22 May 2020
Learning and Teaching
It has been refreshing to focus on learning and teaching in faculty meetings this week. Junior School teachers who attended a Differentiation in Mathematics Workshop, led by Rob VIngerhoets in early March, were able to share strategies, activities and ideas with colleagues during our staff meeting.
In Year 5, students have been using Merge Cube to explore the solar system. It has been wonderful to see augmented reality engage and extend students thinking about our place in time. Angela Norman, Director of Digital Innovation, led a professional learning session for Years 3 and 4 teachers to enhance mathematics learning and teaching using code and using Wonder Workshop. I can’t wait to see our students using this technology in class in the coming weeks.
Cross Country
Last Friday, students from Reception through to Year 6 participated in our annual Cross Country Carnival. The event was modified to promote physical distancing with boys running at staggered times throughout the morning. Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 students were new participants in the event this year. They thoroughly enjoyed being included and will be invited to run in the event again in years to come. Age level winners will be announced in Assembly in Week 5.
Co-Curricular Activities
We’ve had additional co-curricular opportunities added to our sports programs this term. Accelium, chess, debating and robotics are examples of activities that may clash with sports team commitments. Unfortunately, this may mean that your son needs to choose between two activities or commit to the activity they were involved in first.
Car Park Drop off and Pick Up: Update
Thank you for continuing to help us promote physical distancing during drop off and pick up times this term. With the car park congestion being reduced by parents using a ‘kiss and drop’ approach, we will continue this practice into the foreseeable future.
We will be reverting to our regular pick up times starting on Monday 25 May.
Drop Off
Staff are ready to welcome students in classrooms from 8:15am.
Parents should not to leave their cars when using the drop off zones:
– Sports Centre/Uniform Shop Carpark
– The Avenue
– Junior School Carpark
Boys will continue to use external doors to enter their classrooms to avoid any congestion at main entrances. Reception students enter at the Junior Primary Courtyard, Year 4s enter at the western entrance of Bickersteth and Year 5 boys enter at the eastern staircase of Bickersteth.
Pick Up
3:00pm: Reception students collected from Junior Primary Courtyard
3:00pm: Year 1 and 2 students collected from external classroom doors.
3:15pm: Year 3, 4, 5, 6 students collected from Sports Centre/Uniform Shop, the Avenue or Junior School Carpark.
Years 3 – 6 parents: please tell your son where you intend to meet them.
Please do not congregate or remain in any of the pick-up areas and maintain physical distancing from other parents and students. Please do not enter classrooms to pick up your son. Please return to your car as quickly as possible. Although the playgrounds are now open, they are not to be used after the school day.
Early Learning Centre: please drop off and collect your sons at the external doors of their classrooms.
Parent-teacher Interviews
Thank you to all parents for engaging in parent-teacher interviews via zoom during Week 2. Our teachers have enjoyed connecting with parents to discuss their students’ progress. We are interested in collecting and responding to community feedback to inform school improvement. If you haven’t already, please let us know what you thought about your experience by filling in this short survey.
Code Camp Online after school sessions
If you are interested in your son participating in Code Camp online after school, please see the link that will provide you with the details of dates and costs. You can book in by following this link: https://www.codecamp.com.au/online-after-school-programs
SRC Fundraiser for Anglicare
As part of our ongoing support with Anglicare, the Junior School SRC, along with the Senior School, would like to give you the opportunity to support people in need. Currently there are many people and families who are experiencing financial difficulties who require the support of Anglicare.
As a school community, we would like to show our support and we ask that on Tuesday 26 May the boys wear casual clothes of blue or red which represent the Anglicare colours. The boys will be providing a donation in exchange for wearing casual clothes.
Diary Dates
Tuesday 26 May Casual Clothes Day for Anglicare.
Please remember that my door is always open and that I always welcome your feedback and questions.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Jasmine Taylor
Head of Junior School