Junior School News
Our Year 7, 8 and 9 students have had a terrific start to the 2026 school year and have settled in well to their classes and school routines.
We welcomed our new Year 7 students with the ‘Quality Beginnings’ program during the first two days of school. Students participated in activities designed to help them become familiar with the school, including an orienteering task to locate key areas of the campus, as well as sessions to support them with using their lockers and understanding their timetables. They also took part in activities that helped them get to know their classmates and teachers, while sharing information about themselves. The two days culminated in a series of class-versus-class relay competitions.
In Week 3, we held our internal Year 7 camp over two days. Students completed a range of activities run by ‘Outbound Discovery’, where they learned survival techniques in the great outdoors. Activities included shelter building, communication challenges, sourcing water and team-based tasks. These experiences required students to work collaboratively and communicate effectively, helping to build new friendships while reflecting our school values of respect, resilience and responsibility. The camp concluded with a trivia competition and a family BBQ.
The following day, students participated in our swimming carnival. A major focus of the day was encouraging involvement from our Year 7 students. In addition to traditional swimming events, a significant portion of the day was dedicated to fun and light-hearted novelty activities, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Students also had the opportunity to take part in a free swim, allowing new friendships to further develop.
Our Year 8 and 9 students have also settled well into their routines. Year 9 students will soon participate in ‘Morrisby’ careers sessions, where they will develop a deeper understanding of their strengths, areas for growth and personality traits. This program will help them explore potential career pathways and prepare for more informed subject selections as they enter senior school next year.
This year, our additional sessions on a Tuesday are called ‘Future Ready’. There will be a greater emphasis throughout the year on preparing students for their future pathways — both within school and beyond.
On Friday 6 February, the whole school gathered for the annual Investiture Assembly. Many Junior School students were inducted into leadership positions within their year level or class groups. We were also proud to welcome our 2026 Junior School Captains, Merin Beljo and Steve Robin. The Junior School staff look forward to working with them as leaders and role models for our students this year.
Our Junior School Merit Shop is once again open at lunchtimes on Fridays. Students are encouraged to demonstrate our school values in all that they do. When recognised for
exceptional actions by staff, students can earn merit points through Compass. These points can be redeemed for a variety of items available in the Merit Shop, including lollies, chocolates, snacks, juice boxes, stationery and even canteen vouchers. Students may accumulate their points throughout the 2026 school year.
A reminder to students and families of a few housekeeping items:
• If students are out of uniform for a legitimate reason, it is their responsibility to provide a written and signed note from home and present it to their Year Level Coordinators between 8:30–8:45am in order to receive a uniform pass.
• Students who are not in their classroom by the 8:50am bell will be considered late and will not be permitted to enter class. They will need to report to the Study Hall in the Senior School building. Please encourage your child to be organised in the morning to allow enough time to access lockers and arrive at class promptly. We recommend students arrive at school from 8:30am.
• Please enter any absences for your child on Compass before the school day begins. Students without a recorded absence will be marked as having an ‘unexplained absence’ by their class teachers. Unexplained absences require follow-up and contact home. Alternatively, you may contact the Junior School Attendance Officer, Mr Hua, by calling the school. He will assist with entering the absence on Compass.
Finally, I would like to introduce the Junior School staff team for 2026. These staff members are here to support and guide your child in reaching their potential this year. If you have any general concerns regarding your child’s learning or wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact them.
Year 7 Coordinators – Mrs Karen Huynh and Ms Eliza Lanz
Year 8 Coordinators – Mrs Lucy Hawkes and Ms Lucy Tusan
Year 9 Coordinators – Mr Matthew Neilsen and Ms Megan Maxwell
Attendance Officer – Mr Chuc Hua
Director of Junior School – Mr Adam Nettleingham
