End of Term 2

As Term 2 draws to a close, we would like to thank all members of our community for their continued support in making this a productive and positive term for our Junior School students.
The term has included a range of experiences such as visits to Staughton Vale, sporting events, Anzac Day commemorations, Mother’s Day craft activities, and school assemblies. These opportunities have supported student learning and development in meaningful ways.
We acknowledge our students for upholding the school’s values and their efforts towards both academic progress and building respectful relationships with staff and peers.
Thank you to our parents for your ongoing partnership. Your involvement plays a key role in supporting student growth and wellbeing.
As we enter the holiday break, we encourage students to remain engaged with their learning through the holiday reading pack. Reading together at home continues to be a valuable way to reinforce skills developed throughout the term.
We look forward to welcoming students back for Term 3 and continuing our work together.

Mrs Sally Savic – Head of Junior School: Woodlea

Maddingley

Ancient and Past Civilisations Learning Walk and Dress-Up Day

The Junior School welcomed families into classrooms for a morning of shared learning and celebration, showcasing students’ knowledge and work on ancient and past civilisations in the History and Geography curriculum. Classrooms were buzzing with activity as students and parents participated in STAR Reading and engaged in collaborative learning experiences.
Students dressed in costumes reflecting their year level’s focus on ancient or past civilisations, while each class featured a knowledge rich activity for parents to enjoy with their child. A highlight of the morning was the student led showcase, where selected students confidently presented their learning and knowledge from their topics. This event provided a valuable opportunity for families to celebrate and connect with their child’s learning.
Thank you to the families who attended and participated in our Ancient and Past Civilisations Learning experience. Your involvement added great value and it was a pleasing to see our students proudly share their learning with you.
Mrs Melanie Morton – Deputy Head of Junior School

Science in the Junior School

Year 1

Throughout Term 2, students have had the opportunity to learn a variety of concepts to do with Earth and Space Science. Students had the opportunity to explore the sky and the stars and learn how the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people used the stars for a variety of reasons – including directions, weather, seasons, hunting periods and also when to collect eggs and food.

Year 2

On Friday June 13, our Year 2 budding scientists went to the Science Discovery Dome where the experience involved a large inflatable dome enclosure in which the roof and walls were lit up with projections and video footage to create a 360-degree experience to explore space. It was a perfect way to culminate their learning about the combined Science topic of Day and Night in our Earth and Space Sciences unit, as well as their learning through their Reading and Literacy classes.

Year 3

The Year 3 Maddingley students have loved learning about the shaping of our Earth in our Term 2 Earth and Space Sciences unit! We dove into the idea of the supercontinent called Pangea and how plate tectonics work. We had a great basis upon which to explore various natural phenomena that shape the Earth such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, weathering and erosion. We also investigated erosion in real life when we visited the Staughton Vale Campus and had a session about the health, flora and fauna of the Werribee River.

Year 4

This term, our Year 4 students have been on an exciting journey to explore weather and climate. They looked into the water cycle, the connections our First Nations people have to water and the science behind weather phenomena like evaporation, condensation, clouds and precipitation. We’ve also discussed extreme weather events and how to be prepared for them. It has truly been a wet and wild term filled with weather exploration!

Mrs Melissa Pearson – Head of Year

Woodlea

Ambition Day

A Celebration of Goal Setting and Dreaming Big in the Junior School
Ambition Day was a vibrant and inspiring event celebrated across all levels of the Junior School, offering students the opportunity to explore the power of goal setting, dreaming big and envisioning their future pathways. Each year level participated in meaningful learning experiences that encouraged curiosity about the world of work and the many exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Students were invited to reflect on their interests, strengths and values as they explored a wide range of occupations from around the globe.
Among the many highlights of the day, Year 4 students engaged in insightful discussions about the personal qualities and attributes that are desirable across all professions. These conversations challenged stereotypes and traditional assumptions, and encouraged students to think critically about equity, inclusion and the diverse nature of success. Through these reflections, they developed a deeper understanding that ambition is not limited to a single path and that authenticity, empathy and resilience are valued in every field.
A particularly special element of Ambition Day was the involvement of families. We were thrilled to welcome parents and carers into classrooms to share in their child’s learning and aspirations. This created a powerful connection between home and school, as families engaged in conversations about hopes and dreams for the future. Many parents also shared their own journeys, reflecting on the ambitions they held as children, the challenges they encountered, and the perseverance, adaptability, and passion that helped them achieve their goals. These authentic stories inspired students and highlighted the many ways ambition can be realised over time.
Ambition Day was a joyful celebration of purpose, possibility and potential. It reminded us all that students are never too young to think deeply about who they are and who they aspire to become. By nurturing these conversations in the early years, we empower our young learners to dream boldly, stay curious and take confident steps toward shaping their own futures.

Mrs Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School: Woodlea

Year 4

This term, the Year 4 students read Birrung the Secret Friend as their class novel and engaged in rich discussions and activities that deepened their understanding of the story’s themes and characters. As part of this learning, students were tasked with designing and building a model of the hut where Barney and Elsie lived, using natural materials such as sticks, bark and leaves.
The creativity, effort, and attention to detail shown in the final hut models were truly outstanding. Students constructed their huts on sturdy bases and used glue, tape and string to carefully assemble their natural materials. Each model was unique and thoughtfully crafted, reflecting both the students’ imaginations and their understanding of the novel.
To celebrate their hard work, the Year 4s hosted an open afternoon, where they proudly showcased their creations to the wider school community. Many students also enjoyed sharing their huts with their Prep buddies, creating a joyful opportunity for cross-age collaboration. It was a fantastic way to connect learning across levels and build confidence through sharing and storytelling.
We are incredibly proud of all the students and their dedication to bringing this project to life!

Mrs Amy LaFranchi – Head of Year 4/Teaching and Learning Coordinator Prep -4: Woodlea

House Day Highlights: Many Hands, One House

House Day brought vibrant energy to our Woodlea Junior School as students came together in buddy classes to participate in a range of engaging cross-age activities. These special moments of collaboration allowed older and younger students to work side-by-side, sharing ideas, encouraging one another, and celebrating the strengths each learner brings. Whether it was through games, creative tasks or reflective conversations, the spirit of our House system was on full display. These connections are more than just fun, they are purposeful. House Days foster leadership, empathy and inclusion, supporting our school values and helping all students feel seen, supported and part of something bigger. Events like this remind us how powerful it is when students across year levels come together with purpose, building a strong sense of belonging and pride in our community.

Mrs Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School: Woodlea