Junior School Update

Big Fun Big Science Show  

The Big Fun Big Science Show was an exciting way to celebrate Science Week in the Junior School. Students were amazed by special demonstrations of our Fizzics Education presenter, Tara. They were thrilled by the giant smoke vortices, flying toilet paper and hair-raising electricity.  

Super Year 3 and 4 Scientists 

On Wednesday  last week Years 3 and 4 participated in some interesting experiments for Science Week 2023. First of all, we did some reading about Jane Goodall, an inspiring female scientist who works to understand chimpanzees. Then the hands-on fun began! The teachers ran the first experiment which was making our own luscious lava lamps. They were bubbly, colourful and shiny with sequins. The Class Parliamentarians ran the second experiment which was making ooblek – one of the few things scientists know that can be a solid and a liquid at the same time. It was amazing, we had such an exciting day! 

Science Talent Search – Judging Day 

As reported earlier this term, a group of enthusiastic students from Years 4, 5 and 6 have submitted entries in the 2023 Science Talent Search. Students with entries in the Scientific Wallcharts, Computer Programs and Science Photography categories travelled to MLC or Parade College to present their entries to the judges. Despite it was a very chilly morning and a long wait for some, all participants did Shelford proud and enjoyed sharing their projects.  

The Prime Minister's Spelling Bee 

The Prime Minister's Spelling Bee allows students to complete 30 spelling words in a fun format where they aim for accuracy, to beat the clock, and finish ahead of their fellow students across Australia. On Wednesday 16 August, 30 Year 3 to 6 students took part in the Spelling Bee. They were given words that were randomly selected from the Kids News reading level word lists. We congratulate Katerina B (Y5) and Lili M (Y4) for progressing through to the next round in this challenging competition. 

Congratulations Emma 

Emma Z (Y5) participated in the Gym for All competition at Waverley Gymnastics last Sunday and her ‘Silver’ group won in their division. Well done Emma!

Book Week Bonanza – Part 1 

Book Week (21 – 25 August) has begun with a range of activities to celebrate literacy, books and the joy of reading.  

Anna Fienberg 

Last Friday, the Year 2, 3 and 4 students enjoyed a wonderful session with Anna Fienberg, multi-award winning author of books for children and young adults including The Magnificent Nose and Ariel, Zed & the Secret of Life, and the ever-popular Tashi series which has been translated into 16 languages. Our students enjoyed peppering Anna with insightful questions about her craft and beloved characters. 

Juliet M Sampson 

Ruby wonders what is at the end of the rainbow. 

Who will help her solve the mystery? 

Will it be Tavish, Scarecrow, Metal Man or Lion? 

On Monday, the JDC explored these questions withJuliet M Sampson, Shelford Alumni and author of Follow the Rainbow. Juliet is an international award-winning author for children and young adults. Her debut picture book Grace’s Mystery Seed was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Award 2019, 5 - 9 year old category and was a Finalist in the International Book Awards. 

All students are now looking forward to Way Too Cool! An educational musical to celebrate the 2023 Children's Book Week theme: READ, GROW, INSPIRE. We can’t wait to see the students dress up for our parade on Friday! Stay tuned to see more Book Week fun in the next newsletter. 

Vicky Gemmell

Head of Junior School – Student Wellbeing and Development

Jacqui Sidaway

Head of Junior School – Curriculum and Innovation