Reflecting on a Remarkable Semester
As we wrap up a wonderful term, it is great to see our 2026 motto, "Our propensity to embrace opportunities," reflected in different things we do. Our students, staff, and families have embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect, creating a happy and supportive school community. The partnership between our school and families is a very special one, and we would like to thank our Junior School community for a positive, productive and very happy Semester 1.
Winter Soiree
Last Monday night, many of our students performed at the Winter Soiree; a special concert celebrating all the practice and dedication that goes into learning music. The talent on display was very impressive, and it was a joy to see our students shine in front of family and friends. Congratulations to everyone who took to the stage and performed. Go to the Visual & Performing Arts section of this newsletter for full report and photos.
Prep and Year 1 Swimming
Our Prep and Year 1 students have had a busy and memorable few weeks attending swimming lessons in Wonthaggi. We wrapped up the program with a Prep and Year 1 Swimming Carnival that was an absolute joy to watch. Our youngest students gave everything they had, in and out of the pool, and the feedback on their behaviour throughout the day was exceptional.
A big thank you to our wonderful parent helpers and to everyone who made this program possible. See full report and photos below..
Attendance
Coming to school every day is one of the most important things our students can do and every day brings new learning, new friendships and a sense of belonging. Tomorrow, during our classroom visits, we will give special acknowledgement to students who have come to school nearly every single day this semester. An incredible 60 students across our Junior School have achieved this milestone. Sixty! That is something to be enormously proud of, and we look forward to celebrating with each of them.
Junior School Grounds Update
There is always something taking shape across our grounds, and while progress brings occasional adjustment, the end result will be well worth the wait.
Following a meeting with our builders and architects, we have been advised that the original completion date for the assembly area extension and two new classrooms has been revised. We are now looking towards the new classrooms being finished in mid-August, with the assembly area on a similar timeline, though we remain hopeful the assembly area may be ready a little earlier. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we look forward to these wonderful spaces being ready for our community.
PFA: Donation of Shade Trees
A heartfelt thank you to our Parent and Friends Association for their generous donation of six crepe myrtle trees, which will provide much-needed summer shade and further enhance our wonderful Junior School playground. These will be planted over the school holidays, and we are thankful for the kindness and funds raised through our PFA and broader community. Your generosity will make a real and lasting difference to our school environment.
End of Semester Reports
Our teachers have dedicated significant time and care in preparing end-of-semester reports, drawing on a range of assessments to reflect each student's progress. These reports provide a clear summary of your child's achievement in relation to the Australian Curriculum standards, offering valuable insight into their learning journey so far. We hope you find these reports informative and helpful in understanding your child's growth.
Wishing You a Wonderful Break
I wish every family a lovely mid-year break and holiday. Term 3 promises another semester filled with purpose and possibility, and we look forward to welcoming our students back refreshed and ready for all that lies ahead.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Mayor Brett Tessari visit
As part of our Year 4 Civics and Citizenship unit about levels of government and the roles they play, our students were excited to welcome Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Brett Tessari and Jade Glen, Manager Governance and Communications, to our classroom. The students heard all about the role of BCSC in helping to manage our local community and asked a multitude of insightful questions, including presenting some of their ideas for our community. We may have some budding councillors and future Mayors amongst our Year 4 group!
Karen Faulwetter
Year 4 Teacher
Year 3 Strings Showcase
At our Term 2, Week 10 assembly, our Year 3 students, guided by the wonderful Mrs Prideaux and accompanied by Carmel Slater, performed a strings showcase that left the entire Junior School community filled with pride.
Each class performed their own piece before coming together for a combined Year 3 strings performance and the result was absolutely fantastic. What made it all the more remarkable was the knowledge that these students have been learning for just one semester. Learning an instrument takes commitment, practice and patience, and our Year 3 students made it look effortless. It was a powerful reminder of what our students can achieve when they embrace an opportunity wholeheartedly.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Junior School Disco
Today was our Junior School Disco, and free dress day. The Disco was organised by our Year 12 students (who looked like they were having as much fun as the Junior School students!) Mr T led the way with YMCA and Mrs Huther and Mrs Prideaux knew all the moves to the Macarena!
