From the Head of Junior School

It’s hard to believe the school year is almost at an end. 

It has certainly been a productive and exciting school year. Recently I have received emails, letters and cards from parents thanking the school and the teachers for the work that has been put into ensuring their children are safe, happy and, perhaps most importantly, learning. I would like to add my thanks to that of the parents. On behalf of the parents and myself, I thank the wonderful team of Junior School teachers for the time and effort they have all put in to ensure each child feels that they belong. At this time of the year, I am reading the reports teachers have written for their classes and discussing the transition process for next year. As such, I have had many conversations with class teachers about the children under their care. I never cease to be amazed at how well they know their charges. They are aware not only of academic strengths and needs, but also the intricacies of their personality, learning styles, friendships and family. I believe this is where the sense of belonging starts. Students learn quickly that there are teachers here who know them. 

While for many students and teachers it is an exciting time, as they look forward to what the future holds, it is not uncommon for students at this time of the year to also be a little anxious. Their anxieties often stem from the unknown. Who will be my teacher next year? What will they be like? Will I be in a class with my friends? It is important to recognise that at the beginning of each year all students face these same questions. To ease these anxieties, students will have a brief introduction to their new classes and teachers on Monday when they participate in Transition Day. Parents can help ease anxieties by promoting the positive aspects of the change and discussing with their children the fact that nervousness and anxiety is a natural reaction to something new. For students who are particularly anxious, I suggest discussion about challenges. Framing anxiety as a challenge to be worked through is a good way for students to move forward. Facing and overcoming challenges early in life helps us to reduce anxieties in the future. 

Teacher Appreciation Lunch

I would also like to take the opportunity on behalf of our staff to thank the Friends of Junior School and the parents who provided food for the Teacher Appreciation Lunch this week and those who came in to prepare and serve the food. 

While it is certainly not an expectation, I can say that it was very much appreciated by all staff. Our staff do not expect thanks and gifts (or food!) for the work that they do, but they all felt very much appreciated by the parent body as they sat down for a meal on Tuesday. There were some Senior School staff who came over to cover duties who were very envious of the obvious care that had been shown by the parent body.

COLA

Your children may have come home and talked about the building that has been taking place over the last couple of weeks in the Junior School. We have had many excited children watching the cranes lift columns and beams into place as the Covered Outdoor Learning Area begins to take shape. The downside of the build has been the temporary loss of play space as we move the fencing out to create safety zones. I am pleased to say that our students have managed the changes very well and have adapted their play to the spaces available each day. The build is still on schedule at this stage, and we are expecting the space to be ready for use at the beginning of Term 1 2025.

Mr Don Thompson

Head of Junior School