Dear Parents and Carers,
The past two weeks have been very busy in the Junior School, with lots of events that have taken place.
Teacher Aide Appreciation Week
In schools, there are many people who work hard to ensure that our students are cared for, supported and given access to learning. Many are often not recognised because they work quietly in the background. Last week we celebrated and acknowledged a team of important educators in our Junior School – our Inclusive Education Officers (Teacher Aides). This dedicated team support our students and staff every day, quietly.
On behalf of the students, staff and school community I would like to acknowledge and thank Mary-Ellen Hayes, Janine Orton, Elizabeth Cesarin, Taylah Berthaly, Jordan Carrick, Sam Hackett and Dan Brennan for being such a wonderful team and integral part of our school staff.
PYP Exhibition
The Year 6 PYP exhibition is almost here, and the Year 6 students, teachers and mentors have been working extremely hard to prepare for their presentation night.
The PYP Exhibition is the culmination of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme. The students have worked in small groups to inquire into a central idea, engaged with primary sources, met with their mentors and created artistic representations for the exhibition night.
The whole St Gregory’s community is welcome to attend the exhibition and support the students in our 3rd PYP Exhibition.
We are looking forward to celebrating with you all on the night.
Year 5 Canberra Trip
Last week, students in Year 5 undertook an educational tour of the nation’s capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programmes 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 of $30 per student under the Parliament And Civics Education Rebate programme towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
The 3-day trip to Canberra included visits to the New and Old Parliament House, the War Memorial, Questacon, the Mint and the embassies. It was an amazing opportunity to visit Australia’s capital city and develop knowledge and understanding about our government.
Mrs Erin Burton, Mrs Amanda Kerr, Mr Darryl Howe and Mr Mark Gannon accompanied the Year 5 students. The students represented the school with pride and integrity. They showed respect in places such as the War Memorial and Parliament House. A wonderful experience for all staff and students. I thank the teachers who left their families for three days to provide our students with these rich opportunities.
Student Leadership in the Junior School
Last year, the College underwent a review of the Student Leadership structure both in the Junior School and Senior School. The new Senior School student leaders were announced at the St Gregory the Great College Mass last week, with the eight leaders presented with their roles and badges. What a joy it was to see Ben Dolan announced as the Junior School Leader. Ben was a student in the Junior School seven years ago.
In 2025 we will recognise 7 students to fill formal leadership positions.
These positions will include:
1. School Captains – boy & girl
2. Vice Captains – 4 positions
3. Marist Ministry Leader
These positions will be determined by a process including student votes from Years 4-6, staff votes and group interview. The Junior School Leadership will rule out students for valid reasons, including but not limited to behaviour records and poor attendance without reasonable cause.
The applications will be reviewed by the Head of Junior School to determine if they are shortlisted to progress through to a group interview. The group interviews will be conducted by the Head of Junior School.
The new student leaders for 2025 will be announced at the Celebration of Learning.
Year 5 students will participate in a Leadership Day on Friday September 20 and will be offered the opportunity to apply for a leadership position on the application which will be given out. I look forward to receiving applications for our 2025 leaders in the coming month.
I look forward to ending the term strong.
God Bless,
Mrs Diana Ivancic