Today, the Chair of the Council announces the appointment of new members to the School Council.
On Monday 20 July, the Junior School gathered for a truly special occasion as we held our first assembly in the newly renovated Barbara Sutton Hall. Following the Hall’s recent reopening, students and staff were excited to come together in this beautiful new space, which will serve as a central hub for learning, celebration and performance for many years to come. The assembly, themed around NAIDOC Week, provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It was also a fitting way to mark the beginning of a new chapter for our community in this remarkable venue.
The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and pride as students entered the Hall for the first time as a whole Junior School community. The assembly featured student leadership, musical performances and thoughtful reflections, highlighting the talents, confidence and spirit of our students. We were delighted to welcome special guests and celebrate together in a space that honours the legacy of former Principal Miss Barbara Sutton while providing outstanding facilities for future generations.
Personally, I found myself overcome with emotion as the students looked up at the beautiful sparkling lights on the ceiling, representing the night sky. Their faces were full of wonder and awe, and it was a deeply moving reminder of the joy, curiosity and sense of possibility that moments like this can inspire in our young learners.
As we looked around the beautifully reimagined Hall, there was a strong sense of excitement for all that lies ahead. From assemblies and special events to concerts and productions, Barbara Sutton Hall will provide countless opportunities for our students to gather, perform and create lasting memories. We are especially looking forward to returning to the Hall in September for our Junior School production of Finding Nemo, which will be the first major production performed in this wonderful new venue.
Kellie Morgan
Head of Junior School
Throughout Semester 1, EL4 PT have been introduced to the concept of leadership through meaningful opportunities embedded within their daily routines. They have been encouraged to take on leadership roles during classroom activities and transitions, demonstrating increasing confidence, independence and responsibility. As the semester has progressed, children were invited to begin to challenge their initial understanding of leadership and that it can extend beyond being in charge. It also includes supporting, encouraging and working collaboratively with others. They have demonstrated empathy by assisting peers, modelling positive behaviours and contributing to a respectful and inclusive classroom environment. This semester we will continue to develop our understanding of leadership by investigating how else we can lead, support and inspire others.
As we joined together again for morning meeting, following the term break, EL4 PT gathered, planned and discussed what resources they required for their day ahead, and where they could locate them in the school. The children were responsible for their own lists and ticked items off as they found them. They demonstrated a strong connection to their CGGS community and confidence in navigating their way through the school. Their kindness for others was also strongly observed as they visited other classes and offered to collect any items for them too.
“My list had the phone and printing from Ms Eva’s office. I liked holding my list and ticking it off. I felt like a leader” Aileen
“Sewing needles from Ms Angela. At the beginning I feel shy asking Ms Angela, but then I feel happy!” Monty
“I got tissues, sanitiser, and blu tac from the office. I was happy” Reia
“I collected the picnic rug from outside” Evelyn
EL4 PT will continue to develop and document their understanding of leadership and that whilst it can exist in additional responsibilities, it is also visible in our everyday interactions and choices we make.
Eva Szymanski
ELC Coordinator/ELC 4 Teacher
The Term 3 Mountfield Maestros Music Concert showcased the talent, dedication, and musical growth of our student performers. The inclusive and supportive performance event, hosted by the Year 6 Music Leaders, provided opportunity for our Junior School musicians to share their love of music performance with a live audience. Music performance supports emotional growth, self-expression and creativity, alongside the development of goal-setting skills and perseverance.
It was wonderful to see and hear the confidence gained in the performances and the progress that the student musicians had made throughout the year. All performers experienced the rewards of their hard work through their musical achievements in the concert.
Each performance reflected thoughtful preparation, musical understanding and artistic expression. Particularly impressive was the maturity and confidence demonstrated by our young musicians, who captivated the audience with their poise and expressive communication through music.
The evening was made even more special by the enthusiastic support of families, friends, and staff. Their encouragement created a warm and uplifting atmosphere that highlighted the strong sense of community surrounding music at our school.
We congratulate all performers on their outstanding contributions and look forward to many more inspiring performances at our upcoming Performing Arts events in Term 3 and Term 4.
Kate Savige and Rohan Mack
Directors of Music
This term, Year 1 are exploring the question ‘How do designers and makers create solutions for work and play?’ As a provocation for our unit of work, we visited TwistED Science to learn about what makes objects move.
They participated in a workshop to investigate forces through several hands-on experiments. They thought about how we make objects move and learnt about different types of forces, friction and gravity.
In the Teal Lab we learnt about pushing and pulling.
Alyssa L
We made poppers and then we put some pompoms inside and launched them in the air!
Sophie T
We learnt about contact forces and non-contact forces.
Liya S
We used some magnets and we tried to figure out if things were magnetic. It turned out that only three elements are magnetic: iron, nickel, and copper – which is not usually magnetic but if there is electricity it can become an electromagnet.
