Junior School Update

Congratulations Emily, Alicia and Zara! 

We are delighted to share that Emily BF in Year 6 has been nominated for a Bruce Award in the 2024 awards Music Theatre Guild of Victoria. She has been recognised for her wonderful performance as Debbie Wilkinson in the CLOC production of Billy Elliot earlier this year. This is a tremendous honour, and we wish her all the best for the awards ceremony being held on 14 December! 

We are thrilled to share the great results that Alicia N recently achieved in the 40th Dandenong Eisteddfod of Dance. She completed and performed 10 different dance routines! Alicia achieved first place for all her solos and won both the Junior Classical Championship and the Junior Modern Championship. Additionally, she is also awarded with 2 impressive prizes, the 10 and U12 Open Aggregate and the Junior Best All-Rounder. 

Zara M (Y5) made history last Thursday at the GSV Year 5&6 Swimming and Diving Championships, winning the Year 5 Diving division in an outstanding display of technical and physical prowess, achieving a record score of 120.30, smashing the existing record of 94.20! This is an outstanding performance by a dedicated, hard-working and talented athlete. The fact that this was Zara’s first foray into a GSV Championship event, and the last appearance by Shelford in the GSV carnival program, makes this such a special moment and one worth celebrating throughout our community. The GSV Coordinators were stunned by the quality of her performance. 

Glen Eira Disability Awareness Guest Speaker 

Last week, our Year 5 and 6 students were fortunate enough to hear from City of Glen Eira Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Jeremy O'Halloran (PLY). He was born with a medical condition that limited the growth and use of his hips and legs. At age 9, his feet were amputated and replaced with prosthetics - though this did not hinder his enjoyment and participation in sport. During his presentation, Jeremy shared examples of children overcoming limitations and setbacks to achieve their dreams. It was wonderful to see Jeremy’s passion for sport which led him to compete at the Paralympics in Table Tennis!  

Our students also learnt about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Glen Eira adopted this program last year where people with disabilities can wear a green pin to discreetly indicate they have a disability and may require assistance. Finally, Jeremy shared the cycling trips he has participated in with Cycle Power. In 2018, he completed a 500-kilometre journey through Sri Lanka to raise funds to support those with disability to participate in sport Australia and Sri Lanka. These trips also aim to challenge perceptions and attitudes about what people with disability can achieve.

Australian Mathematics Trust 

In August, students from Years 3 to 6, were given the opportunity to take part in the annual Australian Mathematics Competition. Our Junior School students again gave there very best to achieve wonderful results. The students listed below received either a credit or distinction award. Special congratulations goes to Misha P in Year 6 for being named “Best in School”. This is awarded to the student with the best overall result in the Junior School, after adjustment for year level. 

Shelford Junior School’s Got Talent 

Last week’s Junior School talent show to the Senior School and Shelford staff audience was a resounding success. The Junior School dazzled with an array of performances and the event culminated with the audience coming onto the stage in a true Shelford celebration and the undiluted joy of being together and being Shelford. 

Final Christmas Chapel 

The whole Junior School created a beautiful retelling of the Christmas Story in a melee of angels, cherubs, shepherds, wise men, along with Mary and Joseph. It was a magnificent end to our wonderful Chapel sessions for the year under the wise direction of our wonderful Chaplain, Mrs Juers. 

Farewell from the JS Co-Captains 

As I look back on my year as Junior School Co-Captain, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude.  Gratitude for the chance to be my best self, to be able to help and be part of the amazing community that Shelford is. Gratitude for being given the chance to live the Shelford values alongside the best co-captain anyone could wish for. Gratitude for finding my place in a school that gave me the freedom to learn, grow, lead and achieve.  

Shelford is a school that gives every girl the courage to shine. It took a girl who was terrified of public speaking and turned her into one who eagerly anticipated running each assembly. It took someone once too shy to ask questions in class and made her into one who learned to share and listen, communicate her thoughts, and stand up for her values. It taught someone naturally quiet to appreciate more than ever, the importance of being heard.  

