Term 2 closes

Ten weeks have flown by quickly and the term has drawn to a close.

This has been a busy, fast-paced term with staff determined to maximise every minute and as a result we have seen vast progress in curriculum coverage. In most cases, students have mastered their set tasks and all have taken part in a well-balanced offering of co-curricular activities.

We will continue with the same focus into Term 3 which commences on Wednesday 18 July.

Routine, familiarity with requirements and the development of a sound work ethic are all underscored in Barbreck. They are essential for effective teaching and learning and will continue to be evident in the new setting.

A focus on manners and building relationship skills remain central in all we do each day and will continue to be a priority in the new building.

Barbreck

The doors to the current Barbreck Building, which have seen so many students, family members, staff and visitors warmly welcomed by the St Catherine’s School Community since the 1970s, will close for the last time on 22 June 2018.

A new door opens when another door closes, but our vivid memories which are so treasured by present and past members of Barbreck will continue to be savoured.

We have much to celebrate with this new chapter of the Junior School story and there are many ways in which there will be similarities and traditions which will resonate with all who are familiar with the current building.

Long term Barbreck Staff members, Ms Sue Cooke (37 years) and Mrs Mary Poulos (28 years) are part of our history and are looking forward to bringing their cherished memories and experience to the new building.

Reflections on Barbreck

It was 28 years ago that I first walked into the Barbreck building as the newly appointed Secretary to the Head of Junior School. Little did I know back then that this special place would become so important and meaningful to me, and where I feel most ‘at home’.

It is within these walls that I have truly been able to immerse myself, to learn and grow and thrive…not unlike the hundreds and hundreds of incredible girls who have shared the ‘home away from home’ with me over the years. I love to reflect on the fact that I have interacted with every one of these girls and their family members in my role, and every wonderful teacher and administrative staff member, even every emergency teacher!

Finally…a new Junior School, always spoken about, will soon be in full operation!

One thing I do not think will ever change as we make our home in the fabulous new Barbreck building is the very special positive energy and spirit that makes this place a second home and I know many of us feel exactly the same way. Thank you Barbreck.

 Mrs Mary Poulos
Personal Assistant to Head of ELC and Barbreck

One never knows what the future holds. Doors open, opportunities arise. So it was in 1981, when I left Geelong and re-entered the doors of Barbreck after being a student there, ready to take on the role of Prep teacher.

There are many memories and many special moments, but the ethos of Barbreck remains the same. From my first experience as a Year 1 student in the cosy warmth of the small room downstairs in the original red brick house to the ever-existing welcome, warmth, support and collegiality of the current Barbreck community (staff, students and families). These are the key elements that make Barbreck, in its different guises, such as special place.

Buildings grow and change. A red brick building, with a small girl (I was very small!) ringing the bell; a library with a “pit” in it, where the students sat to read and share books; a tent over an outdoor area so that we could have a covered area when it rained; red carpeted steps that were used for so many reasons including “Little Assemblies” for the Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students; and now a much anticipated new School that offers so many wonderful opportunities for the students of the future – change can be exciting.

But hand-in-hand with change goes continuity. The continuity of collegiality, team-work, interest in learning, and the knowledge that the spirit of the current building will certainly be carried into the new building.

Ms Sue Cooke
Classroom Teacher

A myriad of memories

The School Captains in Barbreck 2018 were asked to reflect upon the Barbreck Building:

I will miss the whole building as I have so many memories. When I arrived in Year 1, I was nervous and shy and at lunchtime I sat in the middle of a whole circle of Barbreck Year 1 students. They made me feel so welcome and special. And from then, I have always felt that way!
Charlotte (Year 6)

The change to the new building will be a big change, but a good one too! I came in Year 4 and the atmosphere and vibe of Barbreck was so welcoming. Our work ethic was really strong in the classrooms because of the happy atmosphere which made everyone try hard with their work
Georgia (Year 6)

 A snapshot of just a few of many student reflections

Readers are asked to enjoy just a few student memories. The students all had much to say!

I am most excited about the new learning environment and an Art Room which has areas for inside and outside work.  I will miss the Red Steps!
Rhea (Year 6)

  ...very excited about the new classrooms and the improvements…but I will miss all the memories of the Barbreck areas…it is all so friendly.
Emma (Year 4)

The most exciting thing about the new building for me will be to have a classroom for French classes.  But I will miss the Red Steps…..they are so special for Year 6 students to use as special seats.
Chelsea (Year 6)

Letters to Barbreck

As moving day approaches there has been much discussion in classrooms about memories of school days in our Junior School building. The girls have enjoyed looking at photos of Barbreck in earlier years and sharing their special memories with each other. The Year 5 and 6 girls enjoyed writing ‘Letters to Barbreck’ at a Write on Wednesday session. We have included some excerpts for your enjoyment.

Barbreck
For generations you lay grounded,
As little girls played and metal bells sounded,
From cracked paint and withered walls
To flickering lights and echoing halls.
Our memories we cherish from segment to segment,
Every little vision and miniscule moment.
We thank you for making our day,
And are saddened that you are slowly moving away.
Nadia (Year 6)

To Barbreck
There are just two things that I want to say. ‘Thank you,’ and, ‘Goodbye.’  I thank you for the patience you have had and I thank you for all of the things you have given me.
Selina Y. (Year 5)

Dear Barbreck,
Thank you for being an incredible learning space for me during the last one and a half years.
Thank you for being the place I look forward to going to each day.
Thank you for being the place where I have fostered new and lifelong friendships.
Thank you for being a second home and a welcoming environment for me always.
Thank you for being a place that I instantly adored.
You will be missed.
Scarlet W. (Year 6)

Dear Barbreck
I have known you my whole life and you are so special to me. When I was a baby, I used to crawl up your stairs and try not to get lost.  In Prep, I used to name every one of your bricks. In Year 1, I would curl up on your beanbag with a book. By Year 2, I was exploring your shortcuts. In Year 3, I tried to read every one of your books and in Year 4, I bounced balls on your walls. In year 5 now, I am sad you are going. I will miss you so much but I promise that I will remember you and all my memories, forever and ever.
Sophie( Year 5)

Other student comments were similar and included memories of the Fairy Garden, the Prep Deck, the Library on top of the building and the view, the complexity of the steps and stairs, the a’Beckett Hall and events held in there … and the places to hide!

Mrs Alana Moor
Head of ELC and Barbreck