Junior Journeys

An Enthusiastic Start

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Welcome back to all our families! I am always delighted to see the children return so happily and enthusiastically. 

The Reception children often stand out to me; it is quite amazing how much they have learnt and developed since the start of the year, going about their daily jobs, routines and learning experiences confidently and independently.

I would like to warmly welcome the following students and their families to the Mercedes College community: Amitej Singh (4KB), Angelina Dimauro (3NB), Madison Dillon (2GC) and Natalia Dimauro (1LH).

In addition, a very special welcome back to Mrs Melissa Buske who returns from long service leave.

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Rose Garden

Thank you for ensuring that your child is not dropped off prior to 8:20am and for gathering in the Rose Garden. While it is becoming a little chillier, it is a lovely way to start the day, greeting others and enjoying some active play. Please encourage your child to join in with others and to be active; it is so important for long term health and wellbeing.

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Year 4-7 Athletics Carnival

Great weather was the icing on the cake for the Year 4-7 Athletics Carnival conducted in the last week of Term 1. The students were a credit to the College, competing enthusiastically and with healthy spirit to do their best for their house team and also to beat their individual bests.

The organisation of the day contributed to its great success, and I thank Mr Jeff Wray, Mrs Tracey Cramond and the PE staff for their continued work to ensure positive outcomes for student learning and improvement.

I would also like to acknowledge old scholars and a number of Year 9 and 10 students, who supported with scoring and place getting, for their encouragement of the students. Thank you to all families who came to support this event.

Congratulations to Fitzpatrick who were the victors on the day.

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Uniform Reminders

The children have returned looking smart in their winter uniforms. We greatly appreciate your support in ensuring the uniform is worn correctly. If you are not sure of any aspects of the uniform and grooming expectations, please check your child’s diary or the College website. Should you require any additional information, please feel welcome to contact me.

• Hats are to be worn at recess, lunch and for PE lessons until the end of May.
• Blazers are to be worn to and from school no matter the mode of transport.
• Year 4 and 5 girls may have the bib part of their pinafore removed if it is more comfortable for them. The cross tie (not tie) is to be worn in the Junior School.
• Girls are to wear green socks or tights with the winter uniform.
• Reception children are required to wear the correct PE uniform all year.

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Sleep

Is your child getting enough sleep? There is a strong link between learning and sleep, and behaviour and sleep. Tired children find learning more difficult and it affects their ability to remember and store information. An accumulation of lack of sleep can significantly impact on learning and behaviour.

Recommended hours of sleep per day (doesn’t include settling time):

• 5 year olds approximately 11 hours
• 6-12 year olds between 9-11 hours 

Supportive routines at bed time can lead to positive family experiences, something children look forward to. We would love that reading books is part of this experience.

Research is clear that TVs, iPads, iPods, computers or mobile phones should not be in bedrooms.

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Reception Term 3 Intake

Please let friends and family know that we have some places available for the 2017 Reception Term 3 intake. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to transition into the College, giving them a great start to important foundational learning, the building of relationships with staff and peers, and learning about the routines and practices that support success at school.

Reception students wear the PE uniform each day and there are some differences with the fee structure due to being a mid-year intake. Rita Micale, the College Registrar, is a point of contact and I am also very happy to have a chat with friends and family members who may be interested.

We are looking forward to an enjoyable and productive term ahead. I have included a number of dates below and ask that you continue to check the Friday bulletin each fortnight for updates throughout the term.

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Important Dates for Term 2

May

• 16 Incursion - Footsteps in the Sand - 11:15 - 12:15
• 17 Year 4 Excursion to McElligot's Quarry & Brown Hill
• 18 Year 5 attending South East Region Mass (Cathedral)
• 19 City South Cross Country Competition (Belair)
• 23 R - 5 ICAS Digital Technologies Competition
• 24 National Simultaneous Storytime
• 26 Assembly (led by Year 4)
• 30 ICAS Science Competition

June

•   2 SAPSASA Metro Cross Country Day (Oakbank)
•   9 Student Free Day
• 12 Queen's Birthday Holiday
• 13 ICAS Writing Competition
• 14 ICAS Spelling Competition
• 16 Year 3 Morning Mass
• 20 Incursion - Alan J Wright Author Visit
• 21  JS Special Friends Day 9:30 - 11:30am
• 22 Winter Music Concert

July

•   5 Assembly (led by Year 1)
  End Term 2 (dismissal 3:25pm)

Julie Hann
Assistant Principal
Head of Junior School
jhann@mercedes.catholic.edu.au