Head of Junior School 

This week has been quite the industrious one. Most notably, on Monday, Orientation Day, all students were able to spend the day or part of the day in their classroom for 2025, with their class teacher. We also welcomed a handful of new students to our school, who will be re-joining us next year. It is such a wonderful opportunity for these boys to familiarise themselves with their new school environment as well as get to know the boys and class teacher who they will share a class with in 2025. 

Year 6 Canberra Tour

This week our Year 6 cohort of 29 students have been having the time of their lives in our nation's capital, Canberra. After a slow start, arriving at the airport at 4.30 am only to be told their flight was delayed, it soon revved up. They have had an action-packed few days so far, with more to go. They have been to: the Royal Mint, Electoral Commission, the Zoo, AIS Pool (and that was just on day 2). I would like to thank Miss Amelia Daun who has organised this year’s Canberra Trip and attending staff, Mrs McCullagh, Mr Hine, Mr Beard, Miss Odgers and of course Miss Daun. We appreciate them attending the trip, and their unwavering care of the Year 6 students and let us not underestimate the impact it has on their own family lives, while they are away. They will be returning on Friday evening.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. Students are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding to our School in the amount of $300 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the School upon completion of the excursion.

Speech Night Wednesday 4 December: all Years 3-6 students expected to attend

On Wednesday evening all students in Years 3 to 6 are expected to attend our College Speech Night at MyState Arena. Arrival time is 6.00 pm for a 6.30 pm start. During the evening there will be presentations to our Major Award Winners in Year 6: Junior Edmund Rice, Junior Virgilian, Junior School Sportsmanship and Music Awards as well as the St Peter's Award for Dux of the Junior School. We will also be presenting awards for Academic Excellence and Effort for students in Years 3 to 6. Finally we will be announcing the Junior School Captain, Vice- Captain, House Captains and Vice Captains for 2025. All parents of award recipients will be notified prior to the night.

Junior School Thanksgiving Liturgy (Kindergarten-Year 6) and Year 6 Graduation

Junior School Thanksgiving Liturgy will be hosted on Wednesday 11 December from 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm at St Mary’s Cathedral.

All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 are expected to attend this night. It is always a wonderful evening where we celebrate and give thanks for the year as well as bid our Year 6 students a fond farewell as they complete their time here at the Junior School. 

Virgilians of the Month for November

Congratulations to these students who were nominated by their teachers for this very special award. 

Prep: Gordon Dodge

Year 1: William Midson

Year 2: Samuel Young

Year 3: Milan John Sojan

Year 4: Glenn Williams

Year 5: Bryer Pringle

Year 6: Asher Lester

Early Years Athletics Carnival

Last week it was our Kindergarten, Prep and Year 1 students' chance to shine on the sporting arena (the futsal court) for their Early Years Athletics Carnival. The students engaged in a short sprint race, throwing events and team events. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces and the boys having so much fun. It was also wonderful to have so many family members able to come along and support their son/grandson.

Play St Playground Consultation

As you may have read in previous editions of The Star, the Junior School is looking at revamping our playground. Currently, we are in the consultation phase. Play St have consulted with staff, and our Parents and Friends Committee in hour long sessions. The next stage is consulting with the student body which will occur by the end of the school year. Once this consultation phase is over, we will wait for a draft plan to be drawn. We are most excited about this next stage. I would like to thank Abbey Doggett, Nick Finlay, Karina Huntley, Kylie Britten, Sharni Rickards and Samm Harrington for taking the time to attend the P&F session.