Director of the Junior School, Ms Alanna James
THANK YOU
As we come to the end of what has been a rich and rewarding term, we take this opportunity to reflect on the many moments of learning, growth and connection that have shaped the past nine weeks. Our school has been a vibrant hub of activity, with students embracing opportunities in the classroom, on the sporting field, and within the broader school community.
Highlights this term included the unforgettable Year 5 and Year 6 camps. Year 5 students explored Stanwell Tops, building resilience and friendships through activities such as rock climbing, bush cooking, beach walks, archery and the giant swing. Year 6 enjoyed the stunning surrounds of Collaroy, challenging themselves with rock climbing, abseiling, orienteering and the high ropes course. These experiences not only fostered independence and perseverance but also deepened connections between peers and teachers.
Our History Showcases were another standout, where students proudly shared their projects on significant migrants and figures from Australia’s colonial history, who have shaped Australia’s story. These events were a testament to the depth of understanding our students developed, as well as their ability to communicate with clarity, purpose and passion.
The Year 5 Retreat Day, centred around the theme of Community, Kindness and Leadership, saw students engage in meaningful service by baking over 300 cookies for the Wayside Chapel, writing kindness cards, and enjoying joyful games with Year 11 buddies. It was a day that truly reflected the values we seek to instil in our learners.
Saturdays throughout the term saw our winter sports teams represent the school with pride. Whether on the Football, AFL or Rugby fields, our students demonstrated teamwork, determination and school spirit. Their efforts were a wonderful reflection of their character and the supportive culture within our sporting community.
Across all areas of learning, our students have demonstrated deep thinking, collaboration and creativity. It has been a joy to see critical thinking skills sharpened, ideas shared respectfully and meaningful connections made across the curriculum. These important life skills have been nurtured through inquiry-based learning, class discussions and rich group tasks.
We would like to sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their tireless efforts, passion and unwavering commitment to our students. Their work behind the scenes and in the classroom ensures every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Finally, thank you to you, our parent community, for your continued partnership. Your support, encouragement and involvement enrich every aspect of school life.
We wish all families a safe, restful and joyful holiday and look forward to another exciting term ahead.
Reports
Today, your child’s school report has been made available via the Parent Lounge.
While grades and achievement levels offer insight into understanding and skill development, it is often a student’s attitude, perseverance and willingness to engage that tell the deeper story. When reading your child’s report, we encourage you to place particular emphasis on comments about effort and engagement, particularly in the Learner Profile section.
Every learner’s journey is different, and progress often looks different for each child. Take time to acknowledge and praise your child’s effort as this builds a growth mindset and reinforces the message that learning is a process. If possible, ask your child what they are proud of and what they might like to work on next term; this opens the door for supportive and empowering conversations.
A big thank you to our teaching staff for the time, care and insight they provide in the reporting process. As always, we are proud of the dedication and determination shown by our students and we look forward to supporting their .
Lunchtime Talk
Jessi Bolton, a Civil Engineer and Mum to Ben Morris, Year 6, shared her journey from Civil Engineering to the Director of Staff for LA28 Venues and Infrastructure.
From an early age, Jessi was encouraged by her dad to pursue a career in civil engineering, looking at how things are built. Jessi’s projects were based on problem-solving and finding solutions to problems. She shared her message of how she strived to discover the power of infrastructure projects and how they can deliver positive change to a community.
Jessi is now the Director of Staff for Venues and Infrastructure. In this role, Jessi will oversee the planning, design, and delivery of venues for the LA2028 Games, integrating sustainability, accessibility, and innovation to ensure the Olympic Games reflect the diversity and creativity of Los Angeles.
Thank you for giving up your time to inspire the next generation of civil engineers.
2025 ICAS Competitions – Closing Date July 23
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies.
Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report.
If you would like your son to compete in the 2025 ICAS Competitions, you will be asked to nominate which competitions you would like him to be entered in through the Parent Payment System. The Junior School offers the following ICAS competitions: Writing & Digital Technologies, Science & English and Mathematics.
This year, all the competitions will be held in August, Term 3 and will be completed online in the Learning Hub before school starts.
EXAM TIMETABLE TERM 3
All ICAS exams will be sat before school in the Learning Hub.
| WEEK | START TIME | DATE | ICAS EXAM |
| 3A | 8:00 am | Monday 4 August | Digital Technologies |
| 8:00 am | Wednesday 6 August | Writing | |
| 4B | 7:45 am | Tuesday 12 August | English |
| 5A | 7:45 am | Wednesday 20 August | Science |
| 6B | 7:45 am | Monday 25 August | Mathematics |
Click https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps to register your son.
Waverley’s School Access Code YGC063
Through this system, parents can pay for ICAS directly online, while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the school’s access code details to register your child no later than July 23, 2025.
Please consider carefully before choosing this enrichment opportunity for your son. It is a rigorous competition with many questions set beyond grade level. Participants are required to demonstrate a deeper, integrated and thorough level of learning. If you are unsure of your son’s suitability, please consult with his teacher.
If you require additional support registering your son, contact the customer service team. Call us on: Australian Toll-Free Tel 1800 931 775
