Primary News

Learn to Swim 

I am sure you were all very aware of Learn to Swim last week and I thank you as parents/guardians for your great support in this activity.  We as a College believe that the week just had is so important given where we live; on an island surrounded by water and only short distances from beaches.  

Learning to swim is an essential life skill. Ensuring students have access to high-quality swim lessons (if only for a week) as part of the curriculum empowers our students with skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Even a small window of lessons provides them with an opportunity to recognise the importance of knowing the basics that may save their lives in an emergency. In a controlled environment, such as the Collegiate Swimming Pool, our students (Kinder - Year 6) learnt essential water safety practices and built confidence under the guidance of trained professionals. For those who already have a regime of swimming training it allowed them to focus on perfecting their strokes as well as being reminded about the dangers faced. 

For some students across the Primary they initially approached the water with a degree of fear and worry, but through a supportive, structured swimming program their concerns were gradually allayed, and they are to be applauded for their determination. It is important to highlight nonetheless, that this week was only a week and that all the skills and knowledge of being in water can not be taught in that short space of time.  

Thank you must go to the Collegiate Pool Staff, as without the dedication and expertise the week we have just had would not be possible. Every day, the staff at the pool went above and beyond to ensure students were safe and supported.  

Welcome BBQ

On Thursday 28 November, from 6.00pm to 7.30pm, our Year 6 students and all those who are new to the College in 2025 are invited to attend the Welcome BBQ.  This will be an opportunity for our Year 6 students to meet those heading into Year 7 as well as see what academic, sporting and cultural pursuits are on offer.

Celebration Evening 

On Thursday 5 December all students from Years 5 and 6 will join the Secondary school to be part of Celebration Evening.  This night is a celebration of the College as well as acting as a Graduation ceremony for our Year 10 students.  It is important to note that this is a compulsory evening for all students in Year 5 and 6 with further information about the night and the times being sent home in the coming weeks.  In the meantime please add this to your December calendar as I know that this time of the year it fills up quickly.

Step Up Day

On Monday 9 December all Kinder - Year 5 students will make the move to their 2025 classes for the day.  This time in the calendar is an opportunity for students to meet their new teachers, classmates, and classroom environment before officially starting a new grade in 2025.  We find this day so beneficial for all students as it assists in:

• Reducing anxiety
• Builds Confidence 
• Begins to develop relationships
• Helps with routine adjustment
• Can in crease academic readiness as students hear about class and teacher expectations
• Foster Independence
• Encourages goal setting 
• Promotes a positive start

Information about this day was communicated to all families via email on 29 October.

Year 6 Final Assembly 

On Thursday 12 December starting at 11.20am in the Cahill Centre the Primary community and Year 6 parents/guardians and friends will gather to celebrate the journey of our current Year 6 cohort through the Primary school.  It is important to note that this is not a graduation ceremony as the girls are literally crossing over the imaginary line but rather an opportunity for them to celebrate their Primary years and for us to thank them  More information will be sent out to the Year 6 parent/guardian community soon.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact either classroom teacher, Kate Fazackerely, Aaron Pikunic or myself. 

The Nativity and Family BBQ | ELC - Year 4 

On Monday 16 December at 6.00pm all students  from Kinder - Year 4 will be part of telling the story of Jesus’ birth and there is an expectation that all students attend this evening.  The evening (weather permitting ) will start at the statue of ‘Jesus At The Well’ and then head into the Cahill Centre. At the conclusion of the evening all families are invited to stay, mingle with other family and friends and have a barbeque dinner.  More information, was emailed to families on 5 November - please make sure you reply and indicate your food and drink preferences so that catering catering requirements can be met.

School TV

A reminder to all parents that we have SchoolTV as a way of supporting all parents and caregivers. To access SchoolTV please click on the Parent tab on the College website. Here you will be abale to access this month’s focus - Navigating AI  Relationships - and an archive of incredibly useful reports. I encourage our Year 6 parents/guardians to familiarise yourself with this month's content.