Nurturing Curiosity: Growing Young Minds to Wonder and Discover
Curiosity in Action: Literacy Parent Workshops Inspire and Inform
Learning to read and write has changed over time, shaped by research, evolving curricula and deeper understandings of how children grow as readers and writers. This term, with our College-wide focus on curiosity, it was especially fitting to welcome so many curious and engaged parents to our Literacy Parent Workshops held over the past two weeks.
These wonderful afternoons were filled with collaboration and discovery. Parents joined staff in unpacking the Science of Reading, exploring the new English syllabus and gaining insight into the literacy teaching practices used here at the College. The sessions also offered practical strategies for how families can support literacy development at home.
The workshops sparked meaningful conversations and strengthened the partnership between home and school. We are grateful to all who attended and contributed to the vibrant, inquisitive atmosphere that made these sessions so impactful.
From Spheros to Spelling Bees: Enrichment Highlights from Term 2
Throughout Term 2, our Stage 1 Coding Club with Mr Plunkett has been diving into the exciting world of technology using Spheros — small, programmable robots that make learning to code both fun and interactive. Each week, students solve challenges, design mini obstacle courses and bring their ideas to life through block-based coding. With the group growing steadily, it has been wonderful to see our younger learners so engaged in developing their digital and collaborative skills.
Wednesday afternoons have become a hub of curiosity for our Stage 3 Inquiry Group, led by Mrs Smith and Mrs Attrill. Students have been exploring a country of their choice for independent research projects. They have begun creating detailed mind maps to help organise their thinking around key topics, guiding questions and research strategies. This process is helping them build critical thinking and presentation skills while fostering a deeper understanding of global cultures.
The final week of Term 2 is packed with excitement, as the Junior School celebrates National Science Week on Tuesday, 24th June. Students will participate in a variety of science-based activities throughout the day, all designed to spark curiosity and wonder under this year’s theme, “Decoding the Universe.” Students are encouraged to come dressed as a scientist for the day. If not dressing up, they should wear their full winter uniform. A reminder to those participating in the Curie Project: please submit your projects between 8:20 and 8:40 am in the Junior School Library on Tuesday morning. All projects will be displayed next term for viewing.
Next week also marks the Spelling Bee Showdown Rounds, where our top Junior School spellers will go head-to-head in spelling challenging words from a range of different vocabularies. Students who advanced from the Mini Rounds earlier this term will compete in their divisions, showcasing their craftsmanship in Literacy and Spelling. Parents and carers of participating students are warmly invited to attend and cheer on our spellers in the MPH:
Junior Spelling Bee Showdown (Years 1–4): Wednesday, 25 June at 1:30 pm
Senior Spelling Bee Showdown (Years 5–6): Thursday, 26 June at 1:30 pm
Year 3 Takes on Adventure at Wedderburn Christian Campsite
Learning doesn’t always happen within the four walls of a classroom, and our recent Year 3 day camp to Wedderburn Christian Campsite proved just that! A powerful learner is someone who embraces new challenges and seeks opportunities to grow—even outside the classroom. This day of outdoor adventure was the perfect chance for students to do just that, as they took part in activities like the gliding possum, geocaching, rock climbing and archery.
Each activity gave students a chance to grow in the Habits of a Powerful Learner. They showed courage as they faced their fears on the gliding possum, soaring through the trees high above the ground. Their craftsmanship shone during archery, as they practised their aim—many starting off uncertain but improving with every arrow, some even landing bullseyes. Compassion was essential during rock climbing, where students took responsibility for each other’s safety and offered words of encouragement as their classmates climbed. And during geocaching, collaboration was key. Students had to communicate, problem-solve, and work as a team to find hidden checkpoints and complete the course. It was a fantastic day of growth and fun, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s adventure!
Wild Discoveries and Cosmic Explorations: Year 3 & 4 Dive into Science and Literacy
Year 3 and 4 have been on an exciting learning journey this term, combining research, writing and hands-on science to explore both the wonders of Australia and the mysteries of space.
In English, students have been busy investigating amazing Australian animals, diving deep into research and sorting their findings into meaningful categories. From there, they’ve transformed their notes into well-structured paragraphs and proudly published their work using digital tools — showcasing both their creativity and growing literacy skills.
Meanwhile, in Science, curiosity has taken students beyond the classroom and into the cosmos. Through a series of engaging experiments, they’ve explored the effects of the moon and sun on our planet. From creating sundials to capturing sunlight with light-sensitive paper and tonic water, students have combined internet-based research with hands-on inquiry to better understand the forces that shape our world.
It’s been a term full of discovery, creativity, and curiosity — and Year 3 and 4 have truly shone!
God bless,
Mrs Kathryn Watkins
Deputy Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning
