{"id":43951,"date":"2026-02-20T11:47:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T00:47:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/?post_type=article&#038;p=43951"},"modified":"2026-02-20T14:13:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T03:13:10","slug":"from-the-head-of-junior-school-246","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/article\/from-the-head-of-junior-school-246\/","title":{"rendered":"From the Head of Junior School"},"content":{"rendered":"<div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-35865\" style=\"font-size: 1rem;letter-spacing: 0px\" 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\" \/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">We look forward to sharing highlights from the Year 6 excursion to Sydney Zoo this week, undertaken as part of their learning about animal adaptations in science.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><b>New Climbing Playground<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">A highlight for our Year 1 to Year 5 students this week has been the opening of the new climbing playground on the lower Junior School campus yard. The new equipment is significantly larger than the\u00a0previous\u00a0structure, allowing many more girls to engage in active play.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">All Year 1 to Year 5 students have completed \u2018safety training\u2019 on the equipment during their PE lessons, and I am confident it will provide many hours of enjoyment for years to come.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">This wonderful addition would not have been possible without the hard work of our Junior School P&amp;F, who raised significant funds to support the project. Thank you, to the P&amp;F and the Junior School P&amp;F!\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><i>Click on gallery to view full images<\/i><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-43951 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\/2026\/02\/Artboard-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/02\/Artboard-1-640x360.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\/2026\/02\/Artboard-2.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/02\/Artboard-2-640x360.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\/2026\/02\/Untitled-2.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/02\/Untitled-2-453x640.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<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><b>MLC School Army Cadet Unit Establishment Parade<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">Students in Year 3 to Year 6 have been invited to attend the MLC School Army Cadet Unit Establishment Parade on <b>Thursday 26 February 2026<\/b>. This marks a significant milestone in the history of MLC School.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">Due to the schedules of senior officials attending, the ceremony will\u00a0commence <b>promptly at 8.30am<\/b>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\" role=\"presentation\">Year 6 students\u00a0commence\u00a0classes at <strong>8.15am<\/strong> and are expected to be in attendance.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\" role=\"presentation\">Year 3 to Year 5 students who arrive at school by <b>8.15am<\/b>\u00a0will be able to attend the parade.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\" role=\"presentation\">Year 3 to Year 5 students arriving after this time will remain on the Junior School campus.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><b>Birthday Celebrations<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">A reminder to parents and carers about birthday procedures in the Junior School. The following information has been shared previously in the newsletter this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">If you choose to send a birthday item to school, it is for your child\u2019s <b>class only<\/b> (not the entire year group). The School is not a place for the distribution of birthday invitations or gifts. A designated gift\u2011giving time is provided for students in Year 3 to Year 6 at the end of the year. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">Birthdays are an exciting occasion and one we often enjoy celebrating together. Many parents and carers choose to send a small treat to share with their daughter\u2019s class. Please be mindful of allergies, particularly nuts. Treats should be individual items that teachers can distribute easily, as outlined in the Parent Handbook. We kindly ask that birthday (or other) gifts are <b>not<\/b>\u00a0distributed via the\u00a0School.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><b>Junior School Parent and Friends<\/b><strong> (P&amp;F)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">Our Junior School P&amp;F held their first meeting this week. The P&amp;F provide invaluable support to our Junior School and wider School community, and I encourage you to become involved if you are able.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Junior School Parent Ambassador List is now available and can be found by clicking on this page in <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fomnia.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au%2Fschool-information%2Fgeneral-information%2Fparent-groups%2Fparent-ambassadors%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ceditor%40mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au%7C49729203b9ec408423b308de6f38a1be%7C297d50d8e5fd4f0b837b06f6611d7cf1%7C0%7C0%7C639070486179604024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BdGjyuvg2rknOYo%2FK6ncg44CTt2lv8wbP9pwWlU7Nto%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Omnia.<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">The new Junior School playground equipment has been partially funded through the generosity of our P&amp;F. It will be a much\u2011loved and well\u2011used space for many years to come. Support of P&amp;F events, including the upcoming <b>Cardboard Challenge<\/b>, has directly contributed to this project. The next fundraising focus is providing shade over the playground area.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">Thank you to families supporting the Cardboard Challenge \u2014 and please keep collecting cardboard at home! This is a much\u2011loved community event, so be sure to register and add it to your calendar.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fomnia.