B
THE LEADERS’ PERSPECTIVE
Head of Junior School
Head of Junior School The Junior School has thrived in 2014. Enrolments continue to grow with a record 455 boys in the ELC and Junior School this year. We were delighted to welcome many new boys and families as well as staff members Jessica Taylor, Darren Cook, Amanda Foulds, Madelyn Bolch and Ben Ryan.
Setting the path forward Our new Headmaster Ross Featherston didn’t take long to set a clear direction forward with the release of the BGS 2014–16 strategic plan. This included a renewed emphasis in developing the social and emotional side of boys through Growth and Wellbeing. The Junior School Staff invested significant time in Term 3 undertaking Mindfulness training facilitated by the BGS Director of Growth and Wellbeing, Kay Rogers. All boys also participated in Mindfulness classroom sessions with guest expert Janet EttyLeal and their homeroom teachers. In the ELC the four year old classes of boys were trained in developing their skills of focus through simple yoga classes. Another pillar of the plan is about creating a high performance learning culture. Two new initiatives in the Junior School to support that aim were the appointment of Clair Marshall as a full time resource advancing our teaching and learning – in particular working directly with staff in the classroom coaching and mentoring them as the focus shifts from just content to developing a range of 21st century learning skills in the boys. Further specialist support has been introduced with Pauline Anthony explicitly teaching boys and staff various technology applications in her role of e-Learning co-ordinator. We also introduced Drama as a specialist subject from Prep to Year 6.
Importance of relationships Two programs that I believe really support the culture of inclusiveness in the Junior School are: • Our Buddy system, involving all boys from ELC to Year 6, focuses on the values of friendliness, respect, responsibility, caring, inclusiveness and valuing difference. • Our House System provides healthy competition for the boys as we encourage 26 GRAMMARIAN 2014
them to always give their best. This year boys competed in diverse competitions including: swimming, cross country, athletics, tabloid sports, chess, spelling, mathematics, public speaking, debating and trivia. Because relationships are so crucial for the successful functioning of the School, the emphasis on building a strong Three Cornered Partnership between staff, boys and the home is vital. We try to offer many opportunities for parental involvement and are heartened by participation levels, but I would still encourage you to step forward to be even more involved in 2015. This year parents were involved in • • • • • • •
Information evenings Parent Teacher Interviews JPG social events Year level social gatherings Classroom and excursion support Parent education forums House Sporting events.
Congratulations and thank you to Jo Cantwell and the Junior Parents Group for the many functions organised to support our community and also for your great success in fundraising. The ongoing support of the JPG is certainly valued and greatly appreciated. The positive vibe, sense of community and carnival atmosphere at the end of year Family Fun Night and Willy Wonka Ball were great highlights this year. Our relationship with Firbank Grammar is also important and valued. All boys from ELC to Year 6 experience a variety of learning and social opportunities throughout the year. The visit to Milikapiti and Indigenous Exchange and the Year 6 Combined Musical are just two highlights of our activity with Firbank.
Community service The Junior School commitment to those less fortunate has been outstanding. We have had four collections for the Ute Full of Food, Easter and Christmas donations to Mary MacKillop Family Services, the amazing 24 hour marathon effort in the Relay for Life, the memorable MND Ice Bucket Challenge and fundraising for Milikapiti and Baraka this year.