Junior School

Sport has the power to connect us

With the finals of several sports upon us, Mrs Bell’s message at this week’s Assembly was particularly fitting. She shared the inspiring story of young Irish Liverpool supporter Daire Gorman, reminding us that sport is about much more than winning games, scoring goals or lifting trophies. It has the power to bring people together, create a sense of belonging and offer hope during difficult times.

Daire was born with a rare condition called Crommelin syndrome, which affects the development of his arms and legs. A passionate Liverpool supporter, Daire captured hearts around the world when he was filmed singing the club’s famous anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone. His devotion to Liverpool eventually led to the unforgettable opportunity to meet the players and some of his football heroes. Their warm welcome showed Daire that he was truly part of the Liverpool family and demonstrated the wonderful sense of connection that sport can create.

In the Year 2/3 classroom, our Feelgood Fridays provide an opportunity to share uplifting stories, have meaningful discussions and celebrate the good in the world. Last Friday, we explored the story of Australian rugby league player Jai Arrow. Following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2026, Jai retired from professional rugby league having played 98 games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. In a remarkable show of support, his teammates, club and the NRL helped him reach the special milestone of 100 games, with the rugby league community coming together to celebrate him and stand beside him.

Although Daire and Jai’s stories are very different, they share an important message: sport has the power to connect us. It can give us courage during difficult times, help us feel that we belong and surround us with people who care. Ultimately, these are not stories about scores or winning games; they are stories of courage, kindness, friendship and belonging. They remind us that perhaps the greatest power of sport is found in the connections we make and the way we support one another.

So, as many of you walk off a field or court after a final in the coming days, take a moment to be grateful for the opportunity to play and for the teammates, coaches, families and supporters who have shared the journey with you. Celebrate the friendships you have made, the challenges you have faced together and the memories you have created along the way. Win or lose, enjoy the moment, value the connections and feel the power of sport.

And remember, whether on the field, on the sidelines or facing one of life’s bigger challenges: “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Fidget toys and squishies

The Junior School staff are currently reviewing the use of fidget toys and squishies in our classrooms. This has become a topic of considerable discussion in educational settings, particularly around balancing students’ sensory needs with maintaining a focused learning environment.

Several countries, including Denmark, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Spain and Poland, have banned or restricted certain types of foam and water-expanding bead squishies. At present, there is no blanket ban on squishies or fidget toys in Victorian schools. Sensory toys may support students with sensory needs and assist with engagement and regulation when appropriate.

Our current position is that squishies and other fidget toys may be used appropriately when approved by the classroom teacher, provided they support learning and do not distract or disrupt others' learning.

We ask Junior School parents to support us by ensuring that students do not bring multiple squishies or fidget toys to school. While these items can have a legitimate purpose in supporting some students, they can also become a distraction when they are shared, swapped, collected or used during learning without teacher approval. More broadly, toys of all kinds should generally remain at home and should not be brought to Junior School unless they are specifically required for a particular event or activity, such as our Teddy Bears’ Picnic.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain classrooms that are calm, focused and conducive to learning, while also recognising and responding to the individual needs of our students.

Star student awards

The following students were awarded Star Student Awards at this week’s assembly:

Year 5: Fred Hawker for demonstrating a willingness to participate and engage in our class novel, The Last Bear. He has also consistently used good manners and made an effort to include others, contributing to our positive classroom culture.

Year 5: Lucy Cameron for the determination, effort and persistence she shows when tackling challenging Mathematics topics. In addition, she is a kind and generous member of our class who is always willing to support and encourage those around her. 

Diary cover art competition

Entries are now open for the 2027 Student Diary competition. The theme is ‘Myrniong through the seasons’.  Students may enter more than one piece of artwork.  Artwork should be of portrait orientation.   Submit artwork, with the student’s name clearly written on the back, by Friday 9 October. 

Tuckshop 

The Tuckshop will be closed on Wednesday 16 September due to the Ted Hunter Memorial AFL Match. No lunch orders will be available for Junior School Students on this day. 

Hockey

College has two junior teams through to the Grand Finals after strong Preliminary Finals results on Saturday at Pedrina Park. 

Under 10s College Vikings defeated Coleraine Gold 5-2 in a fast, end-to-end contest.

Under 13s College Warriors defeated Demons Red 2-0 in a tense and entertaining match. 

Grand Final Times - Saturday 12 September

• 12.00 pm - College Vikings v Coleraine Maroon

• 1.00 pm - College Warriors v Coleraine Gold