Today, Mrs Dunwoody provides an update on the development of the School’s Learning Extension & Enrichment Program (LEEP).
As the school year draws to a close, excitement about holidays and celebrations often sits alongside anticipation about what the new year will bring. Next week, on Orientation Morning, our students will find out their class and teacher for 2027. For children, announcements such as these can feel significant, even when they are a natural part of school life. We know that children find security in familiarity and predictability. Change can therefore bring a mixture of excitement, disappointment, nervousness and curiosity. I was recently reading an article on the Big Life Journal website, which reminds us that children build resilience not by avoiding change, but by being supported to navigate it. Helpful strategies include giving children time to prepare, listening to their concerns, maintaining familiar routines and connections, and reminding them of changes they have successfully managed before.
Please be assured that class placements are made thoughtfully and with great care. Our teachers spend considerable time creating balanced classes, drawing on their knowledge of each child’s learning needs, friendships, strengths and personality, as well as the mix of students in each group. Our aim is for every child to be placed where they can learn, connect and thrive. However, when children receive class or teacher information, their first response may not be the one we hope for. A child might be disappointed not to be with a particular friend, worried about an unfamiliar teacher or anxious about who will be in their class. Should this occur, it is helpful to demonstrate to them that we are deeply listening and acknowledge their feelings by responding with a phrase such as: “I can understand why you feel disappointed. You were really hoping to be with…” or “It sounds as though you are feeling nervous because next year feels a little unknown.” Allowing children to name and experience their feelings helps make those emotions more manageable. Once they feel heard, we can gently move the conversation towards what they can manage, and the possibilities that change might bring.
This is also a time of year where the skills we teach through Friendology become particularly valuable. Strong friendships can flourish well beyond a shared classroom, and they grow through connection. Children can nurture valued friendships in the playground, through co-curricular activities and across the wider school day, while also building new connections within their classroom. As parents, it can be challenging to know what to say to our children when they are disappointed. It can be helpful to have phrases ready to say, such as: “I know you were hoping to be in the same class as your friend. It is okay to feel disappointed. Your friendship can still be important, and there will also be people in your new class to get to know.” Learning to maintain existing friendships while being open to new ones is an important social skill. Different class groupings can give children opportunities to broaden their friendship circles; practise making new connections and develop confidence in different social situations.
Children take many of their cues from the adults around them. Our response to an announcement can influence how they interpret it. A calm “This might feel different at first, and I know you can manage it” communicates something powerful: change can feel uncomfortable without being something to fear.
Our goal is not necessarily for children to love every change immediately. Nor do we need to solve every disappointment for them. Rather, we want them to develop the confidence to think: “This isn’t exactly what I expected, but I know I can handle it.”
During periods of change, it can be reassuring to draw children’s attention to all that remains familiar. Routines, relationships and connection provide an important sense of security during transitions. While a classroom or teacher may change, children remain part of their wider school community. They will continue to see familiar faces, participate in assemblies, play in familiar spaces and share experiences with friends from across the Junior School.
It can also be powerful to remind children how many changes they have already successfully navigated.
There was once a first day of school. Their current teacher was once someone they did not know. Their closest friend was once someone they had not yet met. A classroom that now feels completely familiar was once new.
Ask your child:
Reflecting on previous transitions helps children recognise that they already have strategies for managing uncertainty.
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give children at this time of year is the confidence to approach the unknown with openness. The teacher they do not yet know is likely to become a much-loved teacher. The classmate they have rarely spoken to may become a wonderful friend. A classroom that feels unfamiliar at first may soon feel completely like home. These everyday transitions provide children with important opportunities to practise flexibility, friendship skills, courage and resilience. With calm, confident adults beside them, children gradually discover something very important about themselves: I can feel uncertain about something new and still be okay. I can maintain the friendships that matter to me, make room for new ones, adapt to change and grow.
And that is a lesson that will support them far beyond the classroom.
Kellie Morgan
Head of Junior School
At the end of each term, EL4 PT contribute and collaboratively plan their group curriculum planner for the following term. At the conclusion of Term 3, the children shared that they wanted to play more games as a class. When supported to unpack their intentions with open ended questions and using the Early Years Learning Framework 2.0 outcomes, they recognised these experiences as a meaningful way to connect with each other. It was evident that through collaborative game play, the children strengthen friendships, practice turn taking, fair play, and continue to develop their sense of belonging within the group. Their enthusiasm for gathering around games reflect their growing understanding that shared experiences can support positive relationships and contribute to everyone’s wellbeing. EL4 PT have demonstrated the importance of game play in growing connection and experiencing joy!
Various games have been on rotation throughout the term, with the following currently being played in EL4 PT.
Guess Who? has introduced the children to logic and deductive reasoning, as well as how to create and play with strategy. It has also supported the class to continue taking turns and ensure they are listening carefully to the answers they ask their playing partner.
Hide and Seek has supported mathematical understandings such as counting and time, in addition to developing imagination and teamwork.
Pictureka has challenged EL4 PT to persist and persevere even though they have found some icons, time consuming and difficult to find. Initially they wanted to give up, although with role modelling and encouragement they worked together to keep looking and demonstrated extreme pride when they were able to find what they were looking for!
Snap! When playing Snap, the children have particularly developed a strong sense of shared enjoyment and community as they cheer each other on, celebrate each other’s achievements and demonstrate encouragement for one another.
