Parliamentarians

We are pleased to announce the Junior School Parliamentarians for Semester 2:

Year 3 – Myra P

Year 4 – Olivia S

Year 5 – Zehra A

Year 6A – Miranda S

Year 6B – Misha P

Congratulations to these new students who will be the last Junior School leaders at Shelford.

Junior School visits to Caulfield Grammar Malvern Campus

Our Year 1s and 5s, followed by the Year 3 and 4s had a sensational visit to CGS Malvern to view the STEM exhibition of student work. This was a huge success, and the Shelford students had a positive experience. They made lots of connections and enjoyed the activities immensely. These visits were followed by two more, with the Year 5s attending an author visit by Katrina Nannestad, whose bestseller We Are Wolves is a firm favourite, and the Year 3and 4s hearing Specky Magee co-author, Felice Arena.

Stone Soup JDC

Our JDC Students enjoyed their minestrone soup lesson with Ms Goldman last week. The girls helped prepare the ingredients, using freshly picked herbs from the garden and took turns stirring the soup (some needed a little boost to reach the stove top). They loved having their homemade minestrone with garlic bread for lunch - most even had seconds. Deliciously good job girls.

2024 Spike Prime Challenge – A Moment in Time

In Semester 2, Perrine, Emily, Alicia and Emma in Year 6 formed a team to participate in the 2024 Spike Prime Challenge. Their brief was to build an amazing creation that captured “A Moment in Time” across different eras and disciplines using LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime robots. They had to work as a team to research, design and build a prototype of a robot. The team also needed to document their research, designs and programming, and present this in a video. We are so very proud to share that this fantastic team of Year 6s managed to come in 4th Place! Congratulations Perrine, Emily, Alicia and Emma!

Wellbeing: How to Belong

It’s tricky when your child feels disconnected or that friendships are hard. To support them, it’s important to tell your child that everyone feels this way sometimes and there are some things they can do that will help. Here are some key messages to share:

1. Be Yourself

First things first: you are awesome just the way you are! It’s tempting to try and be like someone else, but being yourself is the best way to find people who really get you. Celebrate your quirks and interests. Whether you love dinosaurs, drawing, or dancing, let your passions shine. People who like the same things as you will naturally gravitate towards you!

2. Try New Things

Sometimes, finding where you belong means stepping out of your comfort zone. Join a club, take a new class, or participate in a sport. It’s a great way to meet people who share your interests. Plus, you might discover a new hobby that you absolutely love!

3. Be Friendly and Open

Making friends can be as simple as starting a conversation. A smile and a “Hi!” can go a long way. Ask people about their favourite books, movies, or games. Showing genuine interest in others helps build connections. Remember, everyone likes to be listened to and valued!

4. Help Others

Helping out can be a fantastic way to connect with others. Whether it’s helping a classmate with their homework, volunteering for a school event, or just being there for a friend, acts of kindness create bonds and make you feel more included.

5. Be Patient

Sometimes, finding your place takes time. It’s okay if you don’t click with everyone right away. Keep being friendly, open, and true to yourself. With time, you’ll find your crowd. And remember, it’s perfectly fine to have a few different groups of friends who enjoy different activities with you!

6. Embrace Differences

The world is full of amazing and diverse people. Embracing differences—whether it’s cultural, personal, or just different ways of thinking—can make you feel more connected to others. Celebrate what makes people unique, and you’ll find that you can learn and grow from every interaction.

7. Talk to Someone

If you’re feeling unsure or left out, it’s okay to talk to a trusted adult or a friend about how you’re feeling. They can offer support and sometimes even help you come up with ways to get more involved.

Remember, everyone has their own journey to finding where they belong. The key is to stay true to yourself, be kind, and keep exploring. You’re already on your way to finding your special place in the world, and it’s going to be an exciting adventure!

Vicky Gemmell

Head of Junior School – Student Wellbeing and Development

Jacqui Sidaway

Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning

4-6 September	Year 10 Camp
12 September	R U OK? Day
12 September	Soloists' Concert	3.30pm
18-21 September	Year 9 Languages Challenge
18 September	SPA Meeting	7pm
20 September	Last Day Term 3

Key Dates

2024