From the Head of Junior School

Overlapping Spheres of Influence
The term, overlapping spheres of influence, used by Joyce L. Epstein, in her article “School/Family/ Community/ Partnerships: Caring for the Children We Share”, perfectly describes the relationship between parents, students and school staff that we aim for. The interactions between parents, teachers and students are essential when creating consistent messages around expectations, celebrations and aspirations around children’s learning. The interviews held this week were a wonderful opportunity for teachers to connect and reconnect with parents and talk about students’ progress, attainment and future learning goals.

Thank you to our parent community for the time you put aside to meet with our teachers. We enjoyed meeting with you in the spaces your sons spend so much of their time.

Tie Tying Competition 2022
In what may become an annual launch of winter uniform wearing in the Junior School, Mr Browning challenged five confident Year 6 students volunteers to race the Headmaster in a double Windsor knot tying competition at Assembly last Friday. Congratulations to Tom Gosse who completed the task just ahead of Mr Browning on the day. But the competition is far from over…. a pizza lunch in the Headmaster’s Study is up for grabs for the class in which every boy is able to demonstrate their double Windsor knot tying ability! Presentation matters as does independence. If you are looking for some extra homework, guiding your son to tie his own tie is an excellent place to start.

Junior School Security Fencing
The temporary fencing being erected around the Junior School over the past week is in preparation for the installation of internal perimeter fencing. The new fencing will enhance security of our site with the addition of electronic swipe card access to the Junior School campus off North Terrace outside of drop off and pick up times. Some pedestrian pathways will be impacted by works and we thank you for your patience and understanding.

COVID-19
We will continue to collect data and monitor COVID-19 cases in our School and request that parents continue to inform the School if your son tests positive by using the Student Notification of COVID-19 Form in Keystone. If your son is displaying any symptoms, please keep him at home.

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope to see many of you at the Cross Country events on Monday.

Jasmine Taylor
Head of Junior School

Diary Dates