Junior School News

From the Head of Junior School

Last week in the Junior School Assembly, we spoke with students about what it means to be an “upstander.” This discussion formed part of our ongoing commitment to building a safe, respectful and inclusive school environment.

During the Assembly, I discussed the difference between a bystander and an upstander. A bystander is someone who sees something happening, such as unkind behaviour, but does not get involved. An upstander, on the other hand, chooses to act. Upstanders show courage, stand up for others, and help make their community a kinder place.

A number of important ideas were shared with students:

• Everyone can be an upstander. Being an upstander does not require grand or dramatic actions. Often, it is the small, everyday choices that make the biggest difference.
• Simple actions have real impact. Students discussed practical ways they can step up, such as inviting someone to play, speaking kindly, or seeking help from a trusted adult when something is not right.
• Courage is not always easy. We acknowledged that it can feel difficult to speak up, especially when it goes against what peers may be doing. However, these are often the moments when courage matters most.
• Being a good friend includes doing what is right. Students reflected on the idea that supporting a friend sometimes means encouraging them to make better choices, even if it feels uncomfortable in the moment.
• Positive change starts with individual actions. Through stories and examples, such as the story of Mary MacKillop and Oskar Schindler, students learned that making the choice to act, even in small ways, can have a meaningful impact on others.

We reinforced that while students may not change the world overnight, they can absolutely make a difference within their classroom, friendship groups and wider community.

These conversations are most powerful when they are reinforced both at school and at home. Parents play a vital role in helping our students build the confidence and language to respond to challenging situations in positive ways. We would appreciate it if you could discuss with your children what it means to “step up and speak up,”. Parents can help children feel supported and prepared when these moments arise. 

You might like to continue the conversation at home with questions such as:

• What does being an “upstander” mean to you?
• Can you think of a time when someone showed kindness or stood up for another person?
• What could you do if you saw someone being left out or treated unfairly?
• Who is a trusted adult you could go to if you needed help?

These simple conversations help children reflect, build empathy, and develop confidence in making positive choices.

School arrival - Updated drop-off arrangements

From the beginning of next week we will be opening the main MacKenzie St gates again. With the removal of the Bunya pine we can once again use this as our main entrance to the school. From next week the Vine St gate and the upper MacKenzie St gate will no longer be access points in the morning with all entry to the school reverting to the main MacKenzie gate.

Afternoon pick up points from next week will be as follows:

• Prep to Year 2 - Vine Street Gate
• Years 3 and 4– MacKenzie Street Gate
• Years 5 and 6 – Greenland Gate

It has been noted that we have had an increase in students arriving late to school over the past few weeks with as many as 50 students signing in after 8:40am. Classes commence at 8:40 which means these students are missing valuable learning time. It also means a disruption to the commencement of learning for other students when the class is interrupted by late arrivals after the lesson has started. We appreciate that there are occasional circumstances that can create chaos in the normal morning routine however, on checking the sign in sheets, there are also quite a few students who are late most days. 

It would be appreciated if parents could please make every effort to have their children at school before the commencement bell at 8.40am. 

Mr Don Thompson

Head of Junior School

Girton students shine at the 2026 Victorian Chinese Bridge and Talent Competition

On Friday, 22 May 2026, Rachel Lin (5D Jenkin) and Mia Liu (5M Millward) joined 17 other Bendigo students at the Performance and Presentation Centre, Doncaster Secondary College to take part in the 2026 Victorian Chinese Bridge and Talent Competition, competing against students from 20 schools across Victoria. 

After five weeks of joint Bendigo rehearsals on top of their regular learning, Rachel and Mia stepped onto the state stage with confidence and pride. The two students were part of the Bendigo Kung Fu Team, which took home the Best Performance Award with sharp movements, strong stances, and great teamwork alongside students from Kangaroo Flat Primary School and Creek Street Christian College. 

Rachel and Mia also contributed to the Bendigo Performance Medley — a creative blend of Three and a Half Verse, China Rap, Chinese Kung Fu and Chong Er Fei Song performed by students from seven schools in Bendigo.  This performance was recognised with the Most Creative Award. A huge congratulations to Rachel and Mia!

Running strong at Division Cross Country

A group of 75 runners took to the track at the Epsom Racecourse in perfect conditions for the Division Cross Country Carnival. The Year 3–4 students tackled a challenging 2km course, while the Year 5–6 students competed over 3km.

All of our students represented Girton with pride, determination and outstanding sportsmanship, with several impressive performances. It was fantastic to see students encouraging one another and giving their best effort from start to finish, and we are incredibly proud of all the students who participated and completed their races. 

A special congratulations to those who placed top 12 in their respective age groups: 

Leo Epps (3 Millward) - 8th Place, 9 Boys 

Neve Armour (3 Jenkin) - 12th Place, 9 Girls 

Piper Theobold (4 Jenkin) – 4th Place, 10 Girls 

Emma Lee (4 Jenkin) – 8th Place, 10 Girls 

Ronny Epps (5 Millward) – 1st Place, 11 Boys 

Isabella Juric (Jenkin) – 1st Place, 12 Girls 

Edward Esposito (6 Aherne) - 4th Place, 12 Boys 

A big thank you to Mr Leske, Mrs Byron, Mrs Dyer and Mr Hoyt for their assistance throughout the day. Looking ahead, we wish Emma, Piper, Ronny, Edward and Isabella all the best for the Loddon Mallee Regional Championships in St Arnaud on Tuesday 2nd June. 

Mr Jarrod Epps

Teacher of Year 3M | Junior School Teacher of Physical Education