Junior School News

As we continue deep into the learning of 2025, we remind families that strong attendance is essential for both academic progress and social development. Every day of school matters, particularly in this important term when students are being assessed and academic reports are being finalised.
In addition to classroom learning, community events such as Mother’s Day celebrations and Cultural Week across both campuses have provided valuable opportunities for students to share their family stories, explore their heritage and develop a deeper understanding of others. These events play a key role in fostering two of our core school values—respect and kindness—by encouraging empathy, connection and a sense of belonging within our school community.
We thank families for their support in maintaining regular attendance and engaging in these meaningful experiences.

Mrs Sally Savic – Head of Junior School Woodlea and
Mr Darren Gibson – Head of Junior School Maddingley

Year 4 GRIP Leadership

On Wednesday 30 April, our Year 4 student leaders from both the Maddingley and Woodlea campuses had the exciting opportunity to attend the GRIP Leadership Conference held at Federation University in Ballarat. This engaging and inspiring event brought together young leaders from across the region to explore the key values and skills required for effective leadership.
Throughout the day, students participated in a range of lectures, interactive games and collaborative activities that deepened their understanding of leadership. They explored the concept of leading through service, reflected on the qualities that make a great leader, and considered how they can be positive role models within their school communities.
Our students represented the school with pride, demonstrating excellent behaviour, enthusiasm and maturity. They confidently engaged with students from other schools, making meaningful connections and developing their networking and interpersonal skills. It was a valuable experience that encouraged our young leaders to think critically about their role and the impact they can have on others.

Mrs Alicia Bermingham – Head of Year 4: Maddingley

Maddingley

Junior Art

It has been an exciting start to Term 2 in Art in the Maddingley Junior School. Students from Prep to Year 4 have created some amazing Art pieces with a focus on Paint and Printing, experimenting with acrylic, ink wash and watercolour paints.
Students in Prep have been introduced to a range of different line and brush techniques and have enjoyed applying these techniques to their work to create some beautiful art pieces including a self-portrait and a beautiful watercolour butterfly.
The Year 1 students have recently been looking at self-portraits using black oil pastels and then painting over the top of them using ink wash to watch the resistance that occurs.
In Year 2, students have been consolidating their knowledge of the colour wheel and have demonstrated their understanding of primary, secondary and complimentary colours through their works of Art.
Our Year 3 students have been learning about double loading painting techniques and inspired by Vincent van Gogh have been painting their own version of The Starry Night.
Students in Year 4 have enjoyed discussing the still-life paintings of artists such as Henri Matisse and Paul Cezanne, using the work of these artists as inspiration to create their own still-life watercolour fruit bowl.
Junior School students at Maddingley have enjoyed admiring the work of their peers through regular gallery walks.

Ms Allison Weir, Ms Zoe Cassar and Mrs Lauren Meaney – Junior School Art Team

Woodlea

Mother’s Day Craft Afternoon

What a beautiful afternoon we shared in Junior School as we welcomed mums, grandmas, aunties and the special women in our students’ lives to join us for a creative and joy-filled craft session. The room was buzzing with laughter, conversation and heartfelt connections as students and their loved ones created special keepsakes together.
This event was a wonderful celebration of the important role women play in our lives and the strength of the connections within our school community. We hope you had a memorable Mother’s Day and enjoyed the afternoon as much as we did.
Thank you for being a part of this special day.

Mrs Sally Savic – Head of Junior School: Woodlea

Year 2

This term, our creative Year 2 students have been busy writing procedures – with a very special twist! As part of their writing unit, they explored the structure of a procedure including a title, goal, ingredients, steps and a personal comment. To celebrate Mother’s Day, the students wrote delightful procedures on How to Make a Mum Just Like Ours. From “2 cups of love” to “3 spoons of hugs and kisses” and “1 handful of fun”, their thoughtful and imaginative writing was a wonderful way to show appreciation for the amazing mums in their lives. The highlight was when students proudly shared their writing with their mums during our Mother’s Day celebrations – a touching moment full of smiles, laughter and love.

Ms Ashlee Taylor – Head of Year 2

Junior Art

Prep students have started Term 2 by exploring the autumn season through a vibrant painting and printing activity. They used various tools and techniques to create textured autumn-inspired artworks.
Following that, students created beautiful flower collages inspired by the book The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle, combining paper cutting and layering skills to bring their flowers to life.
Next, the Preps will dive into the world of Impressionism by creating an artwork based on Claude Monet’s Japanese Footbridge, exploring colour blending and brushwork to reflect Monet’s iconic style.
The Year 1 students have started Term 2 by exploring underwater themes. They began with a soft fish sculpture, developing their skills in texture and form. They also created a striking collage of an X-ray fish, inspired by First Nations’ fish artworks, thereby learning about patterns.
The Year 2 students kicked off the term by looking closely at Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh. They explored his expressive brushstrokes and vibrant use of colour, and then created their own painted sunflower artworks inspired by his iconic style.
Year 3 students have begun an exciting Elements of Art project that will span the entire term. Each week, they will explore a different element—line, shape, form, space, value, texture and colour—through hands-on art activities. This project will help students build a strong foundation in visual arts while experimenting with a variety of materials and techniques.
Year 4 students have started the term working with air-drying clay to create detailed turtle sculptures. This activity allowed them to explore form, texture and three-dimensional art making. In addition, they’ve been developing their drawing skills through a dragon-themed artwork, focusing on the element of line, using detail and creativity.
Students from Prep to Year 4 have also had the opportunity to extend their creativity by participating in lunchtime art sessions. These co-curricular sessions provide a relaxed and supportive space for students to continue developing their art skills and express themselves through a variety of materials and techniques.
We’re excited about all the creativity Term 2 will bring!

Miss Lucinda Degiorgio & Mrs Angela Ryder – Junior Art Teachers