Junior School

Farewells

It is with mixed emotions that we farewell several staff members.  While we are sad to see them go, we are also excited about the next chapters ahead for them.

We say thank you and goodbye to Mrs Francine Bell, who has supported countless students through her gentle guidance and exceptional piano accompaniment at various events. Her calm, caring presence will be greatly missed, and we wish her the very best.

Miss Patricia See will not be returning following her recent parental leave. With two beautiful little boys keeping her busy, we hope she enjoys this special time with her family.

Ms Tzu Winstanley officially completes her role at the end of the year. We thank her for the wonderful work she has done with the Year 4 class. We are delighted that she will return next year to cover long service leave.

We also farewell our Year 6 class, all 25 students, who have flourished under Mr Hawthorne’s guidance. Their affirmations, shared at the Year 6 Dinner, highlighted the strong relationships and genuine respect they have for one another. They have been outstanding role models within the Junior School and wonderful ambassadors for the College. We look forward to seeing where their futures take them and wish them every success as they transition to secondary school.

Speech Day

Speech Day provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and enjoy the outstanding musical talent within our school. The standard of performance was extraordinary—so extraordinary that we must remind ourselves, as Dr Horne noted, that these performers are primary school children.

Highlights included:

• Eadie Tigges performing the processional violin solo

• The Year 6 ensemble, featuring vocalists Arya Bourchier and Patrick McDonald, accompanied by talented musicians:

  • Cellists: Maelys Haynes, Scarlett Hawker, Matilda Mercer

  • Violinists: Hugo Cameron, Henry Bufton, Archie Barber

  • Guitarist: Theo Horne

  • Pianist: Arlan MacDonald

• A heartfelt performance of You Raise Me Up by the Chamber Singers and Friends, joined by staff and parents—a beautiful reminder of their own choir days

• Performances by our Pizzicato Strings

• A joyful whole-school rendition of Count on Me by Bruno Mars

We were particularly impressed by Hugo Cameron’s performance of Alexander Rag, demonstrating why he received the Prize for Musicianship.

Our School Captains, Livvy Bell and Hugo Cameron, delivered outstanding valedictory speeches. Their confidence, humour, and heartfelt reflections captured the essence of their time at the Junior School.

We were also delighted to hear from Miss Kenna, who announced next year’s Junior School Musical: Walt Disney’s Dare to Dream. With the vast world of Disney to inspire them, our students are sure to bring this production to life with creativity and excitement.

Speech Day Awards

2026 Junior School Captains

Anika Nelson and Thomas Kennedy

Class Party Day

Students enjoyed a wonderful day celebrating the end of the school year:

• Prep: A “Big Day Out” at Halls Gap Zoo with Mrs Kelly and Mrs Cameron

• Year 6: Shared the bus ride and enjoyed a competitive and fun-filled day at Halls Gap Mini Golf

• Years 1–3: Relaxed at school with a movie and ice-cream treat

• Years 4–5: Spent the day cooling off at the Macarthur Pool

At the Early Learning Centre, Piccolo celebrated the end of the year with a special afternoon party on Wednesday, while Piccino's enjoyed their own celebration on Thursday as they prepared to embark on their primary school journey.

As every student steps forward into the next stage of their learning, we know they are ready for wonderful things—academically, creatively, physically, and emotionally. They are well prepared to step outside their comfort zones, try new experiences, and embrace the opportunities ahead.