Deputy Head of School Comment

This week I would like to acknowledge the excellent service that has been offered by our 6th class students. Each morning there are a number of enthusiastic children waiting to take our new Lower 1st class to their classroom and help them with their bags. In some cases, they have waited with them in the classroom if they need an extra bit of help with settling in for the day.
On Friday morning some 6th class students came to Infants Assembly to sit with Lower 1st and help them negotiate their very first school assembly. Their care, enthusiasm and good example has been outstanding. That afternoon they had their first Buddies session which will be a regular Friday afternoon activity. It often becomes the favourite time of the week for both 6th class and Lower 1st.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Headmistress
The post Deputy Head of School Comment appeared first on John Colet School |

See Full Post >>

Head of School Comment

At our assemblies, each week we explore the School Value in focus with a discussion based on practical examples given by the students and a reading given by our leadership team. This week the reading was from a quote by Albert Einstein where he referred to the fact that his work was only possible through the combined effort and service of others and that his discoveries would serve those that are to come.
It was the first assembly for our Lower 1st, and not only did they impress everyone with how settled and attentive they were, they also joined in with many insightful and “interesting” interpretations during the discussion. The honest and personal approach by younger children always brings a fresh energy to our School. It has been lovely to watch them come together as a group this week and we look forward to watching them develop and flourish in the

See Full Post >>

Deputy Head of School’s Comment

It has been wonderful to welcome all the children back to school this week. I have had the pleasure of visiting all the classrooms and the ease and steadiness with which the children have transitioned back to school has been particularly noticeable. The teachers have already been working together for a week and this plays a large part in creating an atmosphere of warmth and stability, so necessary for the children’s mental and emotional wellbeing. We look forward to 2021 being an enriching and stimulating year for the children so that they can continue to thrive.

Di Renshaw
Deputy Headmistress
The post Deputy Head of School’s Comment appeared first on John Colet School | Sydney.

See Full Post >>

Head of School’s Comment

It has been brilliant seeing all the smiling faces arriving at school this week and wonderful to welcome many new faces too! It has felt like a bit of a celebration after a quiet summer break for many. We are very much looking forward to our Lower 1st students beginning their first full week of school next week.
The Core Values of our school are Stillness, Truthfulness, Courage, Service, and Respect. With our students and staff, we work through these values in all that we do throughout the year. However, we do select a Value to concentrate on each Term, along with an aspect of that Value each week. This Term we will be focussing on our Value of Service and in particular giving our full attention to whatever is before us. We also do spend some time in these first few weeks going over routines, expectations, and explanations of some

See Full Post >>

Deputy Head of School’s Comment

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

See Full Post >>

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
The post Head of School’s Comment appeared first on John Colet School | Sydney.

See Full Post >>

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
The post Head of School’s Comment appeared first on John Colet School | Sydney.

See Full Post >>