Junior School

As we come to the end of Term 1, we reflect with gratitude on what has been a wonderful and productive start to the year. It has been a joy to see students settle into their routines, build new friendships, and engage wholeheartedly in their learning. From the classroom to the playground, there has been a strong sense of enthusiasm, growth, and community across the College.

Our College theme, Following the Way, has been a meaningful focus, encouraging our students to look to Jesus as their guide in both their learning and their relationships. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This truth has been woven through our teaching, conversations, and time together, helping students to understand what it means to walk in His way each day.

This first term has laid a strong foundation for the year ahead. Our students have embraced many opportunities to challenge themselves, develop their skills, and contribute positively to the life of the College. Highlights have included the Year 4 Camp to Mill Valley Ranch and the Year 6 Camp to Canberra, where students demonstrated independence and resilience. This same spirit was evident in the enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed at the Year 4–6 Swimming Carnival and the Year 3–6 Athletics Day, as well as in the way our Year 3 and 5 students approached NAPLAN with focus and perseverance.

We were also encouraged by the generosity of our community through the Amari Careers Dress-Up Day, which raised valuable funds to support our three sponsored children, Beatrice, Patrick and Wallin in Uganda. We would like to give a big thank you to our Student Forum for their initiative and leadership in organising this event, with the support of Mrs Bradshaw.

Alongside these significant events, the ongoing, day-to-day learning in every classroom continues to underpin student growth and achievement. We are thankful for the partnership we share with our families, whose ongoing support plays such an important role in the success and wellbeing of our students.

In Chapel in Week 9, we were pleased to recognise and celebrate the ROAR Award recipients for the second half of Term 1. These students have consistently demonstrated our College values of Respect, Obedience, Acceptance, and Resilience in their everyday actions. Through their positive attitudes, commitment to learning, and the way they care for and include others, they have set a wonderful example within our community. We congratulate each of these students and thank them for modelling these important values so well.

We are excited to let our community know that International Week will take place in Week 4 of Term 2. This special week provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of nationalities that make up our College community. A range of activities will be held throughout the week, including our International Chapel and a highlight dress-up day on Thursday 14 May. We encourage families to use the upcoming holidays to begin planning costumes for their children, helping to make this a vibrant and meaningful celebration for all.

As we now head into the Easter break, we are reminded of the significance of this season. Easter provides a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the hope we have through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a powerful reminder of God’s love for us and the promise of new life that we have in Him. In John 11:25–27, we are reminded that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and that faith in Him is the only way to eternal life with God. We encourage families to take time together to reflect on this truth and what it means for each of us personally.

Our prayer this Easter is that every member of our College community would come to know and understand this truth for themselves—to recognise Jesus as the way, and to choose to follow Him. As we continue to embrace our theme of Following the Way, may we be reminded that this path leads not only to purpose in this life, but to the promise of eternal life with God.

We pray that this holiday period is one of rest, renewal, and joy for all our families, with an opportunity to slow down, enjoy time together, and be refreshed for the term ahead. We thank you for your continued support throughout Term 1 and look forward to welcoming everyone back, ready for another exciting term of learning in Term 2.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

John 11:25-27

Mrs Amy Liddle

Head of Junior School