What a Wonderful Week
Each week with our students onsite at Junior School brings with it an abundance of blessings, however this week has been overflowing. On Wednesday, we celebrated together with families our wonderful Year 4 students at their Graduation Ceremony. It was a special time to be able to recognise the many gifts and talents of these amazing students and encourage them as they move beyond their time at Junior School. I challenged the students to continue to have curious minds and open hearts for the world and the people they meet as they take this next step.
Then on Thursday night, we were able to come together as a whole community for a live Celebration Evening. This was for our Year 2 students and families and staff having joined us in 2022, their first such experience. We sincerely hope that you felt blessed by the joy poured out by our young people last night. It has been delightful to have had the singing fill the halls for the past few weeks and all students and staff are to be congratulated for their preparation and participation. We look forward to sharing our final week with students next week with special events such as activities day, the escapades of the various elves and our focus on the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Luke 9: An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
Ann-Marree Weigl, Head of Campus
From the Chaplain
Wow! What a wonderful thing it has been to watch as students and staff place essentials of food and toiletries under the Christmas tree for our ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ over the last 3 weeks.
It has been such a special time to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and such an important reminder that Christmas is a time in our year we can also give. As a Junior School community, you have raised over 200kgs of food and toiletries to people in need in our Geelong community – that is honestly incredible. Luke 3 speaks to this so beautifully, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” With so much happening both on campus and in the lead up to Christmas, thank you so kindly for your generosity and willingness to give. On behalf of Project Care leader Anna, a really big thank you for bringing our idea and hopes to life so we can be Jesus hands and feet in our community.
Darcee Braun
What’s on at Junior School
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.
The Importance of Friendship
There’s no doubt about it. Having to navigate the tricky realm of friendship continues to be one of the biggest learning challenges students encounter throughout their many years of schooling. Rest assured though, that when a student experiences a difficulty with friends, they are certainly not alone, for problems in this arena are far more common than you would think.
Fortunately, by the end of Year 2, there is already a lot of valuable knowledge that has been accumulated on this topic. Whilst there are certainly moments when students need support to help them resolve ongoing difficulties, sometimes we might do well to remind students of the things they already know, and to tell them that we believe in their abilities to work things out for themselves before we intervene too quickly. After all, practice makes perfect! So, what words of wisdom or advice about Friendship did 2R have to share during a recent discussion? You must respect people! – Alessandra Let the other person talk first before you talk, and then you can understand each other’s personalities. – Freddie Make your friends laugh😊 – Olive Get to know each other; perhaps start to have playdates. -Laylah Remember that people need their personal space too. – Riley Don’t forget that it’s not always possible for things to go your way. – Lyla If you’re in a group, don’t say, “My idea is better!” – Ali Try not to take over when you are playing games or working in groups. – Oscar Don’t take your anger out on other people. – Julian Be kind to your friends so they feel comfortable around you. – Charlotte What beautiful words of wisdom from these 7/8-year-old children!
Anne Spence
Year 4s Going out With a Bang!
The formalities of Graduation had barely settled before a group of wonderful Year 4 leaders took charge to host the luncheon of all luncheons!
I am so impressed by these young people and their consideration for every Year 4 student. Their inclusiveness and leadership made for such a wonderful celebration of the past five years at Junior School and reminiscent of the many great times shared together.
‘Discreet questioning’ about favourite pizza toppings occurred during several Math lessons on chance and data. Along with song choices, favourite games, and other dietary requirements. The event had certainly been no easy feat, but rather one that had been thoroughly planned and secretly prepared for the most part of the Term. Thoughtfully hosted purely by a small group of amazing 10 year olds!!! Thank you! And…. In the blink of an eye, those sweet Preps of 2018 have now graduated. Congratulations Year 4s of 2022. You are bold, vibrant, willing, compassionate, caring, thoughtful, funny, strong leaders. You will take on the world with eyes wide open, willing to be the change, and confident in your voice. On behalf of the Year 4 Team, we wish you every success in the future, whether it be big or small and hope that your journey is fuelled with chasing the moments where you discover something new about your voice, about you, about the world. Don’t ever let that end. Keep your minds and hearts open to life’s endless and unforeseeable possibilities.
Tash Cooper
Year 1s Make a Splash!
It has been an exciting term as the Year 1s experienced traveling by bus each Friday afternoon to Middle School for swimming lessons. All of the children continually impressed their swim teachers each week showing a growth in their swimming development and also their confidence.
Here are some thoughts from the children of 1B and 1G Jack – I really loved when my teacher took us over to the big pool and I got to dive off the big diving board. Arthur – During swimming lessons my backstroke really improved. I also learnt how to swim faster in freestyle. Evie – I learnt how to float on my back. My teacher taught me to push my hips up and then I could float. Last week we enjoyed hopping in the pool altogether for some races to earn points for our house. The children made a massive whirlpool and loved playing games together, these included relays, pirate ships and free play.
Liza Lambert
Qustodio App and Other Parent Resources
Last week we launched the Qustodio Parent App with our families as part of our Cyber Safe Schools Program, in partnership with Linewize by Family Zone.
We’ve been delighted by the level of engagement and uptake by parents with this tool so far. Qustodio is a tool intended to help parents and guardians be empowered to supervise and engage in positive conversations with their young people around their digital activity.
It has been wonderful to offer this tool, alongside our school’s Online Safety Hub, to parents and our broader community to support our children and teenagers in this space. I encourage parents who have not already done so to activate their account, and to explore the support resources under ‘Child Safety App’ on the Online Safety Hub. It may also be helpful to explore the article ‘Should I be using a parental control?’ which has helpful information and advice about the place and role of a tool like Qustodio in your overall home digital wellbeing strategy. Qustodio Parent Feedback Survey I invite our parents to take just a few moments and share some feedback on Qustodio and getting started with the parent app. Please click the link to access the Parent Feedback Survey Holiday Resources for Parents on our Online Safety Hub As we approach the holiday break and Christmas, there are a range of helpful guides and resources on our Online Safety Hub that parents may find supportive. There are direct links to some key guides below: The hub also has lots of helpful parent guides for specific games, social media platforms and other general technology and cyber safety questions under the ‘Parent Advice’ section.
Brendan Vanderkley, Director of Digital Learning
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
