Head of Junior School 

What a whirlwind start!

Welcome back to the school year at the Junior Campus. Can you believe we are already at the end of Week 3? Already we have achieved so much in nine short days. Cooking Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday Liturgy, Launch of 2026 Project Compassion assembly, a visit from the Kookaburras, Basketball trials, the commencement of chess, P& F Welcome BBQ,  not to mention all the learning that has already taken place in the classrooms.

I would like to welcome and introduce you to two new teachers to our staff, Mr Peter Hope, in charge of music on Mondays and Tuesdays and Mr Ben Farrell. Ben will be working on Thursdays and Fridays, primarily taking health across all year levels. Next week, we will be welcoming Josh Zeeman, and the following week, Mia Giles, both as Learning Support Officers. I know you will join me in welcoming all four to our community.

Please read through the information below as it is most important.

Parent-Teacher Meetings: Important Date Change — now Tues and Wed 10 and 11 March

This year we have Term One Parent–Teacher Interviews to check in on your son's start to the school year. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to discuss progress, settle-in, and any questions you may have.

All parents are requested to make time to visit their son’s teacher. There will be opportunities to attend across two early afternoon/twilight sessions to accommodate family schedules.

Please note that we have made a necessary change to the previously scheduled dates for the upcoming Parent–Teacher Interviews. Originally planned for 3 and 4 March, the interviews will now take place the following week on 10 and 11 March. We understand that the original dates were already communicated to families for Week 5. An EdSmart notification and a newsletter update will be sent to inform parents of this change. This adjustment will allow us additional time to prepare and finalise the documentation that will be shared with parents during the interviews.

Interview Schedule: all class teachers available Tuesday 10 March and Wednesday 11 March 

Time:  2pm – 6.15pm 

Last appointment:  6pm 

Interview duration:  15 minutes

Specialist Teacher availability:

Tuesday 10 March: 

Music: Mr Peter Hope: 2pm – 5pm

Wednesday 11 March: 

PE:  Mrs Karryn McCullagh: 2pm – 5pm

Japanese:  Mrs Alison Wignell: 2pm – 5pm

Art:  Ms Jan Stary: 2pm – 5pm

SVC Leading the Way for Project Compassion

On Shrove Tuesday, our community came together bright and early to support Caritas Australia by cooking and selling pancakes as part of our fundraising efforts. From 8am, Mrs Graves and Mr Umgeher cooked, flipped and served up a storm all in the name of a good cause. 

Our servant leaders, our Mini Vinnies boys, helped set up tables, sell pancakes, assist with toppings, sell tickets in the 'Guess the number of Eggs’ in the Jar competition. Over the course of the morning, we cooked and sold approximately 200 pancakes. Boys and parents were treated to warm pancakes served with a choice of tasty toppings. They could enjoy them with maple syrup, raspberry jam, or simply have them plain. There was something for everyone, and many people came back for seconds! The fundraiser was a great success. Thanks to the generosity of our school community, we kick started our fundraising for Caritas Australia with a total of $573. 

On Thursday of this week, we were asked to host an Assembly for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion launch in Southern Tasmania. Alex Sherriff and Max Free, Mini Vinnies President and Vice President respectively, prepared a great slide deck for the assembly. At the Assembly, we hosted Tara Harvey, Media Lead for Caritas Australia and Penny Edman Diocesan Director for Caritas Australia In Tasmania. A group of Year 6 leaders then headed to Corpus Christi for the Southern Catholic School's Liturgy for Project Compassion. What a day!

Kookaburras Visit the Junior School

This week we were thrilled to welcome members of the Kookaburras to the Junior School ahead of their tournament in Hobart this week. We were especially proud to host local talent Magnus McCausland (Goalkeeper)and Lachlan Rogers, as well as Olympian Nathan Ephraums and Davis Atkin.

The players spoke to the boys about their journey from school sport to representing Australia on the international stage. They shared insights into the commitment, resilience and teamwork required to reach the elite level, inspiring our students to pursue their own goals with dedication and passion. Nathan also reflected on his experience competing at the Olympic Games, recounting some of his favourite moments wearing the green and gold.

We thank the Kookaburras for their time and generosity in sharing their stories, and we wish them every success in Hobart this week. All boys from Years 2 to 6 received a pass to attend a game this week, the first on Friday vs Germany.

Junior School Chess Club Off to a Flying Start!

We have some excited new players in our Junior School Chess Club this year, joining our experienced veterans. Our new Year 1 students all have some chess knowledge and have taken to tournament rules and chess clocks like ducks to water. We are so pleased to be hosting Black Square Chess for expert instruction and lots of fun. 

Easter Egg Raffle!

We have a very special Easter raffle from our P&F Committee with an enormous chocolate hamper to be won. Tickets are on sale from $2 each, available from the Junior School Office or through QKR.