This week, the project presentations showcased the children’s research and creativity with regards to plastic pollution, and brought our Science and Geography units of work to an end. In English, using the text Storm Boy, the children presented arguments to an imaginary council meeting as to why the vandals, who destroyed the birds’ habitat in the sanctuary, should be charged with trespassing. This activity was used as a springboard to revise persuasive texts and the children typed a persuasive letter about why birds should be better protected. We looked at the acronym A FOREST to remind us of the variety of persuasive devices that we should be using in our writing (Alliteration, Facts, Opinions, Repetition/Rhetorical questions, Emotive language, Statistics and rule of Three). In Maths we combined our length and multiplication skills by measuring our height and calculating how high we would go if we were able to jump multiples
Author: admin
Organic garden update
Last Friday the annual beds in the kitchen garden were retrofitted with self watering technology to combat invasive roots from nearby trees. They were refilled on Tuesday with thanks to parent volunteers, and planted out by infant and primary Gardeneers during lunch. The spring onions, tomatoes, and rainbow popcorn planted so far were all grown from seed in our greenhouse!
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Head of School’s Comment
This term, we have focused on the School Value of Stillness. Next term, our attention will shift to Truthfulness, which aligns well, as it is often only when we are still and detached that we can perceive the truth in any situation.
Looking ahead to next term, we have an exciting lineup of events and milestones. In addition to our Shakespeare productions, we will celebrate the ever-popular P&F Diwali festival, Picnic Day, the graduation of our 6th class students, and the welcoming orientation for our incoming Lower 1st students who will join us in 2025.
We wish you a safe and enjoyable break, and we look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday, October 15th.
Julian Wilcock
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Starting out in Tennis
This week students from Lower 1st, Upper 1st, and 2nd Class had the exciting opportunity to participate in fun and engaging tennis activities in small groups. The children returned with big smiles, and many shared how much they enjoyed their first-ever tennis experience. With fantastic weather and the perfect day on court, it was a memorable and enjoyable time for seasoned tennis players and newbies alike!
Anika Davey
Physical Education Teacher
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On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 10
Monday Garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes served with sweet chili and Sour cream
Tuesday Moroccan style vegetable curry served with buttered basmati rice
Wednesday Cheese and tomato puff pastry slice topped with fresh herbs and mozzarella
Thursday Tomato and basil Penne pasta topped with fresh basil and Parmesan
Friday Cheese and spinach Filo pastry triangles served with tomato chutney
Pictured is the rainbow of vegetables in the Stirfry noodles today
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment
For the House Competition this term, the children did a piece that centred on the Value of Stillness, which has been the value in focus for the term. All year groups had the same task which was to colour a lotus flower. This activity was done in silence with a particular focus on giving full attention. The children responded beautifully. Some teachers reported that the children worked for up to half an hour with total concentration. I spoke to a few of the older classes who said that it was a very peaceful exercise to just focus their attention in one place for a prolonged period of time. It offered them a real feeling of contentment to work in this way. The results are stunning. This example is by a child in Lower 1st.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Headmistress
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Head of School’s Comment
The momentum is building towards our Shakespeare performances being held in Term 4. The value of Stillness that we have been recently exploring, has great practical use as the rehearsals develop towards the stage. Each child’s performance depends on their weeks of listening, attention and practice. Their ability to connect requires them to be aware and respect those around them. Acting requires being present and playing your part, yet it is not a solo act. Students need to listen, respond, and react to those around them. It is an important skill that always needs attention.
Julian Wilcock
Headmaster
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Monday Salad wraps served with carrot, cucumber, tomato, iceberg and cheese
Tuesday Fresh tomato soup with basil served with Sourdough bread and butter
Wednesday Vegetarian penne bolognaise with basil and Parmesan
Thursday Sweet potato fries with sweet chili and sour cream
Friday Vegetable stir fried noodles with sweet soy and chili
(Chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables provided daily)
Pictured is 2.5kg of garlic from the garden that has flavoured our meals all week!
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On Wednesday night the John Colet Choir and Chamber Ensemble performed at the annual IPSHA Performing Arts Festival held at Sydney Town Hall. The children’s performances were outstanding, and the calibre of the music was exceptional. Special mention must go to violinists Isabella K and Lauren D, and flautist Lachlan L and pianist Engei F, who played duets to a packed house.
Our Head Chorister Claire T also performed a piano solo. John Colet School was beautifully represented by all these children. We are very grateful to Mr Miller for all his hard work and for the wonderful support of Mrs Rankin.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Headmistress
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Head of School’s comment
This week, our conversations about the Value of Stillness have focused on the significance of paying equal attention to both the process and the outcome of our work. We tend to become fixated on the goal or the reward ahead, often losing sight of the actions we’re currently taking. Our students resonated with this, sharing examples from areas like sports, cooking, gardening, movies, and art. More often than not, failure doesn’t occur at the final stage.
Julian Wilcock
Headmaster
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