In our final week of Term 3, we have been enjoying a wonderful Preparatory School production of Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies. Congratulations to all of the staff involved and the many students who have decided to express themselves on the stage and appreciate different perspectives. The production will be followed by the House Shout this afternoon, which is the final event of our two-week-long Springtime Celebration. You can view some images of the play captured by Year 9 student Caleb Elkin on our Facebook page here.
The Parents’ Association are hosting a whole-of-school parent event in Term 4. This will be a great night for parents from all year groups to enjoy the company of parents they may not always connect with as we go about our busy lives. If you would like to attend please follow this link to secure tickets. This event is open to parents from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12.
Breaks during the year are significant for families and students; they allow our over-scheduled students to enjoy free child-initiated play. I know that sometimes we hear ‘I’m bored’, however, boredom is often the precursor of creativity. It teaches our children to occupy themselves and not rely on others for entertainment and look to be independent and creative. The break is also a time to learn things that aren’t covered in school, students get to socialise, learn a new skill, play music and explore the outdoors – and we certainly have the weather for it. Of course, it is also a great time for family holidays and creating memories. Whatever you choose to do, my wish is that you have a safe and enjoyable break, and I look forward to seeing everyone back for Term 4.
As we prepare to head into the holidays, I am reminded of the simple significance of the messages displayed in all our classrooms – ‘Ready to learn’, alongside our School values. It is the primary responsibility of all students to recharge and reflect during the holidays to enable them to return with renewed energy and focus for Term 4. Many students will be engaged in school activities during the holidays, some around preparations for Term 4 sporting competitions, some in Cadet activities, and others in fine-tuning their academic understanding through targeted revision programs. I commend them for their commitment to these varied activities and encourage them to find the balance and have some downtime with family and friends.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have seen the commencement of the student leadership transition period. The Year 11 nominated School and House Prefects commenced prefect duties under the guidance of the Student Services Co-ordinator. This morning, the Year 11 students who will make up the 2024 student leadership team were announced to the cohort after assembly. The composition of the final School and House Prefect teams will be announced at the final Year 12 Prizegiving Assembly on Thursday 19 October.
This period of selection and announcement brings with it a heightened emotion amongst Year 11 students, and we are aware that for some the election to a formal prefect position is contrasted by the disappointment of missing out on selection. Unfortunately, this contrast mirrors many times in life when we need to gather ourselves and move forward and our resilience is tested. I have included a link here, provided through The Wynne Centre for Health and Wellbeing that looks at working with our children to build resilience.
Leading into next term, I urge parents to carefully scrutinise their son’s appearance and presentation of school uniform before the mad rush takes place as the new term begins. Term 1 summer uniforms may be a bit small, and we want all uniforms to be well-fitted and respectful of the standards of the school. Your support in ensuring your son’s appearance meets the Student Presentation Rules and Hair Guidelines is greatly appreciated. Similarly, the school day begins at 8.25am and lateness simply starts the day off on the back foot, thus I seek parents’ co-operation to ensure boys arrive on time and are in tutorial by 8.30am.
In conclusion, I thank the school community for all they have done this term to support and facilitate a huge range of exciting and diverse school activities. I would also like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday in the weeks ahead and we look forward to welcoming Mr Mark Morrissy back from long service leave for the start of Term 4.
Upcoming Senior School Events
End of Term 3 – Friday 22 September at 12.45pm
Start of Term 4 – Tuesday 11 October at 8.25am
Year 12 Celebration Day – Tuesday 17 October at 8.30am to 12.00pm
Year 12 Study Day – Wednesday 18 October
Year 12 Prize-giving and Award Assembly – Thursday 19 October at 8.30am to 9.30am
Year 12 Valedictory Service and Dinner – Thursday 19 October at 6.15pm to 10.00pm
Jamie Foster
Acting Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School (Term 3)
The final week of Term 3 is a vibrant one in the Preparatory School. The boys perform for their cohort during their Music Concerts where all boys can perform a song, skit or play an instrument in front of their peers and family. The boys from Years 3 and 4 walked to Hadley Hall at Methodist Ladies’ College to watch the orchestra and choir from Sydney Grammar Preparatory School perform many musical items. Both the teachers and boys were impressed by the talents of these students.
The Year 6 students have been rehearsing all term for their production of Robin Hood and the Sherwood Hoodies. The cast includes more than 45 boys from Year 6 and the production has become a popular part of the Year 6 school calendar. The performances were held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights with a matinee performance on Monday for the Year 5 students. It was another wonderful show, and we thank Mr Ryan Dawson for all of his time in putting it together. You can view some images of the performance here.
Last Thursday 14 September was R U OK? Day around Australia. R U OK? Day is a national day of action when Australians are reminded to check in with the people in their lives to start meaningful conversations whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling. In the Preparatory School, information was provided to the boys through the student bulletin. Our Health and Wellbeing Resource, SchoolTV, has published a special report on R U OK? Day. If you would like to read this report, please click here.
As Term 3 draws to an end, we should be proud of what the boys have accomplished so far this year. The standard of work on display for Open Night and Grandparents Day, the work and assessments brought home, students’ involvement in musical ensembles and performances, their sporting endeavours, and the way they conduct themselves at school is a testament to their hard work and positivity.
I wish all families a restful break and we look forward to welcoming you back for the start of Term 4.
