Thank you to all the families who attended our Junior School Parent/Teacher Interviews this week. These meetings provided a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, discuss their learning, wellbeing, celebrate their progress, and identify goals for the remainder of the year.
If you were unable to attend an interview, please contact your child’s classroom teacher to arrange a suitable alternative time. We strongly encourage families to maintain regular communication with teachers throughout the year.
Just a friendly reminder about meeting teachers before and after school; if you would like to discuss your child’s learning or wellbeing, we ask that you please arrange another mutually convenient meeting time with their teacher. This allows teachers to give you their full attention and ensures student supervision is not impacted during the busy periods before and after school. Teachers are always happy to make a suitable time to have these important conversations.
We also encourage families to regularly check their child’s Year Level Schoolbox Family Engagement Page for learning resources, curriculum updates and information about upcoming events.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to foster the learning, wellbeing and development of every Junior School student.
Only two weeks to go until Literacy Week!
We are looking forward to making Literacy Week a memorable and exciting event for our Junior School students. Literacy Dress Up day is always a highlight on the Junior School Calendar:
Woodlea Campus: Monday 31 August 2026
Maddingley Campus: Friday 4 September 2026.
Please help your child choose a favourite character from a book they enjoy and assist them in preparing a costume. Creativity and enthusiasm are more important than expense. A simple DIY costume and accessories are welcome and can be lots of fun to create together!
Please remember: no blow-up costumes, no hair colouring, no make-up and no replica weaponry.
We can’t wait to see our students bring their favourite book characters to life!
Melanie Morton – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Maddingley)
Sally Savic – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Woodlea)
Maddingley
On Thursday August 8, Prep students enjoyed an exciting and interactive Wild Action Incursion where they had the opportunity to meet a fascinating collection of Australian native animals while developing their understanding of the natural world.
Throughout the session, students were introduced to an amazing range of creatures, including Stumpy the shingleback lizard, a green tree frog, a black-headed python, Lyle the freshwater crocodile, Gandalf the tawny frogmouth, B1 the boobook owl, Mikey the recue joey from Kangaroo Island and a big cuddly wombat. One of the highlights of the incursion was the opportunity for students to safely touch and, in many cases, hold these incredible animals while learning about their unique features.
As part of the experience, students explored how scientists classify animals by identifying whether they have fur, feathers, scales or skin. They also discovered the special adaptations that help each species survive in its environment and discussed the important role humans play in protecting native wildlife and preserving natural habitats.
The hands-on nature of the incursion sparked curiosity, excitement and plenty of thoughtful questions from our Prep learners. It was a memorable learning experience that strengthened their knowledge while inspiring a greater appreciation and respect for Australia’s unique wildlife.
Kylie McKerrow – Early Years Coordinator (Prep Reception – Year 2): Maddingley Campus
Prep Wild Action Incursion
Year 1 Adventures at Werribee Zoo and Staughton Vale
Our Year 1 students have had a busy and exciting few weeks, enjoying two wonderful excursions that brought their classroom learning to life. These experiences provided students with opportunities to explore, discover and learn beyond the classroom while creating some wonderful memories along the way.
At Werribee Open Range Zoo, students explored a variety of animal habitats. Some highlights of the day included watching the lions being fed, at which time students eagerly observed their powerful behaviours. Students also enjoyed seeing the baby elephants splashing and playing, as well as spotting zebras, giraffes and rhinos out on the savanna during the safari adventure.
At Staughton Vale, students embraced the outdoors by designing and making wind-powered cars, as well as creating beautiful leaf tree collage artworks inspired by nature. Students enjoyed engaging in hands-on activities, working together and making the most of the natural environment around them.
We are incredibly proud of the respectful and enthusiastic way our Year 1 students represented our school throughout both excursions. It was wonderful to see their curiosity, excitement and willingness to participate in each new experience.
Maddingley Year 1 Team
Woodlea
100 Days Brighter
Our Pep students recently celebrated an exciting milestone – their first 100 days of school!
When we think back to their very first day, it is amazing to see just how much has changed. They are 100 days better at reading, writing and Maths, 100 days braver when trying something new, 100 days more independent and 100 days kinder as classmates and friends.
The students were also asked what they thought they were better at after 100 days of Prep. Billy from Prep WD proudly shared, “I am 100 days better at Maths, ALL the Maths!” while Laneya from Prep WE said, “I’m 100 days better at drawing rainbows!”
Their work samples tell the same story. Each one shows new skills, growing confidence and plenty of personality. We are incredibly proud of how far our Prep students have come in their first 100 days and cannot wait to see what they learn next.
Below is written work by Tiana in Prep WC in which you can see her writing growth from the beginning of the year to now.
Warwick Grinter – Early years Coordinator (Prep – Year 2) Woodlea Campus
