Junior School Update
What a joy it was to welcome all the Junior School students to a new school year at Shelford. They arrived looking smart and ready to learn in their school uniforms. This was excellent, because their very first day was photo day, which ran smoothly thanks to the students’ excellent cooperation and the photographers’ professional skills. I’m sure you’re looking forward to seeing your children’s photos as much as we are. Orientation Day ended with a blast of colour! We are happy to say the Colour Run was a huge success.
We would like to congratulate all the students for making such a positive start to our 2024 learning year. After doing an excellent job of settling into their new classrooms, meeting some new teachers, and spending happy times with old and new friends, they ended a busy first week by beginning a variety of assessments in literacy and numeracy. These assessments inform the teachers of each student’s individual learning strengths and needs.
Junior School Assemblies
Our first Junior School assemblies have taken place the last two Fridays under the very capable leadership of our new school captains, Ariana and Alicia. They worked hard to incorporate new and exciting material such as an interesting fact of the week and a Lunar New year Report! We’ve also had talented soloists perform beautifully for us. Many thanks to pianist Chloe W, and Jessin Y our clarinet performer!
Year 1 and 2
The Year 1 and 2 students started the year with confidence and smiles on their faces. They were happy to reconnect with their friends and Mrs Walker. They were also excited to welcome our new student, Wenqian L. They have been able to jump right into learning as the students know the routines and expectations. They have been amazing! The Colour Run was such a joyous beginning to their new school year. While many of the girls were a bit nervous, they loved it. They are excited to begin their English studies by reading about inspirational women in history. First up, is Amelia Earhart.
Year 3
What a wonderful first two weeks it’s been, full of smiles, enthusiasm and excitement displayed throughout our learning space! The Year 3 students have shown their creativity as authors and illustrators, taking pride when taking part in 'Show, Don't Tell'. The girls have been recognising what it means to have a growth mindset, sharing insightful examples of embracing a growth mindset, such as being open-minded, displaying perseverance, and being flexible thinkers. A fantastic first two weeks from Year 3!
Year 4
Year Four has had a wonderful start to the academic year. They have explored what it means to have a growth mindset and how we can change our thinking to embrace challenges. They also delved into The Learning Pit so when we come across challenges in our learning, we have strategies that will help us achieve success. They started reading Wonder, which is a truly beautiful story with a strong theme of kindness running throughout it. The message we want the girls to take away from this book is to ‘choose kind’. Kindness costs nothing and makes us all feel good.
Year 5
It was delightful to welcome some new, and old happy faces to Year 5 this year. The students have been busy setting up their learning spaces and getting to know new friends. The girls have adjusted well to being in the Year 5 and 6 area of the school and the responsibility that comes with it. They can be congratulated on their kindness and inclusiveness, which sets the foundation for a wonderful year together.
Year 6
As new leaders of the Junior School, our Year 6 students have been excellent role models. They have worked collaboratively to create a Class Agreement outlining the shared expectations and behaviours that will encourage a vibrant and effective learning community. Their commitment to their own growth and to supporting each other was evidenced in their thoughtful responses to The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Other highlights include a STEM challenge requiring communication, problem solving and critical thinking, beginning our science unit, some action with angles, celebrating our diversity by sharing the varied heritage of our families and of course, the Colour Run!
Matilda Jr
It is with much excitement that auditions for Matilda Jr have begun. Please remember to submit your audition videos online using the links below by 8pm on Sunday 25 February. Family members are welcome to assist with auditions by taking on the roles of the other character(s) in the scene and reading out their lines off camera. More detailed audition information can be found HERE.
Vicky Gemmell
Head of Junior School – Student Wellbeing and Development
Jacqui Sidaway
Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning