Anzac Day

Over recent weeks, the Year 3 students have been learning about Anzac Day and preparing for the Anzac Day assembly. The students have shown particular interest in this Unit of Investigation and have relished opportunities to share stories and memorabilia from their own ancestors who have served in wars.

During Art with Mrs Guest, the girls made red poppies out of fimo which they wore proudly during the Anzac Day Assembly.

The girls were also invited to write an imaginative piece of writing. They could select between writing a poem, a letter home or a narrative that described their experiences of war. We have selected a couple to share below:

My Anzac Poem – By Milla Cohen, Year 3

 

On the boats

I’m nervous but excited

Hearing thundering sounds

War is not what I thought.

I get off the boat

A gun firing at me

I quickly run for cover

Scared, terrified

War is not what I thought.

I duck under the trench

Waiting for someone to shoot

I hold my breath and put my head up,

Waiting for something to happen then…

Gunfire shoots at me. I fall to the ground.

War is not what I thought.

Dear Mum and Dad,

I’ve been at war for 10 months now and I miss you a lot. War is not what I thought. I’m tired and dirty but still feeling brave. In winter it snows like the Arctic and in summer, it’s as hot as the desert. War is not what I thought. I wish this war would come to an end.

Your dearest child,

Milla

Anzac Day – Olivia Barr, Year 3

Dear Mum and Dad,

After twelve weeks in the ship we arrived at Gallipoli. It was a very long and rough ride. My friends got seasick but we all made it through the trip together. It was midnight and dark and cold. I climbed down the ladder into the dinghy and we pushed to shore. When we got out of the dinghy, the freezing cold water was up to my neck. There was a lot of confusion as to where Captain Jack was going so we arrived at the wrong entrance. We ran to the beach but the other soldiers were shooting at us from the hill. Lots of people died on the first day. This made me very sad, scared and worried. I was then lead to my trench where we all set up our own things. I have decorated my area with photos of you and my baby sister, Poppy, who I really miss. I’m looking forward to writing to you again.

Love Hugo

Year 5 Reflections

In Week 1 of this Term, the Year 5 girls stepped up to take on the leadership role in the Junior School, whilst the Year 6 girls were on camp. They did an outstanding job. One aspect of this was writing speeches for assembly. Below are a few extracts from their speeches.

“The way to behave fairly is to care for everyone based on those needs and not to favour one person over another. One way to act fairly at School is by playing with everyone and not just one person. It is important for schools, workplaces and families to all treat everyone fairly so they can function happily. Every place will be happy and productive and everyone will feel safe too.” Arabella Richardson

“Being fair means you are fair with what you say and how you say it. Try not to exclude or make fun of anyone, instead be kind and warm in the heart to everyone you come across in life. To be kind to one person but also to another and to show you care about everyone equally – even yourself! If you show fairness, day-by-day people will show fairness and kindness back.” Sophie Powell

“Self-care is doing something you like or something that we feel good about; like going for a walk or a swim. When we give ourselves self-care, we often feel relaxed or happy. Self-care is very important, especially when we are growing up. Positive thinking and saying positive things to yourself and other people are a very important part of self-care.” Heidi Axup

“Self-care is not all about having a shower, brushing your teeth and eating right. It is also about your actions, thoughts and knowing when to do the right thing. Like telling yourself, it’s ok or don’t listen to them, do the right thing even if no one’s looking.” Poppy Maling

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Excursion

Last week, Years 4 and 5 students had a wonderful opportunity to see the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Malthouse Theatre.

The performance featured musical star, Elise McCann (Miss Honey from Matilda the Musical). Along with Steven Amos, Elise has set the astounding life of Roald Dahl to music and she captivated her young audience with her scintillating delivery. From our front row seats, it often seemed like she was singing directly to us.

Students got to see celli, violins and double basses up close and were swept up in the evocative sound world of horns, trumpets and clarinets. It was wonderful for the students to experience the incredible skill of our own, home-grown talent performing in a context that may be not that far away for some of our own young performers. Three of our Year 5 students provide their reflections of the performance below:

On Friday 27 April, Years 4 and 5 students went with their teachers and Music teachers, Mrs Dods and Mr Collins to the Malthouse Theatre in the city to see the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra play a medley of songs from Elise McCaan’s latest album Dahlesque.

They played quite a few songs from some musicals and films like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and Little Red Riding Hood. Elise McCann is the artist who played Miss Honey in the musical Matilda and the conductor was Brett Kelly. The songs they played were magnificent and Elise’s voice was beautiful.

The Orchestra played for one hour and they would be very tired after they played. We really enjoyed the performance they put on for us.

Annabel Taylor, Emily Tulloch and Chloe Barber
Year 5 Students
Return of Mrs Moor

On Monday 7 May, we are looking forward to welcoming Mrs Moor back to St Catherine’s School after her long-service leave. I am sure Mrs Moor has had a very relaxing and restful long-service leave, but I am also sure she has missed the students, families and staff of the Junior School greatly, and will be looking forward to being back with us.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Junior School staff and community for their support during this time and in particular Mr Tim Tainsh and Mrs Simone Schilte in their capacity as Acting Deputy Heads of Junior School.

Junior School Winter Uniform starts on Monday 7 May

A reminder that as of Monday 7 May, full winter uniform should be worn by all girls. Summer uniform should no longer be worn.

IOUs for Lunch orders

Please note that as of Term 2, any IOUs for lunch orders will need to be settled by parents through the Flexischools payment system, providing greater efficiency and ease in paying any outstanding amounts owed. The Junior School Office will no longer collect money but they will still contact parents before sending girls to the Café for lunch purchases.

When you login to the Flexischools website, you will be notified if you have an outstanding amount, then follow the instructions provided.

If you have any questions regarding the process, please contact Flexischools directly or the Junior School office.

Ms Catherine Samuel, Acting Head of Junior School