We all knew this 126th and final year was going to be special, but our teachers and friends have made it mean even more. The teacher’s enthusiasm and commitment has never ceased to amaze us. We’ve made so many strong friendships this year, and even though there will be many goodbyes, we will all stay connected because we are a community.   

So, thank you Shelford, for the gift of knowing that there are no limits save the ones we set ourselves, for the gift of knowing we will always be Shelford girls. Thank you, Shelford. Ariana F 

It is hard to believe that my time as Junior School Co-Captain has come to an end. Looking back makes me feel like it has been an amazing journey. When I first found out that I received the role, I was overjoyed but also a little nervous. I wondered what I could do to help the school and what leader I would be. But as time went on, I realized that a good leader was not about being perfect but about being kind, listening to others and always trying your best. 

Throughout this year, I have learned so much. From helping organize events like our fair day, to running our junior school assemblies, every experience has taught me something new. One of the biggest lessons to me though is the importance of teamwork. This role has shown me how powerful the result can be when we all work together. I could not have done this role without Ariana, the teachers and all of you, the students. You have all made this journey so special to me. 

This role has meant so much to me. It was never about the badges, speeches, or title but about something bigger. Making memories and growing together as a school community. It was not only about being a leader, but also about being a good friend and supporting everyone. I am so grateful for the trust you placed in me this year. 

Thank you to everyone for making this journey a one that I will never forget. It has been an honour to be your Junior School Co-Captain for 2024. Alicia N 

Farewell and Wellbeing: A Final Note 

As I prepare to say goodbye, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of wellbeing—not just our own, but also that of those around us. True wellbeing is not just about caring for ourselves, but also about fostering kindness and understanding in our interactions with others. 

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become caught up in the demands of daily life and forget how essential it is to prioritise all aspects of our health: emotional, mental, and physical. This is augmented when we extend compassion to those around us. A simple act of kindness, whether it’s listening without judgment, offering a helping hand, or sharing a kind word, can create a ripple effect that nurtures the wellbeing of everyone involved. 

During our time together, I’ve seen how small gestures—both to ourselves and to others—can have profound effects. Whether it’s taking a moment to breathe deeply, engaging in self-care, or considering how we can make someone else’s day easier or brighter, these actions make a world of difference. Wellbeing isn’t just about progress in solitude; it’s about progress in community, where we lift each other up. 

As we all move on to new adventures, I would like to thank the Shelford community for the moments we’ve shared. I’ll carry these lessons I have learned here with me.  

I wish you all health, happiness, and kindness. 

With gratitude, 

Vicky Gemmell 

Farewell Shelford, my guide. 

As this final newsletter reaches you, it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to Shelford. However, as I reflect on our time together, I am reminded that with every ending there is also a new beginning. As you transition to new schools and embark on fresh adventures, you will carry the very best of Shelford with you — a legacy of excellence, inspiration, and values that have begun to shape you into independent, and inspiring young women. 

Shelford has always been more than a school to me. It is a place where girls have been encouraged to discover their authentic selves and supported to achieve and flourish. The Shelford values have been the cornerstone of this special community, fostering a culture where respect, integrity, passion, and creativity thrive.  

As you transition to new schools, I am confident you will carry these values with you. Respect has taught you to value others and to care for your peers, family, school, and environment. Integrity has instilled in you - kindness, trust, and community spirit, ensuring you will contribute meaningfully to your new communities. Your passion for learning will empower you to embrace challenges with courage and strive for what is right. You will use your creativity to face the future with curiosity and imagination, inspiring you to create opportunities wherever you go. These values will not only guide you but also help you make a lasting impact. 

Though we are stepping into new environments, the lessons, friendships, and memories we’ve gained at Shelford will remain with us. I encourage everyone to carry forward these values and continue to make a difference wherever you go. 

Thank you, Shelford, for everything. 

Here’s to new beginnings ahead. 

Jacqui Sidaway  

Vicky Gemmell

Head of Junior School – Student Wellbeing and Development

Jacqui Sidaway

Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning