{"id":44187,"date":"2026-03-06T13:58:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T02:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/?post_type=article&#038;p=44187"},"modified":"2026-03-10T08:24:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T21:24:05","slug":"from-the-head-of-junior-school-248","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/article\/from-the-head-of-junior-school-248\/","title":{"rendered":"From the Head of Junior School"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"elementToProof\"><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\" \/>This week we celebrate International Women\u2019s Day. Our School was founded to educate and empower young women to break through the glass ceiling that has historically limited opportunities for females in society. Today, MLC School continues to champion girls\u2019 education, just as it has done since its founding over 140 years ago.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Year 3 to Year 5 Cross Country<\/b>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">It was wonderful to be able to host our Year 3 to Year 5 Cross Country Carnival, with some Year 6 students also participating. It was heartening to see our Sports Captains leading the cheering and modelling exemplary sportsmanship.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Thank you to the many parents who took the time to attend and cheer on our runners, and to our wonderful Sports department for organising and delivering such an enjoyable event.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><i>Click on gallery to view full images<\/i><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-44187 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\/03\/IMG_5681.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_5681-640x427.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\/03\/IMG_5700.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_5700-640x427.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\/03\/IMG_5718.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_5718-640x427.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\/03\/IMG_5731.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_5731-640x427.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\/03\/IMG_5829.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_5829-640x427.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\/03\/IMG_5838.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_5838-640x427.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 class=\"elementToProof\"><b>IPSHA Swimming and Diving<\/b>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">It was a pleasure to see our Junior School\u00a0IPSHA swimming and diving representatives\u00a0competing at Sydney Olympic Park this week. Please read about our results in the Sports News, and congratulations to all the girls who\u00a0represented\u00a0our Junior School with pride.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Parent\/Teacher Learning Conversations<\/b>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Throughout the week,\u00a0Pre\u2011K to Year 6 class teachers\u00a0have been conducting Parent\u2013Teacher Learning Conversations. Parents and carers were able to meet either online or face\u2011to\u2011face in the afternoons, and I trust you found these discussions valuable and informative.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">From next week, for students who have a different teacher for Mathematics, parents will have a further opportunity to meet with their daughter\u2019s Maths teacher online. An invitation has been emailed to you.\u00a0<br \/>\nJunior School\u00a0specialist teacher learning conversations\u00a0will take place later in the year.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Year 5 Leadership Day<\/b>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">As part of\u00a0our\u00a0Year 5 \u201cLearning about Leadership\u201d program, students\u00a0participated\u00a0in a Leadership Day led by an expert external facilitator. The girls enjoyed\u00a0a highly engaging day exploring what leadership looks like in practice.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Activities included identifying inspiring leadership qualities, considering different perspectives while working collaboratively, learning about body language, and participating in a range of cooperative group challenges. Key messages from the day included:<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><i>Leadership is not about wearing a badge<\/i>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><i>Leadership is about caring for others<\/i>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\"><i>Leadership is about service<\/i>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Each girl will continue to apply and reflect on these skills through her roles as a captain or monitor. Our Year 5 students will share some reflections in next week\u2019s newsletter.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><i>Click on gallery to view full images<\/i><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-44187 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\/03\/IMG_0151.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_0151-640x480.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\/2026\/03\/IMG_0423.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_0423-480x640.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\/2026\/03\/IMG_0430.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_0430-640x480.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\/2026\/03\/IMG_0445.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_0445-480x640.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\/2026\/03\/IMG_0447.jpeg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:2:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2026\/03\/IMG_0447-640x480.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<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Cardboard Challenge \u2013 Purchase Your Tickets Now<\/b>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Tickets are now available for our\u00a0biennial\u00a0Cardboard Challenge. The ticket price covers the cost of food, and any profits raised will be returned to the School through our P&amp;F. We are\u00a0very grateful\u00a0for the P&amp;F\u2019s continued support, particularly for our new playground\u00a0on the Junior School campus.