From the Head of Junior School

The Year Ahead…

Welcome to the first HouseNews article for the Junior School in 2025! Whether you are a new family to the school in Pre-Kindergarten, or a returning Year 6 family (or a combination of both), I would like to warmly welcome you to a brand new academic year. 

One of the things I enjoy most about returning from the extended holiday break over Christmas each year, is listening to all of the stories that are shared about adventures that have been experienced everywhere from just down the road, to all around the world. It is a time of excitement in reconnecting with friends and also being open to making new ones. It is a time when the Junior School truly comes alive with eagerness and joy!

There has certainly been a buzz in the air lately as all students have returned to school and successfully navigated their first few days of the academic year, meeting both familiar and new friends, and staff members alike.

This year, we welcome three new members to the Junior School teaching team: Mrs Ciara Loughland (J5 Classroom Teacher and Junior School Curriculum Co-ordinator), Mrs Amy Maloney (Junior School PDHPE Co-ordinator) and Mrs Rachel Sommer (P2 Classroom Teacher). I am delighted to have these teachers join our incredible existing team in the Junior School and have no doubt that our students and parents will soon see exactly why they were hired to fulfill their specific roles.

As mentioned in my recent communication to parents as part of the ‘Principal’s Pack’, one of the most powerful tools to a successful year for students is clear and open communication between home and school. Our teachers are incredibly invested in ensuring every student in their care is set to flourish throughout the year ahead, yet this cannot be achieved without parental support. As such, we very much look forward to you joining us on the learning adventure that awaits your child/ren this year.

I trust that 2025 will be a wonderful year for all of our students and their families, and I personally look forward to witnessing the growth and development that each one of our children will no doubt make throughout the year ahead!

Student Leadership Team

It is my great pleasure to announce the 2025 Junior School student leadership team.       Please view the list below to see who has been elected to represent the Junior School students in a specific role.

I look forward to working with all members of the student leadership team as they take on their important positions of responsibility throughout the school year ahead.

Upcoming Calendar Dates

Term 1 Week 3:

• Thursday 13th February:  Junior School ‘Parent Information Evening’ (from 6.00pm to 7.30pm) 
• Friday 14th February:  Round 1 PISA sport (from 10.40am to 12.40pm) 

Term 1 Week 4:

• Monday 17th February to Friday 21st February: Junior School Parent/Teacher Interviews 
• Wednesday 19th February: Years 2 to 6 Swimming Carnival (from 9.00am to 2.30pm)

Parents are reminded to please check the Parent Orbit app or Parent Lounge regularly for updated calendar information as changes to scheduled events may occur throughout the year.

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at: glenn.stephenson@tphs.nsw.edu.au) or phone on 9981 4400 and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.