From the Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
This week our intrepid Year 6 girls and staff have enjoyed a series of outdoor activities as they immersed themselves in their Outdoor Education Program at Glenworth Valley. These outdoor camping experiences help foster resilience and courage in the girls as they explore new adventures and lean into challenges, often facing understandable fears.
I was lucky enough to join the girls on Tuesday and enjoyed laser tag and kayaking with some of the groups. As always, I was proud of the support and sisterhood amongst our girls and the way they care for and look for ways to encourage one another and bolster each others’ sense of self and confidence.
Good luck to our Year 4 campers: Mother and Daughter Camp
This weekend, a group of our Year 4 mums and girls head off to enjoy a weekend at Vision Valley. I wish you all a wonderful weekend of fun and magical memory making moments.
Building resilience and character to help our girls thrive
Building resilience and a strong sense of character are key to helping our girls understand and celebrate themselves, lean into their strengths and take purposeful risks to challenge themselves and grow.
Thank you to all our Year 4 and Year 6 parents who were able to come to their daughter’s Windows into Learning last week to support her academic efforts and journey so far in mathematics and English. We appreciate your support in your daughter’s journey and the way you celebrate the effort she puts into her learning opportunities.
Building character through sport
Participation in sport, like connecting with the outdoors through our Outdoor Education Program, is a strength-building activity. Through sport, children learn to value their efforts as part of a team, tackling challenges, showing persistence and collaboration.
This week, I had an inspiring conversation with Matt Tyson, Head of Junior School Sport, who shared his reflections from a recent professional learning conversation with Ben Crowe – founder of Mojo, a professional mentor and and leadership coach. Matt explained that Ben highlighted the power of parents and supporters in empowering children to thrive as they realise their efforts – not just their successes – are valued.
Cheering your daughters on and just being present to enjoy their participation, as you do each week, has a more significant influence on their sense of self-worth than any medal or trophy. Thank you for being there on the sidelines and helping to instil a growth mindset by focusing on your daughters’ sportsmanship and how they demonstrate teamwork, bounce back from setbacks and show persistence.
Matt explained that one of the key take aways for him from the conversation with Ben Crowe was the phrase ‘no matter what’. When children understand they are valued for who they are – regardless of their results – they develop a powerful and secure foundation of self and the confidence to take risks and ultimately grow. This is a powerful message we can all give to our girls in all their activities whether sporting or academic so they see themselves through our eyes and love and celebrate who they are.
Please click here to read the PowerPoint Matt Tyson shared with parents in his recent Sport and Academics workshop for parents.
Building character through a focus on kindness to self
This term we are focusing on kindness to self as part of our determination to grow a strong and positive sense of self in the girls. Last week, our Kindness Leaders completed kindness flowers reflecting on, and representing, ways they are kind to themselves. Each Kindness Captain from Year 1 to 6 is leading this activity with their class over the coming week.
A message from Kate Giles – Head of Wellbeing K-6
Building Independence and Resilience
It is important for your daughter to grow independence and resilience, not only for her social and emotional development, but also for her ongoing academic achievement. Your daughter’s teachers work with her to build these skills through explicit teaching and through the different experiences provided to her across the school day.
Some practical ways you can help your daughter grow in these areas are:
- Encouraging problem solving
- Allow her to sit with problems and provide guidance rather than immediately helping her solve the problem
- Some guiding questions could include ‘What do you think you could do next?’ or ‘How might you try to work this out?’
- Promoting responsibility
- Encourage her to help and contribute at home, such as setting the table or feeding pets
- Encourage her to manage her timetable and schedule by packing her own bag and including the items she will need each day. We encourage you not to bring in any items from home she may have forgotten – please be assured we will help her manage without these items for the school day
- Encouraging a growth mindset
- Talk with her about bouncing back following mistakes and disappointment. If something doesn’t go as planned, talk with her about learning from this and plan how to move forward together
- Praise her effort and growth rather than just the outcome
- Allowing her to be independent
- Let her tackle challenges herself, such as allowing her to attend her before and after school co-curricular activities by herself. She will love sharing these with you at the end of the day and this allows her to fully participate without distraction
- Encourage her to try new things and give things a go
By providing these opportunities for your daughter, it will foster self-confidence and boost self-esteem which will assist them in all areas as they grow. Some great resources in this area include:
The Bonsai Child by Dr Judith Locke
The Bonsai Student by Dr Judith Locke
A message from Mr Stephen Robinson – Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations
Traffic Management on Campus
Thank you to parents who have worked with us to improve our traffic management, both in the morning and afternoon. At all times we plan to strike a balance of efficiency for car users and safety for students.