Isabelle Q
Before we returned to school, students were able to explore the PlayZone, an area to provoke curiosity through interactive play stations. They were encouraged to have a go at the different activities which focused on different concepts and skills. Rather than following instructions students worked out how to interact with each station by asking questions, working with peers and testing theories.
We got to explore everywhere and my favourite thing in the play area was the spinning sandstorm.
Muxi L
My favourite activity was the bubbles because it was so cool.
Estelle W
My favourite one was the sand art because the art was beautiful.
Natasha O
The excursion was a wonderful way to spark curiosity as we begin to learn about simple machines, how they work and the jobs they make easier in more depth.
Elizabeth Warren
Year 1 Classroom Teacher
Year 5 students recently explored what it means to be an effective leader and how positive leadership can make a difference in both the classroom and the wider community. Lead by three educators on Wednesday 22 July, the students participated in an engaging Burn Bright incursion, focused on developing important leadership qualities and personal growth skills.
Through a range of interactive activities and real-world scenarios, students learned about key leadership traits such as communication, responsibility, resilience and teamwork. They examined the qualities of successful leaders and discussed how these attributes can be applied in everyday situations.
One of the highlights of the incursion was the hands-on learning experiences that encouraged students to work collaboratively and think creatively. Students participated in challenges that required problem-solving, active listening and decision-making, helping them build confidence while supporting their peers. These experiences reinforced the importance of leading by example and working together to achieve common goals.
The Burn Bright program connected strongly with our classroom focus on personal development and positive relationships. Students reflected on their own strengths and identified areas where they could continue to grow as leaders. By the end of the incursion, students felt empowered to take initiative, demonstrate responsibility and contribute positively to their school community.
The experience was both inspiring and educational, providing valuable lessons that students can apply in their learning, friendships and future leadership opportunities.
Craig Goodwin & Angela Columbine
Year 5 Classroom Teachers
During Semester Two, four Year 6 students are taking part in the Australian National Virtual Debating Competition. This competition offers students a valuable opportunity to connect with peers across Australia through constructive debate. Each round has brought a new challenge, and this debate was no exception. Students developed arguments for the topic: ‘That school canteens should be allowed to sell junk food.’
Building on feedback from previous debates about the importance of using evidence to support their viewpoints, Sophie, Akira, Olivia D and Olivia C were praised by the adjudicator for their well-presented argument. They effectively drew on research to support their claim that schools have a responsibility to help students make healthy food choices, rather than simply banning junk food from canteens. The students’ success in this competition reflects their strong collaboration. They have worked diligently to research each topic and have consistently written and delivered high-quality speeches.
Olivia D:
Being able to work as a team and hearing different perspectives from my peers and the other teams has helped me develop my arguments to be more specific.
Sophie:
The hardest part of the debating process is thinking of rebuttals because you can’t be sure what the opposing team will say. We have to try to consider all the possible arguments in advance.
Olivia C:
The adjudicator is helpful because they listen carefully to our arguments and give constructive feedback about what we can do next time to improve our speeches.
Akira:
I enjoy listening to opposition’s argument and taking in the way they debate because it models other perspectives and debating techniques.
Nancy Robottom
Deputy Head of Junior School
Last week, our Foundation students celebrated a very special milestone, 100 days of school! To mark this exciting achievement, we combined our 100 Days of School celebration with Milo Monkey’s Birthday Surprise.
Throughout the term, students have participated in the Little Learners Love Literacy program, learning each new sound and meeting Milo’s friends along the way. Reaching the end of our single-sound learning sequence, alongside our 100th day of school, provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate all they have accomplished.
Students enjoyed a variety of engaging activities, including creating a collaborative mural using 100 decorated paper circles and taking part in an Alphabet Hunt. These experiences encouraged teamwork, creativity and reflection on just how much they have learnt and grown throughout the year.
More than simply marking 100 days at school, this celebration recognised the growth, confidence and skills our Foundation students have developed since the beginning of the year. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and look forward to the next 100 days of curiosity, learning and discovery together.
“I loved the day because we got to have a disco” – Aimee
“I loved doing the Leo Lion Lego. I made a garden” – Evelyn
“My favourite part was the Harry Hippo Hunt because we went around the whole school” – Anaya
“I loved the disco because I like listening to music” – Jeslyn
Mikaela Stanaway
Foundation Classroom Teacher
Today, the Chair of the Council announces the appointment of new members to the School Council.
It has been a busy start to Term 3 at the Secondary School with student achievements, extension opportunities and sporting success.
It has been a fortnight full of milestones at the Junior School, including their first assembly in Barbara Sutton Hall and Foundation celebrating 100 days of school.
Thanks to dedicated PFA volunteers, the Second-Hand Uniform Shop continues to support families across our community.
