At this time of year, we focus on Leadership as our 5th class step up to take their place as the School Leaders for 2021. Next Tuesday they will be asked to write a short speech on an unseen topic which centres on leadership qualities. They will present their speeches to 4th,5th and 6th class as well as the grade teachers and Mr Wilcock and myself. Every year it is noticeable that the children recognise the qualities necessary for leadership and vote accordingly. Every year our 6th class as a whole set the tone for the rest of the school. This year we have seen a great demonstration of the School Values by 6th class which has been a wonderful example to the children who will follow. In a conversation with 5th class recently, they spoke of how inclusive 6th class are of each other and how they are always
Category: Latest News from John Colet School Belrose
Head of School’s Comment
This week we had the pleasure of welcoming our Lower 1st Class for 2021 to their orientation day. Due to restrictions we were unable to bring the parents together, however we are hopeful that the new year will bring easing restrictions and we will be able to have some parent social activities at least in year groups.
The students settled in very well with their new teachers Mrs Connell and Mrs Tomicki, who led the children in a range of activities, including a tour of the school. A big thank you to our 6th Class students who were great ambassadors of our school as they assisted students and welcomed parents.
‘It’s hard to believe that these students are only in 6th Class. They are so mature and well-spoken’ -Lower 1st 2021 parent
Julian Wilcock
Head of School
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On the vegetarian menu for Week 6
Monday Macaroni cheese
Tuesday Puff pastry slice
Wednesday Roast vegetable toasted wraps
Thursday Shepherd’s pie
Friday Sweetcorn pancakes
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Head of School’s Comment
We are currently looking at student leadership throughout our school, within our value of Service. In its simplest form leadership is best shown through our actions by setting a positive example. This is clearly evident in our 6th Class students and also across the school as children look to those students in older grades. However, it is important for students to appreciate that leadership is not just top-down or based on age or position. It is sometimes best expressed amongst peers as they make choices about their actions, or even by those younger whose example can challenge us to reconsider our own behaviours.
Personally, I am often impressed with the behaviour and actions of our students and believe there are always lessons to be learnt.
Julian Wilcock
Head of School
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A busy week in Second Class
What an extraordinary week we have had with NAIDOC Week and Remembrance Day. Our History included an outdoor lesson with Miss Jackson and 2M. Miss Jackson shared with us her knowledge of Indigenous Languages, customs and a Welcome to Country book (by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy).
We remembered those who had given their lives in wars on 11th November at 11 am. As a whole school we fell silent for one minute.
We engaged in experiments with Mr Sjoquest to discover the science of floating TOYS.
The children completed their advertisement for a toy using their skills to write persuasively, using emotive language and adjectives. They completed a self-assessment using a class created rubric, with criteria chosen by themselves.
Lea-Ann Connell
Teacher
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A recap of the past week in 4th Class
In literacy this week we have begun our analysis of the classic Australian novel “Storm Boy” by Colin Thiele.
In my maths class we have continued to work on measurement but spent a lot of time on multi-step word problems which we all find a little tricky.
In Science we have continued to look at the role of geologists and how they examine rocks to understand what changes the Earth’s surface has gone through over time.
In History we have focused on NAIDOC week by identifying the factors which lead to the first protest in 1939, and how this movement has changed over time into a celebration of art, country and culture.
In Geography we have continued to look at natural resources and begun to investigate the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.
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On Wednesday Mr Wilcock and I had the great pleasure of being the audience for this year’s Lower 1st Shakespeare production. As you are aware, due to unavoidable circumstances, the production was videoed only. In many ways this presented much more of a challenge to the children because there was no audience to help draw out their performance. In addition to this some scenes needed more than one or two takes. It is hard to know where to begin to commend the children for their focus, enthusiasm, co-operation, maturity and self-discipline. Shakespeare provides us with an opportunity to develop these qualities in the children in a unique way which serves everybody.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Headmistress
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6th Class consider ‘Dilemma’ by Richard Aldington
Our poetry theme continued this week with a study on a free-verse poem by Richard Aldington called ‘Dilemma’. I was amazed at the mature responses by the children and their ability to analyse and interpret Aldington’s words. It is a beautiful poem full of clever personification and rich vocabulary and we had a great discussion about the ending – did the poet’s friend end up travelling the world again, or did they opt to stay at home? If you would like to read the poem you can find it here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=20284 Be sure to read on to the second page!
One point we did all agree on was that the poem would make a beautiful painting, with all its characters and imagery included. I love the fact that the children can imagine what this would look like and ‘see’ the poem in their minds.
Allison Tomicki
Teacher
The post 6th Class consider ‘Dilemma’ by
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 5
Monday Salad rolls
Tuesday Potato and corn muffins
Wednesday Closed for Lower 1st Shakespeare filming
Thursday Moroccan style curry with rice pilaf
Friday Toasted bean burritos
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment
This week in Upper 1st Philosophy, we were discussing Wisdom and its relationship to the value of Stillness. They raised the idea that stillness allows time to make a correct decision and it is wise to perform a good action that benefits everyone. They also suggested that wisdom comes with experience and learning from mistakes. More importantly, not repeating the same mistake when the outcome will not be helpful to themselves or others. The need to embed this understanding at an early age is a fundamental part of a child’s education. Even though it may be taught directly in our Philosophy classes it can be demonstrated in any of the subjects that the children learn.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Headmistress
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