We kindly ask parents to observe our speed limits and remain patient during peak times. It is also important to keep areas clear of cars when drop-off/collection points are not in use.
A reminder that students being dropped off at the K-2 carline in the morning should be done so between 7.45am and 8.15am each day. Only students who have a before school activity can arrive before this time.
Harmony Day
The Junior School looks forward to celebrating Harmony Day on Friday 21 March (next week). On this day we will be selling orange ribbons for a gold coin donation for students to wear in their hair, with all money going to charity.
Please note that regular school uniform is to be worn on the day (it is not a mufti day).
Ride Safely to School Day
The Junior School will again participate in Ride Safely to School Day on Friday 28 March. Students can ride their bike or scooter to school from their home to school or they can meet our Junior School teachers at Pymble Station (Grandview Street side) from 7.40am. Mrs Brown and staff will then be riding and walking to the Junior School with staff and students.
To ensure safety:
- All riders must be wearing a well-fitted helmet.
- A College mini-bus will be parked at Grandview Street to transport student bags to school.
- All students must wear a helmet when riding
- Additional staff will be located along the route
- A lane of the internal road leading to the K-2 drop-off zone will be closed to facilitate riders entering the Junior School.
Students will also be able to ride their bike or scooter at lunch on Friday 28 March, with the internal road closed to traffic.
If your daughter in planning to ride to school, please register her name using this link.
Living Library Storytellers and Mini-Workshops – Expressions of Interest
Our Junior School is once again holding our popular Living Library event as part of the College’s Sharing Stories Festival, as well as throughout the year.
We’re inviting families in our Pymble community to ‘tell a story with their hands’ and share what they can make or do in mini-workshops for our Junior School girls.
We are looking for participants who have an interest/hobby that can be demonstrated to our girls in a mini 30-minute workshop.
This could look like calligraphy, how to wear a hanbok/sari/kilt, how to braid hair, how to knit or do calligraphy, to name a few.
We are looking for a diversity of participants from our Pymble families so that we can showcase the richness of the cultures within our community.
To register your interest, please complete the form by clicking here.
Scholastic Book Club
The Scholastic Book Club Issue 2 Catalogue was given to your daughter this week. Parents can order via the LOOP app or on the Scholastic website – all details are in the back of the catalogue. Please ensure your order is placed before Monday 24 March.
Junior School earns ‘Scholastic Dollars’ (reward money) for any orders placed, which means that we can support a school/organisation in need and resources for our own Junior School library.
Thank you for your support.
Research Conversations with Dr Bosco Rowland
Junior School Digital News
Term 1 Key Dates (Week 7)
Friday 14 March – Year 6 OEP Group 2 returns to Pymble
Friday 14 March – NAPLAN: Numeracy (Years 3 and 5)
Saturday 15 March – Year 4 Mother Daughter Camp
Sunday 16 March – Year 4 Mother Daughter Camp
From the Junior School Parent Group (JSPG)
Year 2 EPIC Playdate!
📅 Date: Sunday 16 March
⏰ Time: 2.30pm to 4.30pm
📍 Location: Wahroonga Park (Coonanbarra Rd, Wahroonga)
All Year 2 families are invited to a fun and casual playdate where kids can play, and parents can connect.
🧺 Bring: A picnic rug and some snacks to share.
A great opportunity to meet and enjoy the afternoon together!
Year 3 Mums’ Night Out!
