FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

Welcome to Term 2

The spectacular autumn leaves which are such a feature of the Elphin Campus added an extra layer to the joy, wonder and sense of anticipation which Junior School students have brought to the start of their new Term’s learning.

Sharing holiday adventures with classmates, Teachers and Learning Assistants and reviewing and re-setting learning goals have been to the fore this week as inspiration from learning provocations and immersion in new investigations and problem-solving challenges – nearly always revolving around the learning and application of literacy and numeracy skills – have engaged students right across the Campus.

Along with welcoming back returning students and staff, a special welcome this week goes to all students and families joining our community for the first time. We also welcome Ms Siobhan Young as a new Class Teacher in Year 4 and Ms Helindie Pretorius (part-time) as an Occupational Therapist complementing support for individual student needs, along with a number of new classroom-based Learning Assistants.

Monday’s pre-Term Professional Learning day for all teaching staff across the whole College included a focus on strategies to develop five essential aspects of learning to support students in maximising their long-term learning growth: Resilience, self-Regulation(self), Resourcefulness, Respect, Responsibility. Guest speaker Judith Locke talked about the importance of both school and home in learning in these areas for students of all ages. More information about the 5 R’s can be found at  https://lifeeducationqldstage.thdi.net/the-five-rs-for-success-at-school/

Best wishes to all members of our community of learners for a productive and fulfilling Term 2.

ANZAC Day

The Junior School ANZAC Service made a special beginning to the new Term for staff and students. Thank you to the Year 5 House Captains who shared the significance and meaning of the day and led our reflections in a Service that highlighted the traditions that we have all come to know as part of this annual national day.

Thank you to Mrs Pip Robinson (Primary Coordinator) who coordinated the Service. Thank you also to the students from the Junior School and Mrs Catriona Hurd who represented the College at the Launceston ANZAC March on Tuesday.

Cross Country

The Inter-School Cross Country Series commencing this Saturday (12:30 pm at Carrick Park) kicks off a series of cross country events this Term. There are six Saturday events (open to all students of all ages, entries required) alongside the Junior School Inter-House Cross Country Carnival for Years 2-5, Fun Runs for Prep and Year 1, NIJSSA Cross Country Carnival for a Year 3-6 team and State All Schools Carnival also for a Year 3-6 team.

The Term 2 HPE program across the Junior School also has a strong fitness and endurance focus for all students.

Lachie Wright
Head of Junior School