Myrniong - ELC to Yr6

Successful Start to School Year

2021 has begun in a positive and vibrant fashion at the Junior School.  A tangible buzz of excitement filled the air last Thursday.  It was wonderful to be able to have parents walk their children to the Early Learning Centre and classrooms to meet class teachers for the commencement of the 2021 academic year. 

Whilst some important COVID-19 protocols remain in place, we welcomed a return to some semblance of normality.  Our student numbers are strong and we are pleased to welcome all new students to our College community.

Piccolo - 19

Piccino - 14

Prep - 15

Year 1 - 12

Year 2 - 12

Year 3 - 12

Year 4 - 20

Year 5 - 13

Year 6 - 35

I look forward to meeting new and existing families at the College Welcome Drinks tomorrow evening.

2021 House Captaincy Selections

Interested Year 6 students will deliver prepared speeches to their House teachers and fellow students this Friday afternoon.  This will be an important public speaking opportunity. 

Students have been given a role description for the position of House Captain and will address these criteria in their speeches.  Students and teachers in each House will vote. 

These votes will be tabled at a staff meeting in Week 3 and our 2021 Captains will be announced on Wednesday 10 February. 

At College, we are honest and upfront about seeking the best students to fill leadership positions.  Our new arrivals to Year Six have every opportunity to deliver a quality speech and be considered to lead a House.  The eight elected House Captains will join Junior School Vice Captains Amelia Bradbeer and Jack Wallis and Junior School Captains Chloe Laidlaw and Rupert Merrin in a twelve-strong leadership team.  Best of luck to all Year 6 students. 

House Swimming - 2021

Next Friday, 12 February, the Junior School ventures to Hughan Park Outdoor Pool for the House Swimming carnival.  It is our first House competition for 2021.  Prep, Year One and Year Two events will kick off the day at 9.30 am.  Junior School Sports Coordinator Mrs. Louise Patterson has geared these events for student participation and enjoyment.  All Prep, Year One and Year Two races are across the shallow end of the 50 m pool.  Years 3-6 events will follow.  There are 25m and 50m events throughout the remainder of the day. 

Prep, Year One and Year Two parents have the option of collecting their children at 12.00 noon.  Please let your class teacher or Mrs Povey know if you wish to do so.

Berry House were triumphant in 2020.  No doubt Young, Laidlaw and Learmonth Houses will be trying their best to foil a repeat result.

Mrs. Patterson is looking for parent helpers on the day.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact Mrs. Povey at Junior School reception.

Junior School Teacher/Parent Information Afternoon

Next Wednesday, 10 February is the date for our Teacher/Parent Information afternoon. This event was initially advertised to start at 3.30 pm. We have a number of families who have children across several year levels.  We have done our best to stagger times and allow families to access as many classroom sessions as possible. 

Teachers will supply a printed summary of their presented information to families who are unable to attend classroom sessions.  This is a great opportunity to touch base with your child’s teacher and get up to speed with classroom expectations and weekly routines.  Class Parent Rep positions will be on offer and we would love some eager parents to take on this important role.

Session times:

3:30 pm – Piccino/Piccolo and Year 4

3:45 pm – Year 1 and Year 2

4:00 pm – Prep and Year 6

4:15 pm – Year 3

4:30 pm – Year 5

To allow us to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, we ask that you please contact Mrs Povey to confirm your attendance by 4.00 pm on Tuesday 9 February (where possible).  We have limited supervision available for children during these sessions.  If you are able to make alternate arrangements for your children, we would be grateful.  We do have some availability for After School Care on this day. Please let Mrs Povey know if you wish to make a booking. 

Should this event not be able to run as planned due to Covid-19 restrictions, parents will be notified via text message. 

Squad Basketball

Congratulations to Year 4 student Yolanda O’Sullivan who played in the squad tournament for Under 12s on the weekend in Portland. Yolanda is 9 years old.  Her Hamilton Hurricanes team had a great tournament, with three wins and two losses. They finished third overall. 

Stephen Nelson

Head of Junior School