📅 Date: Friday 21 March
⏰ Time: 6.30pm
📍 Location: Jacaranda Restaurant & Bar, 480 Pacific Hwy, Killara NSW 2071
📢 RSVP via QR code by midday Friday 14 March
Cheers to an amazing group of mums! 🍸
Save the Date: Kindy Easter Egg Hunt
Hop on over for some Easter fun!
📅 Sunday 23 March
📍 Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
Please see the flyer for details and RSVP to your Year Co-ordinators.
Pedal Your Own Smoothie – Day 1
📅 Date: Tuesday 25 March
⏰ Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm
📍 Location: John Reid Hall
📝 Details:
• Hosted by the JSPG
• Years 3 to 5 will participate in making pedal-powered smoothies to promote healthy living and sustainability.
🔗 [Register Here] | [Parent Helper Sign-Up]
Pedal Your Own Smoothie – Day 2
📅 Date: Wednesday, 26 March 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: John Reid Hall
📝 Details:
• Hosted by the JSPG
• Years 2 and 6 will participate in making pedal-powered smoothies to promote healthy living and sustainability.
• 💚 Funds raised will support the Formula Goblin racing team in preparation for upcoming competitions.
🔗 [Register Here] | [Parent Helper Sign-Up]
🥤 Smoothie Options:
1. Dairy-free berry smoothie (apple juice, banana, strawberries, ice)
2. Banana smoothie (milk, banana, honey, ice)💰 Cost: $8.00
📌 Register by: Sunday 23 March
📩 Contact:
• Selina Kadeer – selina_kadeer@hotmail.com
• Archana Singh – archana@eca.edu.au
Year 3 Easter Playdate – Save the Date!
Come join us for a fun Easter playdate!
📅 Date: Sunday, 30 March
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Bicentennial Park, Prince of Wales Drive, West Pymble
It’ll be a great chance for the Year 3 girls to play, and siblings are more than welcome to join! Feel free to bring your own food and enjoy a relaxed morning together.
Plus, there’s a little Easter surprise for everyone on the day—just keep it a secret from the kids!
Hope to see you there!
Easter Cookie Decorating (Kindergarten to Year 2)
📅 Date: Friday 11 April
📍 Location: In-class activity (Kindy to Year 2)
📝 Details:
• Easter Cookie Decorating activity for students.
• Each student will receive two nut-free cookies with icing, sprinkles, and a small selection of lollies to decorate in class.
• Gluten-free and vegan options available on request.
• If a student cannot participate, they may bring a treat from home.
💰 Cost: $10
📌 RSVP by: Friday, 4 April 2025
📩 Enquiries: Dee Mathur – deeviya.mathur@gmail.com
🔗 [Click Here to Register] | [Parent Helper Signup]
Easter Cookie Decorating (Year 3 to 6)
📅 Date: Friday, 11 April 2025 (Final day of Term 1)
📍 Collection Location: Hedgehog House
📝 Details:
• A Take-Away Easter Cookie Decorating activity for Years 3 to 6.
• Each student receives two nut-free cookies with icing and sprinkles for decoration at home.
• Gluten-free and vegan options available on request.
💰 Cost: $10
📌 Register by: Thursday, 3 April 2025
📩 Enquiries: Dee Mathur – deeviya.mathur@gmail.com
Year 4 Parents Sip and Supper – Save the Date
📅 Date: Saturday, 17th May 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Greengate Hotel, Cnr Pacific Hwy & Greengate Rd, Killara
Please join us for a relaxed evening to connect and make new friends. Please reach out to your class parents for any questions.
Autumn Family Festival
At this week’s assembly, students were reminded of the opportunity host a market stall at the start of Term 2. This event, which was originally planned for Term 1, will now provide students with more time to prepare.
The stall theme is linked to a world culture that the student identifies with or is interested in. Students can participate individually or in small groups (up to 5).
To participate, students need parent permission, as the cost to produce items will be at their own expense. All proceeds from the sales (items priced at $1 or $2) will be donated to the Junior School charity, The Dish.
If your child is interested, please complete the permission form. Registrations close this Friday.
This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their cultural identity and entrepreneurial skills.
Please contact us with any questions at pymblelcjspg@gmail.com
Kate Brown
Head of Junior School