Junior School

By Mr Gavin Webb, Director of the Junior School

Seven weeks of school have now been completed and we have witnessed many examples of growth, learning, transition, fun and friendship. Your son has now had a chance to meet all his teachers, adjust to a new group of classmates, get involved in extra-curricular activities and understand the expectations in and out of the classroom.

Families that have been hit by Covid and had to isolate are to be commended for the way they have approached this. We understand every family situation and dynamic is different but all we ask for is effort and open communication. I would also like to thank staff for the extra work that has been completed in ensuring boys have been kept up to date with work. We all must continue to adapt and show patience with what the pandemic continues to throw at us.

From a Junior School perspective, the year has started in a very positive manner with the majority of students meeting expectations the majority of the time. For the small number who have digressed they have been held accountable. It is crucial that the learnings from these “moments” are not lost. Each error in judgement is an opportunity to learn and as educators of young men we realise mistakes will be made. Any communication made with home has been honest and direct and staff members have appreciated any phone call or email you, as parents/guardians, have initiated with us. Our core business is teaching and learning, in conjunction with looking after the wellbeing of your son. It is imperative that your son finishes the term well before the Easter break.

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

We look forward to discussing your son’s progress at Thursday’s interviews (4:00 – 8:30pm). Please ensure you have booked a time. If you are unable to make it, do not hesitate to contact staff via phone or email. We truly value the opportunity to meet and to establish or continue building relationships between school and home.

Year 8 Retreats

Year 8 Retreats will commence on Monday, March 21 and conclude on Friday, March 25, with two Pastoral Groups attending at a time. The Pastoral Teacher and RE Teacher will be in attendance. The day will be facilitated by a Youth Ministry group, which will be held at Russell Square, East Ballarat. Boys are to wear casual clothes on the day and bring food and drink.

 

Date	Class	Staff
Mon, March 21	8H, 8I	B. McCarthy, R. Booth, T. Beggs
Tue, March 22	8A, 8E	J. Willis, J. Couzens, R. Coccomazzo
Wed, March 23	8D, 8J	T. Delaney, C. Simpson
Thur, March 24	8B, 8F	A. Rossato, G. Willis
Fri, March 25	8C, 8G	G. Webb, M. Kent, P. Stephens

 

Year 7 bell times

 For the first six weeks of term, the year 7’s have been dismissed five minutes early prior to recess, lunch and the end of the day. This has helped the boys transition into life at the College, get to the canteen before the rush and ensure that no one has missed an after school bus. Starting in week 7 this will no longer occur. Year 7’s will need to be extra organised around break times.

Key dates

Mon, March 21	Yr 8 Retreats (all week)
Thur, March 24	NAPLAN (online trial)
Thur, March 24	Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews (4:00 – 8:30pm)
Wed, March 30	ACC Swimming Carnival
Thur, March 31	Yr 7 and 8 Police visit. Yr 7 at 12:25pm, Yr 8 at 2:00pm
Thur, March 31	Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews (4:00 – 6:30pm)
Fri, April 8	Last day of Term 1, 2:30pm finish

Regards

Mr Gavin Webb

Director of Junior School