Students in Junior School have been participating in a Virtual Track and Field competition through Little Athletics ACT. Although this event is not linked to the Olympics specifically, it has been a lovely way to get our students interested in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, which is only days away. This competition is against other schools in the ACT and surrounds and we are looking to do our best across a range of disciplines. Thank you to Mr Fox and Ms Lowe for assisting with this virtual event. I will post a link in the Junior School News next week so we can see how our school is progressing.
Next Tuesday 27 July we will have a former Olympic athlete come to school to speak with all Junior School students. Jamie Pittman represented Australia in Athens in 2004 in the sport of boxing (he was captain of the team) before turning professional. Some brief information about Jamie:
PRIMARY SCHOOL/S YOU ATTENDED: Shortland Public School (NSW)
HIGH SCHOOL/S: Jesmond High School (NSW)
FAVOURITE MEAL: Chicken Schnitzel, Salad
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING AN ELITE ATHLETE? Beating the challenges you face day in, day out.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO COMPETE AND WHY: Australia, Best country on earth
WHO IS YOUR SPORTING HERO: My first Coach Mrs Short.
Heritage Round – Saturday 24 July. This Saturday we have home fixtures for Rugby Union with our good friends Marist College Canberra. We want as many students at the games, particularly our First XV game, (begins 3pm) as possible. This is always a wonderful day of the school’s calendar and we encourage respectful and sensible behaviour. We have met with the students several times this week to go over expectations for this weekend and we would expect even better behaviour from spectators. Please chat with your son prior to the weekend about the importance of sportsmanship on days like this. So you can be really clear in discussing this with your son/s, I have included below some of the reminders that all students in Years 4-12 received this week.
We want you here on Saturday
Appropriate dress – full school uniform including blazer (7-12 only) – the only exceptions are the boys who play late in the afternoon (close to First XV and/or Senior Football game times), otherwise if they are not in uniform they should not turn up. Junior School students can wear their Winter uniform and an extra coat if needed for warmth.
Appropriate sportsmanship – absolutely no booing or negative comments to the opposition or the opposing spectators in the grandstand or around the grounds (maintained before, during and after the game). NO booing in any circumstance. NO distractions when someone is kicking for goal.
Encouraging as many boys to be to there to support SEC on the day so that the grandstand is full.
We want OUR grandstand and surrounds FULL of spirited, loud and respectful support.
Follow any instruction given to you by a member of staff
We do not want any disrespectful mob mentality – that is not wanted here on Saturday or any other day.
We want a good day – that people can attend and enjoy.
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. 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. We are also assessing whether restrictions imposed on our group for our stay will adversely affect the purpose and outcomes of the camp.
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