Especean

Junior School

Some Suggested Family Conversations

There have been some important events in the Junior School, in our nation and our world recently that could lead to very interesting family discussions. I wonder where the following conversation prompts could lead in your house?

  • Regarding Lent: Is it appropriate that Junior School students earn a ‘prize’ for fundraising during Lent?
  • Regarding the Cross Country: Should all students have been required to compete in the Cross Country/Fun Run when only a few could actually have a chance of winning?
  • Regarding current affairs: Why do you think thousands of people, especially women, marched on Parliament House on Monday?
  • Regarding consent: If a person says you can have some of their potato wedges from the canteen, then changes their mind, is it okay to take them anyway since they said you could have them in the first place?
  • Regarding privacy: If a boy is teased or bullied at school, does he and his family have a right to know precisely what consequences or punishment the person responsible is given?

Year 5 Blazers

You will no doubt be aware that in Terms 2 and 3, wearing the College blazer to and from school is mandatory. In Terms 1 and 4, the blazer is optional but must always be worn on top of or instead of the College jumper. In other words, wearing the jumper alone to or from school is not permitted. 

 

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic affected the uniform shop’s supply chain in such a way that smaller sizes of the blazer are not available until further notice. We understand that some Year 5 families did not purchase a blazer at orientation, meaning their sons will be without a blazer when Term 2 commences.

 

In these unusual circumstances, the following shall apply:

  • For Year 6 students, normal uniform expectations apply.
  • For Year 5 students who HAVE a blazer, normal uniform expectations apply.
  • For Year 5 students who DO NOT YET HAVE a blazer, wearing the jumper only is permitted until the blazers become available (these students will be provided with written permission in their College diaries in case they are questioned about not having a blazer).

Best wishes,

 

Ben Munday

Director of Junior School

 

Term 1 Interim Reports 

Junior School Interim Reports will be made available to parents and carers via the Parent Portal by Friday 19 March. These reports provide a snapshot of four domains that contribute to a student's success at school. To that end, it is strongly suggested that families sit with their son/s to review these reports carefully, celebrating the many great things that are being done and addressing areas of need and challenges that must continue to be worked on.

 

Dan Fields

Junior School Curriculum Coordinator

 

Sacramental Program 

I have received a number of emails recently from parents enquiring if the College has a Sacramental Program. 

 

The College does not offer a Sacramental Program. Instead, we feel it is important that your son continues to develop links with your local Parish and complete their program (Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation) there.

 

We strongly recognise the importance of the Holy Sacraments and support your son with this journey through his local Parish. Sacraments are sacred rituals of the Church that help us to celebrate God’s work in us and our community.

 

In last week's Especean (under Faith, Justice and Formation), there was a notice from St Joseph’s Enfield with regards to the Sacrament of Confirmation. These various sacraments will continue to be advertised if they are sent to us by parishes.

 

Jacinta Young

Junior School Religious Education Coordinator