Junior School

Enjoying the Moment

The calendar is busy and there are obviously far more weeks behind us than ahead of us. In every sense of the word, my hope for the remaining few school weeks is to slow down in our mindset. This might sound unachievable and the ‘how’ will certainly be our problem at school, but the ‘why’ is more important. We have lots of exciting events and learning taking place, but in slowing down our mindset at school we hope to:

• reflect on the many experiences, memories, and valuable contributions our boys have made this year
• focus on the smaller details which continue to add to the strength of our student cohort
• be steadfast in the high expectations our students have lived up to throughout the course of the year
• continue to provide a nurturing environment that recognises the excitement and anticipation for the end of the year
• champion quality in our boys’ work ethic, behaviour, and interactions with one another.

Our staff are very much looking forward to the final stretch of Term 4 with a sincere sense of gratitude as the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, signalling the end of the school year, draws ever closer for our boys!

2024 Student Leadership Voting

Congratulations to the following students from each Year 5 class who were nominated by their peers to take part in the second stage of the voting process for the 2024 Junior School Captain and two Vice-Captain positions. 

Earlier this week, these students delivered their own leadership speech to the Year 5 cohort before students and staff were asked to vote. These results are currently being calculated before the House Leader positions (Captain and Vice-Captain of each house) will become available for 12 students across the grade.

In other leadership news, a number of boys from Year 6 presented a speech to their peers last week in the Robson Auditorium as part of the Year 7 2024 Student Ambassador leadership voting process. These results will soon be announced to the boys, but in the meantime, I would like to congratulate the following students (in alphabetical order) for leading by example and showing courage to present to the other Year 6 boys in the cohort as they delivered their own unique speech:

‘Junior School Has Talent’ Showcase Event

I am pleased to announce that on Tuesday 28 November, the Junior School will be hosting a special talent showcase event in the College Gym, beginning at 9:45 AM and lasting for approximately one hour. 

During the past few weeks, various students across both Years 5 and 6 auditioned to perform in the final showcase by displaying a particular talent they possess in a specific category (such as skill, music, comedy/drama, SLAM poetry and art). In total, 10 different ‘acts’ were chosen to progress through to the showcase.

Congratulations to the following students (in no particular order) who will be performing on the day of the event:

Please note that this event is open to all Junior School parents/carers, who are asked to click here to confirm their attendance at this exciting, upcoming talent showcase.

Semester 2 Optional Parent/Teacher Interviews

On Wednesday 6 December, there will be an opportunity for all Junior School parents/carers to meet in person with their son/s classroom teacher for an optional 10-minute Semester 2 interview to discuss his report and review his year of learning. Times will be made available by staff between 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on the day. 

The interview booking facility, which is accessible via TASS Parent Lounge by clicking on the ‘Parent Teacher Interviews’ tab, will be open to parents/carers at 9:00 AM on Thursday 23 November and will close at midday on Tuesday 5 December. Thereafter, any parental requests to change an interview time must be made by mutual agreement with the relevant teacher via email. 

All interviews will be conducted onsite in your son/s specific classroom in the Junior School section of the College. Students are also expected to attend their scheduled interview time wearing their full school Summer uniform.

For parents/carers encountering difficulties logging on to the TASS Parent Lounge in order to book an interview, please contact the College’s IT Department via our College Reception (9763 1000), or by sending an email to the following email address itsupport@spc.nsw.edu.au.

Parents/carers are reminded that if you would like to organise an interview with your son/s Mathematics teacher (if he or she is not already your son/s classroom teacher), or to meet with one of his specialist teachers, then please don’t hesitate to email the relevant member of our staff directly so that a suitable time can be arranged. Parents/carers are also asked to please note that these particular interviews to discuss Mathematics and/or a specialist subject are only five minutes in duration. 

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.

May God bless you,

Glenn Stephenson

Director of Junior School