From the Head of Junior School
World Teacher’s Day
Today we officially celebrate World Teacher’s Day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff across the School who support our Junior School students. I also wish to thank our P&F for providing extra treats at morning tea. The appreciation we receive from our parent community is the greatest gift we could receive on World Teacher’s Day.
Kindergarten to Year 2 Splash Day
Thank you to all the parents who joined us for a fun afternoon in the pool at our Kindergarten to Year 2 Splash Day today. Professional photos will be available next week on our socials and in Audacia.
Year 3 Outdoor Adventure
This week, Year 3 experienced their first sleepover outdoor adventure camp at Stanwell Tops. The girls enjoyed a range of activities, including bushwalking, wall climbing, the giant swing, climbing tower, and more. Both students and teachers had a wonderful time, and I have no doubt the girls will sleep well tonight!
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Year 6 Outdoor Adventure
Year 6 also ventured to the South Coast this week for their ‘Making Waves’ adventure camp at Gerringong. Our Principal, Lisa Moloney, visited Year 6 on Wednesday, and I had the opportunity to join both year groups on camp on Thursday. The girls enjoyed beach volleyball, learning to surf, and many other fun activities away from home.
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The Important of Sport in the Junior School
This term, the Junior School has a record number of students participating in Saturday sport. It is timely to have read an article in the Sydney Morning Herald this week on the value of sport for learning. You can read the article using this link.
At MLC School, we believe education is about nurturing the whole girl – mind, body, and character. Recent research reinforces what we know: participation in sport doesn’t just build physical fitness; it strengthens focus, resilience, and social skills that translate directly into better learning outcomes.
Engaging in regular physical activity helps children develop habits of discipline and teamwork, while also improving cognitive function. Experts suggest that starting early – in the primary years – is ideal for building confidence and fostering a lifelong love of movement.
Participation in sport also has a positive impact on cognition. The SMH reports that studies show children who participate in regular sport are up to 40% more likely to achieve higher academic results compared to their less active peers. Physical activity boosts concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills – all essential for success in the classroom.
Our Junior School sport program is designed with this in mind. Through structured sports sessions and active play, we aim to create an environment where every child feels encouraged to participate, learn, and grow. Whether it’s on the field, in the pool, or during PE lessons, these experiences teach collaboration, perseverance, and the joy of achievement.
As we look ahead to the opening of co-curricular enrolments for 2026, we remain committed to balancing academic excellence with opportunities for physical development. I am excited about next year’s sports program under the new leadership of Scott Carpenter, Director of Sport 2026, as part of an extended 2026 co-curricular program led by Sarah Jauncey, Director of Experiential Learning. Remember, a healthy body supports a healthy mind, and that’s the foundation for success in school and beyond.
Parent Tips: Encouraging Active Habits at Home
- Make it fun: Choose activities your child enjoys – whether it’s riding a bike, dancing, or kicking a ball in the park.
- Lead by example: Children are more likely to be active if they see you being active too.
- Set small goals: Aim for at least 60 minutes of movement a day, broken into short bursts if needed.
- Limit screen time: Encourage outdoor play instead of extra time on devices.
- Celebrate effort, not just results: Praise participation and persistence to build confidence.
– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School