Head of Campus Update – 27 July 2017

We’ve had a great return to school and the students seem keen to be back with their classmates and teachers to continue working and learning together during Semester 2.  As always, the Junior School is buzzing with activity as we plan and prepare for the many and varied learning opportunities over the next 9 weeks. A highlight for students in Year 3 and 4 is the upcoming Camp Jungai in the picturesque Rubicon Valley for 3 nights, 23-25 August. A reminder that the Camp Parent Information Session will be held at 6.30 pm next Tuesday 1 August in Room 23 near the Junior School Tennis Court.

It was a pleasure to spend time with the Year 4 students at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne this week. Following the informative Junior School ANZAC service led by our Year 4 students in April, the visit helped to capture true emotions and feelings associated with war. We enjoyed a guided tour and special commemorative ceremony to acknowledge the Australians who have served in war and peacekeeping operations. The students were also fascinated with real objects, photos, uniforms, artwork and medals on display in the Galleries of Remembrance.

Some of the other learning experiences during August include the Year 6 visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens to enrich the learning and understanding of indigenous culture. The Year 4 excursion to the Melbourne Museum aims at enhancing indigenous learning through the First People Exhibition and the Prep Visit to the Berwick Fire Station intends to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of fire safety.

Our Student Representative Council (SRC) members are as enthusiastic as ever and continue to share and action ideas that reflect the voice and opinions of their classmates. The current lunchtime House soccer challenge is an example of this. The Year 4 boys came up with the idea for students in Year 3 and 4. This has been a positive initiative thanks to the enthusiasm of the students and support from Mr Hibbins and Mr Lay. We hope to run a similar basketball challenge during lunchtime soon.  Early morning athletics training has been organised on the back oval each Tuesday and Thursday morning during August in preparation for the forthcoming Divisional and District Athletics. At this stage, House Athletics will be held in October.

Coding and Chess Clubs have also commenced again for interested students during lunchtime and after school, and the Science Talent Search has proven popular with curious problem solvers in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Woolworths Earn and Learn Program is back for 2017. It will run from 26 July until 19 September and our school has registered to participate. You earn one sticker for every $10 spent at Woolworths (excludes liquor, tobacco and gift cards) and the stickers are then placed on a special collection sheet and returned to school when a sheet is filled. A collection box can be found in the Junior School office area. These stickers contribute towards new resources for our school so please encourage your family and friends to starting shopping at Woolworths and collecting the stickers.

Undoubtedly, our Junior School is a great place to be because together we value and promote quality teaching, meaningful learning, strong friendships and valuable community links.

Ms Carole Reed
Head of St Margaret’s Junior School