As this term draws to a close, it is easy in school life to find ourselves already looking ahead. In many ways, that is the natural rhythm of schools. Even as we finish one term, our minds quickly turn to the next. Planning our new learning sequences, preparing end of year events, looking towards transitions and, at this time of year, beginning to think carefully about the year ahead. It is perhaps also a reflection of the busy lives we all lead, where the next commitment, the next deadline or the next opportunity can so quickly draw our attention forward.
However, the end of term also offers us an important invitation to pause. Before we rush too quickly into what comes next, it is worth taking a moment to look back and reflect on the journey we have travelled together, and to celebrate all that has been achieved. In the Junior School, this term has been no different to any other in the sense that our students’ core academic, specialist and co-curricular programs have been rich and purposeful. Yet, woven through these programs have also been many additional opportunities that have encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones, grow as learners and young people, and celebrate just how far they have come in their learning journey.
At the beginning of the term, our Prep children celebrated 100 days of school. This milestone represents not only 100 days of learning, but quite possibly 100 lunchboxes packed, 100 brave separations at the classroom door, and maybe 100 items of clothing that have mysteriously made their way into lost property! It was a joyful moment to recognise the confidence, independence and sense of belonging our youngest students have developed since the start of the year.
Across the term, our students have continued to engage in experiences that have broadened their thinking and strengthened their connections. Carey was delighted to host 20 teams from 11 schools for the MAV Maths Games, with our Year 3 students from across the Junior School taking part in a celebration of mathematical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving. Our Year 4 Donvale students also hosted a special lunch at the Kew campus for a family member, thoughtfully prepared using produce grown in the Donvale garden. It was a wonderful example of learning that is practical, engaging and deeply connected to place.
Our Year 2 students enjoyed a STEM incursion that immersed them in their Unit of Inquiry, Robot Buddies. This learning has culminated in students designing and creating their own robots, which they will proudly share as part of their exhibition of learning. We also had a record number of students from across the Junior School participate in the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee this term, facilitated by our Literacy Leader of Learning, Ms Paula Heenan.
There have also been many moments of community, creativity and service. Our ELC children and educators enjoyed dressing up in their pyjamas to raise money for Melbourne City Mission and people experiencing homelessness, and both campuses were filled with much-loved storybook characters during our Book Week parades. Our Year 6 students came together for their second leadership day at the Kew campus, continuing to build their skills, confidence and sense of responsibility as the senior students of our Junior School.
Connection across the whole Junior School has continued to be a strong focus. Our Year 1 students attended their Outdoor Education excursion day at Westerfolds Park, where they met students from across campuses. They then had the opportunity to reconnect at last Friday’s Prep–Year 2 Move, Connect, Play day. It was lovely to hear students recognise one another and say, ‘I remember you from our Outdoor Ed excursion!’ These moments may seem small, but they are deliberately designed to support students as we continue preparing for the 2028 integration into one Junior School.
Our Year 4 students experienced their first Outdoor Education program at our special camp, Toonallook, and were very lucky with the weather, mostly! We also had the opportunity to acknowledge the special fathers and significant adults in our students’ lives through a range of Father’s Day celebrations, including the ELC Fathers Day twilight evenings, the Fathers Day stall at Donvale and the Fathers Day breakfast at Kew.
This term also saw us launch the vision for our Years 5–6 Centre to our parent community. This exciting development reflects our commitment to creating learning environments that support the needs of our older Junior School students including spaces that foster independence, collaboration, leadership and a strong sense of readiness for the next stage of their learning journey.
And, fittingly, the term will finish on a high with our inaugural Year 5 Musical, Finding Nemo Jr. This promises to be a wonderful celebration of courage, creativity and the joy that comes when students work together towards a shared goal.
Experiences such as these strengthen who we are as a Junior School community. They provide opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom, connect with others, try something new and see themselves as capable contributors. Of course, these experiences do not happen on their own. They rely on the care, planning and commitment of our staff, as well as the generous support of many parents and carers. To all who have contributed to the life of the Junior School this term, thank you.
As the holidays begin, I hope families can find time to pause together. Rather than moving immediately to the next destination, perhaps we can take a moment to stand still, look back over the path we have travelled, and notice the growth, effort and joy along the way. There will, of course, be time soon enough to look forward again. For now, I hope the break provides space to rest, reconnect and celebrate a term full of learning, courage, connection and community.
Kylie Baxter
Deputy Principal – ELC–Year 6
