JUNIOR SCHOOL FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER REPORT
Welcome to 2024 and a big welcome to all our new year 7 students and their families. Your secondary school journey is underway and before we know it the year will be 2029 and you’ll be graduating.
The first day of school started with 122 year 7 students who were a mixture of anxiousness, fear, excitement and happiness. Our welcome assembly kicked off the day where parents were invited to stay with their child while Mr Natoli, Mr V and Mr Sinderberry all spoke. After the assembly finished there was a quick goodbye from families and admittedly some tears, but the students said: “Don’t worry mum and dad–the teachers will take good care of me.” And that’s exactly what we did! At the end of day one there were lots of smiles and thumbs up across campus.
Then, the year 8 students joined us and the whole Junior School was complete. Students participated in our step-up program during the first week. It was a good chance for students to settle back into the school routine after the summer break. The students adjusted into their new class environment and met all their new teachers. Lots of new experiences for both year levels; new subjects, new learning and new attitudes to their education. After step-up the students began the 2024 academic curriculum, and we haven’t looked back yet.
A highlight of the term so far has been the 2024 Welcome BBQ. Done a little differently this year, students and families of all year levels were invited to the school. There was a chance for a sausage and an informal chat with staff before presentations by the Year Level Leaders and Head of School. It was good to meet all the families who attended.
Another highlight was the annual swimming carnival. Whilst the rain decided to drizzle most of day it didn’t dampen the spirit of the day. It was great to see many students from both year levels get in the water and compete for their houses.
The whole sub school team has been very pleased to see the amount of positive recognitions on Compass. Students are doing a great job of displaying the school values of Respect, Leadership, Excellence and Teamwork. During week 3 there was a challenge to see which mentor group could get the most positive recognitions during the week. A huge congratulations to 7B who won that challenge with 68 Compass entries. This week we’re launching peer recognitions. Students are now able to nominate fellow students for positive recognitions. We are hoping students will nominate each other as much as staff allocate nominations. Remember to keep a look out for fellow students exemplifying our school values.
Day to day classes are going well. Any student needing a bit of extra help from staff can find support during Homework Club. Homework Club runs Monday to Thursday in the library.
We hope students have shared positive stories about the year so far. If at any time there are concerns please don’t hesitate to get in contact with your child’s Mentor teacher who will assist as best they can.
We’re looking forward to a successful March in the Junior School.
