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Junior School News: Week 1, Term 1, 2019

I wish to extend a huge welcome to new and returning families. We begin 2019 after a substantial holiday break refreshed and ready to launch into the new school year. On Monday this week we had the pleasure of meeting our newest Eddies boys and their families. New students spent some time with their teachers and parents and carers were able to hear from key staff members. I would also like to take this opportunity to outline some changes to staffing that occurred late last year. Whilst the majority of staffing has stayed the same there has been some movement. Mr O’Rourke is now on class in Year 5, however, as he is off on leave this term, Mr Craig McMahon will be taking 5 Gold for this term. Mr McMahon is an experienced teacher who also has been a regular face in the junior School over the last year. He graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 2004 and went on to complete post graduate studies in England. He comes highly regarded from his most recent appointment at Canberra Grammar School. Replacing Mr O’Rourke in the library is Mrs Maryanne Larkin. Mrs Larkin is a very experienced teacher and has long ties to St Edmund’s both as a staff member and a parent. We are really happy and fortunate to have Maryanne with us again this year. Of course, this year we welcome back Ms Natalie Janes from maternity leave. Ms Janes will be teaching in Year 4.

Term 1 is always full of College events and generally moves very quickly. I have included below some important events that will impact on Junior School students or their families over the next few weeks.

Wednesday 6 February – 5.30pm-7.00pm – New Families Welcome Function (Edmund Rice Centre).

Friday 8 February – Student Photo Day. The company will give the students a pack and parents order online.

Tuesday 12 February 3.40pm – 6.30pm – Parent/Teacher Interviews

Information on how to sign up for these through the Parent Portal will be emailed to parents/carers this week. Our Parent/Teacher interviews in Term 1 offer an opportunity to discuss specific learning needs relating to your son/s.

Wednesday 13 February 9.45am – 11.00am – Opening School Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka. The school will celebrate the beginning of the school year with an opening school Mass. This will be a whole College event and the boys will walk to and from the venue. If your son has mobility issues, please let his class teacher know so that we can organise transport for him on one of the school buses.

Tuesday 5 March – Moderation Day (Pupil Free Day)

Friday 8 March – Junior School Swimming Carnival @ Queanbeyan. Information notes will be coming out this week and must be returned by the due date on the note. Please me mindful this is a swimming carnival so accurate indications of swimming ability are vital.

Year 4-6 after school homework assistance

Tuesday & Wednesday after school

3.30pm – 4.30pm

Junior School Library lab

Boys are to bring work with them that they may need assistance with. This could be homework, assignments, extension work or additional work set by their classroom teacher.

All students are welcome to attend, but this is not a drop in session and parents must email Mrs Ellem in advance requesting attendance for the week (one or both days) and what their son will be working on.

hellem@stedmunds.act.edu.au

David Kelly (Assistant Principal Junior School)