Berry House Service

On Wednesday, Berry House students led a Church Service with the thought-provoking topic Optimism. Each student shared their message with enthusiasm and confidence. The Year 6 students led their younger House members, assisting them with their parts and were excellent role models. Prep and Year 1 students shared the building blocks of Optimism which remained standing in the tower they built throughout the service, one on top of the other. If I looked at that stack with a glass half empty attitude, I would have expected them to fall off the table but in viewing them through the glass half full lens, I knew they would remain stable.

Year 2 students shared a beautiful story about The Two Seeds with one wanting to burst out of the soil and grow whilst the other was too scared to take a risk and was worried about what could happen. Whilst the first one bloomed, the second one waited until it was safe, not knowing when that would be. In the meantime, along came a hen looking for food. It ate the seed that chose not to grow. The message: dream big and think positively and you will grow and prosper. Think negatively and not take risks and you will be swallowed up by life.

Year 3 students spoke the words of some famous people from sport, movies and books from the likes of Usain Bolt, Dr Suess and Charlie Chaplain. Wise words that encourage us to think positively and believe we can do anything we want to.

Year 4 reminded us of the power of self-talk and how this simple act helps you to be successful.

Year 5 showed us how to grow our spots of optimism by looking on the bright side, focusing on the positive instead of the negative when faced with a disappointing or challenging situation and using positive words and actions.

Through the various readings from Year 6, Bible readings, prayer, answering questions and the symbols of optimism, the message was clear that optimistic people are more fun to be around. They lift your spirits but most of all being optimistic and thinking positively are key ingredients for a great life and being the best version of yourself.

This was an up lifting and enjoyable service and we thank both Mrs Christie and Reverend Lewis for their contributions.

A busy week at Myrniong

Over the course of this week, we have had students join the Year 6 class as part of their weekend boarding trial and it was great getting to know them.

The Maths Olympiad and Maths Games students have completed their final paper for this year. We look forward to celebrating their achievements later in the year.

As we head into the weekend, I wish our basketballers and hockey players who are competing in finals all the best. I know they will do our school proud.

Under 12 A and B girls both play on Friday. I asked two team members to tell us something about their teams.

“I am looking forward to playing on Friday and hopefully making it to the Grand Final. It is a really good team to play in, everyone is so friendly.” Yolie Year 5
“I’ve really liked our coaches this season and I am excited to be playing in the final on Friday”. Imogen Year 4

Two College Division Four hockey teams, Tassie Devils and Bandicoots, will play off in the Grand Final on Saturday.

Chamber Singers have been busy rehearsing to take to the stage alongside the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra on Sunday in a concert at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre.

Last week of Term 4

As we enter the last week of what has been a busy term, I would like to highlight what is happening at the Junior School as we continue to provide a variety of experiences for the children to complement their class work.

On Monday, Tony Bones will once again delight us with a Books to Life interactive performance of ‘The Imagineer’. Tony has a way of bringing a story to life in a fun and engaging way.
On Tuesday, Jon Madin will join us for a day of music, working with all students, concluding with a concert in the afternoon which will showcase the students’ learning from the day. To continue the music theme, numerous students will also be sitting their AMEB Music exams on this day.
On Wednesday, our class Assembly presentations continue with Year 2 in the spotlight, taking to the stage in the Simons Auditorium. Please join us for a 12.20pm start.
A Junior School farewell to Dr Hirst will be held in the Refectory following the Year 2 class Assembly.
On Thursday, Mrs Keiller leaves us in her current role of taking both Year 3 and Year 6 whilst Mr Nelson has enjoyed some well-deserved Long Service Leave.
Friday, we conclude the term with the ‘Magic of Mryniong’ and Footy Colours Day. Parents and Friends have very kindly offered to provide a hot dog lunch for which we thank them very much.

Mrs Bernadette Milich

Acting Head of Junior School

The Hamilton and Alexandra College Newsletter

Sesquicentenary Year - issue 65 · 08 Sep 2022

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