Junior School, South Plympton

On this page: Update from  Liz Hinrichsen, Year 5 Camp highlights

Upcoming Key Events

For all calendar dates, please see the School Calendar.

Update from Liz Hinrichsen, Head of Junior School

I trust you all had an enjoyable holiday, but one must wonder where this year has gone!

We are pleased to welcome back Mrs Butler, who enjoyed some long service at the end of Term 3. At the same time, we take this opportunity to thank Mr Mitchell for so ably stepping in to teach the class in her absence. We also welcome back Mrs Dragun from her parenting leave. She will be sharing the 3/4 Kelly class with Mrs Kelly.

As we embark on the final term of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey our Junior School students have experienced so far. It has been a year filled with growth, discovery, and many exciting learning opportunities.

However, it is really important that we don’t slow down the learning because we are on the home stretch. Each education day is vitally important, and we don’t take learning opportunities for granted. Please partner with us to ensure that the children capture this mindset too.

Looking ahead

As we move into Term 4, several exciting events and activities are planned. Please make sure that you carefully read all the information sent to you and check the Junior School Google Calendar.

Friday Week 2 is the much anticipated Year 2 Sleepover. This is an important opportunity for our Year 2 students to develop their resilience as they have their first ‘camp’ experience. (Even if it is within the walls of the EPAC)

Week 3 is the Year 3/4 Camp at Mylor. This is the next stage in building resilience as the students face some outdoor adventure challenges over two days and one night.

School Hats - Term 4 and Term 1 students must have their hats at school each day to wear during play times. If they do not have their hats, they will be restricted to the shaded verandas, so please help themremember to keep these in their school bags.

Friday Week 5 (new date) will be the ELC – Year 2 Sports Day at Western Youth Centre. We will be joining with the Brooklyn Park ELC – Year 2 students for this event. We hope that you can stay and enjoy the picnic lunch with your child/ren at 12pm. This event has been rescheduled due to the rainy weather forecast.

Class Placement for 2025

In the first few weeks of this term, we will be organising students into their classes for 2025. This is a thoughtful process that involves careful consideration and prayer. To help us create the best learning environment, we will ask each student to nominate three ‘learning’ friends they would like to have in their class.

It’s important to note that these ‘learning’ friends may differ from their ‘playtime’ friends. While friendships at recess and lunch are valuable, they might not always align with those who will support their learning in the classroom. We encourage you to talk with your child about who would make good learning companions.

Additionally, we will consider various combinations of students to ensure a balanced environment where everyone can thrive academically. Finding this balance can be quite challenging. However, we will do our best to accommodate at least one of each child’s nominated friends in their class.

Thank you for your support in this process. We look forward to creating a productive and enjoyable learning environment for all students.

Finally, please note that there is no Christmas Performance this year. We do this on alternate years when there is no musical so if you are looking at the calendar wondering when it will be, you will need to look towards 2025.

Liz Hinrichsen

Head of Junior School, South Plympton

ELC-Year 2 Sports Day Date Change

Due to the rainy weather forecast, the ELC-Year 2 Sports Day will be held on Friday 15 November. 

Year 5 Camp Highlights

In Week 10, Term 3 the Year 5 students travelled down to Willow Creek campsite. This was an action-packed camp with surfing (turned body surfing), bike riding from Middleton to Port Elliot. 

After these activities we headed to the campsite and were greeted with lovely views and lots of space to play! At the camp we participated in team games, damper making, billycart racing and bush survival.

The next morning we kayaked and built rafts at Encounter Lakes. The first group set off for their kayaking and were soon greeted by some rain. This didn't hold us back and we really got the hang of steering the kayaks.

Unfortunately, the weather then set in, and our only option was to abandon the other activities and take the bus back to school. Once we were all dry and cosy we spent the rest of the afternoon watching a movie.

This was such a fabulous camp and the Year 5's had a great time!

Caroline Wicks

Year 3-6 Curriculum Coordinator