This term, our focus on the School Value of Courage has encouraged students to act with integrity, face challenges with resilience, and speak truthfully with kindness. In Term 4, our attention will turn to the value of Stillness.
Stillness lies at the heart of our educational philosophy and is one of the defining characteristics of John Colet School. More than a concept, it is a foundational life skill that supports learning, wellbeing, and character development across all areas of school life.
Term 4 will provide many meaningful opportunities to practise and embody this value, such as our Lower 1st and Primary Shakespeare productions, the 5th Class leadership speeches, and culminating in our Speech Night performances.
We wish all families a safe and enjoyable break, and look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, 14 October.
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Category: Latest News from John Colet School Belrose
Our kitchen garden is a national award winner!
John Colet School’s kitchen garden has won a national award, coming first in the ‘Down to Earth’ category of the National Kitchen Garden Awards. Judged by Alice Zaslavsky, Stephanie Alexander, Thanh Truong, and Clarence Slockee, our entry demonstrated how our students get their hands dirty, nurturing our kitchen garden soil. Our entry highlighted the magical power of worms in our garden, explained how our students learn the benefits of organic nutrients, and how boosting soil health can yield amazing results.
Our gardening teacher and garden club organiser, Laurie Green, first had the vision to develop the kitchen garden space just over two years ago.
As Mr Wilcock says, “What was once an untended and overlooked corner of our school has been transformed into a vibrant teaching garden. Today, it produces organic herbs, salad greens, and vegetables that supply our vegetarian kitchen, which serves a sit-down lunch to more than 300 students and
Head of School’s Comment
This week we held our Infants Public Speaking Finals. Reaching the final four was no easy task, as the standard across all participants was truly impressive. Each student spoke with confidence and clarity, and it was particularly fitting that one of the chosen topics was Courage, our school value for this term.
Public speaking at an early age helps children develop far more than just presentation skills. It nurtures confidence, strengthens their ability to express ideas, and builds resilience when speaking in front of others. These are lifelong skills that support leadership, empathy, and the courage to share one’s voice. Starting young ensures our students grow comfortable with communication, not only in the classroom but in all areas of their lives.
Julian Wilcock
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment
This week we had the third of four workshops that we run for 6th class during the year. The program was started last year and was so successful with the children that we have continued with it this year. The workshops are the brainchild of a past student Sophia Hatzis. The sessions are very interactive and address such issues as understanding emotions, building friendships and developing resilience. On Tuesday the children looked at the difference between what is a value (integrity) and what is a strength (standing up what is right) and were encouraged to consider these in both themselves and others. These conversations are aimed at supporting the Philosophy we study and providing the children with as many tools as we can for their transition into the next stage of education.
Di Renshaw
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On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 10
Monday Cream of cauliflower soup served with fresh sourdough bread and butter
Tuesday Quattro formaggi ravioli topped with fresh herbs
Wednesday Cheese and spinach vegetable rolls served with tomato chutney
Thursday Salad wraps lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrot and cheese in a tortilla wrap
Friday Egg and vegetable fried rice with tofu shallot and chili
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On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 9
Monday Thai style pumpkin and chickpea curry served with rice pilaf
Tuesday Salad wraps, carrot, cucumber, tomato, iceberg and cheese in a tortilla wrap
Wednesday Tomato and basil penne pasta topped with fresh herbs and parmesan
Thursday Cream of tomato Basil soup served with sourdough and butter
Friday 4 cheese and tomato puff pastry slice
(Chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables provided daily)
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment
This term we have focussed on the School Value of Courage. On Wednesday U1st and 2nd class children will participate in the Infants Public Speaking Competition. Public speaking is recognised as one of the greatest fears that adults face, so our children are fortunate to be given a number of opportunities to step up to this challenge from an early age. It never ceases to amaze me that the children rise to this occasion with such poise and focus. One can only imagine the courage that they are building. It will stand them in good stead.
Di Renshaw
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Head of School’s Comment
This week I had the pleasure of attending the Independent Primary Schools Association 2025 Performing Arts Festival at Town Hall. Our students participated with distinction, both in the John Colet School choir and orchestra performances, and as part of the combined schools ensembles.
While every school presented impressive work, the richness of the repertoire, together with the composure, focus, and artistry of our students, was truly outstanding.
Congratulations to all our performers, and sincere thanks to Mr Miller for his dedication and leadership.
Julian Wilcock
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Fascinating tessellations
In Maths this week Fourth Class have begun a review of 2D shapes focusing on how shapes can be joined to create new shapes, reflecting, rotating and translating shapes, and identifying which shapes will tessellate. The children really enjoyed using software to manipulate shapes, use shapes to make different 2D shapes, and create tessellating patterns:
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On Wednesday, 3 September, 16 of our students from 3rd and 4th Class participated in the Todd Woodbridge Cup at Evolve Tennis, Collaroy. They played doubles and mixed doubles matches against teams from Pittwater House and St Kevin’s Dee Why.
We entered two teams in the competition, both of which competed brilliantly throughout the day. Team 1 emerged as the winners, while Team 2 secured an impressive third place.
This is a fantastic achievement and a true testament to our students’ effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
A big thank you to Yanlong Z for her support throughout the day.
Anika Davey
Physical Education Teacher
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