Junior School Report

Message from the

Director of Learning

Junior School

Ms Jessika Cichy

We hit the ground running this term with incursions, course counselling, athletics and more! None of these could run as smoothly and holistically as they have without the support all staff, students and parents, so thank you everyone for all the work you put in every day. 

Recap of the Term So Far:

Last week, our Year 7 & 8 students participated in a Digital Thumbprint incursion, focusing on the critical topics of cyberbullying and protecting personal information online. Our students learned valuable lessons about managing their online presence, the importance of strong passphrases, the permanence of online content, and how to identify and avoid scams.

The session was both informative and engaging, and we received some heart-warming feedback from the presenter: "I just wanted to say thank you for having me work with your Year 7 & 8 students today. They were such a lovely bunch of kids, and I was really impressed with how friendly and respectful they were towards me throughout the day. So, I just wanted to say thank you to you and your colleagues for all your hard work with them and making the school such a positive place to visit!" We will be sending out additional resources to parents who are interested in learning more about these topics, including information on online rights and responsibilities, as well as strategies to protect their children and loved ones.

Furthermore, on August 8th, our Junior School students showcased their enthusiasm and teamwork during Athletics Day. It was fantastic to see such high participation in all the events, especially the track relay. The spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among the students was truly inspiring, and it made the day a memorable one for everyone involved.

Lastly, thank you to all the students and parents who submitted their subject preferences before the portal closed on Sunday, August 11th, 2024. We also want to acknowledge our Year 8 students who participated in course counselling on August 13th, 2024. This is an essential step in helping students take control of their learning, explore their aspirations, and seek out new opportunities for the future. We are excited to support them on this journey as they begin to shape their educational paths. 

Supporting Your Child's Learning throughout the Term:

In our last newsletter, we suggested some ways that parents and guardians could support their children over the break. As we continue to support our students at school, we know that learning doesn't stop when the bell rings. We wanted to suggest some practical tips for parents and guardians to help support their young person’s learning at home while also strengthening family bonds:

• Tip #1 - Positive Attitudes About School: When we talk positively about school and learning and show how we use it in our daily lives, it helps students feel confident and excited to learn, and contributes a lot to their success in school. Having a conversation with your young person about the skills and tools education provided you can really shift their perspectives and attitudes when it comes to their own learning.
• Tip #2 - Keep an Eye on Screen Time: The National Australian Guidelines suggest that students should have no more than 2 hours of sit-down recreational screen time each day. Encourage them to balance time on their devices with homework, active learning, hobbies and/or socialising with friends in-person! 😊 
• Tip #3 - Encourage Reading: One way to replace some of the screen time can be through reading - one of the most important skills your child can develop. It helps them do better in and outside of school – not only developing their vocabularies and writing skills, but also boosting their critical thinking skills and empathy. 
• Tip #4 - Promote Active Learning: Young people need active learning alongside quiet learning, like reading or doing homework. Encourage your child to ask questions, solve problems, and explore their interests. Active learning can happen during play, sports, or even visiting new places like museums.

These small steps can have a big impact on your child’s academic success and well-being. Thank you for your continued support in making our school community a positive and nurturing environment for all our students. As always, if you have any questions about your child’s learning and welfare at school, please contact me, their coordinator or our ES support staff member in the Junior School. 

Warm regards, 

Miss Jessika Cichy

Director of Learning - Junior School