From the Head of Junior School

Last week was a particularly busy one for our Junior School with the Junior School Ensembles Evening and Book Week. As always, our students took it in their stride.

Our students who performed at the Ensembles Evening were superb. Every year I am in awe of the variety and quality of performances that our students present. The final massed item was a showstopper. Having every student, and many staff, all up on stage performing together is something very special. For a Primary School our size, it is an incredible achievement. I thank our Music teachers, under the inspirational leadership of Mrs Laura Dusseljee, and our Junior School teachers, Admin staff, Maintenance and AV staff for the hard work and support leading up to and at the event. This support ensured that our students were well prepared and supported on the night.

While preparing for Ensembles our students also enjoyed Book Week with activities that celebrated reading and literature every day. It culminated in our Book Week Parade on Friday followed by activities with Buddy Classes. Our students were very excited to dress up as their favourite book character for the parade and then loved working with their buddies. 

Throughout the year I have been writing about the academic improvement program that we have been engaging with in Junior School over the past few years. We are fully committed to improving our academic outcomes but we are also very much aware that one of the strengths of our program is the breadth of opportunities that are afforded our students. Strings, Band, Guitar, Choir, Bells and celebratory events such as Book Week all add to the rich tapestry that is a Girton education. Our challenge has been, and will continue to be, how we can maximise our learning time while also continuing to provide this breadth of opportunities. 

Building works

In this edition of the Girton eLink, we provide an update on the John E Higgs Hall. Many of you may have also seen the local news report about these works. While it has not been the “scramble” that was reported, the renovation works have not been without complication.

We are working with all relevant parties to reach a resolution that will allow us to progress the works and, importantly, return our classes to the Thomas Building. In the meantime, we are making some adjustments to the classes that have been displaced until they can be returned to Thomas Building. 

Mr Don Thompson

Head of Junior School