
The Foundation students had a wonderful first day of school! They attended in two groups, for either a morning or afternoon session, which helped them settle in smoothly. Students enjoyed engaging in developmental play, listened to a story about starting school, and then completed a special “First Day of School” craft to celebrate the occasion.
Foundation: Where Is The Green Sheep?
After the Foundation students read Where is the Green Sheep?, they went on an exciting scavenger hunt around the school! The Green Sheep showed them special spots like the library, hall and office, leaving clever clues to help them find the next place. At the end, they were so excited to discover the green sheep hiding in their classroom library - with a yummy sweet treat waiting just for them!
Year 1/2: Maths Games Fun
Our Year 1/2 students have been busy building their maths brains while playing fun games with a partner! Through taking turns, talking about their thinking, and cheering each other on, they’re strengthening both their maths skills and their teamwork - all while having lots of smiles and laughs along the way!
Learning Community
Oh the fun we’ve been having! The Foundation and Year 1/2 students have been enjoying the Learning Community activities, practising to build important skills like working together, communication, problem-solving and confidence.
