From the Head of Junior School

As Term 2 comes to an end, it has certainly been an unprecedented School term. We commenced Term 2 with flexible learning, involving three sets of video conferencing each morning and alongside lesson videos for all subjects via our new learning management system, Canvas. As the girls have returned, it is exciting to see Canvas used in different, creative and stimulating ways as we learn together at School. A key member of staff who has supported this innovation is Carol Campbell. Carol has been at MLC School since 2010, spending many years as Junior School Teacher-Librarian and recently as our eLearning teacher. Carol concludes her time at MLC School as she returns to New Zealand with her family. She will be greatly missed and we wish her the very best for the future.

As Semester 1 ends, it is an opportune time to celebrate learning. This week you received your daughter’s Semester 1 Report. This provides an opportunity to talk to your daughter about her achievements. Please take the time to also look at your daughter’s work samples and teacher feedback in the Seesaw ‘Portfolio’ that supports this report. Your daughter’s achievements cannot simply be defined by a grade. Her grit, perseverance, attitude and effort are all significant contributions to her learning. Continue to encourage her to give her personal best in all that she does. Personal best is something we discuss and celebrate often at MLC Junior School. As you read your daughter’s report, knowing that she has given her personal best, you should be proud of her efforts.

During this school holiday period, I urge you to encourage your daughters to continue read (or depending on her age, be read to). Take the time to talk to your daughter about what she is reading. Talking about books has a positive impact on developing comprehension. It is pleasing to know that many girls have borrowed extra books this week from our School library. Playing games that involves mathematical thinking is also a great thing to do during the school holidays to keep our brains active as well as having some fun family time.

When we return to School to commence Semester 2 there are many things to look forward to, including our full and extensive Co-curricular program and all music activities. You can read more about co-curricular in this week’s edition of Audacia.

Please stay safe during this holiday period and I very much look forward to seeing all the girls in Term 3.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School