From the Head of Junior School

This term has been the “Tom Term” for many of our students. This co-curricular is exciting, demanding and privilege to be involved in. Dr Drew is immensely proud of the commitment, collaborative thinking and ingenuity demonstrated by our teams in the pursuit of excellence. Students devoted a lot of time to creating and refining their presentations and developed valuable skills during this intense process. The judges’ feedback was glowing, describing elements of our teams’ performances as “sensational", “thorough", “thoughtful", “phenomenal" and "mind-blowing" which was exciting! Thank you to our team members for their significant efforts and to families for their unending support. One of our teams will be in the State Final for Tournament of the Minds this Sunday, and we wish them all the best! Thank you Dr Drew for your commitment as well.

Our students were thrilled to take part in the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival this week, where they had the opportunity to showcase their talents alongside students from other independent schools. Through singing and performing as part of a large ensemble, they experienced the excitement of working together to create something special. Participating in the festival helped build their confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills, while also giving them a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.  Thank you to our Music staff for their dedication to our choir and orchestra – performing on the stage in Town Hall is something our students will forever remember.

At both campuses our students had a wonderful time participating in R U OK? Day by wearing yellow and learning how to be kind and check in with their friends. It was also a mufti day, so everyone came dressed in yellow, which made the day even more fun. To help raise money and awareness, we held a cake stall filled with delicious treats that students (and teachers!) all enjoyed. The event helped teach the children about caring for others, starting conversations, and supporting important causes in a fun and meaningful way.

Our students have proudly completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge, showing great dedication to reading and learning. Throughout the challenge, they explored a wide range of books, improved their reading skills, and developed a love for stories and learning. Completing the challenge is a fantastic achievement because it encourages lifelong reading habits, builds confidence, and supports literacy development. It’s also a fun way for students to set goals and feel proud of their progress. Well done to all the students for taking part and reaching the finish line! I believe this might be every single one of the students at the Springwood campus – well done!

While we sometimes lament the busyness of the school calendar, each of the events that take place provide so much joy and richness in learning. Getting involved in different activities at school helps students build important skills and develop a greater interest in the world around them. Whether it’s taking part in special events, joining clubs, helping with fundraisers, or participating in challenges, each experience teaches teamwork, responsibility, and confidence. It also gives students the chance to discover new interests and connect with others who share similar passions. Seeing learning broadly – not just with the academic things we do at our desks – helps children become life long learners.

Rachael J Newton

Assistant Principal – Head of Junior School

Tour de Montagnes Bleues et Tour de Vallee

This term we had our exciting and fun bicycle races in JSW and JSS. The students had a wonderful chance to participate in our bicycle and scooter races and in the presentations first and second place received prizes of baguettes and certificates. The students loved the correlation between the famous Tour de France hommes/femmes and our own versions and had studied the origins and structure of the French race.

There were an array of beautiful French costumes and prizes were awarded to the most imaginative. 

French treats were a big hit at recess and everyone enjoyed a croissant and a chocolat chaud. We were blessed with the weather on both occasions. 

Thank you to all participants, parents and spectators and a huge merci to our groundskeepers for their help in preparing the course. Many thanks also to Mrs. Arrell, Mrs. Boros, Natalie in the canteen, Mrs. Bonnie Mamo for her help with the chocolat chaud, all teachers and support staff for their support and enthusiastic participation.

Vive le Tour!

Already looking forward to our next event!

Merci a tous, 

Madame Deirdre O’Hara