Welcome back to another exciting year at Junior School Kew. It has been an incredibly positive start to 2024, and the enthusiasm and energy emanating from our committed staff and eager students has brought a great sense of joy to the Junior School. As we begin to embrace the new opportunities and challenges this year brings, it has been wonderful to witness our new students and staff transition so smoothly into our Carey community.
This Friday marks a special celebration within our school community: Lunar New Year. A highlight for our students from ELC to Year 6 is always the traditional Chinese lion performance, which never fails to capture their curiosity and imagination. It is events like these that contribute to the rich tapestry of experiences that make the Junior School a unique and vibrant learning environment.
A Connected Community: a pillar of strength
A Connected Community is one of our whole-school strategic priorities. In line with this, a strategic priority for our Junior School is to strengthen our already robust culture of parent-school engagement. Research consistently shows that strong parent-school engagement significantly influences student success and wellbeing.
Parent-school engagement encompasses various forms of collaboration that extend beyond your child’s classroom. Volunteer opportunities, attending meetings, engaging in your child’s education at home, community collaboration and effective two-way communication between families and the School are all integral aspects. This collaborative approach not only benefits students but also strengthens the overall school community (Epstein, J L, 2011).
Opportunities for engagement this term
This term, we have several exciting opportunities for families to engage with our community. Our upcoming Meet the Teacher Evening will provide parents with an opportunity to gain an overview of the Junior School’s strategic and operational priorities for 2024, as well as an opportunity to connect with your child’s classroom teacher and gain insights into the teaching and learning program for your child's year level including important procedural matters and upcoming events. Additionally, our wellbeing discussions aim to foster a supportive environment for open conversations about your child’s holistic development.
We’re also excited about our Junior School Parent Association (JSPA) Welcome Twilight Picnic, a wonderful initiative that encourages our Junior School families to come together and form lasting connections. The active involvement of the JSPA plays a crucial role in creating a sense of belonging and support within our community, alongside the class representatives who also provide a vital network for all Junior School Kew parents.
As we embark on this term, I am enthusiastic about continuing to build and strengthen a shared learning community with our families. Your feedback, insights and ideas are invaluable in ensuring that we continue to thrive in the area of parent-school engagement. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have suggestions or if there are specific ways you would like to contribute.
Wishing everyone a positive term ahead and extending my warmest wishes for a Happy Lunar New Year to all our families celebrating this joyous occasion.
Kylie Baxter
Head of Junior School Kew