Eva Szymanski
Early Learning Coordinator / EL4 PT Teacher
On Thursday 5 November a squad of 21 swimmers and divers headed off to MSAC for the GSV Swimming and Diving Carnival. This event is a highlight in the PE calendar and the first opportunity our divers have had this year to showcase what they have been learning.
The morning began with our swimming competition. It was wonderful to see all competitors represent CGGS so well and try their best in what was a tough competition. Some of the highlights from the day were:
Yoland M: 2nd Year 5 50m Breaststroke
Cathy Z: 3rd Year 6 50m Breaststroke
Alice D: 2nd Year 5 50m Freestyle
Alice D: 3rd Year 5 50m Backstroke
Nicole L: 3rd Year 50m Freestyle
Year 5: 3rd 4x50m Freestyle Relay
Some students swam up to six events that day and should be incredibly proud of their effort and how they encouraged each other. A special mention to Oliva C in Year 6 who swam seven events on the day, what an achievement!
With the conclusion of swimming, we then headed inside to commence the diving competion. For many of our divers, it was their first experience of an official dive competition, and the nerves were high, but the excitement was higher! Congratulations to our Year 6 divers; Laurynn D, Evangeline H, Aryana P and Mia Y, who placed 6th, 7th, 5th and 7th in their respective competitions. We also had to of our newer divers, Charlotte G and Ayati P who competed in the Novice competition with Charlotte placing 1st and Ayati placing 6th. A huge congratulations to all our divers on their efforts throughout the year to attend training and for their efforts on the day.
Kim James
Head of Health, Physical Education and Sport (JS)
On Friday 6 November, our Year 2 students enjoyed a wonderful Extended Day filled with fun, friendship and special memories. Dressed in casual clothes and carrying a favourite soft toy or pillow, the girls arrived excited for an afternoon and evening of activities together.
The afternoon began with students enjoying their BYO afternoon tea before taking part in a range of fun activities. There was plenty of laughter during the circus games, while others enjoyed getting creative by making magnets and friendship bracelets.
As the evening progressed, we headed to the Fig Tree Café for a delicious meal together. It was a lovely opportunity for students and teachers to relax, chat and enjoy each other’s company outside the usual school routine.
After dinner, we returned to the Junior School Hall, where students settled in with their soft toys and pillows to watch a movie together. An icy pole was the perfect treat to finish off a fantastic evening.
The Year 2 Extended Day was a wonderful opportunity for students to strengthen friendships, build connections and create lasting memories. We thank all staff who helped make this special experience such a success.
Anjali de Quadros & Selena Reedman
Year 2 Classroom Teachers
After an extended period away from our much-loved performance spaces, it was a joy to return to the beautifully renovated Barbara Sutton Hall for the Junior School’s first Choral and Instrumental Concert in the auditorium since 2024. The evening marked a special milestone for our young musicians, who took to the stage with enthusiasm, confidence and pride. From vibrant instrumental performances to uplifting choral works, the concert showcased the remarkable talent, dedication and growth of students across the Junior School. It was a wonderful celebration of music making and a fitting occasion to welcome our community back into this revitalised venue.
The concert highlighted the breadth of talent across our Junior School ensembles and choirs, with each performance reflecting the dedication and enthusiasm of our students and staff. From high quality choral singing to confident instrumental performances, students embraced the opportunity to perform on the renewed stage with pride and poise. It was particularly rewarding to see our youngest musicians demonstrating growing confidence as they shared their developing skills with family and friends.
The evening was also a celebration of community, with families, staff and friends coming together to support and encourage our students. Their warm applause and enthusiastic support helped create a joyful and encouraging atmosphere throughout the concert. We look forward to seeing the renovated Barbara Sutton Hall continue to enrich the musical experiences of our Junior School students, nurturing creativity, confidence and a lifelong love of music for many years to come.
Rohan Mack (Director of Music – Instrumental) and Kate Savige (Director of Music – Curriculum)
The Year 5 students recently enjoyed a rewarding performance excursion to the Hawthorn Arts Centre, where they participated in the Victorian Schools Music Festival (VSMF).
This festival provides young musicians with the valuable opportunity to perform in a professional performance venue, experience playing for an audience, and develop their ensemble skills in a supportive musical setting. A highlight of the morning was the on-stage performance workshop led by a professional conductor and educator, who provided constructive feedback and practical strategies for further musical growth. The students also listened to the other schools, who performed in the same section.
As part of the Year 5 Band program, this excursion created an authentic learning opportunity which supported enthusiasm for performance and creative collaboration within the context of a community experience. In recognition of their efforts, the ensemble was awarded a participation certificate, an outstanding achievement that reflects the dedication and hard work of the students and staff involved.
The excursion was a valuable and memorable experience for all involved, providing students with an opportunity to develop as performers, learn from expert feedback, and celebrate the joy of making music together.
Kate Savige – Director of Music (Curriculum)
Today, Mrs Dunwoody provides an update on the development of the School’s Learning Extension & Enrichment Program (LEEP).
It has been a busy fortnight at the Secondary School with multiple LEEP opportunities, excursions and student achievements.
The Year 5 & 6 GSV Swimming & Diving event was a highlight this past fortnight, as well as the Choral & Instrumental Concert.
An excited group of women gathered at the School for the Sapphire Circle Reunion, celebrating women who graduated over 50 years ago.
