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Junior School News: Week 1, Term 3, 2021

Welcome back from the Winter break. I hope all families have had an opportunity to have some time together at some point during the break. Sometimes this break from the routines and pressures of school and responsibilities of Saturday sport can come at just the right time. As Term 3 commences, we have an opportunity to reset and think about learning goals. These goals can be based on semester one reports. Our teachers will have encouraged students to read their report thoroughly and determine what areas they can improve.

Over the term I look forward to watching the young men of Junior School do their best in all areas.

Later this term, Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 September, Parent/Teacher conversations will take place between the staff and parents. I am confident that working together, the boys will continue to strive for improvement.

Members of our school community have been keen to clarify whether staff and students will need to wear masks when they return to school. Masks are not required to be worn by students and staff in school. However, anyone is free to wear a mask to school if they choose and staff, parent volunteers and students aged 13 and above are encouraged to wear masks if visiting a crowded indoor venue off-campus, for example, on an excursion. A reminder that families who have travelled interstate during the school holidays should check the ACT Government’s COVID-19 website and follow the health advice if you have been in any of the exposure locations listed. It is also important to remember that everyone in the ACT should be following COVID Safe practices. If your child is unwell, they need to stay home and get tested with even mild symptoms.

NAIDOC Assembly, Friday 16 July. We look forward to this year’s NAIDOC assembly which will occur after recess on this day.

Experience Eddies Day, Tuesday 20 July – just a reminder that some Year 6 Leaders will be involved in assisting some prospective students on this day.

Year 5 Camp – Monday 9 August – Wednesday 11 August. ACT Education are now mandating that most interstate excursions should not proceed at this time, given the recent outbreaks in Australia and the risk posed by travel. However, lower risk camps and excursions to the local area can still go ahead. This includes to neighbouring Local Government Areas in South East NSW including Yass Valley, Goulburn Mulwaree, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valley, Eurobodalla, Bega Valley and Shoalhaven. At this stage we are planning to go to Tuross Heads but we will just need to keep an eye on unfolding Covid-related events in NSW. Safety of our students and our community remains a major priority.

Year 6 Transition to Year 7 – A big thankyou to all the students who have been involved in our Year 6 Runner’s program. Hopefully this has given our Year 6 students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the full College layout ahead of further transition events to come this semester. Please see below for some key dates as part of our transition program.

Monday 18 October – Year 7 2022 Orientation Day
Tuesday 2 November – Year 7 2022 Information Night
Thursday 4 November – Year 6 Retreat

BOOKWEEK (Week 7)
On Thursday 26 August all students in the Junior School will have the opportunity to dress up as their favourite book character. They will then participate in a parade to celebrate books and reading. This is a fun event which everyone is encouraged to be involved in so start preparing your costume soon. The theme is ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’.

Homework Club – Mrs Ellem will be running homework club from Weeks 2-9 this term on Tuesdays/Wednesdays. Please email her hellem@stedmunds.act.edu.au with a day’s notice should you wish to book your son/s in.

Moderation Day 2, Thursday 12 August – Please note that as per the school calendar this is a pupil-free day. Teachers will be involved in professional learning on this day.

David Kelly
Assistant Principal – Junior School