Junior School, South Plympton

On this page: Year 5/6 Tournament of Minds Team Heads to International Finals, A Wonderful Term draws to a close, ELC - Year 2 Sports Day, OSHC Vacation Care Schedule

Year 5/6 Tournament of Minds Team heads to the International Finals

We are delighted to celebrate the success of seven students from our Year 5/6 Extended Learning Program, who recently represented Emmaus Christian College in the Literacy division of the State Tournament of Minds competition.

Tournament of Minds (TOM) is an academic problem-solving program that challenges students to work collaboratively on a complex, open-ended task over several weeks before presenting their solution to a panel of judges. 

On competition day, teams are also required to complete an unseen, spontaneous challenge that tests their creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills under pressure. We are incredibly proud of the way our students approached both challenges with enthusiasm, perseverance, and outstanding collaboration. 

In fact, part of the judging process for the spontaneous challenge focuses on the quality of teamwork and communication that occurs behind the scenes, making their achievement even more remarkable.

As State Champions, the team has earned the opportunity to represent South Australia at the International Tournament of Minds Finals, to be held in Darwin later this year. This is an exciting honour and one that reflects the dedication and talent of these students.

To assist with the costs of travelling to Darwin, the team will hold several fundraising events over the coming weeks. 

Families will have opportunities to support the students through a bake sale, which will be held on the last day of term and again at the Junior Primary Sports Day next term. 

We will also be hosting a Junior School book sale. Further details will be shared soon, and we thank our community in advance for supporting our students as they prepare for this exciting opportunity.

Liz Hinrichsen

Head of Junior School, South Plympton

A Wonderful Term draws to a close

As Term 3 draws to an end, we reflect with gratitude on a rewarding time of learning, growth, and community.

Students have enjoyed a range of special experiences over the past few weeks. 

• Book Week provided opportunities for creativity and imagination through author visits, literacy challenges, and our much-loved costume parade. 

• We also joined with the Secondary School to celebrate Culture Week, where students explored and celebrated the rich diversity within our community. Secondary students visited classrooms to share insights into different countries and cultures, while students enjoyed dressing in colours or traditional attire and participating in a variety of cultural activities, including French-themed lunchtime experiences.

• This week, our Foundation to Year 2 students are taking part in Water Safety lessons, developing important skills and confidence in and around the water. While these events add richness and enjoyment to school life, they also complement our commitment to providing quality learning experiences, with classroom learning remaining at the heart of all we do.

One of the highlights of the term was our Father's Day Breakfast. Despite threatening weather, the event proceeded at the EPAC and in the surrounding courtyard areas, bringing together families from across our South Plympton community. 

We extend our sincere thanks to the many staff and volunteers who prepared croissants the evening before and arrived early on the day to ensure everything was ready to welcome our hungry students and their special guests.

As we approach the school holidays, we thank families for their ongoing support throughout the term. We pray that the break provides an opportunity for rest, refreshment, and meaningful time together. May God bless your family with peace and renewed energy as we look forward to all that Term 4 will bring.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you." Numbers 6:24-25

Liz Hinrichsen

Head of Junior School, South Plympton

ELC - Year 2 Sports Day

Friday 16 October (Week 1, Term 4)

9:30am - 12:00pm

Western Youth Oval

Join us for a community picnic following the event. Coffee, sausage sizzle, soft drinks and baked treats will be available for purchase and proceeds will support our Tournament of Minds team representing South Australia at the International Finals in Darwin.

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