Junior School
Parent/Carer Communication
As a Junior School, we are continually examining the elements of best-practice across all areas of school operations. As was the case in 2022, time has been spent analysing how to maximise the value of a ‘check-in’ opportunity between school and home at this time of the year. Rather than provide a Term 1 Interim Report, our teachers will instead communicate with parents/carers regarding their son’s progress via a more meaningful method. All classroom teachers are currently taking the time to personally contact each parent/carer/family in order to discuss the specific needs of their son. If you have not already had a deliberate ‘touch point’ with your son’s classroom teacher, then in most cases a brief phone call will take place prior to the end of this term to ensure the line of communication between school and home remains open. While in other situations, a Personal Learning Plan (PLP) meeting may be organised to further assist in catering for your son. Additionally, all specialist teachers will send a ‘Term 1 Overview’ email to parents/carers outlining a summary of their specific subject area and what the boys have been working on over the course of the past term. Where necessary, specialist teachers will also make contact with parents/carers via a phone call if there are any concerns about the achievement and/or behaviour of your son during their lessons.
Please note that every student will receive a Semester 1 Report at the end of Term 2, as well as a Semester 2 Report at the end of Term 4. There will also be two opportunities, one in each semester, when formal Parent/Teacher Interviews will be offered to all Junior School parents/carers in 2023.
It is my sincere hope that parents/carers will appreciate the additional time and effort that our teachers are committed to providing to ensure we are collaboratively working together to assist students in reaching their potential this year. Ultimately, we would like to convey the message that ongoing communication between teachers and parents/carers should become the new norm; as it is only by working together that we will be able to reach the shared goals your son is striving to achieve.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parents and carers for their continued partnership in the educational journey of your sons, as we all work together to benefit the overall development of every boy in the Junior School throughout 2023.
Student Leadership Team
Last Wednesday, the Junior School Student Leadership Team attended the GRIP (Generosity, Responsibility, Integrity, People) Student Leadership Conference at Quaycentre, Sydney Olympic Park.
This event provided students with an invaluable opportunity to further develop their leadership potential and also build a variety of skills that they can apply to their current leadership role. Additionally, the boys connected with their equivalent student leaders from Santa Sabina College in Year 6 and were able to spend time collaborating, sharing ideas and discussing key messages delivered throughout the day.
On Friday 10 March, each member of the Junior School Student Leadership Team was presented with their specific leadership badge during our College Assembly. Thank you very much to the parents/carers of the student leaders who were also able to proudly join us for this special occasion. I look forward to working with all members of the Student Leadership Team throughout the year ahead as they take on their elected position of responsibility in 2023 and most importantly, lead a number of planned Junior School initiatives.
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