Junior School
Junior School News
It is hard to believe that we only have four weeks left of Semester 1! At this time of year there is always a lot on the agenda for students to navigate each week, and I am pleased to report that our Junior School cohort is largely coping well with the busyness of the term and their ability to manage different workload requirements and co-curricular commitments.
All students are reminded of the importance of utilising their College diary throughout the week, which is a valuable tool for helping the boys to stay organised and also be mindful of upcoming deadlines and events that they have on.
Each week during our student meetings, our staff speak to the boys about various key messages they are encouraged to remember in order to make their experience in the Junior School a positive and rewarding one. Oftentimes, these messages relate to the importance of making good choices at school and being aware of their actions, both positive and negative, and the resulting impact that these can have on others around them. It is crucial to recognise that each individual student can play their part in preserving a positive and supportive school environment. By following the three-step process outlined below of being self-aware, providing feedback and seeking support, students are far more likely to make the most of their educational journey at the College.
1. By being self-aware, students can reflect on their own behaviour and contributions so that they can help to foster a supportive and caring culture.
2. By providing clear feedback, in an appropriate way, to any student that is not playing their part in making this happen, students can feel empowered to support their peers in collectively helping to maintain our high standards and expectations.
3. By seeking support from a trusted staff member if, after providing feedback to another student, that individual is continuing to make poor choices and could be aided by some constructive intervention from a teacher.
As parents/carers, your support in reinforcing these key messages with your son/s is very much appreciated.
On another note, the House Football competition kicked off last week and has already generated much interest amongst the boys during their lunch breaks. It has been wonderful to see the way in which those students who have nominated to take part in this friendly inter-house competition have embraced the opportunity to be involved. I would also like to thank our various Year 6 House Leaders who have been instrumental in facilitating the running of this competition for both grades.
Semester 1 Parent/Teacher Interviews
The Junior School Parent/Teacher Interviews will be scheduled for the afternoon and evening of Thursday 22 June from 3:45 PM to 9:00 PM and on Friday 23 June from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Parents/carers may book interview timeslots themselves via the TASS Parent Lounge using the ‘Interview’ tab from 7:00 AM on Tuesday 13 June. The College will not be allocating interview times for parents. Parents/carers also need to ensure that any interviews are booked by no later than 11:59 PM Tuesday 20 June.
All interviews will be conducted onsite in your son/s specific classroom in the Junior School section of the College. Interviews are for 10 minutes only. Please note that there is a very short break between each interview to allow the process to run smoothly. Additionally, parents/carers cannot book a teacher twice to allow for a longer interview. Should more interview time be required, parents/carers may request another opportunity at a later date to continue the meeting at a mutually convenient time.
Please note that parents/carers of students in 6 White will be emailed information by
Mr van der Meer separately as these interviews will take place outside of the scheduled dates listed above. Mr van der Meer has been chosen to participate in the Alice Springs Immersion with a number of Senior School students during Week 9 of this term and we congratulate him on this exciting opportunity.
Parents/carers are reminded of the expectation to please book an interview with their son/s classroom teacher. If you would like to organise an interview with your son/s Mathematics teacher (if he or she is not already your son/s classroom teacher), or to meet with one of his specialist teachers, then please don’t hesitate to email the relevant member of our staff directly so that a suitable time can be arranged.
All Junior School students are also expected to attend their scheduled interview time wearing their full school uniform.
For parents/carers encountering difficulties logging on to the TASS Parent Lounge in order to book an interview, please contact the College’s IT Department via our College Reception (9763 1000), or by sending an email to the following address (itsupport@spc.nsw.edu.au).
If for any reason a parent/carer needs to cancel or change a scheduled interview time after the booking process has closed, then please contact the relevant teacher directly via email.
Our Junior School teachers are looking forward to the upcoming opportunity to discuss the progress of your son/s and collaboratively plan ahead in preparation for a successful Semester 2.
If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.
May God bless you,
Glenn Stephenson
Director of Junior School
ICAS Assessments
This year, we are again pleased to offer our Junior School students the opportunity to sit the ICAS English, Mathematics and Science Assessments. These challenging competitions present real-world scenarios where students are assessed on their ability to apply classroom learning to new contexts, using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. You can learn more about the ICAS Assessments at the following site: https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas.
Parents/carers are invited to register and pay for their son to participate in either or all assessments by completing the following:
1. Go to the Parent Portal: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps.
2. Enter our school’s access code – EPU339.
3. Enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.
Registration and payment close on Monday 31 July 2023
After payment is made via the parent payment system you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records. ICAS assessments will be run before school (8:00 AM) over a number of days in mid Term 3.
Sarah Tatola
Learning Support and Enrichment Coordinator | Junior School