Junior School News

A joyful First Eucharist for Frieda

After missing the group First Communion with her peers due to illness, we are delighted to congratulate Frieda Miller in Year 3, who received the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time at the Cathedral on Sunday 14 September. May she continue to be richly blessed as she grows in faith and grace throughout her spiritual journey.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Frieda's family, and to all our families, for their support during their preparation over the last three terms. 

Gearing up for FIRST LEGO League: A visit from Robot Man

In preparation for the upcoming FIRST LEGO League competition at the College on Saturday 8 November, the SMC team, ANTILAG, welcomed a special guest during their Wednesday practice session: Robot Man (aka Mr Steve Reiher).

Students enthusiastically built mini robots using LEGO Spike Prime and programmed them to complete tasks within a Minecraft-themed challenge. Robot Man explained how different attachments could enhance robot performance and encouraged the team to explore sophisticated automation techniques. 

The session was a valuable opportunity for students to refine their mission strategies and strengthen their programming and robotics skills.

As the competition day approaches, we invite volunteers to support this exciting event. If you're interested in helping out, please contact STEM Teacher, Ms Catherine Midson at cmidson@smc.tas.edu.au for more details or to offer your time.

A fairy special day

There were fairies among us today! Our Kinder students were a flurry of sparkly wings, flower crowns and magical smiles for their much-loved annual Fairy Tea Party. 

Fairies could be seen fluttering through the Kinder classrooms, which had been transformed into a whimsical wonderland, complete with fairy bread, sweet treats and a generous sprinkling of pixie dust!

Thank you to our Fairy Godmothers – our dedicated Kinder teachers and teacher assistants – for creating such a magical experience for our youngest students. 

Beyond the glitter and fairy wings, the day was tinged with bittersweet emotion as we farewelled our beloved Kinder Teacher Assistant, Mrs Libby Payne. You will be dearly missed, Libby, and we are so grateful for the warmth, care and joy you’ve brought to our community over the past 15 years. 

There truly couldn’t have been a more fitting send-off than a day that celebrates magic, wonder, kindness – everything Libby has embodied during her time with us.

Bunnings is the place to be!

Throughout September, our Early Years students stepped out into the community for a series of fun-filled excursions to their local Bunnings Warehouse.

With the help of the friendly and knowledgeable team at Bunnings Glenorchy, our junior tradies in Kinder and Prep rolled up their sleeves to build and decorate their very own DIY toolboxes – just in time for Father’s Day!

Thanks to Bunnings and our wonderful parent helpers, students had the chance to use real tools safely while putting their problem-solving, fine motor, and design skills to the test, just like the big tradies do. And we think they absolutely nailed it!

To top it off, our Kinders and Preps got hands-on with a paint mixing demonstration, toured the nursery and even hopped on the ride-on mowers for the ultimate photo opp. 

Year 6 give rowing a go

While a scenic row on the bay wasn't on the cards for our Year 6 students – thanks to choppy waves and blustery conditions – their enthusiasm was anything but dampened.

Determined to make the most of their 'try rowing' day on Friday 12 September, our budding rowers learned the ropes of boat entry and exit, practised their rowing techniques dockside and hopped on the ergs (rowing machines) for a solid workout at the New Town Bay Rowing Centre.

A big thank you to our Rowing Coordinator, Mr Andrew Pinelli, coaches and senior crew members for facilitating the session, and to our resilient Year 6 students: well done! It was fantastic to see everyone engaged, eager to learn, working as a team and willing to give something new a go. That's what sport is all about!

More than, less than... and lots of fun! 

Prep students have been putting their thinking caps to good use as they explored a big maths concept: comparing collections using more than, less than, and equal to. With curiosity, focus and plenty of determination, they embraced the challenge and discovered that learning can be greater than they ever imagined!

After all that brain power, the Preps soaked up the sunshine with a special visit to the Kinder playground, their beloved old stomping ground. In no time, they were whipping up potions, crafting imaginative treats, and zooming down the slide. A joyful end to a busy morning of learning!

Buddies in the Junior School

Our Junior School Buddy program fosters meaningful friendships, supports new students and promotes a more inclusive school environment. Throughout the year, buddies connect through shared activities like reading, playing games and helping with classroom tasks, making school life more welcoming, supportive and fun for everyone.

Pictured: Kinder Platypuses enjoying some quality time with their buddies in Year 5 Waratah.

“A friend is someone who makes your day brighter just by being in it.”