Junior School News

From the Head of Junior School

As we near the Easter holidays and the end of term, I wanted to write and thank you and your children for a very positive and productive term. We have welcomed 93 new students and 55 new families into the Junior School so far this year and have also interviewed several families who want to commence in Term 2. Ninety-three new students is not the net increase in students as we farewelled 67 Year 6 students from Junior School at the end of the year and we have had other families leave us to relocate to Melbourne or interstate. On balance, our numbers are 20 students higher than the beginning of last year and 17 students more than at the same time last year. When I interview new families, referrals from current families feature highly on their reasons for considering a Girton education. 

We know that we have a broad and creative educational program in the Junior School but we also have a terrific culture. When new students start with us they are taken care of by those students who have been here for longer. New parents have let me know how appreciative they are that, not only are their children looked after, but that other parents have also reached out to them to make them feel welcome. Please know that we appreciate the role that you and your children play in making our School such a special place to learn.

Commencement of Term 2

Term 2 will commence for staff and students on Monday April 24. This will be followed with the ANZAC Day public holiday on Tuesday and then back to School on Wednesday. Our Junior School students will be commemorating ANZAC Day at School on Monday as part of a Whole School Assembly. Junior School students are also welcome to attend either the Dawn Service (6.00am) or Morning Service (10.15am) in Bendigo on Tuesday. Those who would like to represent the school at the Morning Service are asked to wear their Full School Uniform (Winter). 

Term 2 and Term 3 are Full Formal Uniform for our Junior School students. In Term 2 this commences from Foundation Day. The full Uniform Policy is available on the School website. https://www.girton.vic.edu.au/images/11.4-Student-Uniform-and-Personal-Presentation-Policy-80223.pdf

Uniform supplier Bob Stewart will be open again after Easter on Tuesday 11 April. I suggest parents check uniforms early in the holidays to prepare for Term 2. https://www.bobstewart.com.au/school/girton-grammar-school/shop

Staffing Adjustments for Term 2

As some of you are aware, Mrs Dusseljee has been on a period of medical leave for a large part of Term 1. She will remain on medical leave for Term 2 while she receives treatment and hopes to return in Term 3, if not sooner. She has let me know that she is missing our students terribly and cannot wait to be back. I am sure you will all join me in wishing Mrs Dusseljee a speedy recovery. We have been very fortunate to have Mrs Begg fill in for Mrs D this term. Mrs Begg is a music and instrumental teacher and also has a background in Choral teaching. Mrs Begg will continue to fill in for Mrs Dusseljee next term.

I will also be taking Long Service Leave in Term 2 and returning at the beginning of Term 3. Mrs Bath has agreed to step into the role of Acting Head of Junior School. She will take on all of the responsibilities for the leadership of the Junior School in my absence. Mrs Bath can be contacted for matters where you would normally contact me by contacting Mrs Henery, EA to the Head of Junior School kimhenery@girton.vic.edu.au to make an appointment or directly at  vivbath@girton.vic.edu.au for items that do not require a meeting. Mrs Bath has 30 years experience at the Girton so the leadership of the school is in very good hands. Mrs Bath’s teaching commitments will be covered by Mrs Milner for the duration of Term 2.

Mrs Peter, Junior School Head of Curriculum Development, has been appointed to the Acting Deputy Head of Junior School position while Mrs Bath steps into the role of leading the Junior School. Mrs Peter has a Masters of Leadership and is a long standing teacher at Girton. Her experience and qualifications make her an excellent support for Mrs Bath during Term 2. Mrs Danielle Kroschel will take on an additional day of teaching in Year 1M to release Mrs Peter for her additional duties.

Mrs Burge, Head of Early Years, has agreed to take on some higher responsibilities while Mrs Peter is Acting Deputy Head of Junior School. Mrs Burge is also a long-standing teacher at the School and, along with Mrs Bath and Mrs Peter, has supported me in my leadership of the Junior School for over 15 years. Mrs Chambers will be teaching an additional day in 2M to allow Mrs Burge the time to complete the additional duties.

I feel that I am very fortunate to be able to step away from the duties of leading the Junior School, albeit for a brief period, knowing that our families will be well cared for. Mrs Bath, Mrs Peter and Mrs Burge have been part of the Junior School leadership team for many, many years. While I will miss greeting our families each morning while I am on leave, I am glad to know that the Junior School will be in excellent hands.

Have a safe and happy Easter with your families. I look forward to seeing everyone when I return in Term 3.

Mr Donald Thompson

Head of Junior School

Junior School Athletics Carnival

On Friday 24th March we held our annual Athletics Carnival.  This year, we had a three-stage Carnival due to the weather.  All students from Preparatory to Year Six participate in the Carnival and try to gain points not only for the Age Group Championship award but also for their House to take out the Carnival Cup.  

The day started well with Year Three to Six competing in their rotation activities in age groups.  Students displayed great sportsmanship and cheered on their peers to create a great atmosphere for the day.  We were fortunate to get all the rotations completed across the morning: high jump, long jump, triple jump, discus, shot put, 400m and 800m.  The Year One and Two students arrived and got straight into their sprint rotation before the rain came down. Everyone ran for cover and the Carnival was halted just after the Prep students arrived. After assessing the forecast and the day, it was decided the younger students would go home or return to School. Luckily the weather cleared enough for Year Three to Six to complete their 100m and 200m races.  As these races were all completed the Age Champions for 9yrs to12yrs old could be finalised and the District Team selected ready for Term Two. Unfortunately, the House Relay event had to be cancelled due to time restraints after the rain ceased. 

