Junior School update

2023 Junior School Leaders

Junior School staff have been so impressed with the way our Year 5 students carried themselves throughout the leadership process. Following the announcement, it was pleasing to see all Year 5 students step up and offer each other support. Below is a message from the Junior School Co-Captains Lilli T and Olivia M.

We are so excited to be Junior School Co-Captains for 2023. As the new Co-Captains, we are honoured to take on this responsibility to lead the Junior School next year. We will take ownership of our actions and we will respect all our peers and their ideas. We hope to make 2023 at Shelford the most memorable year for all.  A little bit about us: we love making new friends and we are always welcoming to new students. We always respect the school values, and we have many ideas to make Shelford thrive even more!

House Swimming Carnival

It was wonderful to gather together again to see our Houses battle it out in the pool. After some traffic delays, the pool was full of cheering, smiling faces and anticipation. Our tireless Sport and House Captains did a great job of helping our JDC students participate in the fun of the day. We all look forward to hearing the final results in assembly on Friday. Thank you to the all the Junior School teachers, particularly the PE department, for making the day such a success!

Science Club

This term, Fizzics Education have run our first after school Science Club and it has been extremely well received! Our students have enjoyed a variety of hands-on activites and are excited to attend each week. 

The Science Club is always intriguing with its explosions and fun experiments. Every Thursday I am busting to go to the Junior School Science Room. Ben is one of the most hilarious teachers I have ever met and he always makes the sessions so exciting. The after-school Science Club makes me want to learn more about science! – Evie L, Year 6

Conversation Club

This semester selected students in Years 5 and 6 have been attending conversation club to practice their English skills and learn more about Australian culture. Working with Claire Cheeseman each week after school, the girls have been using fun games and activities to help gain confidence in their ability to speak up in class. A highlight for the semester has been making fairy bread and trying vegemite toast. Fairy bread was definitely enjoyed but the taste of vegemite might take a little longer before it is fully appreciated. 

Gardening Club

This term we have a small team of keen gardeners who have been working hard to create a kitchen garden in the Helenslea courtyard.  Students learnt how to clear out weeds and prepare the soil for planting. They chose plants that would mature quickly and be ready to harvest by the end of term.  The students planted tomatoes, basil, carrots, snowpeas, strawberries and kale.  Each week the first tasks are to clear out any new weeds and inspect the plants for damage from snails or other pests.  Students also learnt how to construct a climbing frame to support the peas and tomatoes.  Hopefully the cherry tomatoes and basil will be ready to make into a delicious pizza at the end of term.   

Ashleigh’s Ballet Achievement

In August I auditioned for the State Youth Ballet’s production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. There were many dancers auditioning from all over Victoria. Mum stopped complaining about the drive to Box Hill after she met a family who came all the way from Echuca which is a much longer drive! Two weeks later I received an offer with the company and discovered I will be performing as a candy in the Mad Hatter’s tea party and a smaller version of a lead for two performances in December. It’s a fun and exciting experience so far, rehearsing with other dancers each Sunday and learning new routines. I’m looking forward to costume fitting day and seeing how a ballet production is put together. 

I’m glad I was brave enough to give auditioning a go and am looking forward to performing!  – Ashleigh Mc Year 5 

Congratulations Ashleigh, good luck for your upcoming performances!

Vicky Gemmell

Head of Junior School – Student Wellbeing and Development

Jacqui Sidaway

Head of Junior School – Curriculum and Innovation