Junior School Report

Message from the

Director of Learning -  Junior School

Ms Jessika Cichy

I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the festive season as the end of 2023 is quickly approaching! As we head towards the end of the academic year, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and reflect on the incredible events that have unfolded in the Junior School over the past term.

New Junior School Team Leadership:

Firstly, I am delighted to announce some changes in our leadership team for the upcoming year. Dean Goulimis will be taking on the role of Year 8 Coordinator, while Luciano Murray will continue to serve as the Year 7 Coordinator, ensuring a smooth transition for our new students. I am honoured to step into the role of Director of Learning for 2024, and I extend a heartfelt thank you to Kristian Gropel for his outstanding contributions as Director of Learning throughout 2023. We wish him the very best in his new role in the Senior School!

Recap of Term 4 Events:

This term has been filled with memorable events that have enriched the Junior School experience for our students. The Wellbeing Day stands out as a highlight, where our students enjoyed a day at Chadstone, showcasing their teamwork skills and indulging in some friendly competition through arcade games, challenge rooms, and bowling. It was a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.

Some pics from Wellbeing Day!

Likewise, the Year 7 Open Night was a massive success, drawing an impressive turnout of parents and future Year 7 students for 2024. I extend my gratitude to the individuals who made this night possible, including Kristian Gropel, Luciano Murray, Reia Grey, Alice Paget; our exceptional Junior School leaders — Christian, Jade, Ghibran, and Sofia; and all others who helped on the night. Your hard work and commitment to our community do not go unnoticed and made the night a smooth-sailing one.

HeadStart 2023:

As our Year 7 students officially graduate into Year 8, we wish them the best of luck in their new academic journey. The HeadStart program is in full swing, offering students a preview of their 2024 classes in Weeks 9 & 10. After this, we have Activities Week across Weeks 11 & 12 - a time for students to engage in exciting extracurricular experiences and have a bit of fun in the last two weeks of school. Parents, please ensure to check Compass for any necessary consents for your child to participate in these excursions.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude for the unwavering support of our Junior School community, as well as the excitement I feel for all that is to come in 2024. As we approach the holiday season, I wish each of you a joyful and restful break! 

Miss Jessika Cichy

Director of Learning - Junior School

Year 8 Excursion to VSSEC (Mission to Mars)

The Year 8 students had the opportunity to go to the Victorian Space Science Education Centre and experience a simulation of a Mission to Mars.

The students were split into two groups and took turns either acting as ‘Mission Control’ or as the ‘Astronauts’. Mission control had to manage the mission and ensure that the astronauts were conducting the necessary tasks and also to monitor the conditions of the mission for potential risks. 

The astronauts had to collect data in the form of rock samples, temperature readings to be used for analysis in the lab. The excursion allowed the students to experience the thrills and excitement of running and also coordinating a space mission.

Year 7 Excursion to Scienceworks

In an exciting excursion to ScienceWorks, the Year 7 students had the opportunity to watch a captivating show in the Lightning Room. They witnessed the power of lightning and the underlying principles of electromagnetic forces. 

Additionally, the visit to the Planetarium provided an immersive experience as they witnessed the vast scales of space, gaining a newfound appreciation for the enormity of the cosmos and our place in it. The excursion not only enriched their scientific knowledge but also sparked curiosity and excitement for the wonders of the universe. 

Shankar Chandrasegaran

Science Teacher

Chinese Hand-Craft 

In the spirit of celebrating cultural diversity and fostering creativity, our junior school students recently embarked on an exciting journey into the world of Chinese handcraft, creating beautiful lanterns. We are thrilled to share the highlights of this creative endeavour with you. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond the classroom, our junior school students were introduced to the rich cultural heritage of China. This cultural exploration extended beyond textbooks, as students had the opportunity to participate in an engaging hands-on activity: crafting traditional Chinese lanterns.

With guidance from their dedicated teachers, the junior school students dove headfirst into the art of lantern-making. Using simple yet colourful materials such as coloured paper and glue, they started on a creative journey that combined artistic expression. Crafting Chinese lanterns was not only a creative endeavour but also an educational experience that offered various lessons to our junior school students. 

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to bringing more creative and educational experiences to our students in the future. 

Mr. Jeffrey Ji

LOTE Domain Leader