Head of Junior School

Welcome to Term 4 in what is shaping up to be a busy and productive term ahead. I do hope everyone had the opportunity for some family time. I had the opportunity to relax for a few days and feel refreshed, ready for a great finish to the year.

Firstly, a warm welcome to our new families in Barbreck. There is always a sense of excitement amongst the girls when new students arrive, and I am always thrilled to see how they aim to include them in the Junior School life. Being open to new relationships is something the girls do incredibly well, and this term has been no exception.

This term started like very few others have where we had the opportunity to officially open The Alexandria to the School community. It was a special occasion to have all of ELC 3–Year 12 together. We could see how excited the girls were when entering the new building. The bookmark and choc top they received certainly helped mark the occasion! As the building begins to be filled with all things school related, we are working towards all girls experiencing the building in some way over the next couple of weeks. From there, we will then continue to look for ways in which the girls can immerse themselves in The Alexandria. I am also looking forward to seeing many parents at the Gala Evening this Saturday as well. It should be a wonderful event for the whole School community and one that should not be missed!

We have a busy term ahead with Year 5 camp at Sovereign Hill, Year 1 Dinner and Year 2 Sleepover, French Day, orientation days for new students and families, and of course, preparing our Year 6s for Senior school. The term is also about cementing the core literacy and numeracy skills that girls need to move into the next year level.

Our Year 6s are hosting a very first netball tournament in Weeks 2 and 3 at lunchtimes for Years 3–6 this term. This tournament, aimed at having fun and participating, will be supported by the Senior girls who will take on the umpiring and coaching for the tournament. It will be great fun and has created much excitement amongst the girls. We hope this becomes a tradition our Junior School moving forward.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Gala Evening on Saturday night for the opening of The Alexandria. Have a wonderful term ahead.

Dr Brendan Kean

Head of Junior School