Director of the Junior School, Ms Alanna James
Diary Dates
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar.
- 26 June – Classes conclude
- 27 June – Reports available
Year 5 Camp
Stanwell Tops. Surrounded by nature and perched above the ocean, the students embraced every opportunity for adventure, challenge and connection.
Throughout the camp, students participated in a wide range of exciting activities including rock climbing, archery, the exhilarating giant swing, and bush cooking where they made their very own damper over an open fire.
A beach walk with games in the park was another highlight, providing a moment of calm reflection and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
One of the most powerful outcomes of the camp was the way students bonded with one another outside the classroom setting.
Whether it was cheering each other on as they tackled the climbing wall, sharing stories around the campfire, or supporting new friends through each activity, the camp provided countless opportunities to strengthen existing friendships and build new ones.
We are incredibly proud of the way our Year 5 students approached each challenge with enthusiasm and resilience, and how they demonstrated our core values in action.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the staff who attended and supported the boys throughout the camp, and to our families for their support in making this experience possible.
Year 5 camp was truly a memorable journey of growth, courage and connection.
Year 6 History Showcase
Today we celebrated the Year 6 History Showcase.
It was an exceptional display not only of the incredible work our Year 6 students have put into researching and presenting their projects, but also of the diverse stories, backgrounds, and journeys that have shaped the world we live in, and the community we belong to.
This term, our students have explored a story of a migration to Australia from within their family or community.
These individuals have left their homes in search of safety, opportunity, or a better future.
Through this learning, students have discovered the courage it takes to begin again in a new land, the contributions migrants make to their communities, and the strength that comes from diversity.
At our school, we are proud of the rich cultural backgrounds that make up our community.
Each student, each family, brings something unique, a story, a tradition, a perspective, that helps us all grow in understanding and empathy.
Congratulations Year 6 – your showcase was truly exceptional and you should be so proud of what you have accomplished.
Thank you also to our wonderful teachers for guiding and inspiring our students, and to our families for your ongoing support.
Lunchtime Talk
The Junior School was thrilled to welcome Lucy Tweed, author, food stylist and Mum to Beau (Year 5) as our lunchtime guest speaker, whose enthusiasm and creativity turned a simple tray of brownies into a masterclass on how food connects to every part of life.
Lucy shared her journey from being told not to play with her food to building a career as a food stylist and cookbook author, showing us that it’s possible to combine all your interests, from art and science to maths and storytelling, into something truly rewarding.
Lucy’s presentation was more than cooking; it was about understanding chemistry, following instructions, dividing portions, appreciating visual appeal, and even exploring the origins and history of our ingredients.
Lucy’s talk reminded us that food is more than just nutrition—it brings people together, tells stories, and celebrates moments big and small. Her advice to embrace all our passions and not be afraid to “play with our food” resonated with the boys, making learning both practical and fun.
And of course, her brownies were the perfect sweet ending, enjoyed by all as we put our new maths skills to the test, cutting them up for the group.
Thank you, Lucy, for your wisdom, warmth, and those unforgettable brownies.
You can find the link to Lucy’s books here …don’t forget to use the code ENOTWFRIENDS20 for 20% off.
Book Week 2025 – an update from Ms Natasha Zivanovic
In Week 5, we will be celebrating Book Week at the Junior School. The theme this year is Book An ADVENTURE.
Book Week Competitions
All students from the Junior campus are encouraged to enter one or both of the competitions running for Book Week.
Writing Workshop
Your son will take part in a fun and engaging writing workshop that will encourage critical and creative thinking while working collaboratively in a small group to produce part of an imaginative text, which in turn will be part of a book.
The final copy will be printed and placed in the Learning Hub for all to enjoy. I am looking forward to working with Year 6 on Tuesday, 19 August, and with Year 5 on Thursday, 21 August.
Book Week Guest Author Jeremy Lachlan
Jeremy Lachlan will be Waverley’s guest author for Book Week on Thursday, 14 August.
Based in Sydney, NSW, Jeremy Lachlan is a best-selling, award-winning author whose lifelong passion for adventure—and a memorable visit to the Cairo Museum—inspired him to create The Jane Doe Chronicles.
This epic action-adventure fantasy series explores a dangerous, infinite labyrinth between worlds and follows the girl destined to rule it.
Jeremy is passionate about sharing his love of storytelling with readers of all ages. His visit aims to inspire students to expand their imaginations and think big.
We look forward to welcoming Jeremy and celebrating the power of stories together!
Pre-loved, Pop-up Bookshop – Encouraging Independent Reading Choices
One of the most important ways to support your son’s reading journey is to empower him to choose his books. I am excited to announce that our Pop-up Bookshop will return in Week 5, on Monday, 18 August.
This year, I am focusing on making our Pop-up Bookshop both sustainable and cost-effective. To help make this possible, we invite you to donate pre-loved children’s books. These books will be sold at very affordable prices, making it easy for every student to find something they’ll love.
All proceeds from the Pop-up Bookshop will be donated to one of the Edmund Rice foundations, supporting important community initiatives.
If you’d like to contribute, please send your book donations to the Learning Hub.
Thank you for helping us foster a love of reading while supporting a great cause.
Photos from past pre-loved Pop-up Bookshops!
Hoodies
I would like to take a moment to clarify the expectations around the wearing of the co-curricular hoodie. These hoodies are designed specifically for training sessions and Saturday sport.
Students are not permitted to wear them to and from school, during the school day, or underneath their sports jacket.
We understand that there has been some confusion regarding this policy, and I sincerely apologise for any mixed messages that may have been communicated earlier.
All students have now been spoken to about these expectations to ensure consistency and understanding moving forward.
We appreciate your ongoing support and understanding as we work together to maintain a sense of pride and uniformity in how our students present themselves.
Thank you once again for your partnership.
Home Learning Club
Due to the last week of term, there will be no Home Learning Club next week.
