From the Head of Junior School: Jasmine Taylor

Winter Sport has well and truly commenced, and it is great to see so many of our students involved in Football, Soccer, Chess, Debating, Hockey, Cross Country and Basketball. Being involved in these activities is so valuable for our students as it gives them a break from academic expectations and screen time. Research shows that quality sport and physical activity in schools has a positive influence on children’s confidence, competence and motivation to be active at school and throughout their life (Sport Australia). Knowing this, I am grateful for the St Peter’s College staff and parent support who make these programs possible.

House Cross Country
The House Cross Country event was held on Friday 30 April for students in Reception through to Year 6. This is the first time that the Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 boys have participated in this event, representing their School Houses with pride. It was delightful to hear our youngest students talking about the colours of their shirts and how it meant that they belonged to a particular team, whether it be Alliston Jones, Brookes, Clayton-Dyer or Stokes-Ware. Junior Primary House tops were introduced for sale to boys in the Uniform Shop at the beginning of 2021. Although they are not compulsory for families to purchase until 2022, it was clear that the boys who wore their House colours, felt a special sense of belonging to their House community. I continue to look forward to seeing our students develop a strong affiliation with their House and the boys within it. 

Congratulations to the students who placed in the Top 3 for each of the age groups. Click here to access the results.

Prefects in the Junior School
A group of prefects have offered to help welcome boys to the School in the mornings. If you see a student in a white blazer in the mornings, please join me in encouraging the boys to say good morning to our prefect volunteers. Giving Junior School students an opportunity to engage with role models from the Senior School contributes to the boys feeling like they are part of one school.

Homework feedback
At the start of the year, we adopted a new approach to homework, introducing a ‘Must – Should – Could’ format. Based on feedback from all stakeholders and the latest educational research, the ‘Must – Should – Could’ format is designed to provide parents with a framework to balance home learning with their sons’ wider extra curricular interests. The ‘Must’ element of homework is focused on foundation language and numeracy skill development. The ‘Should’ and ‘Could’ elements are designed to give students more open ended tasks that are differentiated for students readiness and interest in particular subject areas. Thank you for everyone who has already provided their important feedback around your son’s homework. Please click here if you haven’t yet responded to the survey.

Dates for the Diary:
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Car Park Safety
We have witnessed several parents with their children walking down the Junior School car park entrance ramp off of North Terrace. In the interest of community safety, we respectfully ask that parents use the pedestrian exit behind the Junior School Hall, and not the vehicle entry point.

Please remember that I always invite your feedback and comments.

Have a great weekend.

Jasmine Taylor
Head of Junior School