Junior School News

From the Head of Junior School

Over the last two weeks our classroom teachers and Inclusive Education staff have been busy arranging Parent Teacher Interviews to provide the first round of feedback to parents. These meetings are generally used to talk about a student’s progress to date, how they have settled into their new class and to set goals. Thank you to the staff for their efforts and to our parents for making the time to come in. Those parents who were unable to attend this round over the last fortnight are welcome to make an alternative time to meet with their child’s class teacher. Teachers value the insights that they get from parents in this first round of interviews and it can be good for parents to hear about class routines and expectations.

Child Safety

At Girton we have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to acting in children’s best interests and keeping them safe from harm. Our Junior School staff have regular training in Child Safety, how to recognise signs of child abuse and how to respond to suspected abuse and what reporting steps must be taken. Our approach to child safety also extends to any contractors or volunteers, which can include parents for different events. Girton Grammar School Child Safety Code of Conduct, Child Safety Policy and Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations policies are available to parents through Astra - https://astra.girton.vic.edu.au/homepage/25004 and open to the broader community through the Publications section of the school website - https://www.girton.vic.edu.au/our-story/publications/

I encourage all of our parents to read through the Child Safety documentation available on Astra or the website. The documents contain information about what the school considers to be acceptable and unacceptable behaviours for staff, volunteers and contractors, what to do if you suspect child abuse and who you can contact at school or in the wider community to receive assistance in protecting children or making a report.

Mr Donald Thompson

Head of Junior School

Induction of SRC

Congratulations to the 24 student who have been elected by their peers to be Student Representative Council members in Semester One. The SRC students meet weekly to discuss idea and initiatives on behalf of their fellow classmates. Students are looking forward to supporting the World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser later this term. 

Junior School Swimming Carnival 

Friday 24th February saw the annual Junior School Swimming Carnival.  Students from Preparatory to Year Six all participate in the carnival. The Preparatory to Year Two have a series of novelty events that all contribute points toward their House tally.  Year Three to Six students swim various events from 25m to 50m to compete for their Age Championship honours as well as points towards their House tally.   

It is wonderful to see the camaraderie and support the students offer each other on this day. From cheering on fellow House mates to fellow classmates.  All students should be very proud of efforts and achievements on such a busy day. 

Congratulations to Jenkin House for taking out the Swimming Carnival House Cup.  Also to Jones House for winning the House Cheer. 

Our Age Champions are congratulated on their efforts today in achieving the most points in their age group. These students along with others who placed in events, will go on to represent Girton at the Divisional Swimming Championships next week. 

Hockey Victoria Roadshow Program

As part of the Term One Junior School Physical Education Programme, students in Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 were given the opportunity to participate in the Hockey Victoria Roadshow Program that is currently travelling throughout the region.

Coaches Briony and Aaron from Hockey Central Victorian conducted introductory sessions for the students where they learnt the basic fundamentals of the sport. The sessions covered the very basics of hockey such as how to safely hold a stick and dribble the ball, as well as participation in a small game. 

Hookin2Hockey sessions are hosted by Hockey Central Victoria at their Ironbark headquarters beginning on Saturday 25th February and Monday 27th February. Sessions then run each week through to early April. If you would like more information, please go to their website:

https://www.revolutionise.com.au/hockeycentralv/events/174489/

Year Three Excursion

On Thursday 23rd February, Year Three students went on an exploration of Bendigo.  They walked to the Tourist Information Centre via the RSL War Memorial, statue of George Lansell and the Historical Shamrock Hotel. From the Tourist Information Centre, the students had a tour of the Bendigo Town Hall and Post Office.  After a relaxing lunch in the gardens, students walked back to school via the Poppet Head, Cascades, Art Gallery, Fountain and Sacred Heart Cathedral.  This excursion brought to life the iconic buildings and landmarks the students have been studying class. 

Interschool Tennis Championships

On Wednesday 15th February, eight of our Year Five and Six students competed in the Shamrock District Tennis Championships.  It was a beautiful day for tennis and the students enjoyed the competition.  Congratulations to Ben Bowles (6 Riley), Maurice Bryant (6 Jenkin), Maya Dhanapala (6 Riley) and Gracie Siepolt (5 Riley) who qualified to go on and represent Girton at the Divisional Tennis Championships this week. The day was another warm one, with matches going well into the afternoon. Maurice, Maya and Gracie all put up a good fight, making it to the finals of the event, with Maurice narrowly missing out.  We are all proud of their efforts. Ben won all his matches and has now qualified for the Regional Tennis Championships in Swan Hill. We wish Ben all the best at the Regionals. 

Fundraiser for Turkey and Syria

Mikaela Hall was concerned about the victims of the recent earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. She decided to take action and think of a way of raising money that could go to the victims of the earthquakes, via the Red Cross. 

With the support of her fellow students in 5M, Mikaela ran a Zooper Dooper stall on Friday 17th February. The hot weather and the generous spirit of the Junior School students resulted in a sell-out! An incredible total of $733.30 was raised, the result of sales and donations. 

Mikaela and her classmates would like to thank everyone in Junior School for supporting the fundraising event and making a real difference to people’s suffering in Turkey and Syria. 

Congratulations

Congratulations to our After School Care Co-ordinator, Ms Jillie Brierley who received the Camp Australia Employee of the Quarter at the end of last year. This is a National Award presented by Camp Australia and we are very fortunate to have Jillie working at our school.