Junior School report

At Lauriston, we see education as a journey into which each of our school values are embedded. Engagement in Life is one of our core values at Lauriston. In education, student engagement refers to the degree of attention, curiosity, interest and passion that students show when they are learning or being taught. There is no doubt that learning improves when students are inquisitive, interested and inspired, and that learning tends to suffer when students are bored, dispassionate and disengaged. High levels of student engagement are common objectives of our Junior School teachers at Lauriston and we see high engagement from our students on a regular basis.

2020 and 2021 were challenging years for our students due to several lockdowns and periods of remote learning. During this time, we admired the resilience of the students and appreciated the support from parents. During 2022, the students enthusiastically returned to learning on campus for the entire year, and were fully engaged in their learning. Upon my visits to our Junior School classrooms, such engagement is evident when I see our students paying attention, listening, asking questions and responding to questions. Individually or in small groups, the students are creating, planning, problemsolving, discussing, debating, performing, presenting, exploring and experimenting.

I have been delighted by the manner in which our Junior School students have embraced and immersed themselves within all learning experiences throughout the year. Our students have been engaged with their learning, they have persisted when faced with challenges and obstacles, and they have taken visible delight in accomplishing high standards.

Throughout 2022, I observed the students involving themselves in various co-curricular activities which have been meaningful, challenging and fun, and which also complement and support the learning which is taking place in the classroom. New co -curricular opportunities in 2022 included the Prep-Year 2 Active Mornings, Year 1-2 Coding program, Year 2 Art Club, Year 2 Sporting Skills, Year 2 Netball program, Year 5-6 Minecraft Club, Year 3-5 Basketball Skills program, Term 4 Montrose Running Club and Year 5-6 Entrepreneurship program. Our students are privileged to be able to participate in such a broad range of activities which take place before, during and after school, which benefit the students in many ways. Participating in these extracurricular activities allows the students to develop other interests, demonstrate commitment and perseverance, develop leadership skills, improve selfconfidence, improve social development, develop a strong affiliation to our school, follow passions and of course have fun.

Our Junior School students were also fully engaged in our House Program. House competitions throughout the year included Cross Country, Drawing, Athletics, Public Speaking, Swimming and General Knowledge. Such activities enable the students to develop a close connection with others in their house and develop their house spirit.

In future years, I hope that the students continue to approach their learning with the same perseverance, commitment and enjoyment that has characterised their schooling during 2022.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the parents in the Lauriston community. The teachers appreciate all of your support and it has been lovely to see parents able to attend our school events in 2022. Events such as the Mother’s Day Breakfast, Father’s Day Breakfast and Music Concerts were highlights of 2022 and we appreciated parents attending. Thank you to the Lauriston Parents Association for their continued wonderful efforts in supporting the School. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the Junior School LPA President, Siu-Ying Kwok, for her valuable contribution to the Junior School this year. Thank you also to the Class Representatives in each year level for their support.

Finally, I would like to thank all Junior School staff from Prep through to Year 6 for their unwavering professionalism, commitment and teamwork. Our Junior School continues to deliver an innovative and balanced curriculum, and a professional community among teachers. Our teachers ensure that each student continues to experience learning programs which are of an outstanding calibre. The passion and spirit that our staff bring to the classrooms at Lauriston each day enables our remarkable students to foster their love of learning.

One of the most significant events was the cancellation of first term Exeat, which was necessary to ensure the health and safety of the students but meant some students did not see their families until the first term holidays. The girls coped extremely well and were grateful to have opportunities that had not been available the previous two years.

The highlight of Term One was the 3-day hikes. The challenging and snowy conditions provided experiences and memories the girls will hold for many years to come. These extended walks were the first opportunity for the girls to get into the High Country proper and being up in the alpine region was a wonderful time for reflection and gratitude. Many of the girls reported this was when the enormity of the Howqua year sunk in, and it inspired them for the opportunities to come.

In Term Two the girls had the opportunity to participate in the important Community Service Program, assisting those people with greater need than themselves. This was a wonderful chance to provide support to places such as the Jamieson Wildlife Shelter,

Rosehaven Hospice, the Jamieson Primary School, Landcare, and Parks Victoria. The girls were proud of what they were able to achieve, and the local communities were certainly grateful for their support.

In Term Three the alpine season was the highlight of the year for many students with great weather and good snow coverage. The girls looked forward to their weekly trips up to Mount Buller and it was lovely to see such vast improvement over five weeks. The downhill days provided a solid foundation for cross country skiing and the remainder of the term was dedicated to experiences on Mount Stirling with day trips and an overnight House trip. The term concluded with the Falls Creek Ski Tour, three wonderful days in the Heathy Spur region of the resort.

Term Four always arrives with mixed emotions at Howqua. The girls are excited for the activities on offer but were also very aware that their time at Howqua was coming to a close. It was a time to reflect on all aspects of the program and the significance to each individual. The cohort of 2022 had not had a typical start to their secondary years of schooling and whilst it took a period of adjustment, they did a wonderful job of adapting to their new environment and making the most of each and every opportunity presented to them. They had a rich academic experience which was enhanced by all other aspects of the program. What they learnt about themselves whilst participating in Fitness and Outdoor Program enabled them to recognise their strengths and capabilities and use these skills in the classroom environment. This transfer of skills set them up for a successful start of senior secondary schooling and beyond. The relationships they formed and fostered will never be forgotten. The shared experiences were unique to class of 2022 and whilst an outcome of the Howqua year is increased resilience and independence, a more important outcome is interdependence. Collaboration and a recognition of the power of vulnerability while working and living in small groups was one of the most significant lessons learnt throughout the year. Living in a community such as Howqua required each girl to maintain a balance of self and others and the 2022 cohort certainly established a wonderful mix of each.