Welcome Back to Term 2!

Welcome back to all our Junior School students, staff and families for Term 2 at CGS.

On 25 April, we paused to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Anzacs. Leading up to the Anzac Day public holiday, our students participated in meaningful activities to reflect on this significant day, gaining a deeper understanding of the history and lasting impact of those who served. 

Our Junior School and Social Justice leaders also had the privilege of representing the school at the local Cranbourne Dawn Service. Lest we forget.

A big thank you to all the teachers and parents who took part in our recent Parent–Teacher Interviews. These conversations are crucial in supporting the ongoing development and learning of each student.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Junior School House Cross Country last Wednesday. It was a fantastic display of effort, sportsmanship and teamwork. A special congratulations to our top runners who received medals and best of luck to those advancing to the District Cross Country. A huge thank you to Mr Batey for organising this fantastic annual event. Well done to Reid House for taking home the win.

The Year 4 City Camp began yesterday and the excitement as students boarded their buses was contagious. Students will have the chance to explore the city, participate in engaging educational experiences and build new friendships. A heartfelt thank you to Mr Bell, Mrs Harvie, Mrs Britton-Bird, Mrs Kyne, Mr Pendle, Miss Humphries and Dr Jacob for their tremendous efforts in ensuring the camp is a success.

We kicked off Term 2 with a special Welcome assembly, celebrating the return of our students and setting a positive tone for the term ahead. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Term 1 and recognise students who embody our school values of respect, integrity, compassion, inclusion and excellence.

As we move forward in Term 2, there is so much to look forward to in the Junior School. We are excited about the opportunities and activities ahead, and we can’t wait to see continued growth and achievement across the school.

Melissa Roberton

Head of Junior School

Anzac Day in the Classroom

Last week, after reading about the experiences of the two characters in the book, Anzac Biscuits, the students in 6K got to make their own Anzac biscuits. While the biscuits baked in the oven, they re-read the book and identified the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of the soldier on the war front versus those of his daughter back at home in Australia as she baked Anzac biscuits.

Then, together with a partner, they used sensory language to compose a poem from the perspective of the two characters. Here is what some of the students said afterwards:

“The contrast between what the two characters saw was really interesting. They both saw smoke and smelt smoke, but it was a very different type of smoke.” Ishkhwab

“I really enjoyed writing this poem because we had to use our brain and we had to remember the sights, the sounds and the smells from the book.” Shlok

“After reading the book, it really helped me understand why we make Anzac biscuits on Anzac Day.” Olivia

Below is a copy of Sascha and Grace’s finished poem:

I see my mum putting the tray in the oven.

I see the rain spitting on the window.

The warm air from the oven meets my face.

I see soldiers dropping one by one.

The bombs hitting the ground frighten me.

Thunder strikes.

I hear the oven ticking.

I hear my mum humming.

Mum’s shoes are tapping the floor.

I hear the waves splashing against the sand.

I hear bullets fly past my face.

Soldiers are screaming.

I smell the sweet brown sugar.

I smell the oats cooking.

It smells like happiness.

I smell my hot breath hitting my face.

I smell sweat trickling down hot faces.

It smells like hard work and pain.

It hurts my heart to be apart.

But you will always be in my heart.

I miss you.

Vanessa Khvorostin

6K Teacher

Leaver News

Last term, Leaver House supported the Big Group Hug Children’s Charity by participating in their Winter Warmer Campaign. As you can see from the photo, the generosity of our school community was incredible.

On behalf of everyone in Leaver House, we would like to thank all the students, teachers and their families for their very generous donations. Your beautiful, preloved clothes are going to bring much needed warmth and comfort to hundreds of families this winter.

Bronwyn Kyne

House Coordinator Leaver House

Pyjama Day

Each year, Casey Grammar School proudly supports the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal; a truly important cause. In the last week or Term 1, our Junior School students joined in the fun by wearing their pyjamas to school and bringing a gold coin donation.

All the money raised was donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital, a remarkable hospital located right here in Victoria. These funds help provide vital resources such as medical equipment, staff training, medicine and much more.

It was wonderful to see everyone cozy in their PJs, and thanks to your generous contributions, we raised an incredible $705.85. Thank you for supporting this great cause and helping to make a difference.

Miss Bridgette Reale

House Coordinator Trist House

House Activities

In a fun filled last week of term, the Foundation students had their very first House meeting. It was a great opportunity for them to meet the House Captains and their fellow House members. They learnt about the importance of teamwork and House spirit, played games and practised singing their House chant.

The Years 3–6 students gathered for their own House meeting, where they discussed upcoming events and reflected on the term’s achievements.

To wrap up the term with some fun and energy, the four Houses hosted a lunchtime Dance Party. Students of all ages danced to their favourite tunes, celebrating the end of the term with joy and enthusiasm. The event was a perfect way to bring the school community together and end the term on a high note.

It was a fantastic term filled with House spirit and collaboration, and we are looking forward to another one, which has already kicked off with Cross Country. Well done to each and every student who took part, particularly the Foundation students, who participated for the very first time. Congratulations to Reid House for winning overall.

Junior School House Coordinators – Miss Reale, Miss Iriyadi, Mrs Kyne and Mrs Harvie

Year 6 Canberra Camp

Students from our school have recently undertaken a tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education.

To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $45.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Patrick Byrne-Nelson

Year 6 Teacher