Welcome to the commencement of a new school year!   

I trust everyone enjoyed the best of the season and is eagerly anticipating the opportunities that 2024 holds. Our Barbreck staff have been diligently preparing for a year of enriching learning and engaging activities for your daughters.  

Amidst the excitement, we have some staffing changes due to Long Service Leave, pregnancies, retirements, and other life events. Please join me in welcoming the following additions to our Barbreck Team:  

• Ms Hannah Ainsworth – Year 5 
• Mr Liam Whittaker – Year 6 
• Mr Thomas Lewis – STEM Teacher 
• Ms Philippa (Pippa) Cocks – Art Teacher (Term 1)
• Ms Jacqui Gibbons – Librarian (Term 1) 
• Ms Marissa Caluzzi – Librarian (from Term 2) 
• Ms Julie Hunter – Prep Learning Assistant 
• Ms Sophie McSweeney – Receptionist/PA
• Miss Olivia Cody – Barbreck Coordinator of Sport

Regrettably, we have been unable to secure a suitable French Teacher for the start of the year. Nonetheless, we are committed to finding an exceptional candidate for our Prep to Year 4 girls. In the meantime, Mrs Susan Duffy and Ms Zoe Titley will be teaching French instruction for Years 5 and 6, respectively.  

These new additions to our staff are exceptional individuals who are eager to connect with both the girls and parents in the upcoming weeks. Your warm welcome to them in our Barbreck community is greatly appreciated.  

Miss Kirrilly Wootton has taken on the role of Acting Deputy Head of Junior School during Mr Luke Russell’s well-deserved Long Service Leave. In Year 6, Ms Sandra Ching will be leading Miss Fiona Wardlaw’s class during her Long Service Leave before transitioning to semi-retirement from Term 2. After some time traveling, Ms Ching will return to Barbreck in a casual capacity. Ms Cocks will teach Art while Mrs Virginia Guest takes Long Service Leave, and Miss Liv Cody steps into Mr Tom Crebbin’s role following his retirement. 

We congratulate Miss Annie Taylor and her husband on their first child, Fleur, just before Christmas. We also eagerly await the impending arrival of Mrs Lauren Keavy’s baby, due any day now.  

The return to School on both our Book Drop Off Day and the first official day were joyous occasions. The atmosphere resembled a delightful reunion as girls, teachers, and parents exchanged stories of holiday adventures, marvelled at the girls’ growth, and expressed anticipation for the year ahead.  

It was particularly heartwarming to see our Prep girls embark on their first day, adorned in their new School uniforms with blue ribbons in their hair. Their pride in their appearance and the excitement of commencing their schooling journey at Barbreck were palpable. We know that their fellow Barbreck sisters will extend support and care as they navigate their way as ‘big’ schoolgirls. 

The newly elected Year 6 Captains commenced the year with a clear commitment to outstanding leadership. They warmly greeted everyone at Junior School Reception, assisted new students to their classrooms, and made it known that, as leaders, they are here to help and guide.  

The start of the year has been nothing short of wonderful, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with parents to ensure the best outcomes for all our Barbreck girls.   

Important Junior School Dates