End of Term 3, 2018

Today marks the end of Term 3, another school term which seems to have flown by. We wish all families a relaxing and refreshing vacation period. 

Our First Term in the New Barbreck Building

It has been a busy term in the Junior School and there has been much to enjoy and celebrate about the new Barbreck. The spacious learning areas are already well loved by the teachers and students. Together with staff, I applaud the students who have adjusted quickly to the new building and responded well to their new routines. I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the parents for attending to and understanding the entrance and exit routines in the new building.

Our staff have worked with energy, will and professionalism to ensure that the transition to the new Barbreck for students was extremely smooth and prompt. Effective learning from day one of Term 3 was the aim and staff worked hard to ensure that this occurred. We thank them deeply.

Term 4, 2018 and Uniform

Day One: Term 4 – Monday 8 October
All extra curricular activities led by Barbreck Staff will commence on day one of Term 4.

Uniform
Term 4 is traditionally a summer uniform term but we do have a changeover period. Please read below.

Given some unpredictable weather, there will again be a two week period from the first day of Term 4 in order to permit sensible choices (weather dependent) to be made. We ask parents to assist with this decision as some students cannot wait to be in one uniform or the other.

Summer Dress Lengths
Parents are asked to check the length of summer dress uniforms prior to the end of the holidays and certainly before students commence wearing the summer uniform in Term 4. Once again, a precise length is not prescribed in terms of exacting measurements above or below the knee. However, the following guidelines are required to be met: uniforms should be a suitable length comfortable for sitting, standing, playing and definitely provide the students with both comfort and dignity.

Parents who find it a little difficult perhaps to persuade students regarding the length required (as above), please note that I am extremely happy to assist understanding. Please call Mrs Mary Poulos, Personal Assistant to the Head of ELC and Barbreck outlining the discussions at home and I will help if required.

Mrs Alana Moor, Head of ELC and Barbreck
A Visit to Year 3:  Mr Denis Napthine Speaks About “Democracy”

Olivia Barr introduces Mr Denis Napthine and his wife Peggy to the Year 3 students.

As part of a unit about Civics and Citizenship, the Year 3 students discussed how and why decisions are made democratically in communities. They also started to identify how democratic values are key issues in government. Last week, we were very privileged to have Mr Denis Napthine, former Premier of Victoria, visit the class and speak to us about the concept of democracy, his life as a former Premier and elements of government.

The students were fascinated by Mr Napthine’s story and the manner in which he clarified and extended their understanding of government. They were also encouraged to express their ideas of what they would do if they were Premier.

Below are some answers to questions the students asked Mr Napthine:

The word democracy comes from a Greek word, “demos” which means people and “kratos” with means to rule. In democracy, you have to vote for the person you want to be Premier… you have to make good decisions when you vote, to make sure the right person gets the job. – Pernilla Coleman                 

Democracy is the right of people to have a say…Mr Napthine was a vet in the country before he went into politics. He decided then that he wanted to help people, particularly people in the country. He became Premier in 2013 and he was Premier for two years. – Mirabelle Thomson

Our Year 3 students with Mr and Mrs Napthine.

Mr Napthine was very busy when he was Premier because he had to travel a lot and spend time away from his family. He felt a bit stressed because he could not see his family, but he really enjoyed his job. He was very excited to become Premier and he wanted to make Melbourne a better place. He even put some money towards a helicopter in Warrnambool which is used to take people if they are very sick. – Chloe Nash

If I were Premier I would do more for the homeless, build more transport so that people could get around more quickly and create an environment to help the world be a better place.  – Ziabella Armstrong

If I were Premier I would go around Australia and help whoever is poor, and help the farmers in the drought. I would help make our world a better place. I would encourage people to pick up rubbish and not litter. I would encourage people not to waste electricity. – Zhiyi (Eva) Mao

 

Chess Tournament

Students from our Junior School participated in Chess Victoria’s Zonal Tournament held at St Catherine’s.

Monday 10 September saw St Catherine’s play host to Chess Victoria’s Zonal Tournament. With 24 students from Years 3 to 6 representing the Junior School, it was bound to be a fantastic day.

The Tournament was hosted by the International Chess Master, International Chess Federation (FIDE) Trainer and Captain of the Australian Women’s Olympiad Team, Leonid Sandler. He personally remarked upon the determination demonstrated by our Junior School team in their games and shared his experience of his first chess tournament where he lost all nine games!

For many on the team, this was their first or second experience competing in a chess tournament and it was fantastic to see the positive attitude to which they brought to each new round. Many of the girls came away with multiple wins, but more importantly gained new insights into how the game is played, and learnt new strategies to try next time. St Catherine’s placed 5th out of 19 teams and as a result, some of our students have qualified to play in the Primary Girls State Finals.

Thank you to all of our representatives as they clearly demonstrated all of the qualities of a St Catherine’s girl and made us exceptionally proud.

Miss Alyssa Flint, Junior School STEM Teacher