Junior School

What a particularly unpleasant week we have had weather-wise. So much so that we were forced to cancel our French themed bicycle race, Le Tour de Montagnes Bleues at Wentworth Falls today. We still managed to celebrate all things French though, with some great French outfits, croissants and a French(ish) movie… in English of course. We are all hoping for better conditions next week as Le Tour de Vallée is scheduled for Thursday at Springwood and the Athletics Carnival at Pitt Park for Friday.

 

Remembrance Day is always an important day for us to commemorate and both campuses reflected on the importance of this solemn occasion, observing a minute’s silence promptly at 11:00am and pausing to honour the many Australian servicemen and women who sacrificed much in times of war so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we cherish. Our thanks to Squadron Leader Scott (Charlotte’s father) who led discussions about the significance of Remembrance Day for our older classes at Wentworth Falls, and to Mr Maynard for joining me in leading the ceremony at Springwood.

Last week we acknowledged the contribution Mrs Christie has made this year to our school community. This week I reflect on Mrs Standen.

 

Mrs Standen was already well-known to us in Junior School as she had joined our staff on a number of occasions, previously covering Long Service Leave opportunities and the like. To have her on class this year guiding her Stage 2 Strawberries through a challenging year has been a blessing. Partnering with Mrs Christie, Mrs Standen has ensured her charges have grown in capacity across all areas of learning, and her great experience has seen her introduce many new facets of learning to her own class, Stage 2 and the Junior School as a whole. Engaging with the daily news podcast for kids, Squiz Kids, has been a great hit and our classes and some students were even mentioned in the 'shout outs' to kids around Australia. 

 

A deep commitment to her faith and the gentle way in which she is able to share this with the children has been another welcome attribute Mrs Standen has brought to our team. Facilitating chess across the school and running an after school Cricket club have been other popular contributions to the community. 

 

I would like to thank Mrs Standen for all of her effort and commitment to the education of the children in her care and in embracing the culture of our school (which of course she is quite familiar with as a BMGS Alumnus!). Though saying farewell for now, we are sure to see Mrs Standen again before long and wish her all the best for the future until that time arrives.

 

Mr Nigel Cockington

Head of Junior School