2023, Term 1, Edition 4 - Junior School

Junior School Report

I was privileged to attend our recent Year 4 City Camp in Collins Street Melbourne. The students visited the Rialto Tower and toured the MCG before enjoying a rooftop movie under the stars.

Our Year 4 cohort represented our school extremely well and enjoyed participating at Bounce, a trampoline and rock climbing centre. Thank you to Mr Bell, Mrs Harvie, Ms Britton-Bird, Mrs Kyne, Mrs Willett and Mrs Barnes for ensuring this was a memorable experience for our Year 4 students.

Over the past two weeks, our Year 3 and Year 5 Junior School students participated in NAPLAN, completing tests in the areas of writing, reading, language conventions and numeracy. I was proud of all our students, and we look forward to receiving their results later in the year. These tests are just one small part of how Casey Grammar students are assessed and it is important to note that NAPLAN measures knowledge on a given day, but doesn’t measure qualities such as kindness, teamwork, creativity, curiosity or resilience.

Last week we celebrated Harmony Week which culminated in a cultural clothes day and a Foundation to Year 2 Harmony Day parade. It was wonderful to welcome so many parents to the parade!

Students were also able to order a variety of lunches from different cultures. A highlight of the week was all Foundation to Year 6 classes watching talented students dancing, singing and playing instruments representing their countries of origin. We owe Mrs Riviere-Pendle a debt of gratitude for organising such a significant week in the Casey Grammar School calendar.

It was a pleasure to welcome back Junior School classroom assemblies last week. Mr Bell and his talented Year 4 students entertained and delighted us with their princess and the pirates assembly. We all enjoyed the dancing, singing, acting and colourful costumes. Bravo Mr Bell and 4B. What a way to kick off our assemblies for the year! We look forward to Mrs Black’s assembly this week.

At present, I am attending our Year 5 camp which is at The Ranch in Cape Schanck. Our students are enjoying the activities which include horse riding, giant swing, flying fox and mountain boarding.

Monday’s night hike was enjoyed by all, and the students are looking forward to tomorrow night’s campfire and movie night. After all the activities I am sure the students will return home exhausted, but very happy. Sincere thanks to Mrs Ramos-Chan, Mrs Khvorostin, Mrs Levett, Miss Kipping, Miss Hall, Mr Bell, Mrs Torcasio, Miss Kaldi and Miss Parnell for giving up their time to ensure our Year 5s are able to have this valuable experience.

Melissa Roberton

Head of Junior School

Easter Raffle and Pyjama Day

The Junior School Trist House have been busy organising our annual fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

We have been learning about this incredible hospital and where the money raised from the Good Friday Appeal goes. I am really impressed by the number of students who have volunteered their time to help with jobs, such as making posters, delivering notices, selling tickets and wrapping prizes. It truly makes me proud to know we have so many caring and supportive members in our community!

There are two ways Junior School students can get involved and support our fundraiser this year. We are holding an Easter raffle in the last week of term, as well as a Pyjama Day on Wednesday 5 April.

There are 15 awesome Easter prizes to be won, including a gift that has been kindly donated by the Only Mine Chocolate Factory, Cranbourne West. If you haven’t heard of this wonderful local business, you might like to check it out in the school holidays or even participate in one of their children’s chocolate making classes!

All money raised from our raffle and Pyjama Day will go to the Good Friday Appeal and we will be sure to announce the raffle winners and share with you the amount of money we raise.

Students will receive a notice containing details for both the raffle and Pyjama Day.

We are so excited to be able to end the term in such a fun and meaningful way. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.

Bridgette Reale

Head of Trist House

Shortbread Making

Harmony Week was filled with exciting activities throughout the school. Our Social Justice Captain, Alanna, shares her reflection below.

Harmony Week has been a blast for the Junior School!

On Wednesday, Year 5 and 6 students participated in shortbread making at lunch time. Shortbread is a traditional Scottish biscuit.

Mrs Williams, Miss Reale and Mrs Torcasio helped us bake this tasty treat. All these fabulous activities wouldn’t be possible without Mrs Riviere-Pendle and her Harmony Week organisation.