Junior School

Celebrating Our Community and Preparing for 2027

Article by Nicola Treacey, Head of Junior School

It is hard to believe we have already reached the final term of 2026. There is always something special about Term 4 in the Junior School. We often refer to it as our Events Term, but it is much more than a collection of events. It is a time to come together, celebrate the year that has been and create memories that will stay with our students for years to come.

As we begin the term, we look forward to our Carols Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, Twilight Carols, Activities Day and Step Up Day, as well as our Year 4 Genius Hour presentations and Final Assembly. For our Year 4 students, this is also a particularly significant time as they reflect on their Junior School journey and prepare for their next chapter at Overnewton.

We ended Term 3 with a wonderful celebration of community through Footy Day, when Canowindra Campus was transformed into a sea of colour and team pride. Our Year 9 students led AFL activities for Junior School students across the soccer pitch and sports oval, creating a wonderful opportunity for students to share in the spirit of footy. The ongoing connections between our Year 9 and Junior School students continue to bring joy, deepen friendships and strengthen our Campus community.

As we look towards the end of this year, we are also beginning the important process of preparing our students and classes for the 2027 school year. Class placements are a significant part of this process and are carefully considered by our teachers and Junior School leadership.

We know class placements are of great interest to families. Creating classes is a complex process, and our teachers draw on their deep knowledge of students and the cohort as a whole. They consider a range of factors, including individual learning needs, learning styles, friendships and relationships, independence, classroom dynamics, wellbeing and the overall balance of each class.

When considering class placements, we look beyond individual friendships to the needs and dynamics of the whole class. This helps us create learning environments where students can work with a range of peers, develop new relationships and continue to grow in confidence and independence.

We place great trust in the professional judgement of our teachers and leaders throughout this process, and we ask that our parents do the same. Our teachers know our students well, have observed them throughout the year and understand the dynamics of the cohort. They bring this knowledge together to create balanced classes where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. 

The beginning of 2027 will also provide time for students to settle into their new classes. The first weeks are intentionally focussed on building the new classroom community. Teachers spend time getting to know students, establishing relationships, developing shared expectations and creating a positive classroom culture before the focus on formal learning increases.

Families have an important role in how students experience this transition. We encourage parents to speak positively about change, reinforce confidence in the decisions made by the school and help students approach their new class with openness and optimism. When students hear from the adults around them that their teachers know them well and that thoughtful decisions have been made, they are better supported to embrace new experiences and develop resilience.

As we prepare for 2027, we thank our families for their partnership knowing together, we can help every student finish 2026 positively and begin 2027 with confidence, resilience and an openness to the opportunities ahead.

Canowindra Connection Footy Day

At the end of Term 3, our Year 9 and Junior School students came together for the Canowindra Connection Footy Day, enjoying an afternoon of football activities, fun and connection across the campus.

Relive some of the action and view the photos from the day on the Year 9 page here.