Junior School Report 

End of Semester

The cold weather is upon us and we are nearing the end of the first semester, with Term 2 coming to a close. As usual, our students have been busy participating in a number of activities, both in and out of the classroom. Our students have now completed their Term 2 assessment tasks and many students have participated in the numerous school sports and extra-curricular activities that have been on offer throughout the term.

Congratulations to all students for their efforts and enthusiasm with which they have participated in all aspects of their learning and development.

Children's University

Scoresby Secondary College is the first secondary college in Victoria to be working in partnership with four local primary schools  to provide a pathway for a Children's University from primary into secondary school. We are pleased to  be offering this program especially after seeing the success for students in programs already in existance overseas and interstate. Participation in Children's University programs has been successful overseas and in several states in Australia.  A number of our  Years 7 to Year 10 students are already enrolled and are now proud holders of either a Passport to Learning or Passport to Leadership.

The Children's University (CU) program is offered tin partnership with  Swinburne University and is an innovative program that expands young people’s opportunities and builds confidence in learning. The CU program is a great option for our junior students looking to extend themselves academically and supports our students to explore their interests via a range of activities that they can do outside of classroom time. All activities are linked to careers and their pathways to expand their future opportunities! Our junior student members log their hours of learning in their passports. Upon reaching milestones in the program, members are invited to the CU graduation at Swinburne, donning caps and gowns as their achievements are celebrated. Memberships for this year are now closed for Years 7-9 and close for Year 10 the end of week 1 Term 3. with more opportunities will be offered later in 2023 and early 2024 for the 2024 program.

Leading into Semester 2, I would challenge all Junior School students to take some time during the holidays and reflect on their learning and personal growth in the first half of this year. Self-reflection and appraisal are a necessary part for the development of any person, regardless of the age or background. Students should consider their strengths and weaknesses to identify areas they can improve on and areas they can enhance. Students could also identify ways in which they can broaden their experiences and therefore growth, by participating in activities they may not have considered doing, such as interschool sport or volunteering in community activities over the holidays. Students should reflect on their achievements no matter how big or small and embrace them all as wins and use their achievements as a springboard into the future for further self improvement. Students should not be concerned about finding negatives about themselves but understand that by identifying weakness or problems they are being proactive in finding ways to improve and be better.

A reminder that in Term 3 our Junior School students will participate in an incursion by Brainstorm Productions – ‘Wired’. The presentation will take place on Friday August 11 during period 5 on the school campus. Wired is an interactive theatre experience that tackles some of the big issues affecting Australian students, including social isolation, anxiety, stress, depression, (cyber)bullying, online safety, school stressors and pressure from social media. The event is posted on Compass and all Junior School students are required to attend. Please access Compass for more information. 

I would also like to announce that Mr Donovan Lawrence, our Year 7 Coordinator, is moving on to another educational setting that will see him broaden his career aspirations and support his growth as an exceptional educator. We are saddened to see Mr Lawrence go, however we whole-heartedly wish him the very best in his newfound endeavours. I would like to thank Mr Lawrence for his support and constant care of all our Junior School students, in particular our Year 7 students – I know our students have appreciated all of Mr Lawrence’s tireless efforts as much as the Junior School Team have. Good luck Mr Lawrence and thank you.

Scoresby Secondary College prides itself on providing continued support to all students to assist in their learning and personal growth. We encourage positive and constructive partnerships with parents and guardians, to ensure our students are inspired to be their very best. All students are expected to attend school and classes daily and any absences are to be report to the absence hotline with provision of a note when students return. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact either their students’ homegroup teacher or coordinator with any concerns or questions. 

Wishing you all a restful, safe and warm term break from the Junior School Team.

Mrs Kiriaki Caracasidis

Head of Junior School