Junior School Report

Recently our instrumental students performed at a musical soiree. The students performed brilliantly, and our visiting families enjoyed the new format. Thanks to Mrs Kyne and our Performing Arts team.

I hope all our mums, grandmothers and special friends enjoyed Mother’s Day. Our students always look forward to visiting our Mother’s Day stall to choose a special present for their loved ones. Our stall wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our PFC, and I am very grateful to everyone who helped. I’m sure those who visited our F–2 classrooms for a Mother’s Day morning felt the love in the room. Thanks to all our teachers for organising wonderful activities. Many of our school community attended our Mother’s Day morning tea and enjoyed their time mingling with each other. We were thrilled to have over 150 school families represented. Thanks again to the PFC for running this most successful event and congratulations to those who were lucky enough to win raffle prizes. Thanks also to those who donated the wonderful prizes.

Mother’s Day was at the forefront of 4L’s recent assembly. Our students hosted a tribute to the importance of mothers and the love we all have for them. The touching slide show and the finale dance were definite highlights that put a smile on everyone’s face. Congratulations to Mrs Britton-Bird and her talented class on a job well done.

Last week, our Year 2 students and staff attended an excursion to the Moonlit Sanctuary. Despite the inclement conditions, our students delighted in getting up close with many Australian animals and it was a treat to see Mrs Torcasio’s daughter, Hayley, who works there. Thanks to our staff for organising this excursion for our students. We have had two incursions recently that have also featured animals. Firstly, our Foundation students learnt more about reptiles, then our Year 5 students learnt about animal adaptations.

Our Years 3–6 students attended House meetings recently and the excitement was evident, as is usual at each House meeting. Thanks to our Heads of House for always making these highly anticipated meetings such a fun and happy experience for your House members. Leaver House, ably led by Mrs Kyne, recently held lunchtime House activities all based around Star Wars and included ‘find the Star Wars characters’, ‘just dance Star Wars’, ‘build your own droid using Lego or planks’ and ‘Star Wars bingo’. Last week, Mrs Ramos-Chan and Reid House ran successful lunchtime athletics activities in readiness for our upcoming Athletics Carnival. Let’s hope the weather is good for us!

Yesterday 48 talented athletes in Years 3–6 attended the District Cross Country event. Mr Batey ran the event and was extremely proud of our students and their sportsmanship. Congratulations to our students who will now advance to Divisional Cross Country.

Melissa Roberton

Head of Junior School

A Cracking Start to Term 2 in the Early Years

What a wonderful start we have had to the term, with the Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 students engaging in explorations related to biological science. Last week, we welcomed our Henny Penny Hatching kits, where each class was able to watch eggs hatch and chicks grow and develop right before our eyes. It has been a joy to watch students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for living things, how they change and how they need to be cared for through this handson, wonderful program.

In Foundation, students have been investigating the features and characteristics of living things through watching our chicks grow and develop over time. Students have been enthralled as they watched the special moment that chicks cracked through their shells, and have developed their skills of observing, note taking and thinking like scientists.

Students have been able to transfer these skills during explorations out in the yard, where they have been identifying, observing, recording and discussing the unique characteristics that living things share, from trees and grass, to caterpillars and seed pods. We are looking forward to more investigations and meaningful, engaging learning as our unit progresses.

Vanessa Hodgkiss
Head of Early Years (P–2)

As part of our special lunchtime House activities during Winter, Leaver provided a variety of Star Wars related activities for students from Years 3–6. These included ‘just dance Star Wars’, ‘build your own droid using Lego or planks’, ‘pin the lightsaber on Yoda’, colouring in, ‘build a Starfighter’, ‘Star Wars bingo’ and more. Here are some recounts from students below:

“I was one of the helpers during the activities at lunch time. I could feel the energy in the room was happy, and everyone looked like they were having lots of fun. Everyone was laughing. It was so much fun seeing the activities being used and also running them. I am so happy I could help with May the 4^th activities.” Ivy T, 6B, Leaver

“May the 4th be with you was so fun. All the activities were great, and the best part was the atmosphere. Everyone talked to each other, people made new friends, and everyone had an amazing time. It was amazing how many people came to have fun with all the other 3–6 students. I hope you guys enjoyed it!” Aaron P, 6S, Leaver

Bronwyn Kyne

Head of Leaver House - Junior School

Careers Dress Up Day

“I want to be a tradie engineer and own a business about it and make cool things.” Daniel 6S

“I want to be a calibration engineer and an environment tester because that was my dad’s job. I am also interested in the way engines work and are made.” Jacob 6B

“I would like to be an Olympic swimmer because I love to compete and it would mean so much to me if I got through. I also would like to be a swimming official because I would love to help kids get better at swimming and drive them in the right direction with their swimming.” Bella 6S

“I would like to be a scientist because the idea of making a scientific breakthrough really gets me pumped up and because I will be able to help people.” Agam 6S