A Wonderful Start to the Year in Junior School
What a productive and rewarding first term we have had in Junior School!
Term 1 has been filled with a range of enriching experiences and it has been fantastic to see so many parents actively engaging in information sessions, workshops and events designed to support their child’s learning. Parent-teacher interviews provided a valuable opportunity for families to gain insights into their child’s academic progress and social development.
From assemblies and incursions to excursions, sporting events and Staughton Vale trips, our students have embraced every opportunity to deepen their learning, build connections, and take pride in being part of the Bacchus Marsh Grammar community.
Thank you to our students for their enthusiasm and commitment to our school values, to our dedicated teachers for their ongoing support and guidance, and to our parents for fostering a love of learning at home.
As we approach the holiday break, we encourage students to continue reinforcing the concepts explored throughout Term 1. The Family Engagement pages offer a wealth of ideas to support meaningful learning experiences at home. We also invite families to make use of the holiday reading packs, as reading together not only strengthens literacy skills. but also creates special moments to enjoy as a family.
A friendly reminder to check student uniforms over the holiday break in preparation for Term 2.
At the start of Term 2, all students are expected to wear their full school uniform, In the case of unseasonable weather where the forecast is for temperatures above 25°C, students may choose to wear their summer uniform instead. Please ensure that student uniforms are in good condition and they meet the School Uniform and Dress Code Policy (refer to page 11 in the Student School Diary).We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining our school’s dress standards.
Wishing you all a happy and restful break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for an exciting Term 2!
Mrs Sally Savic – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School: Woodlea and
Mr Darren Gibson – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School: Maddingley
Maddingley
Junior School House Athletics
The Junior School House Athletics Carnival, held at Mason’s Lane Reserve on March 25, was a day of colour, energy and competition! With the sun shining and vibrant House colours filling the field, students gave their all in every event.
During the track and field events, students displayed determination, House pride and sportsmanship; cheering on teammates and competitors. House chants echoed across the oval, fuelling an atmosphere of unity and excitement.
Congratulations to all students for their efforts and a big thank you to staff and families for their support. Whether competing or cheering, everyone made the day a success.
Mrs Erin Bullen – Junior School PE Teacher
Year 1 Maddingley
Last week, our Maddingley Year 1 students had an unforgettable adventure at Staughton Vale, immersing themselves in hands-on learning experiences. One of the highlights of the day was yabbying at the dam, where students excitedly cast their nets and eagerly observed the fascinating freshwater creatures up close. They also engaged in a science exploration using their senses, taking in the sights, sounds, and textures of the natural environment.
In addition to their science discoveries, students showcased their creativity through landscape drawing and water colour painting. Inspired by the rolling hills, tall trees, and wide-open skies, they carefully sketched and painted their surroundings, capturing the beauty of Staughton Vale. It was a fantastic day filled with curiosity, discovery and creativity.
Maddingley Year 1 Teachers
Prep Teddy Bears’ Picnic Day
What an amazing day we had celebrating our annual Prep Teddy Bears’ Picnic! The students eagerly brought along their favourite teddy bear friends to join them as they participated in a range of engaging learning activities.
A highlight of the day was the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, where all the Prep classes came together to enjoy their snacks in the sunshine. The students had also decorated their own teddy bear crowns which they proudly wore during the picnic, adding a special touch to the festivities.
The learning activities included writing and drawing about their teddy bear companions; allowing students to express their creativity and storytelling skills. Later, they enthusiastically tackled number challenges in Maths, incorporating their teddies into the fun. Their completed teddy bear writing and photos are now proudly displayed around the classrooms, serving as a cherished memory that will be enjoyed for some time.
The Teddy Bears’ Picnic was a fantastic way to foster social interaction, creativity and a love of storytelling among the young learners. It was heart-warming to see the children bonding with their peers and their teddy bears, making it a truly memorable day for all involved.
Mrs Kylie McKerrow – Head of Prep: Maddingley
A Glimpse into Prep-Year 4 Physical Education at Maddingley
The year has started off exceptionally well in Physical Education, with students quickly settling into their routines and actively engaging in a variety of introductory and listening games.
For the remainder of the term, Prep to Year 2 students will focus on developing their fundamental movement skills, particularly the key techniques required for successful throwing and catching using different types of balls and objects.
Year 3-4 students have had a busy start to the term with several sporting events on the calendar. Selected students recently competed in the Year 3-4 Swimming Carnival held at Melton Waves Leisure Centre on Tuesday, February 25th. In addition, students are currently training in a range of track and field events as they prepare for the upcoming Year 3-4 Athletics Carnival which will take place at Masons Lane Reserve in Bacchus Marsh, later this term.
With the warm weather continuing, it has been great to see students demonstrating sun safety awareness. Understanding the effects of sun exposure and the importance of protective measures is essential. We encourage students to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide, and regularly check the UV index at www.myuv.com.au.
Check out some of the Sun Safety posters designed by our wonderful Year 2 cohort on the family engagement page.
We look forward to an exciting and active term ahead!
The Junior School Physical Education Team
Woodlea
Prep Staughton Vale Adventure!
Our recent trip to Staughton Vale was a wonderful day of nature, creativity and connection for the Woodlea Preps. Students worked in cross-class groups to build relationships with peers they may not usually work with, helping to strengthen our school community.
Throughout the day, students took part in a range of outdoor activities. They built huts using sticks and branches, created portraits using natural materials and became nature detectives during a Scavenger Hunt. We all came together to enjoy lunch in the shade of the picnic area, which was a welcome break on what turned out to be a hot and sunny day.
