A Strong Start Across the Junior School
It has been wonderful to see that our Junior School students have made a strong and positive start to Term 2. Classrooms have quickly re-established routines and students have settled into their learning with focus and confidence. It has been pleasing to see high levels of engagement across all areas of learning, along with thoughtful collaboration and independence developing across all year levels.
At the end of Term 1, families received communication about uniform expectations. Students are required to wear the correct uniform each day, including appropriate footwear and jewellery. Maintaining consistent uniform standards supports a sense of belonging and pride within our Junior School. Full details of the School Uniform Policy can be found on Schoolbox and in your child’s diary on pages 10 -12. Teachers will be closely monitoring uniforms this term to ensure they are correct. Please also ensure that all uniform items are clearly labelled with your child’s name. For safety reasons, jewellery (apart from one wristwatch and small plain studs or sleepers) is not permitted unless it is required for religious purposes, in which case written approval from the Principal is required.
There are many engaging events planned for this term, including curriculum experiences and school community events that will strengthen student learning. Families are encouraged to regularly check EdSmart communications and their child’s Year Level Family Engagement page for updates, key dates and important information to support participation.
Our school value of Kindness remains a key focus across the Junior School. Students are demonstrating this through inclusive play, respectful communication and supporting one another in their learning. Kindness can also be strengthened through simple daily actions such as inviting others to join activities, using encouraging language, listening attentively and showing care for shared spaces and resources. Modelling respectful interactions all contribute to a consistent and caring environment for our students.
Thank you for your continued support of the Junior School.
Melanie Morton – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Maddingley)
Sally Savic – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Woodlea)
Maddingley
Prep Reception visit Ballarat Wildlife Park
Prep Reception students enjoyed an excursion to Ballarat Wildlife Park this week, with the hands-on experience bringing their current classroom learning to life. A highlight of the day was the opportunity to hand-feed the kangaroos. There was a lot of map reading and discussion about the best way to go!
Students were fascinated by the cassowary, with many comparing it to a dinosaur. We attended keeper talks on penguins and meerkats and watched the wedge-tailed eagles enjoy their lunch—prompting one Prep Reception student to note, “Look… they are carnivores!”
The diversity and size of the animals left a lasting impression on our students’ young minds. The komodo dragon, boa constrictor and crocodiles were much larger than they had expected. While the tiger and wombats were resting during our visit to the Wildlife Park, it seems the busy day caught up with a few Prep Reception students with some sleeping on the bus ride home.
The excursion was a wonderful opportunity for learning, social connection and meaningful engagement with our unique animal kingdom. We can’t wait to see what the Prep Reception curriculum brings next.
Karlisa Smy – Prep Reception Teacher (Maddingley)