On Tuesday 28th March, the Junior School came together once more in their House dress to perform their House Chants. Each House has 60 seconds to perform their chant that they have practised for weeks leading up to the Athletics Carnival.  The chants were creative and entertaining, and as they were performed in the Hall, the volume of the event was amplified.  Congratulations to Aherne House for taking out the Spirit Cup by one point! 

The third stage of the Athletics Carnival occurred on Tuesday 4th April with our Preparatory to Year Two students completing their aspect of the program. The day proved to be a beautiful sunny day for our youngest cohort to show off their talents in the board jump, vertical jump, distance throw, hurdles, and for the Prep students, their sprints.  It was wonderful to see all the students cheering on their classmates and participating with great enthusiasm for their House points. 

Congratulations to our Age Champion Winners who were presented with their medallions on the day of the Spirit Cup. 

Due to the Year Six students being on Camp when the Prep to Year Two students completed the Athletics Carnival, the House Cup will be announced and presented to the House Captains when we return in Term Two. 

Year One M Harmony Day

We celebrated Harmony Day with our Year 6 buddies. Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.

It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. 

We read Mem Fox’s beautiful book ‘Whoever you Are’ and then decorated our hand of belonging.

Year Two Recycle Animals

As part of an integrated unit of work in Science and Digital and Design Technologies, the Year 2M class was involved in a construction project using recycled materials. The students were asked to design and create their own creatures using recycled materials.  This involved planning the animal design, collecting the recycled materials, and creating the animal from their design.  

Following this, each student developed an advertisement, outlining the amazing features of the creature. As the final part of their project, students presented their animal and advertisement to an audience (classmates), with an emphasis on explaining the unique design and characteristics of the animal.  

Year Two Bearded Dragon Visit

A bearded dragon, Sevie, visited Year Two today as a culmination of our unit investigating animal classifications, features, and lifecycles. The students were able to observe some of the features we have been discussing about reptiles and learn about caring for this unusual pet. The students were very excited and most chose to touch him and realised that his spikes were not quite as ferocious as they look! 

Year Three Visits the Central Deborah Goldmine

Year 3M was going deep down 61 metres into the Central Deborah Gold Mine. I was excited to be going down the mine to see the gold and quartz.

Suddenly Boooom!! The cage (or lift) halted to a stop. 3M emerged into the darkness. 

We were all wearing helmets, so we turned on the lights. We walked through the dark mine while the guide told us all about gold mining.

Later we went on the talking tram (which talks) and learned more facts about Bendigo.

Ahaan Tadakamadla (3 Frew)

Years Three and Four Visit the Bendigo Art Gallery

Year 3 and 4 students recently had the opportunity to visit the Bendigo Art Gallery for the Australiana exhibition. The exhibition focused on showcasing the unique and diverse art forms of Australian Art including First Nations Art. 

The students were accompanied by two experienced art educators, Annie and Libby, who provided valuable insights into the different art forms on display. They introduced the students to the rich history and cultural significance of each piece of art, helping them appreciate the unique perspective and skill of First Nations artists.

The exhibition featured a wide range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. Students were amazed by the intricate details and vibrant colours of the artwork. They were also impressed by the different techniques used by the artists to create these pieces, from the traditional dot painting to contemporary mixed media pieces.

Annie and Libby engaged the students in interactive discussions, encouraging them to share their thoughts and opinions on the artwork. They asked the students to think critically about the messages and themes conveyed through each piece, helping them develop their analytical and interpretive skills.

Overall, the excursion was an enriching experience for the students, exposing them to the unique art forms of First Nations people and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures. It also provided an opportunity for the students to engage with art educators and learn from their expertise, inspiring them to develop their own artistic abilities and interests.

Year Five Literature Studies

Literature Response (Young Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe)

As part of their Humanities studies, the students of 5M explored the impact of colonialism on the indigenous populations of Victoria. Using themes from the book ‘Young Dark Emu - A Truer History’ the students worked in small groups to depict some of these impacts through drama. The groups each produced a ‘tableau’.

In a tableau, participants make still images with their bodies to represent a scene. A tableau can be used to quickly portray a scene that ‘freezes’ to create an image. Tableaux promote a deeper analysis of a situation, as participants act out their scene for an audience to view and understand.

Mrs Nicola Matthew

Teacher of 5M

Girton Games

Girton Games has completed a successful Term One.  Over fifty students from Year One and Two have been enjoying a range of skill and play-based activities each Wednesday afternoon. For the final two weeks of the term, we had Kelly Sports host our afternoon activities.  In the first week students were involved in skill development activities in Basketball, Football, and Soccer.  We then finished the term’s program with a range of ‘crazy games’ for students to participate in. 

We are pleased to announce that Kelly Sports will continue its involvement in Term Two.  In Term Two our Preparatory students will also be invited to participate in our Girton Games sessions. Registration details will be emailed to all families in Preparatory, Year One and Year Two. Thank you to all families and our wonderful staff who make Girton Games a success.

Mr John Gibbs

MiC Girton Games

Lake Day

On Wednesday 21st March, all Junior School students participated in our Annual Lake Day. On this day, all students from Prep to Year 6 went at different times to walk, jog, skip, and run around Lake Neangar for 90 minutes. Some students did 12 laps! There was lots to do on the way, like hurdles, hoops, ropes, skipping ropes, and avoiding cones. Thank you to the Friends of Junior School who donated wonderful fresh fruit for us to enjoy. A special thank you to Mrs Gibson for organising this day.

Lauren Davenport (5 Jenkin)