It was a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with each other, enjoy the outdoors and make memories. Judging by the quiet bus ride home, there were some very tired (but happy!) students at the end of the day.
Mr Warwick Grinter – Head of Prep
Celebrating Harmony Day at Woodlea Junior School
On March 21, Woodlea Junior School came alive with the vibrant spirit of Harmony Day, a time to celebrate cultural diversity, inclusion and belonging. Students embraced the theme of unity through engaging activities, creative displays and a shared appreciation of our diverse community.
Throughout the day, students participated in storytelling, discussions and collaborative art projects that showcased the beauty of different cultures coming together. The classrooms were adorned with student-created displays, each one a testament to the power of inclusivity and respect.
A special highlight of the celebration was the sharing of a heartfelt poem, capturing the essence of Harmony Day:
The sun and moon both share the sky,
One says hello, one waves goodbye.
The birds all sing in different ways,
Yet still, they make the brightest days!
The trees don’t fight about their height,
They dance together, left and right.
The rainbow shines with colours bright,
Each one different—what a sight!
So let’s be kind and work as one,
Play together, laugh, have fun!
Though we’re different, can’t you see?
We all belong—like harmony!
As students reflected on the meaning of Harmony Day, they were reminded that while we may come from different backgrounds, we are all part of one community. The day was a joyful celebration of togetherness, reinforcing the importance of acceptance, kindness and respect for all.
Mrs Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School: Woodlea
Year 2 Scienceworks Excursion
On Thursday, 20 March, the Woodlea Year 2 students embarked on an exciting excursion to Scienceworks. The highlight of the day was a visit to the Planetarium, where we watched Tycho Goes to Mars, learning fascinating new facts about the Red Planet while reinforcing our existing knowledge. We also explored the night sky, spotting Mars, Jupiter and various constellations. After the show, we had time to discover other areas of Scienceworks, including the interactive Think Ahead and Sportsworks exhibits. It was a fun and educational day filled with hands-on learning and exploration!
Ashlee Taylor – Head of Year 2: Woodlea
Year 3
What a fantastic start to the year it has been for our Year 3 students! We have been reading The Wind in the Willows, exploring the adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger. As part of our writing lessons, students have been creating their own narratives, inspired by the story’s characters and events. They are learning to develop simple problems with clear solutions, and to incorporate descriptive language to make their writing exciting for their reader. Students have also been learning to identify and explore key themes in the novel such as friendship, loyalty, hospitality, responsibility and irresponsibility. They have been finding specific examples in the text to support their ideas and deepen their understanding.
In History and Geography, students have been investigating rivers of the world, discovering their importance to people, animals and the environment. They have also explored the potential dangers of rivers and learnt how to stay safe while appreciating these incredible natural features. Students have been developing their skills in interpreting a variety of sources, with a particular focus on aerial photographs. As part of a home learning project, students were encouraged to visit a local river or water source to observe its features and consider its importance to the environment and community. They then created and shared informative posters, showcasing key facts about their chosen river, including its location, wildlife and its importance to our First Nation’s People.
A special congratulations to all students for completing their first NAPLAN assessments! They demonstrated resilience, confidence and a positive attitude, reflecting our school values of discipline, knowledge and ambition. We are so proud of them!
We look forward to another exciting term of learning with our amazing Year 3 students.
The Year 3 Teachers
Woodlea Junior School Music – Prep to Year 4
It has been a vibrant and musical start to the year in Junior School Music, with students from Prep to Year 4 engaging in a variety of exciting and enriching activities.
Our Prep students have been joyfully moving, singing and developing their sense of beat through games and songs. They have been introduced to the foundational rhythmic elements ta, ti-ti and za, and are beginning to understand how these sounds form the building blocks of music.
In Year 1, students have been strengthening their sense of beat and rhythm through singing, folk dancing and music games. They have expanded their rhythmic vocabulary to include tiki-tika, and have enjoyed using these rhythms in movement and classroom percussion activities.
Year 2 students have been introduced to the violin, learning the correct way to hold the instrument and beginning to use the bow. This hands-on experience is helping to build both their coordination and their understanding of pitch and tone production.
In Year 3, students have been developing their theory and aural skills. They have added tiki-ti and ti-tika to their growing rhythmic repertoire and have been learning to read and write music on the treble stave. They have also enjoyed playing the chime bars, focusing on proper beater technique and ensemble playing.
Our Year 4 students have been sharpening their listening skills with a focus on identifying and describing musical elements. They have extended their theory knowledge to include more complex rhythmic note values, as well as working with both the treble and bass staves. Through rhythmic dictation, singing and instrumental work, they have been developing their musicianship and ensemble skills. A highlight this term has been learning I Ain’t Worried using classroom instruments, where students have collaborated to play melodic and rhythmic parts as a group.
We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and musical growth shown by all students across the term, and we look forward to continuing this journey in Term 2!
Mrs Alison Thompson – Music Teacher
Woodlea Junior School Assembly
On Tuesday March 4, the first of many year-round music performances began at the Junior School Assembly. Antara Banik in Year 6 graciously performed, for our young students, a piece on clarinet entitled ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ by Mozart. Antara’s confident and lyrical playing enchanted the Prep to Year 4 cohort, and no doubt inspired them to consider learning this wonderful woodwind instrument!
Under the dedicated and enthusiastic directorship of Alison Thompson, the Junior School Choir also performed a joyful rendition of ‘Down in my Heart’ by George William Cooke. Smiling and focused faces sang with gusto and warmed the hearts of the parent-attended audience.
Special thanks to Daniel Hernandez for his piano accompaniment on the day.
Ms Suzanne Kinsella – Head of Music: Woodlea
