HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

My favourite part of my day is visiting the students and teachers in their learning spaces. Two things that stand out to me are the clear identity of inclusion and the ‘communal’ learning journey I see across all classrooms. As a staff, we have worked tirelessly to create a diverse and inclusive school culture in our first year. This could have been a difficult task with students joining us for the first time from various school settings with their own unique cultures, but I can proudly say that we have achieved our goal. Lately, when addressing the Assembly, I have reminded our students that it doesn't matter where you come from, what you believe, the language you speak, or how you look because, in our College community, we are all about learning together. 

Along with this message comes the need for a very clear North, in which the core values of the college are identified and exemplified by our learning community. At The Riverina Anglican College, we have a strength-based transition approach that acknowledges and celebrates what our families bring to us. I would like to ask that our families support us in building an inclusive learning community by discussing the importance of diversity and inclusion with their children at home. It is hoped that together we can continue to maintain and strengthen our learning community culture.

This term, we will be reviewing our indoor and outdoor spaces, the common areas and the classrooms to further reflect on how our design promotes a positive school culture. Students must be the ‘owners’ as they cooperate in shaping and reshaping the environment. A well-designed yet flexible space enhances the development of the learner profile attributes. Our teachers ensure that their classrooms are safe, welcoming and warm, where learning and teaching are linked in a continuous conversation, and the learning experience becomes a communal journey. Concentration and focus are honoured, but perfect silence is not the key element. Everybody is aware of what others are engaged in and respects their right to a quiet place while still enjoying and taking part in their activities through productive conversations.

Throughout the year, the Junior School staff engaged in professional development in readiness for the school-wide approach to implementing innovative learning spaces. Flexibility was the focus. The areas and the furniture are conceived not as fixed but allow certain flexibility for the learning community to explore and for the students to use their creativity to change, rearrange and reinvent the area and its function. The spaces are designed to support the development of the learner profile attributes.

When COVID-19 regulations ease, we will survey parents to ascertain their views. It is important to keep a pulse on how the school culture is perceived by those who make up that culture. Regular surveys, being open to that feedback and willingness to make adjustments where necessary will support future directions. It is hoped that connecting with our community will align everyone's expectations and beliefs as needed to build the expected culture into the future.

Happy learning.

Upcoming Events

Year 5 Leadership Speeches and Voting - Monday 1st November 

Leadership Induction Ceremony - Friday 12th November 

Year 6 Transition Experiences - All of Term 4

Year 6 Graduation Assembly - Wednesday 1st December

Junior School Presentation Assembly - Tuesday 7th December

Junior School Award Recipients

Independent and Responsible Learner  – Talitha Nixon

Academic – Mila Martin

Independent and Responsible Learner – Annabel Lotz

Academic – Olivia Peel

Academic – Daisy Charters

Independent and Responsible Learner – Benjamin Murray

Academic - Ryan Sigdel

Academic - Wilbur Thomas

Academic - Rahnel Paulose

Academic - Nirbik Paudel

Kylie Chacon | Head of Junior School