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Families have already begun stockpiling cardboard. There will be a space reserved in the car park from <strong>Monday 16 March<\/strong>, for families to bring their cardboard in ahead of the Cardboard Challenge. There are rumours that some Houses are already planning their cardboard train designs!\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Which House will win the Cardboard Challenge Trophy in 2026?<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\nBe sure to purchase your tickets now!<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div><a class=\"btn btn-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trybooking.com\/events\/landing\/1532816\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book tickets here<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>In the event of wet weather,\u00a0the event will still go ahead indoors with a modified program.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Churunga\u00a0House<\/b>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">Congratulations to\u00a0Churunga\u00a0House\u00a0for winning this\u00a0week\u2019s\u00a0inter\u2011house <i>Sing\u2011Off<\/i>. It was wonderful to see such enthusiastic participation from Kindergarten to Year 5 students.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">This<strong> Sunday 8 March, <\/strong>we look forward to the Junior School Churunga House Chapel Service, commencing at 9am in the School Chapel.<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Junior School Parent Workshops<\/b><\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">This year, we have expanded our offering of Parent Workshops to all grades. These workshops, presented by members of the Junior School Leadership team, will take place on the morning of each grade&#8217;s Celebrations of Learning. I know that many of you are busy, working parents, but I do hope you can join us for your daughter&#8217;s workshop and Celebration of Learning to help strengthen our education partnership.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Pre-Kindergarten<\/b><\/div>\n<div><strong>The Power of Pre-K: Laying the Foundations for Lifelong Learning\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n<p class=\"elementToProof\"><strong>Wednesday 25 March<\/strong> (no Celebration of Learning)<br \/>\n8.30am &#8211; 9.15am<br \/>\nMusic Studio 1<\/p>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><strong>The MLC School Advantage in Literacy: Enhancing Your Child&#8217;s Early Literacy and Numeracy Learning<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><strong>Wednesday 13 May<\/strong><\/div>\n<p class=\"elementToProof\">8.30am &#8211; 9.15am<br \/>\nMusic Studio 1<\/p>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>The MLC School Advantage in Literacy: Fundamentals of Reading\u00a0<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Year 1<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><strong>Thursday 19 March\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">8am &#8211; 8.45am<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">The Daphne Line Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>The MLC School Advantage in Literacy: From Decoding to Comprehending<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Year 2<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><strong>Wednesday 18 March<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">8am &#8211; 8.45am<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">The Daphne Line Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>The MLC School Advantage in Literacy: Using Complex Texts for Comprehension<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Year 3<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><strong>Tuesday 16 June<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">8am &#8211; 8.45am<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">The Daphne Line Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>The MLC School Advantage in Wellbeing: Moving from Tween to\u00a0Teen<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Year 4<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><strong>Wednesday 3 June<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">8am &#8211; 8.45am<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">The Daphne Line Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><strong>The MLC School Advantage in Wellbeing: Strengthening Positive Online\u00a0Behaviour<\/strong><\/div>\n<p><b>Year 5<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><strong>Thursday 4 June<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">8am &#8211; 8.45am<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">The Daphne Line Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>The MLC School Advantage in Wellbeing: Strengthening Positive Online\u00a0Behaviour<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>Year 6<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><strong>Tuesday 24 March<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">8am &#8211; 8.45am<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">The Daphne Line Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\"><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementToProof\">We wish our Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 students every success as they undertake NAPLAN next week.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div><a href=\"mailto:dsandral@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au\"><em><strong>&#8211; Daniel Sandral<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/div>\n<div>Head of Junior School<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This week we celebrate International Women\u2019s Day. Our School was founded to educate and empower young women to break through the glass ceiling that has historically limited opportunities for females in society. Today, MLC School continues to champion girls\u2019 education, just as it has done since its founding over 140 years ago.\u00a0 \u00a0 Year 3 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":44188,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","article_category":[5],"article_tag":[],"class_list":["post-44187","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\/44187","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=44187"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44188"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44187"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_category?post=44187"},{"taxonomy":"article_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_tag?post=44187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}