Junior School Report

After two years of long lockdowns and uncertainty, it came with a great deal of relief and anticipation that 2022 would allow us to reclaim the full extent of our rich and vibrant school program, as well as be able to fully engage our community in School events and life in our Junior School village. While Covid-19 was ever present to varying degrees throughout this year, its impact was well managed through vaccinations and strict health care protocols at school and at home. The Year 4 and 5 camps proved to be a wonderful way to welcome the boys back on campus and provided new students the opportunity to develop friendships and a sense of belonging. Of great delight was being able to host the Mother’s Day Breakfast on our Junior School Green, and what a wonderful morning it proved to be with clear skies, gas heaters to take the chill off the air, a delicious assortment of food, and the sweet sound of boys singing Isn’t She Lovely. Life in the village was recovering its mojo!

For two weeks in Term 2, mural artist Bjani Walk engaged with the boys of Junior School to create a vibrant, colourful celebration of our Yeti growth mindset ideals and School Values. Helping boys acquire a positive mindset that encourages learning, persevering, and bouncing back from unsuccessful attempts is a hallmark of life in our village. This is coupled with developing boys of character who embody the School’s values and approach each day with kindness and consideration for others and their environment. I am very proud of the way our boys embrace the opportunities to help others and their fundraising and awareness-raising efforts this year have been outstanding. I congratulate our Junior School Student Executive for the initiatives and the student community for its support.

With School life regaining some normality, we were able to enjoy many of the special events and activities that populate our Junior School calendar, such as camps, excursions, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Breakfasts, Swimming and Athletics Carnivals, concerts and soirees, and, of course, the delights of Book Week and its parade of characters. Our Junior School Musical, Star Warts: The Umpire Strikes Back, featuring all boys in Years 3 to 5, was a hilarious production performed to enthusiastic audiences. Most recently, the return of our Open Day after two missed years was a fantastic return to campus for our extensive community. What a wonderful day it was, thanks to the evergenerous support of our parent groups, who worked tirelessly to produce an event that certainly made up for lost time, and our teachers who relished the opportunity to showcase the work of their students.

As my last year at Camberwell Grammar comes to a close and I explore the green pastures of retirement, I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work within this school community, and particularly the Junior School village, for the past 15 years. It is truly an amazing place brimming with teachers dedicated

to their craft and their students, and a parent community that has been so supportive, helpful, and understanding. What a pleasure and privilege it has been to work with the Friends of Norge teams over the years – we have also had quite a deal of fun. I am extremely grateful to our current committee led by Ms Debbie Cheong, Ms Viviana Yong, and Ms Lydia Dwijayanti as they dedicated themselves to ensuring this recovery year was an enriching and enjoyable experience for boys, staff, and families. And where would we be without the devotion to duty and care for the community of Mrs Dune Richards – watching her work is exhausting, and keeping up with her is impossible.

Mrs Diane Collins also retires at the end of this year, having begun as Junior School Deputy Head, Administration 15 years ago. How fortunate we all have been to have someone of such integrity, care, and commitment fulfilling this important role, and, while we wish her all the best in retirement, her presence will surely be missed. Also at the conclusion of this year, we will bid farewell to a splendid group of Year 5 boys, thank them for their contribution to the Junior School, and wish them well in their next stage of schooling. They have done a fine job as leaders of the Junior School, and they will leave with many fond memories and confidence in themselves. They are well-prepared and ready to embrace the Middle School experience.