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au%2Fdashboard%3FeventId%3D8276afc9-55a5-4de2-b2f2-e5faf80294e0&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ceditor%40mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au%7C4a2824eac0e44d5cf77308de7018e39a%7C297d50d8e5fd4f0b837b06f6611d7cf1%7C0%7C0%7C639071449355739281%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Kk3fhKHi4f3MTX2GcyPHhGXgRfwA1Rk72MgqP47b9pQ%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Register here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><b style=\"font-size: 1rem;letter-spacing: 0px\">Literacy and Numeracy Learning Webinars<\/b><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;letter-spacing: 0px\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><b>Kindergarten and Year 1 Parents<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">This week, Kindergarten and Year 1 parents were offered an online\u00a0webinar\u00a0focused on supporting children\u2019s literacy and numeracy learning at home. Thank you to our Year Coordinators, <b>Brooke\u00a0Panagopoulos<\/b>\u00a0and <b>Elizabeth Astle<\/b>, along with our Deputy \u2013 Curriculum, <b>Sonia Weston<\/b>, for making this valuable parent learning opportunity possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F1165857175%2F23200fa66c%3Fshare%3Dcopy%26fl%3Dsv%26fe%3Dci&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cmrulloda%40mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au%7Ce2fd27812bec4f5b542b08de6e8d2fcb%7C297d50d8e5fd4f0b837b06f6611d7cf1%7C0%7C0%7C639069749864559177%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ciL9UQRmtlKjsP9AaM4bxXd1YquUVsJUGJ3IuH%2BhZcM%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">You can view the recording here<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><b>Carnevale<\/p>\n<p><\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Just a reminder that our biennial event <i>Carnevale, <\/i>held to celebrate MLC School&#8217;s Language Program, will take place next week on <strong>Wednesday 25 February 2026.<\/strong> Students in Kindergarten to Year 5 are invited to dress in costume and will <span class=\"elementToProof\">participate<\/span>\u00a0in activities <span class=\"elementToProof\">throughout<\/span>\u00a0the day<span class=\"elementToProof\">,<\/span>\u00a0including receiving one scoop of sorbet either mango <span class=\"elementToProof\">(pure fruit sorbet)<\/span>, strawberry (pure fruit sorbet) or chocolate sorbet served in a plain cone. For further dietary information please click <b><a title=\"https:\/\/aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.puregelato.com.au%2Fnutritional-information&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ceditor%40mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au%7Cc3724e8591574583d8ea08de6f51c299%7C297d50d8e5fd4f0b837b06f6611d7cf1%7C0%7C0%7C639070594113758560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Kd6n0WEOaKCupcoT22GwYKEOzHtkEYOICQZMD7mAwo8%3D&amp;reserved=0\" href=\"https:\/\/aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.puregelato.com.au%2Fnutritional-information&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ceditor%40mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au%7Cc3724e8591574583d8ea08de6f51c299%7C297d50d8e5fd4f0b837b06f6611d7cf1%7C0%7C0%7C639070594113758560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Kd6n0WEOaKCupcoT22GwYKEOzHtkEYOICQZMD7mAwo8%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. <\/b><span class=\"elementToProof\"><b>All\u00a0sorbet\u00a0being served\u00a0is\u00a0free from\u00a0dairy, lactose, gluten,\u00a0egg\u00a0and nuts\u00a0and will be served\u00a0in plain cones. <\/b>Cups will be available for those with\u00a0gluten\/wheat allergies or intolerances,\u00a0please\u00a0email <\/span><span class=\"elementToProof\"><b><u><a id=\"OWA23c22d21-377e-9486-ef5a-787d771d23f5\" class=\"OWAAutoLink\" title=\"mailto:jsreception@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au\" href=\"mailto:jsreception@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au\" data-linkindex=\"2\">jsreception@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au<\/a><\/u><\/b><\/span><span class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0to request this. If you have\u00a0any\u00a0dietary concerns, have not provided\u00a0your daughter\u2019s\u00a0food allergy or\u00a0intolerance\u00a0information to MLC School, or would prefer for your daughter not to participate, please email <\/span><span class=\"elementToProof\"><b><u><a id=\"OWA5803009a-e0b3-03aa-0539-1588dbc4f712\" class=\"OWAAutoLink\" title=\"mailto:jsreception@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au\" href=\"mailto:jsreception@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au\" data-linkindex=\"3\">jsreception@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au<\/a><\/u><\/b><\/span><span class=\"elementToProof\">.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Parent\/Teacher Learning Conversations<\/p>\n<p><\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Semester 1 Parent\/Teacher Learning Conversations will soon take place, with the booking portal opening next <strong>Monday\u00a023 February 2026<\/strong>. An email will be sent directly to parents on Monday with instructions on how to book an appointment.<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Year 3 to Year 5 Cross Country<\/p>\n<p><\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">The Junior School Cross Country will take place in Burwood Park on <strong>Friday 6 March 2026.<\/strong> A permission note will be sent to parents via <i>Omnia <\/i>in the coming week.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><b>Staff Spotlight<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\"><b>Lina ElKhoury<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">Lina ElKhoury is a passionate and highly experienced educator with over 24 years of teaching experience across independent, government and Catholic school systems, as well as in tertiary education. She has taught across Kindergarten to Year 6, specialising in literacy, inquiry\u2011based learning, curriculum design and differentiated instruction. Lina is deeply committed to girls\u2019 education and empowering young women through learning.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">Lina is teaching Year 3 this term while\u00a0Samantha Edwards\u00a0is on leave. In addition, she works in higher education,\u00a0teaching\u00a0and mentoring pre\u2011service teachers at the University of New South Wales. In this role, she supports students through professional experience placements, assessment, reflective\u00a0practice\u00a0and best\u2011practice pedagogy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_Paragraph x_SCXW133017926 x_BCX0\">Lina holds a Master of Primary Teaching (University of Sydney), a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Development \u2013 Adult Education) (University of South Australia), and a Certificate in Religious Education (Catholic Adult Education Sydney). With strong expertise in educational technologies and learning management systems, she integrates ICT to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Lina is known for her collaborative approach, commitment to student wellbeing, and dedication to lifelong learning and community service.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><em><strong>&#8211; Daniel Sandral<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/em>Head of Junior School<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We look forward to sharing highlights from the Year 6 excursion to Sydney Zoo this week, undertaken as part of their learning about animal adaptations in science.\u00a0 New Climbing Playground\u00a0 A highlight for our Year 1 to Year 5 students this week has been the opening of the new climbing playground on the lower Junior [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":43980,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","article_category":[5],"article_tag":[],"class_list":["post-43951","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\/43951","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=43951"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_category?post=43951"},{"taxonomy":"article_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_tag?post=43951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}