From the Deputy Headmaster/Head of Junior School

It has been an excellent start to the term with having everyone back on campus being my favourite thing about the holidays ending.

I know that during non-term time, we had many students on campus, involved in SEA Soccer, Tennis, OSHC Vacation Care and Young Engineers. There were also lots of teachers and support staff here when many were taking a break from regular school routine. They were checking on the chickens, planning exciting learning engagements, sorting readers and smartening up classrooms too. But when we don’t have everyone here, it is too quiet and a little bit lonely as well.

It has been lovely to greet students at the Palm House gate again and have students pause to shake hands, say good morning and make eye contact at the same time. I have also truly appreciated being asked ‘how I am’ not just at the start of the day, but whenever I see students, parents and staff when walking around the School.

I am sure we all feel the same; it is nice to be noticed, it feels good to know that someone cares enough to call out to you. So, my challenge to students and staff is to keep our eyes up and make sure we acknowledge those we walk past every day. We should aim to say hello, regardless of when or where you are around school; connect!

If you see someone who could hear you say ‘hi’ when you are at School, do it! Say hello! It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, or if you know the student or staff member… let’s make a point of everyone in our School feeling seen.

Congratulations to all Junior School students on their participation in the Founders’ Day service on the first day back. It was a great way to celebrate the School’s 178th birthday. Thank you to Fred and Thomas, House Captains of Alliston Jones House, for speaking at this event. There aren’t many people in this School who have spoken in front of every student in the School, both Senior and Junior, and they did a marvellous job.

I would like to welcome Ms McCarthy, Ms Hodges and Ms Renney who have all joined our community along with seven special students who have also started at SPSC this term. We hope you have had a wonderful start to your time here.

As the ovals are getting muddier, I am sure you have noticed, so too have the boys’ shoes. Please encourage your son to polish his own shoes so he can be proud of the way in which he presents himself in uniform.

Please remember my door is always open and I look forward to seeing you around the grounds.

Jasmine Taylor 
Deputy Headmaster – Head of Junior School