From the Head of Junior School

Our Year 3 and Year 5 students completed NAPLAN recently. NAPLAN is a national assessment that tests students’ ability in three domains of literacy (reading, writing and language conventions) and numeracy. NAPLAN provides information about how children are progressing academically and how they compare to their peers across the country. It also gives schools access to student results which are then used to develop appropriate intervention or extension strategies to improve outcomes. I would like to acknowledge the way in which our students completed their tests. They applied themselves, worked to the best of their ability and should be proud of themselves.

Harmony Week was a wonderful celebration of cultural diversity, inclusivity and understanding. During Harmony Week, students participated in various activities including cultural performances, a F–2 Harmony Day Parade, lunch orders featuring cuisines from different countries, chalk drawing art projects that explore diversity, discussions on tolerance and acceptance, and even incursions celebrating different cultures and traditions involving Zumba and African drumming. It was a great opportunity to foster a sense of belonging and respect among students from all backgrounds. Sincere thanks to Mrs Monique Riviere-Pendle for organising and championing this wonderful and important week at CGS.

Mr Byrne-Nelson and Mrs Iriyadi, who share our 6BNI class, were extremely proud of their students when they hosted assembly last week. Their students excelled on the big stage while telling the important story of Harmony Day and embracing cultural diversity and inclusivity. The assembly was a fitting end to our Year 6 students’ Junior School assemblies.

It was a sea of students and staff in their pyjamas in the Junior School today at CGS as we all raised money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Thanks to our Trist students and Head of Trist House, Miss Bridgette Reale, for organising this most worthy fundraiser.

The final two days of term are sure to be busy with our Junior School Cross Country involving all F–6 students, our Easter Chapel, our F–2 Easter Bonnet Parade and perhaps even a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Melissa Roberton

Head of Junior School

Junior School District Swimming Carnival

Selected students from Years 3–6 recently represented the school at the District Swimming Carnival at Dandenong Oasis. Students performed well and had plenty of fun, with Casey Grammar finishing 4th overall.

More recently, three students participated at the Divisional Swimming Carnival at Noble Park. Progressing to this level is an excellent achievement.

Enaksha R (Year 6) finished 3rd in 50m backstroke and 2nd in 50m freestyle.

Anavya R (Year 4) finished 3rd in the 50m backstroke event.

Vinuka P (Year 6) finished 1st in the 50m backstroke event.

A big congratulations to these students on their achievement, and a special congratulations to Vinuka, who will now participate at the Regional Swimming Championships.

Jeff Batey

Junior School PE Teacher

Early Years Activities

At the beginning of the year, the Years 1 and 2 students participated in lots of games and activities that required cooperation. They worked with partners, in small groups and as a whole class. They learnt that to be successful they needed to cooperate with each other. This meant listening to other students’ ideas, trying different things, showing persistence and helping each other out.

Some of the fun games and activities were Team Memory, Tunnel Ball, Caterpillar Riot and Pass the Ice Cream. The students used cones, hoops, bean bags and a variety of different sized balls for the games and activities. Building a hut out of four hula hoops proved to be quite tricky for most groups, but with cooperation, encouragement and the occasional hint, everyone experienced success! It was wonderful to see the more gregarious students ensuring everyone was included by giving the quieter students the opportunity to share their ideas. 

Ms Belinda Roffey

Junior School PE Teacher

Good Friday Appeal

Dear Parents and Students,

It is one of our most favourite times of the year again! Not only is it almost Easter, but the Junior School Trist House is hosting their annual fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. As many of you may already know, The Good Friday Appeal raises money for the Royal Children’s Hospital. This incredible hospital provides the best possible care for thousands of children across Australia and the money raised helps pay for things like equipment, research, education and much more.

Our much-loved Easter raffle is happening again! Tickets will go on sale on Friday, 22 March. They will be available to purchase until Wednesday, 27 March.

Tickets are $1.00 each and they will be for sale at lunchtime in the Junior School Courtyard. There will be a line for each year level and the Trist students can’t wait to sell you your tickets. We have so many amazing Easter themed prizes to be won and the lucky winners will be announced on the last day of school. The Foundation–Year 2 winners will be drawn at the Easter Bonnet Parade.

The Junior School Pyjama Day today was a huge success!

Our impact will help make a difference to the lives of so many families across Australia. Thank you in advance for supporting our fundraiser.

In appreciation,

Miss Bridgette Reale

Head of Trist House – Junior School