{"id":42877,"date":"2025-10-31T14:38:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T03:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/?post_type=article&#038;p=42877"},"modified":"2025-10-31T16:58:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T05:58:06","slug":"from-the-head-of-junior-school-238","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/article\/from-the-head-of-junior-school-238\/","title":{"rendered":"From the Head of Junior School"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\"><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-35865\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/02\/Exec_Thumbnail_DanielSandral25.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"198\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/02\/Exec_Thumbnail_DanielSandral25.jpg 230w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/02\/Exec_Thumbnail_DanielSandral25-113x150.jpg 113w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>World Teacher\u2019s Day<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\">Today we officially celebrate World Teacher\u2019s 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&amp;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\u2019s Day.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\"><b>Kindergarten to Year 2 Splash Day<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\">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 <em>Audacia<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\"><b>Year 3 Outdoor Adventure<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\">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!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\"><em>Click on gallery to view full images<\/em><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-42877 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-medium'>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_0536_6902a62903059.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_0536_6902a62903059-640x480.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_0537_6902a6336faf2.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_0537_6902a6336faf2-640x480.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_0540_6902a621e38c6.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_0540_6902a621e38c6-640x480.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\"><b>Year 6 Outdoor Adventure<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\">Year 6 also ventured to the South Coast this week for their \u2018Making Waves\u2019 adventure camp at Gerringong. Our Principal, <strong>Lisa Moloney,<\/strong> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\"><i>Click on gallery to view full images<\/i><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-42877 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-medium'>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/433e573b-9124-42c3-9aab-428dc702012f.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/433e573b-9124-42c3-9aab-428dc702012f-640x480.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_2196.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_2196-640x480.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_2187.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_2187-640x480.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_2185.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/IMG_2185-480x640.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/97289414-b4e3-4f75-83ee-d2591daf4c9a.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/10\/97289414-b4e3-4f75-83ee-d2591daf4c9a-640x480.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\"><b>The Important of Sport in the Junior School<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\">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 <em>Sydney Morning Herald<\/em> this week on the value of sport for learning. You can read the article using<a href=\"https:\/\/aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smh.com.au%2Fsport%2Fsport-helps-kids-do-better-at-school-here-s-the-best-time-to-get-them-started-20251024-p5n54h.html&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ceditor%40mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au%7C7d56fac2fffe400135fd08de16d05511%7C297d50d8e5fd4f0b837b06f6611d7cf1%7C0%7C0%7C638973281200119749%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=1pVHR4DAFjJMBg%2F%2FmVrilaFL%2BcE79wGISzG6maSZxtU%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> this link.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\">At MLC School, we believe education is about nurturing the whole girl \u2013 mind, body, and character. Recent research reinforces what we know: participation in sport doesn\u2019t just build physical fitness; it strengthens focus, resilience, and social skills that translate directly into better learning outcomes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\">Engaging in regular physical activity helps children develop habits of discipline and teamwork, while also improving cognitive function. Experts suggest that starting early \u2013 in the primary years \u2013 is ideal for building confidence and fostering a lifelong love of movement.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\">Participation in sport also has a positive impact on cognition. The <em>SMH<\/em> 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 \u2013 all essential for success in the classroom.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\">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\u2019s on the field, in the pool, or during PE lessons, these experiences teach collaboration, perseverance, and the joy of achievement.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\">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\u2019s sports program under the new leadership of <strong>Scott Carpenter, <\/strong>Director of Sport 2026<strong>,<\/strong> as part of an extended 2026 co-curricular program led by <strong>Sarah Jauncey, <\/strong>Director of Experiential Learning<strong>.<\/strong> Remember, a healthy body supports a healthy mind, and that\u2019s the foundation for success in school and beyond.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\"><b>Parent Tips: Encouraging Active Habits at Home<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\"><b>Make it fun:<\/b> Choose activities your child enjoys \u2013 whether it\u2019s riding a bike, dancing, or kicking a ball in the park.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\"><b>Lead by example:<\/b> Children are more likely to be active if they see you being active too.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\"><b>Set small goals:<\/b> Aim for at least 60 minutes of movement a day, broken into short bursts if needed.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\"><b>Limit screen time:<\/b> Encourage outdoor play instead of extra time on devices.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\"><b>Celebrate effort, not just results:<\/b> Praise participation and persistence to build confidence.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph SCXW13642582 BCX0\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"mailto:dsandral@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au\"><em><b>\u2013 Daniel Sandral<\/b>\u00a0<\/em><\/a><br \/>\nHead of Junior School\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>World Teacher\u2019s Day\u00a0 Today we officially celebrate World Teacher\u2019s 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&amp;F for providing extra treats at morning tea. The appreciation we receive from our parent community is the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":42879,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","article_category":[5],"article_tag":[],"class_list":["post-42877","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","article_category-junior-school"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/42877","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42877"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42879"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42877"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_category?post=42877"},{"taxonomy":"article_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_tag?post=42877"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}