From the Head of Junior School
Kindergarten to Year 2 Splash Day
Our Kindergarten to Year 2 girls had a wonderful opportunity to show off their new swimming skills at our annual Splash Day. There was plenty of fun to be had in our Aquatic Centre, and it was lovely to see so many parents and carers there to cheer them on. Thank you to our Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) and Aquatic Centre staff for a fun-filled afternoon.
Year 4 – Amazing Me Workshop
A reminder to Year 4 parents that the Amazing Me parent and daughter workshop will be held next Wednesday 11 November at 6pm. Our PDHPE teacher, Michelle Hiss, has sent details to Year 4 families.
Junior School P&F
This week, we hosted the Term 4 Junior School P&F meeting. My heartfelt thanks go to our dedicated parents, who give their time so generously to support our Junior School. This community spirit is one of our School’s greatest strengths. Thank you to the P&F and all our Parent Ambassadors for your support throughout the year. A special thank you to our outgoing Junior School P&F President, Kacie Tulliani, for her contribution to our community.
Screen Time: Purpose Matters
At this week’s P&F meeting, we had a thoughtful discussion about screen time and the role technology plays in our children’s lives. It is an important conversation for families and schools alike.
Not all screen time is the same. While the amount of time children spend on screens matters, we also need to consider what they are doing and why. Purpose is an important part of the conversation.
At MLC School, technology in the Junior School is used purposefully. Our teachers carefully consider when it will enhance learning and when another approach will be more effective. Throughout the day, students take part in a wide range of learning experiences: reading books, writing and drawing with pen and paper, discussing ideas, collaborating, creating, solving problems and learning through play and practical, hands-on activities.
When teachers choose to use a screen, they do so thoughtfully, with a clear learning purpose. Technology might allow students to research, create, collaborate, communicate or demonstrate their understanding in ways that would not otherwise be possible. At other times, the best tool is simply a pencil and a piece of paper.
Developing digital literacy involves much more than teaching children how to use a device. Children need explicit guidance on using technology thoughtfully, safely, critically and responsibly. This includes learning when technology is useful, when it is not, and how to make good choices in digital environments.
Our focus in the Junior School remains firmly on purposeful learning. Technology is one of many tools available to our teachers and students. Its value lies not in how often it is used, but in how thoughtfully it is chosen to support learning.
– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School