From the Head of Junior School

Last Friday night the Junior School participated in the Whole School Concert. It was an absolutely awesome event, with our students singing in a massed choir together and with the Senior School choir. Our ensembles played, and we even had students join in with the handbells! Them Senior School ensembles were also incredibly impressive and give our younger students a chance to see what’s possible if they follow on with Music. Many thanks to all involved in the concert, particularly our Music staff, for working so diligently with the children.

Following on with the theme of Music was the IPSHA Performing Arts festival, which took place in Sydney Town Hall this week on Tuesday. It’s a wonderful thing to watch our kids be awestruck by the beauty of the building, the size of the pipe organ and the amazing sounds they made in that space. Our Choir and our Orchestra performed with other schools and were outstanding. I was a proud Head of Junior School when I was told that our students were also the very best behaved backstage! These opportunities allow our students to shine and the staff and parents who came along had an amazing time. Thank you to Mr Forbes and Mrs Cooney for leading these groups.

And finally, we celebrated books, books, books on Thursday! Both campuses enjoyed the annual Book Parade and a new tradition of touring book-themed classroom doors. Parents enjoyed being at school and celebrating with the children. We also enjoyed sessions with local author Jodie McLeod who shared her latest book ‘The Black Cockatoo’. Jodie was brilliant and all of the students got so much out of hearing her speak. Our children have had a wonderful time in the lead up to Book Week in our libraries, reading and enjoying all the short-listed children’s books. Teaching children HOW to read is clearly important, so is teaching children to understand WHAT they are reading, and certainly teaching children WHY reading is important – because it’s fun and helps us learn – is a key goal in the Junior School.

Thank you to the parents for getting involved – we hope you didn’t agonise over the costumes for too long!

Mrs Rachael J Newton

Head of Junior School