From the Head of Campus
Growth
At this time of year, one of the exciting things to do is reflect on the year by looking around and seeing so many examples of students’ growth. Not only have students grown taller since the start of the year, they have also experienced growth in so many other ways. In confidence, in learning, in social capabilities, in their walk with God just to name a few.
Growth requires some basic requirements and one of these requirements for the health of living things is light. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12. A tree naturally seeks light, and we can seek light too. Growth also means that we can bring forth good fruit. What good would an apple tree be if it never produced any apples? Likewise, through our growth we can produce good and meaningful fruit. It’s easy to look like a fruit tree, but Jesus said that we’d be known by the fruit we produce Matthew 7:16-20.
Galatians 5:22-23 describes this fruit as being love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. At Junior School we see the students providing so many examples of good fruit which blesses both the giver and the receiver.
So just as the grass continues to grow (unprecedently quickly at the moment) so do our children as God always provides room for us to grow!
Ann-Marree Weigl, Head of Campus
What’s on at Junior School
Week 8: Monday 21st November
Thursday 24th November – Beach Prep B, G, M, R
Week 9: Monday 28th November
Wednesday 30th November – Year 4 Graduation, Middle School-Highton SAC, 10am (please refer to Edsmart notification)
Wednesday 30th November - Year 4 Celebration Luncheon
Thursday 1st December - Junior School Celebration Evening, Middle School-Highton SAC (please refer to Edsmart notification)
Week 10: Monday 5th December
Tuesday 6th December – Activities Day (please refer to Edsmart notification)
Friday 9th December – Junior School Christmas Service
Friday 9th December – Conclusion of Term 4 – 2.30pm dismissal.
Monday 12th December – Semester 2 Summative Reports available to Parents via the Parent Portal.
Preps Nailing Numeracy Knowledge
Each day, often straight after recess, the Preps at Junior School know exactly what’s happening next. They grab a whiteboard, marker and rubber and settle in for 15 minutes of mathematical discovery. It often begins with number formation and skip counting our numbers as high as we can go in just two minutes. This has been a fun personal challenge and the excitement is palpable when students shout their new achievements each day. Then we review ideas and concepts that have been taught throughout the year. Subitising (recognising how many things are present without counting), missing number identification, bundling, using MAB to represent numbers, problem-solving and so much more make up the bulk of our review time.
These Numeracy Reviews are core to our day and have helped to strengthen each students’ foundational knowledge of number and the key mathematical learning areas. The students enjoy what each day’s review will bring and light up as they answer the questions – each area is familiar and is just reinforcing existing knowledge. This gives our students confidence in their mathematical ability and lays a stronger support for future concepts that lean on existing knowledge.
Steve Horman
Year 3 Meet Their Prep Buddies
There was much excitement on Tuesday morning as the Year 3 cohort undertook their first leadership task. Being a Buddy is something the students have been looking forward to for a long time and are taking this responsibility seriously.
In preparations for their first meeting, the Year 3 students have taken time to write letters for their Buddies outlining some of the exciting experiences that await them as they begin their journey at Junior School. This was a time of reflection as students considered their own journey and how important their connection to their Buddy was for them.
We spent time in classrooms with our new Buddies and the students had the opportunity to read their new friend the special letter that they had written and to get to know each other. The shared playground experience was a huge hit and was an invaluable time for the Year 3 students and the newest members of Junior School to connect and have fun.
The Year 3 students are looking forward to supporting and guiding their Buddies next year and many opportunities will be provided for these friendships to grow and flourish in 2023.
Anna Daley
Year 4 – I Used to Think, now I Think..!
The Year 4s have been focusing on using our thinking routines to deepen our understanding of the world around us. We have been looking at animal ecosystems and the important role different living organisms have, as they create and live within their ecosystems.
When we explored this further, we came up with the big question, ‘What is the purpose of prey and predators in the ecosystem?’ This prompted a lot of discussion about which animals are more important and why, the causes and effects of natural phenomenon such as drought and flood and the impact on ecosystems when animals or plants are removed.