It was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of a wonderful semester. Our students enjoyed every moment!
Preps and Year 6 Buddies Kite Making
This term, our buddy sessions have had an exciting Science focus. The Prep students have been exploring the Foundation Science topics of Moving Objects and Materials, while learning alongside their supportive Grade 6 buddies.
As part of their learning about Moving Objects, students investigated how things move in different ways, including rolling, sliding, spinning and flying. They explored how pushes and pulls can make objects start moving, stop moving or change direction. In their study of Materials, students learned that different objects are made from different materials and that materials have properties that make them suitable for particular purposes.
To bring these learning areas together, the buddies worked collaboratively to design and create their own kites. Students carefully selected from a variety of materials, discussing which ones would be strong, light and flexible enough to help their kites fly successfully. The activity provided a hands-on opportunity to apply their scientific thinking while also encouraging creativity, problem-solving and teamwork.
There was a great deal of excitement and laughter as students proudly decorated and assembled their kites. The fun continued when everyone headed outside for a wonderful afternoon of kite flying. Students eagerly tested their creations, observing how the wind helped the kites move through the air and discussing why some designs flew differently from others.
The adventure did not stop there! The buddies also enjoyed exploring our new playground together. As they climbed, balanced, swung and spun, students continued to investigate how different pieces of equipment move and work, making real-world connections to their Science learning.
Beyond the curriculum benefits, the Buddy Program provides valuable opportunities for students to develop social skills, build positive relationships and learn from one another. The Grade 6 students demonstrate leadership, patience and responsibility, while the Prep students gain confidence and a trusted friend within the school.
It has been a fantastic term of learning, laughter and friendship, and we look forward to many more buddy adventures throughout the year!
Kylie Carlson and Kerryn Lynch
Prep Teachers
Home Learning Habits Awards
Today, Mrs Milkins-Hendy and I visited classrooms to present Home Learning Certificates for nightly reading and number fluency. The effort on display across our Junior School this term has been genuinely impressive, and we cannot wait to recognise the students who have shown such consistent commitment to their home learning habits. We look forward to continuing this recognition into Semester 2.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Prep - Year 1 Swimming Carnival
On Tuesday 23 June, our Prep and Year 1 students enjoyed a wonderful day at the annual P-1 Mini Swimming Carnival at Wonthaggi Indoor Pool. Students participated in a range of events including the 25m freestyle, 12m freestyle, noodle races and kickboard races, with plenty of smiles, excitement and House spirit.
It was fantastic to see every student having a go, cheering on their classmates and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and encouragement.
A huge thank you to our amazing parent helpers, our Year 8 Helpers and Year 4 House Captains who generously gave their time to assist on the day. Your support helped the carnival run so smoothly!
Well done to all of our Prep and Year 1 students on a great day in the pool and an awesome way to showcase all that you learnt in the swimming lessons from the past week.
Jaclyn Clark
JS PE/Sport Teacher
Year 2 Mum's Catch Up
The Year 2 mums recently enjoyed their annual catch-up, taking part in a fun pasta-making class at Pino’s Trattoria. After learning the art of making fresh pasta, the group sat down to enjoy a delicious dinner together. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, share a few laughs, and catch up over a fun and memorable activity.
Pharrah Underwood
Kindness Colouring Competition
As part of our Term 2 wellbeing focused on choosing kindness. Our Wellbeing Captains, Benji Ellery and Macie Oudshoorn organised a Kindness Colouring Competition for students across the Junior School.
We received many entries, with students showcasing their creativity and sharing important messages about kindness through their artwork. Choosing the winners was no easy task!
A big Congratulations to our winners: Prep: Jacob King; Year 1: Jarvis Dunk; Year 2: Emerald Northover; Year 3: Holly Pace ; and Year 4: Madison Carter
Thank you to everyone who participated. And remember: Kindness is something we can choose every day. A small act of kindness can make a big difference to someone else’s day 😊
Sarah Derham
Wellbeing Team
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the students in the following photo who were presented with their Merit Awards and recognised at Junior School Assembly.
