OLE Week Opportunities and More

From the Head of the Junior School, Jane Campion

Welcome to Term 4! I trust you all had a lovely break and enjoyed some family time. This term promises to be full of new and exciting learning experiences and opportunities. It tends to fly by very quickly so enjoy every moment.

I would like to welcome Mrs Katie McGrath back from maternity leave. Katie will share the teaching of 3BR for the remainder of the year.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Mrs Danielle Pascoe, who is our new Learning Assistant in Junior School, predominantly based in KR but working across Stage 1 also.

As the end of the school year gets closer, it’s important to start preparing your child for the transition to a higher grade. This period can be both exciting and challenging for children, and with the right approach, you can help them navigate this change smoothly.

Firstly, it’s essential to celebrate your child’s achievements from this year. Reflecting on their progress and accomplishments can boost their confidence and motivate them for the upcoming challenges. Take some time to discuss what they enjoyed most about their current grade and what they are looking forward to in the next one.

Next, establish a routine that includes some academic activities during the break. This doesn’t mean rigorous studying, but rather engaging in fun and educational activities that keep their minds active. Reading books, visiting museums, or even educational games can be great ways to keep learning enjoyable.

To help your child overcome anxiety about moving to a higher grade, it’s crucial to address their concerns openly. Encourage them to express their feelings and reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous about new experiences. Share your own experiences of overcoming challenges and emphasize the importance of taking things one step at a time. Practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, can also be beneficial in managing anxiety.

By taking these steps, you can help your child feel confident and ready to take on the challenges of a higher grade. Remember, your support and encouragement play a crucial role in their academic journey.

We will have Move Up Day in a few weeks and this will allow your child to see who their year level teachers are and meet some new students attending in 2025.

 Co-curricular payments – a reminder.

For those students who attended after school Co-curricular clubs in Term 3, fees are now overdue and we ask that students who are intending on joining clubs in Term 4 have all fees up to date by Wednesday 23 October so we can finalise numbers.

OLE Week – what to wear?

All K-6 students should be in school uniform for Monday 21 October.

OLE Week offers opportunities that students may not normally participate in. We get them outside and into nature and working together in teams and groups to problem solve and team build – it is always fun, often dirty and involves lots of laughter!

Students will be in casual clothes for their camp days. Packing lists have been supplied and it is important that extra plastic bags are packed in case of wet weather. For those students staying at school and doing activities locally, t-shirts with short sleeves, shorts or bike pants closed in joggers, broad brimmed hats (no baseball caps) and no skirts or dresses are encouraged. A jumper or jacket for those cooler days is essential. Please check in with your child’s teacher if you have any last-minute questions about OLE week.

Miss Jane Campion
Head of Junior School