The children have explored these questions using various thinking routines, using them to help us unpack these thoughts and help us discover the answers to these questions. An important thinking routine we use regularly is, ‘I used to think, now I think’. This helps us reflect on past ideas, thoughts, see growth and how answers can develop and evolve as we explore. It has been fantastic to see the Year 4s reflecting using these thinking routines and develop their own perceptions about different living things’ purposes.
Jessie Stap
We are Geelong the Greatest Team of All!
On Monday, November 14 a very heavy box was wheeled through the halls of Junior School. The weather outside was like the Arctic and I was very happy to have such a prestigious item to share with our 2022 Year 4 children. Out of the box and into the arms of a tribe of adoring fans was, of course, the Geelong Cats’ 2022 AFL Premiership Cup. The children were stunned by the size, weight, and sheer glow of the trophy. Thank you to our authors below who wrote a reflection of this special experience.
Holding the cup, it felt like winning the grand final. The cup was extremely heavy. It really was made out of solid steel. I couldn’t believe I was actually holding the AFL Grand Final cup. – Dalton Thomas
When I held the Geelong Cup, I felt special. It was heavy and massive. It is really cool to hold your favourite team’s cup. The players put so much effort into getting that cup! – Amelie Thomson
When we held the cup, we were excited because it really was the cup FROM THE GRANDFINAL. WOW, right? As we were holding it, we thought, ‘Wow, all of the actual Cats’ players have held this same cup!’ The cup was HEAVY, like really heavy. It had cats coloured ribbons on the handles, and it was very shiny. – Harlow & Violet
Liza Lambert
Generosity at Junior School!
Poppy the horse & Henry the bear have been absolutely blown away by the generosity of Junior School. We cannot begin to thank you all so much for being so generous and giving after such hard years and tough times. We have managed to fill up two big boxes which will be getting delivered to Uniting Emergency Food Relief!
Next week for the Reverse Advent Calendar, we encourage students to bring in toiletry items like shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, etc.
Thank you, Junior School Community.
Sophie Olden
In the Hands of the Maker
It has been wonderful to provide our students with opportunities and possibilities of new materials and techniques
Our students have been enjoying working with potters clay. Through exploring potters clay little hands have pushed, pounded, knocked, dropped, squished, moulded shaped, formed, and created. Muscle memories were made.
We looked at the history of clay and the different cultures. The wonderous medium of clay has been used for centuries and its basis is so simple. The forming of clay is a wondrous process. It starts as granite, which through weathering become particles of dirt or sand. When water is added these small particles are attracted and stick together because of their shape and mineral composition. When this is heated to a high temperature it becomes solid like that the rock that started as.
Some grandparents even got the opportunity to reminisce about their experiences with clay when they came to visit for Grandparents’ Day.
Over the next few weeks, the clay creations will be fired at our Middle School kiln and then make their way home with the students.
Jennifer Beck-Carlson
Lost Property
As we start approaching the final weeks of term, we encourage you to look through lost property if your child has lost something. If items are clearly named, we return them via their Homeroom teacher, but as there are many unnamed and unclaimed items, we encourage families to visit Reception and check for missing items.
Thank you.
Sophie Olden
Camp Australia Newsletter
Canteen not Open on Last day of Term
Please note that on the last day of Term 4, Friday December 9, the canteen will not be open.
Thank you to all volunteers for your fantastic help during the course of this term, and throughout 2022.
Recycling Uniform Items
As part of the transition to our new College wardrobe it was important that we consider the environmental impact of clothing items no longer required. Whilst it is still possible for students to wear items from the traditional uniform, when items are no longer able to be worn, they can be recycled.
Any such items can be dropped off and placed in recycling bins at each campus. We are working with our wardrobe manufacturer to ensure that these can be recycled as part of the introduction of our new wardrobe over the next 18 months.
A MYTERN Thought for This Week
Things can get hectic at this time of the year, often throwing a random curve ball, making you skid out of control. At first your reaction will be extreme. That's ok. Once the panic is over, stop and breathe. Regain control. Don't judge it. Give it space to unfold... and then inspire you 👍😊
Discover more about MYTERN here
