Parent Information Sessions

Prep to Year Six classroom teachers will conduct parent information sessions next Wednesday afternoon – 15 February. The sessions are focused on information relating to classroom routines, timetables, learning focuses and approaches etc. They are also a great opportunity for parents to ask questions and to meet new families in our Junior School learning community. Each class will be keen to have a parent(s) volunteer as the class rep for 2023. The role can be shared and is an important link in our Myrniong community.

Classroom Information Session times:

3:30 pm – Prep & Year 3

3.45 pm – Year 2 & Year 1

4:00 pm – Year 4

4:15 pm – Year 5

4.30 pm – Year 6

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)

The availability of After School Care bookings, with the exception of Fridays, is currently limited. Presently, Mondays and Tuesdays are fully booked. We occasionally have cancellations on the day, so please check with Mrs. Natalie Povey in the Junior School reception if you require a booking. Before School Care has availability, though bookings are still essential.

Buses No 9 & 10

Dunkeld bus 10 and Glenthompson bus 9 are at, or very near capacity this year. Any requests for bus passes for these two buses will need to be cleared by the local bus coordinator David Gilchrist, through our administration staff. This will be particularly important during football/netball season when we have many requests for travel to training.

Professional Learning Focuses In Our Junior School

This year we are looking to build on the new platforms established in 2022. Our Prep to Year Two classes enjoyed a highly successful year with the InitiaLit program. Our Early Years staff will use 2023 to consolidate this important literacy program. As a whole Junior School, the staff will focus on the science of language and reading. Several staff will commence online courses through La Trobe University in Term One. We all know reading ability is profoundly important, for individuals and for the societies of which they are a part. The Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) is a way of positioning oral language as a central driver of reading acquisition. It considers the social-emotional contexts for language acquisition and reading instruction, alongside the ongoing development of prosocial interpersonal skills and mastery of sufficient language and reading skills so individuals can successfully function in everyday life.

Intensive Swimming

We are into our 4th day of Intensive Swimming. Prep to Year Six students have been fully engaged in their small group sessions and are enjoying their time in the water. The program moves to H.I.L.A.C next week, with sessions starting at 12 noon. Our House Swimming will take place next Friday, 17 February at the Hamilton outdoor pool. The Prep to Year Two events commence at 9.30 am. Our wonderful College Parents’ and Friends’ will run a barbeque on the day, where sausages and fruit boxes can be purchased.

Junior School Hats

We are piloting a new approach to having all our student protected from the sun during recess and lunch times. Students are being asked to leave their hats on classroom hooks and in bag rooms at the end of each day in Terms 1 and 4.

Star Students-Week 1

Congratulations to Year Six student Sophie Satchell - our first Star Student recipient for 2023. Sophie gave her time in the summer holidays to assist the Uniting Church to pack their Christmas hampers for those more needy in our local community. Well done, Sophie!

Stephen Nelson

Head of Junior School

School Information