Junior School

As we find ourselves midway through Term 3, with spring officially starting next week, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on our students’ growth. This timing brings to mind the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1, which tells us, 

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. 

This verse reminds us that life, like the school year, moves in seasons, each with its own purpose and beauty. Just as nature prepares for its annual renewal, our students are in their own season of growth and discovery.

In this season of learning and development, communication plays a vital role. Just as we observe the subtle changes in nature as spring approaches, we must also attune ourselves to the nuances of our children’s experiences. As parents, we often want to know about our children’s day, eager to witness their growth firsthand. Some kids come home from school chatting away, ready to tell you everything that happened, much like the enthusiastic burst of spring blossoms. Other children are a closed book, and turning the pages is a delicate task, reminiscent of the slow, careful unfurling of new leaves. Have you ever asked them, ‘How was your day?’ only to receive a one-word answer like, ‘Good’, ‘Average’, or ‘Ok’? Just as we might need to look closer to spot the first signs of spring, rephrasing that question may yield surprising results, revealing the rich details of your child's daily growth and experiences. Here are a few suggestions:

• What made you smile today?
• What made you feel proud today?
• Tell me something that made you laugh today.
• Can you tell me an example of kindness you saw/showed?
• If you could choose, who would you like to sit by in class? 
• Did you learn something you didn’t understand?
• What’s the biggest difference between this year and last year?
• Teach me something I don’t know.
• Who did you sit by at lunch today? What did you talk about?
• Can you show me something you learned today?
• Did anyone do anything silly to make you laugh?
• What part of school is your favourite?
• What was the most interesting/funny thing your teacher said today?
• What class rules does your teacher say are important?
• Did you help anyone today?
• What’s your favourite time of day at school?
• Rate your day on a scale from 1-10.
• What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

These conversations can give you a great peek into your child’s growing skills and knowledge. It’s a joyous way to connect with your child about their school life and celebrate their progress!

ROAR Awards

This week in Chapel, we had the privilege of acknowledging some ROARsome students for their outstanding behaviour. 

Congratulations to the following students: 

Finding Nemo JR

Get ready for some excitement! Our Junior School Musical, Finding Nemo JR, is just around the corner! We’re less than two weeks away from Opening Night, and our young stars are buzzing with energy! Every class is working hard to perfect their part. You might hear your child humming tunes or practising dance moves at home – that’s the Finding Nemo effect in full swing! We’d love to see you there cheering on our talented students. Performances will be held on Wednesday 11 September and Thursday 12 September. This is more than just a show – it’s an opportunity for our children to shine and share their God-given talents. We can’t wait to see their beaming faces on stage as they create a fun-filled night for our whole Junior School family. So, mark your calendars, book tickets, and prepare for an underwater adventure with Finding Nemo JR! 

Tickets are selling fast, but we still have a few available. Don't miss out! 

Click on the image to purchase your tickets. 

After School Collection of Students

A reminder to all parents that Junior School students are to be collected from the end of Learning Street near the Junior School car parks and not from other areas of the College. Junior School students are not permitted to walk to the Stadium without the supervision of an adult or Senior School student. Please also kindly remember that the school day ends at 3.30 pm. It is important to collect your child as close to this time as possible. If delayed, to avoid causing unnecessary concern to your child, please contact the Administration Office to have a message passed on to your child. If your child is not collected by 3.55pm, it is our protocol to start making arrangements to escort your child to the After School Care program at Oxley Kids. Please note there is a charge for this service.

Happy Father’s Day

This Sunday, we celebrate Father’s Day, a special occasion to honour the love and sacrifice of fathers and significant men in our lives. A father’s devotion often mirrors the selfless care and guidance that shapes his children’s futures. Fathers play a unique and irreplaceable role, from teaching us to ride a bike and cheering at our sports games to helping with homework and telling us not-so-hilarious dad jokes (even though we laugh to make sure he doesn’t feel bad). 

This paternal love reflects the even greater love of our Heavenly Father, whose steadfast devotion to His children knows no bounds. God’s love is so profound that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to make the ultimate sacrifice, paying the price for our sins and offering us eternal life. As we reflect on the dedication of earthly fathers – their support, guidance, and even their groan-worthy puns – let us also remember the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father. We hope all the significant men in our students’ lives enjoy the thoughtful gifts purchased from our Father’s Day stall. A special thank you goes out to our Year 3 teachers, students, and dedicated parent helpers for organising and running this wonderful initiative. To all fathers and father figures, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and wish you a very Happy Father’s Day.

Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as He did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his child, all the way you went until you reached this place.” Deuteronomy 1:29–31

Amy Liddle

Head of Junior School