The Hamilton and Alexandra College Newsletter

Myrniong - ELC to Yr 6

Year Six Canberra Trip

On Thursday 19 May, our Year Six students returned from a very successful four-day trip to Canberra.  During their stay in the nation’s capital, the students visited the Australian Institute of Sport, the Australian War Memorial, Old Parliament House, Parliament House, Questacon, The Australian Electoral Centre and the National Museum of Australia.  They also completed the Reconciliation Walk along the banks of Lake Burley Griffin and visited Mount Ainsley lookout.  Night-time entertainment included ice-skating and ten-pin bowling.  The students were wonderful ambassadors for The College.  It was certainly a very interesting time to be in Canberra, the week prior to a federal election.  Many thanks to Mrs Anna Robertson for all her efforts in making the trip a rewarding experience for the students.  We were also lucky to have two fabulous parents accompany the group.  Thank you to Jane Mercer and Sardie Edgar for their generous support and encouragement throughout the four days.

 

Star Students - Week 5

The following students were awarded ‘Star Student’ certificates and Pen Licences at the Week 5 Assembly.

Annie Cain – Year 1

Olive Monk – Year 2

Angus Reid – Year 3

Tayla Williams – Year 4

Imogen Johns - Year 4

Poppy Shepherd - Year 4

Ruby Price - Year 4

Aida Adamson - Year 4

Sophie Satchell – Year 5

Freddie Milne – Year 6

 

Junior School Uniform Blitz

Our firm commitment is for all our Junior School students to be respectful and proud when wearing the College uniform. Several concessions have been made in recent times to allow Junior School students to wear P.E uniform and House uniform to school on two of the five days.  Not too long ago, Prep to Year Six students had to change into P.E uniform at school, and back into full uniform at the end of their P.E lessons.  These concessions leave only three days for students to have to wear their full winter or summer uniform.  From the start of Week 5, I am meeting at recess each day with students who present to school without blazers/ties or who choose to arrive to school in an untidy fashion.  Beanies are not College uniform and should not be worn to school.  It is a minority of students who are not following the uniform guidelines, but this lack of care does detract from the whole student body.  Our current uniform isn’t optional and, is a compulsory component of attending The Hamilton and Alexandra College.  On a positive note, we will be giving a ‘Pride in Uniform’ award to students at out weekly Assemblies.   This week’s recipient is Poppy Shepherd. 

 

2022 NAPLAN 

We completed our NAPLAN testing last week.  My thanks to Mrs Milich and Miss See for their work in preparing the students and administrating the online assessments.  Thanks also to Mr Clode and Mr Kruger for their technical support during the testing window.  Results will be available to parents in Term Three.  NAPLAN tests the sorts of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy.  It is important to remember that NAPLAN is not about passing or failing, but about assessing learning progress.

 

2022 National Simultaneous Storytime

On Wednesday at 11.00 am, a guest from the Senior School, Head of Information Services, Mrs Kym Dempsey, read the Josh Pyke picture fiction text ‘Family Tree’ to students in the Junior School Library. National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 22nd successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6. 

 

Hockey

Division 5 Kangaroos had a week off with their opposition not able to field a team due to illness.

Division 5 Wallabies went down 2 - 0 to Coleraine Red.  Best for Wallabies were Meccie Churchill, Anika Nelson and Maggie Wallis.

Division 4 Tassie Devils had a solid 2 - 1 win over Dunkeld in a ‘top of the table’ clash.  Tom Templeton scored both goals and was well supported by Jack Wallis in the forwards and Evie Templeton in the backs.

Division 4 Bandicoots and Drop Bears play this afternoon.

 

Upcoming Events

  • Wednesday June 1st – Learmonth House Service – 12.20 pm at the Uniting Church
  • Friday June 3rd - Prep to Year Three excursion to Flagstaff Hill - Warrnambool
  • Monday June 6th – commencement of Hamilton Eisteddfod
  • Thursday June 9th - Choirs and instrumental groups perform at the Hamilton Eisteddfod
  • Friday June 10th - Report Writing Day (no classes)
  • Monday June 13th – Queen’s Birthday long weekend (no classes)
  • Friday June 17th - Opera Australia visit - ‘The Marriage of Figaro’
  • Wednesday June 22nd – VIBE Day 
  • Friday June 24th - Final day of Term Two and release of Junior School Semester One Reports

Mr Stephen Nelson

Head of Junior School

GWR Division Cross Country

Congratulations to all of the children who competed at the GWR Division Cross Country event held in Warrnambool on Monday. Conditions were absolutely perfect for the event and our students ran excellent races while representing our school.  Special congratulations to Yolanda O’Sullivan who placed 5th and to Jimmy Dyer for placing 10th in their 11yo 3km events. Both Yolanda and Jimmy have now qualified to compete in the SSV Regional Cross Country Championships next Monday back at Deakin in Warrnambool – we wish you both well. Good luck!       

Narelle Frichot and her Hamilton Running Club are exploring the possibility of reviving the Hamilton Little Athletics Club.  However, in order to go forward with setting up this club, Narelle and her committee need a minimum number of participants. If you think you have a child (5-17yo) who may be keen to give Little Athletics a try in Hamilton, please fill out the form at the link provided and Narelle will be in touch with you.  

 

https://forms.gle/WBP8L6ejGt4WSUBW9

 

Louise Patterson

Head of Junior School PE