Formation of 2020 Classes, Electing Barbreck Leaders and Public Speaking Competition
Formation of Classes for Years 3 to 6 in 2020
The formation of classes is a very complex process, and much is considered, assessed and incorporated in this process. When forming classes, we work to ensure classes across a year level are fairly and evenly balanced by using the following criteria:
- The academic levels of the students.
- The academic care levels of the students.
- The pastoral care needs of students.
- The social, emotional and physical needs of students.
- The number of students in each class.
Student friendship groups are also taken into consideration, ensuring all students have at least one of their friends in their new class. For children, making friends is a vital part of growing up and an essential part of their social and emotional development leading to the development of attributes such as social competence, self-esteem and self-confidence. With this in mind, it is expected that children will need to make a few new friends each year.
I will be working together with your child’s year level teachers, who best know the children in the year level, on the formation of classes. The School does not take requests from parents for particular teachers.
If you feel that we do not have all of your child’s current information (medical, psychological or physical) at our disposal for this process, I ask that you send it to me as soon as possible for inclusion in your child’s file and for our consideration.
As there will be one class each for Years Prep to 2, class formations are not required.
Process for Electing Barbreck 2020 Leaders and Annual Positions
The election of leaders is always an exciting time; however, because we have many deserving girls and only so many positions, the results are often exciting for some and disappointing for others.
The 2019 Junior School Captains, Chloé Favaloro and Audrey Doan.
To make the process very transparent, I would like to outline the process.
The initial phase involves talking to the girls about the process we will be undertaking, so everything is very clear and they have the opportunity to ask as many questions as they like. We do emphasise that what they are really applying for is a job not a badge, and with the job comes responsibility and accountability. The role descriptions are then displayed in both of the Year 5 classrooms for girls to read and consider.
The second phase involves the girls completing application forms for each of the roles for which they would like to apply. These are completed in class time by the girls and they can apply for as many roles as they would like. For some roles where past experience is indicated, they are required to have teachers who can attest to their experience sign the application form. It is not compulsory for all girls to apply, as for some, leadership is not what they want to pursue at this age.
All application forms are then collected and collated and together with a panel of teachers, a short list of the applications is created based on their merit. The short listed names are entered into an online election program, as used in the Senior School. The final phase allows the girls to then cast their votes during class time.
The Junior School leadership roles come with responsibility and accountability.
The positions of higher responsibility such as school captains, are decided first and then all positions cascade from there. Should a student be elected for two positions, they will be given the higher position and removed from all other positions, making way for the next best nominee.
We look forward to guiding the girls through this important milestone in their Barbreck journey.
Successful applicants will be announced in Week 8 of Term 4.
Ms Karen McArdle, Head of Junior School
Year 5 Public Speaking
The Barbreck corridors have transformed into a hive of industry filled with the sound of timers, buzzers and expressive voices – it must be Public Speaking time!
Students in Years 3 to 6 participate in a Public Speaking competition requiring them to prepare and deliver a short speech to their class on a topic of their choice. The opportunity to present to a small audience develops student communication skills and confidence, and it extends their ability to plan, research and present a point of view.
While some find the thought of presenting to their peers rather daunting, others find the greatest challenge in selecting the perfect topic. The Year 5 students were fortunate to have Mimi Kwa (Harper and Berry Roberts’ Mum) share her pearls of wisdom from her experience in the news, acting and media industry. She provided the girls with multiple strategies and some ‘secret tips’ to assist them in writing an entertaining speech and presenting with confidence.
Mimi Kwa with the Year 5 students after their Public Speaking workshop.
Below are some reflections from the Year 5 students about Public Speaking:
“Public Speaking has been a great way to improve my English speaking skills. I have enjoyed learning and rehearsing my speech. It is fun to present to my friends and then they give me some feedback on how to improve. It was good to hear some ways to calm my nerves.” – Jiaqi (Sophia) Zhang.
“An interesting thing I learned in the workshop was how to use breathing techniques. I found it very helpful and will definitely use them to control my breathing and hopefully stay calm.” – Lexie Hill.
“It was fun learning more about how to present with confidence. I found one thing I could improve on was the way I sway when I am talking. Mimi was very engaging in her presentation and gave us some strategies to help us stand still.” – Mila Heng.
“Public Speaking is one of my favourite times of the year as I get to exhibit my creativity and showcase my communication skills. It was great having Mum come and share her knowledge with the class, even though I secretly wish she had not told them all the tricks in the book. Luckily, I still have a few sneaky ones up my sleeve!” – Harper Roberts.
“Mimi was very entertaining and provided us with some special secrets that are going to be VERY useful when we present our speeches. Public Speaking is a fun way to improve our confidence and speaking skills.” – Giselle Upton.
“I like Public Speaking because it has improved my English speaking and my confidence to speak in English. I learnt that if I make eye contact with people, they will be more engaged in what I am saying. I am looking forward to presenting my speech to the class.” – Anqi Cai.
“Public Speaking is a really fun part of school because it helps to build my confidence while I am still young. It is a really important skill because almost every job involves some kind of talking or presenting. In the workshop, Mimi provided me with some ways to project my voice and keep my nerves to a minimum.” – Kaia Belan.
