Junior School
Stephen Nelson, Head of Junior School










The Hamilton and Alexandra College
Junior School
Stephen Nelson, Head of Junior School
Dare to Dream Jr. was a truly memorable experience. Hand on heart, I wasn’t at all surprised by the incredible performances of our students, particularly the 15 members of the lead cast. Over the past nine months, I have had the privilege of witnessing their dedication, wholehearted commitment, support for one another and unwavering determination to put on a great show. In sporting terms, they truly ‘left nothing on the field’, giving their all and embracing every opportunity to shine. We are immensely proud of all our Junior School students and what they achieved on stage. Their enthusiasm, courage and willingness to step outside their comfort zones made Dare to Dream Jr. such a special experience for our entire learning community.
To our Junior School staff and parents, and our Senior School students and staff who generously gave their time to help behind the scenes, thank you for your support, encouragement and hard work. A production of this scale is a tremendous team effort, and the success of Dare to Dream Jr. is a testament to the collective commitment of so many people. A special mention must go to Mr. Clode for his expertise and professionalism in managing the technical aspects of the production, and to Mrs. Price for her vision, boundless enthusiasm, extensive theatrical knowledge and unwavering support of our Junior School students. Their contributions were instrumental in bringing the show to life. Bring on 2028 and our next Junior School musical!
Our Prep Orientation program commenced in Week 1 with Mrs Sharon Kelly. Our 2027 Preps visit the Junior School for three morning sessions. Next Thursday, 29 October, all Prep to Year 6 students will step up to their 2027 classes and meet their teachers. Our Year 6 students will spend the day at Senior School in MYPEC, orientating to their Year 7 classes. Orientation Day is a week earlier this year, as our Year 6 class will be in Canberra during the Melbourne Cup Week.
One of the highlights of each year for me is the Assembly we host for the Year 12 students who began their College journey at Myrniong. This year, we welcomed back 15 students for what is always a special and emotional occasion. The walk up the magnificent oak-lined drive is a particularly moving part of the morning. ELC to Year 6 students, Junior School staff and Year 12 parents line the drive, applauding as the Year 12s make their way to the Refectory. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate how far these young people have travelled since their early days at Myrniong. For four students, Charlie Hawthorne, Evie Kennedy, Hugh Stratmann and Will Bourke, theirs was a 14-year journey from ELC.
At the Assembly, we sang ‘When I Grow Up’ from the 2022 musical Matilda—a fitting reminder of the journey from childhood to adulthood. Each Year 12 student receives a portfolio of photographs capturing their Myrniong years, along with a small gift and a copy of the affirmations they received from their peers at their Year 6 Dinner in 2020. Past teachers share their memories, and time is set aside for family photographs and a wander around the Myrniong grounds, allowing students and families to revisit familiar places and reflect on treasured memories. I speak on behalf of all Junior School staff when I say how privileged and proud we feel to have played a part in the journey of these wonderful young men and women. To see them return as confident, capable Year 12 students is a delightful reminder of the privilege of working in education and the lasting connections formed during the primary years.
We wish all 15 students every success and happiness as they take their next steps into the future.
Our final House Service for 2026 will be held next Monday, 26 October at 10.15 am at the Uniting Church. The theme for the Service is ‘Gratitude’. All parents and caregivers are welcome to attend. Prep to Year 6 Junior School students must wear ties and blazers for this formal event.
On Tuesday 27 October, Young House will hold a ‘Hallowish’ bake sale fundraiser. Students can dress in Halloween themed causal clothes and bring a gold coin donation to support the ‘Make A Wish Foundation’. There will be P.E classes on the day, so students will need to wear clothing and footwear that will allow them to properly access P.E lessons.
Congratulations to Year 5 student Eleanor Kerr, who achieved a Distinction in this year’s ICAS Writing competition. This achievement places Eleanor in the top 11% of students across Australasia who sat the Writing paper-a wonderful achievement.
The APSMO Maths Explore (Years 2/3), Maths Games (Years 4/5) and Maths Olympiad (Year 6) competitions have concluded for 2026. Participants sat 4 x 30 minutes papers over two terms, with five higher order problem solving questions in each.
Champions for 2026:
Maths Explore - Charlie Giles (Year 3)
Maths Games - Will Brown (Year 5)
Maths Olympiad - Penelope Copley (Year 6)
See how you go with a question from Paper 4 of the Maths Explore, Maths Games and Maths Olympiad competitions.
Maths Explore


Maths Games


Maths Olympiad

