Educational Support
Forthcoming events
JSPA
Music Department
Physical Education Department

5 May 2000 No. 12

From the Head of Junior School

Our week commenced with a special Assembly which acknowledged ninety seven boys who were either presented with badges of office or presented as assuming leadership roles within our Junior School.

I once again congratulate the boys listed in last week's newsletter and indeed thank these boys for accepting the responsibilities associated with their various roles.

The Life Education Caravan has been with us all week and boys have eagerly participated in this sequential program, focussing across a broad range of Health Issues. I encourage parents to speak with their own sons regarding the topics covered. Parents should contact their son's teacher for further information.

As a part of our 'Health' focus and after concerns expressed from staff and a number of parents, I have met with Mrs Brown in the school Tuckshop regarding the amount of confectionery being sold. After consultation with the staff, boys will notice some changes to what is available and it is hoped that whilst still providing some confectionery for sale, available items will be of a healthier nature. I look forward to feedback from the boys via the S.R.C.

I remind boys and parents that lunches must be ordered before school. Should boys forget their lunch they will be served a simple sandwich and a fruit drink. Under no circumstances will boys be served confectionery or other items in this situation.

I also encourage parents to monitor as closely as they are able what item boys are selecting for lunch in order that a healthy diet is in place, especially when boys bring their own 'pocket money' to purchase 'treats'.

Our Tuckshop has been most supportive of our desire to ensure the boys have access to healthy food and I thank Mrs Brown for her continued support.

Parents visiting the school will notice a new member of the office staff. I am pleased to welcome and introduce Miss Stephanie Shield who will be with us for the remainder of term, as Mrs Armstrong will be undergoing surgical procedures next week which will result in her resting for the remainder of the term.

Our prayers and best wishes are extended to Mrs Armstrong.

My theme for this week has been 'Responsibility' and ties in nicely with our leadership assembly. The Chaplain, Reverend Bradbeer, spoke to the boys about John the Baptist, who took responsibility of being a messenger for God and spreading the good news about Jesus. John's story will continue over the next few weeks in our weekly Chapel. The boys were left with the following affirmation;

'I am responsible. I will give my best to all I do and keep my agreements.
I welcome both praise and correction for my actions'

My thought for the week;

Guy B Mason

Educational Support Screening Program

Over the next two weeks, hearing and vision screening will take place in the Junior School. This service is primarily offered to Prep students. Parents of children in other year levels who have concerns about their child's hearing or vision, however, are welcome to contact Marcia Bacon, or the classroom teacher, to arrange an appointment. Screening for Hearing Problems will take place on the Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th May, whilst Vision Screening will take place on Wednesday 17th May.

Marcia Bacon, Director of Educational Support Services

Forthcoming Events

From the JSPA President, Susan Hughes

The Point Restaurant has allowed us to squeeze in another table for our Mothers' Day Lunch so please don't hesitate to join us on May 12. Free giveaways, over $3,000 of lucky envelope prizes with a number of prizes guaranteed for each table, plus the chance to relax and meet other mothers from your year level over a delicious lunch - not to mention a short but memorable performance by the Mothers' Choir! A flyer for the lunch, which includes a map, will be sent home with the boys today.

Also the Mothers' Day Stall will be held next Thursday (11 May) during school hours. Please ensure your boys have money to spend as there is a lovely selection of gifts all priced between $1 and $5.

The response to the Michael Carr-Gregg lecture on Wednesday 31 May has been very positive. For catering purposes please return the attendance slip to the JSPA box.

And don't forget The Club 150 ball on June 16. Invitations have gone out and Junior School parents have already booked several tables. We'd love to see more of you there - it will be a fun night!

From the Music Department

All Boys who have learnt an instrument for longer than one term have been invited to perform in the Junior School Music Recitals. Please contact me if your son has not received a notice.

Jenni Allen - Head of Junior School Music

From the Physical Education Department

Boys in years 5 & 6 have begun their afternoon training sessions for Term 2 sports - Football, Cross Country, Netball and Volleyball. Good luck to all teams. Training concludes at 4.30pm and boys should have left school by 4.45pm.

Monday - Year 5 Football, Year 6 Volleystars, Year 5/6 Cross Country.

Tuesday - Year 6 Football, Year 5 Volleystars, Year 5/6 Netball.

Many boys have tried out for APS/VPSSA squads. Congratulations to all and further details will follow in newsletters on their performances. If there are any interested parents who could assist with umpiring duties for football, netball, (Basketball and hockey (Term 3)) please contact Mr Hawkins or Miss Colaneri.

Peter Hawkins - Head of Sport