FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

It’s hard to believe that yet another year at the Chidley Campus is wrapping up. Although challenging at times as we adapted to a new normal, Semester 2 was nothing short of memorable.

Semester 2 events such as Cross Country and Athletics carnivals, Year 6 Production, Book Week and St Hilda’s Day are opportunities for our students to thrive and interact with their peers outside the classroom. These events are treasured by the students and create lasting memories.

Perhaps what is more exciting however, is when new initiatives and events are introduced each year. This semester, some of these included:

- Year 5 and 6 Camp at Yeagarup: This was the first time our Year 5s and 6s have visited our Yeagarup Campus and were mesmerised by the beautiful

Pemberton landscape.

- The Ignite Award Program continued into Semester 2 for Years 5 and 6.

Our partnership with Scotch College, meant students across both schools continued to develop their folios across the four disciplines of physical activities, adventure, hobbies and volunteering.

- Chidley Performance Festival: The inaugural Chidley Performance Festival saw over 130 students perform for their peers in their chosen instrument. Having the opportunity to showcase Chidley to the wider community is always a privilege. In September, we held the Junior School Open Day which saw over 500 attendees come and experience the St Hilda’s Spirit. Thank you to the staff and students for volunteering their time to showcase all that we do on our Chidley Campus.

I think the highlight of the semester for me came towards the end of Term 4. In November, our Year 5 and 6 students, or rather ENTREPRENEURS, blew me away at their ESSTEAM pitch nights in the Cortile. At the final stage of the ESSTEAM Pilot Program for 2022, the students presented their business solutions to an audience on the following social impact problems:

- Year 5: Homelessness

- Year 6: Plastic consumption in WA

To think that in only one year, the students are now able to define problems within their community, write their own Lean Canvas Business Models, design logos, present ideas to stakeholders in the industry, evaluate feedback and pitch in front of an audience is extraordinary. You can read more about the Year 5 and 6 Pitch Nights in this edition of the Ammonite. Although it’s been a jam-packed semester of exciting events at the Chidley Campus, it’s the small moments that make my job as Director of Junior School so enjoyable. Whether it’s the greetings from the students at the morning drop off, to students coming to the office asking to chat with me, to the laughs echoing from the oval to my office throughout the day, to seeing students shine in their year group assemblies or paying a visit to the classrooms, it never ceases to bring a smile to my face and make me feel immensely privileged.

School is so much more than just learning content in a classroom. It’s about making memories, pushing boundaries in a safe environment and engaging with others. I’m grateful to my Junior School staff who continue to inspire our students both in the classroom and beyond.

Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful holiday, and a Merry Christmas. All the very best for 2023.

Trish Jakovich

Director of Junior School (Deputy Principal)

In November, our Year 5 and 6

students, or rather ENTREPRENEURS, blew me away at their ESSTEAM

pitch nights...