FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

There has been a lot happening on the Chidley Campus this semester. We were so excited to see many new faces join St Hilda’s in Term 1, and I’m in awe of how welcoming our students were, truly demonstrating our value of Belonging.

There have been some exciting new initiatives in 2022 that encourage confidence and collaborative learning for our students.

The Powerful Presenters Program was introduced for students in Pre Primary to Year 6 to challenge and empower all learners to become extraordinary leaders and impactful speakers. It aims to teach young students the skills to express themselves clearly, confidently and authentically, so they can connect with others, inspire, lead and create positive change in the community. Run by Junior School teacher Mary Giles, the program has already been a great success. More information about the Powerful Presenters Program can be found in this edition of the Ammonite.

In Term 1, we were excited to announce the Year 5 Ignite Awards program in partnership with Scotch College. Throughout the program, students will set goals and embark on a journey of self-discovery and achievement. Similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Ignite Program includes an adventure, physical activity, hobby and volunteering opportunity.

At St Hilda’s, we place great value on events and opportunities where our community can come together. This semester, this was made especially difficult as we learned to live with COVID in the community and restrictions that were in place across the state. Despite this significant change, we worked hard to reimagine events and initiatives to keep our community connected. Initiatives such as online assemblies, recording of Arts Festival to email to parents and video celebrations of important days such as Mother’s Day, enabled us to keep the St Hilda’s Spirit alive. Our Hybrid Learning Model was successful at engaging students with their learning while isolating at home. Wellbeing continues to be a key focus for St Hilda’s as we navigate through these challenging times. It’s been lovely and reassuring to see our community remain positive and accommodating to changes within the School.

At the Junior School we are continuing to focus on offering a wide range of cocurricular opportunities to accommodate the different interests and age groups across the campus. Cocurricular opportunities are a fantastic way for students to find their passion, interact with new people and further develop skills. Thank you to the incredible staff who run these events, clubs and committees, we couldn’t do it without you.

As always, it’s been an honour to lead the St Hilda’s Junior School, and I look forward to an exciting Semester 2. We hope to see some of you at the Junior School Open Day on Sunday September 18. It is sure to be an exciting and fun morning celebrating all things St Hilda’s.

Trish Jakovich Director of Junior School (Deputy Principal)

YEAR 5 IGNITE AWARDS IN TERM 1, WE WERE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE YEAR 5 IGNITE AWARDS PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SCOTCH COLLEGE. THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAM, STUDENTS WILL SET GOALS AND EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY 9 AND ACHIEVEMENT.