From the Head of Junior School
It has been a wonderful week of celebrations across the Junior School to conclude a successful year and give thanks to those who have contributed to that success. At our Chapel services, we have thanked Rev Sally Yabsley-Bell as she leaves to commence her new Chaplain role at the Uniting Church school Kinross in Orange.
String Soiree
Our Head of Senior School, Joanna Graffen, and I had the great pleasure of attending the String Soiree on Monday evening. If you were in attendance, you would appreciate my remarks that the performances were ‘extraordinary’. Under the leadership of Head of Strings, James Larsen, the standard of our strings program is the envy of schools across Sydney and beyond. Congratulations to our talented Music department and all students who took part.
Pre-Kindergarten Concert
Our youngest learners in the School hosted a beautiful concert and their parents’ faces were beaming with pride. The biggest smiles were on the girls’ faces when Santa arrived! We were delighted that Santa accepted Pre-Kindergarten’s invitation and managed to make a quick visit to the other grades on the Junior School campus before returning to the North Pole!
Click here to see the story in the Pre-Kindergarten section of this newsletter.
Year 6 Dinner
It was wonderful gathering with Year 6 students, their families, Year 6 teachers, Junior School deputies, Deputy Principal, Principal at our Year 6 Dinner. This celebratory dinner marks the end of our Year 6 students’ time in Junior School. There was much excitement amongst the girls. Many parents commented on how quickly the years have passed and how proud they are of their daughter. We are all indeed proud of our Year 6 students. They have achieved so much in all facets of learning during their primary years.
At next week’s Speech Day (Thursday 7 December 2023), their final day in the Junior School, each Year 6 student will be presented with their Yearbook, a gift from the Old Girl’s Union, the Junior School P&F, the School and parents. My congratulations to all our Year 6 students and I wish them well on their new journey in Senior School.
Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 Christmas Concert
The annual Kindergarten to Year 2 Christmas Concert is always a highlight. Thanks to our Junior School music coordinator, Sophie Grattan-Smith, music teacher Megan Ling, Head of Strings, James Larsen, and pianist Jono along with our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 classes and specialist teachers. This year, ‘An Aussie Christmas Concert’ was a joy for the entire audience. We will share photos with you soon. Congratulations girls and Merry Christmas.
Picnic Day
As part of our end of year celebrations it has been a tradition for our Year 3 to Year 5 students to partake in a fun filled picnic day on the last day at school. Year 6 will be participating in Senior School activities on Monday as their final task for their transition program to Senior School.
Picnic Day is filled with exciting activities. For Year 5, Picnic Day also includes a Year 5 lunch. It is a time to acknowledge Year 5 girls’ leadership throughout the year, reflecting upon their time at the Junior School Campus.
Speech Day
On Thursday 7 December 2023 we will be celebrating the Junior School Speech Day with all Year 3 to Year 6 students in attendance. Please ensure your daughter is her full School uniform (excluding hat), wearing School permitted earrings with polished shoes. Follow this link to the email that was sent earlier this week.
Awards will be presented and 2024 School Captains will be announced. It is very appropriate to acknowledge effort, excellence, and personal qualities. However, awards are offered to the minority, even if the majority are deserving of such. Our ability to take pleasure in someone else’s achievement without resentment is a sign of a generous and secure person. We need to work together to validate all the wonderful aspects of each girl. The glittering prize may not be hers next week, perhaps another time, or come in a different form at another stage in life.
Season’s Greetings
Thank you parents for all your support in so many ways throughout the year. To my colleagues, my appreciation for your commitment and all that you have done to support the students in our care. Finally, to the girls, thank you embracing our School values, for giving your personal best in all that you do as well as supporting others to make a better world.
May the festive season’s spirit of goodwill and peace be with you all.
– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School