Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
I recall a Primary School, years ago, that had a sign outside their front gate with letters that slid in and out to write short messages for families, usually with upcoming events and key dates etc. Anyhow, it was the end of term and the sign on their final day had the message “Hey Parents, ‘tag’ you’re it!”. Clearly that playful message has stayed with me over time, and now as a parent of two young children myself I fully appreciate that school holidays, whilst wonderful in so many ways, can also be very busy times for families. I hope in the busyness of the break that you were able to enjoy an abundance of special moments with family and friends, and potentially some time just for yourself too.
The term ahead has many activities and events to highlight on your calendars at home, including Junior School BBQ, Science Day, Book Week, Art Exhibition, Kingfisher Concert, Father’s Day and House Days to name a few of the larger events. Also, each class will be organising their own special activities which could involve excursions, guest presenters, camps or learning showcases. I would encourage families to preview the calendar page of MyGSG and ‘flag’ the key events for your child/ren: Calendar (gsg.wa.edu.au)
More photos from The Inquiry Programme last term
Parent Teacher Interviews
Thank you for taking the time to meet with teachers earlier this week or late last term to discuss your child/ren’s learning progress from Semester One. Parent Teacher Interviews are an important touch point between home and school but please feel comfortable making contact throughout the term also if there are specific matters you would like further guidance around to support your child. A quick check-in to follow up on something specific can make a huge difference, both for the child's progress at school but also the family support from home. Teachers will also keep you informed via SEQTA releases for general progress but also via e-mail or telephone if there is something in-particular for you to be aware of.
Junior School BBQ
Next Friday 29 July, as a welcome back to the term we will host a BBQ after school in the ECC playground starting at 3.00pm and finishing around 4.00pm. This is open to all families in the Junior School. Younger students can play in the ECC playground whilst the older ones can play on the Hockey turf and Basketball courts which are in clear view of the ECC playground. We held our first of these informal BBQs last term as a way for families to catch-up whilst the children play together and it was a lovely way for us to connect easily in a place the students are very comfortable in. The BBQ will be a basic sausage sizzle in a roll, no rsvp required just come along if you’re able. We will host another one of these early in Term Four also.
Horizons
'Horizons' this term has some new offerings for students on Wednesday and Thursday after school.
Wednesday afternoons
- Circus (ECC & Years Three to Six)
Students will develop their ‘hand and eye’ coordination and spatial awareness using a variety of equipment to develop mini performances. Student will learn to juggle independently and in partner groups using a range of equipment depending on their age (scarfs, juggling balls, rings, batons). They will also have the opportunity to use large hula hoops, diabolos, flip-sticks and skipping ropes.
- Lego Engineering (ECC)
Students will explore some technical skills of Lego through build challenges and tasks, but also enjoy following their imagination through free build fun too.
- Performing Arts (Years Three to Six)
Students will learn drama skills and practices to prepare their own short play.
Thursday afternoons
- Tello Drone flying (Years Two to Six)
Students will learn the fundamentals for safe flying using the CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) – ‘know your drone’ resources. Students will enjoy learning to fly Tello drones around set courses, and be introduced to programmed flights using Tello Education software coding.
- Crafty Kids Art (ECC)
Students will be introduced to a range of craft activities including painting, paper folding origami, weaving and using a range of fabrics, wool, paper, straw and paddle pop sticks to create their own masterpieces to take home
The full letter explaining the co-curricular opportunities for Term Three is located in the Junior School Noticeboard section of MyGSG, also linked here. If families would like to still register your child/ren for these activities, please complete the form linked in the Term Three Cocurricular letter and Mr Stephen Berryman – Junior School Sports Coordinator will make contact with you.
Greatest Shave and Crazy Hair Day
Next Friday 29 July, nine very committed students and one brave teacher will be offering their heads to be shaved in support of the World’s Greatest Shave charity with donation proceeds fundraising for the treatment, research and care that goes into beating blood cancer.
The one brave teacher is the Junior Schools very own Mr Geoff Hardey who has dedicated years to growing his luscious locks, and is now offering the opportunity to see all of that hair go to a wonderful cause. Not only will financial donations go towards the fundraising charity, but his ample 35cm plus hair will be donated to support the making of wigs for patients who have lost their hair through medical treatments.
If you are able to support Mr Hardey by offering a donation that would be greatly appreciated. This is a most worthy cause and you would be support his tremendous courage to have his head shaved in the middle of an Albany Winter!
NAIDOC Week has been a deeply moving experience for students across the school. Students have connected with cultural stories, activities, songs and reflections. Guest speakers have shared Noongar connection to Country and the how this land is valued for the education that is offered at GSG. Students in the ECC took great delight in making damper together with special guests Cheryleen Simpson.
Years Three to Six enjoyed learning and singing Noongar songs from Rachael Colmer and her brother David. We are very fortunate to have strong connections to Noongar culture that can be shared with our community and we offer our great thanks for the special environment we all enjoy in our place of learning, and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
Finally, I wish our Interschool Cross Country team a wonderful trip to Bunbury next Wednesday and Thursday, 27 and 28 July. Mr Stephen Berryman and myself will be traveling with the team of 28 runners from Years Three to Six representing GSG at the Association of Independent Schools Western Australia carnival which is held in Bunbury each year. Good luck, and enjoy the run! We look forward to sharing our experiences with the school later next week.
Warmest regards,
Mr Ken Raven | Head of Junior School