This term, we continue to explore our school value of Courage. At present, we are undertaking perhaps the greatest work of all – the work on ourselves. This is why we reflect on our school values and seek practical exercises that support this inner development. A wonderful place to begin is by becoming still and asking ourselves: “Why do I feel the way I do?” Whether the feeling is pleasant or difficult, understanding its source helps us step back from the emotion and see it more clearly. This kind of honest reflection is our most powerful tool against old habits that no longer serve us.
“The unexamined life is not worth living. Know thyself – for this is the beginning of all wisdom. When we understand ourselves, we gain the courage to change what needs changing.” – Socrates
Julian Wilcock
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Category: Latest News from John Colet School Belrose
Book Week in 2nd Class
English- This week we have started learning about Persuasive Writing. In pairs and groups students discuss a topic given to them and come up with whether they agree or disagree with the statement and come up with reasons for both. They then complete a persuasive writing piece. They also completed explicit spelling lessons learning about homophones, revised some irregular words, Antonyms and Synonyms, we revised the floss rule and looked at doubling consonants in the middle of words. The children also completed comprehension, grammar and handwriting lessons. We look forward to speeches next week for The Public Speaking Competition.
Mathematics – This week the children focused on Addition. We looked at number facts,adding with doubles, bridging to 10, addition on the number line and adding in any order. The children finished off the week with problem-solving questions and multiplication fluency practice where they consolidated their knowledge of multiples of 5’s and
Great result at Ryde Eisteddfod
Hearty congratulations to our Chamber Ensemble, who performed at the Ryde Eisteddfod on Tuesday evening, winning 2nd Prize in the 207D Open Age Small Mixed Instrument Ensemble section. Well done to Arthur L, Engei F, Lauren D, Isabella K and Lachlan L.
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On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 5
Monday salad wraps, flour tortilla, carrot, tomato, cucumber, iceberg and cheese
Tuesday Cream of tomato and basil soup served with fresh sourdough and butter
Wednesday Ricotta and spinach puff pastry rolls served with tomato chutney
Thursday Pumpkin ravioli served with fresh tomato and basil sauce topped with herbs and parmesan
Friday Potato and pea slice served with sweet chili and sour cream
(Chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables provided daily)
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment
Today in L1st Philosophy the question was posed “Why is the Pause so important?” Here are just a few of the many responses: It makes you calm; it makes you feel connected to all the world, it gives you a rest, it rests you brain before you start the next lesson, it is our Value of Stillness, it helps with all the School Values, it helps us be focused. I could add more. The benefits of the simple practice of pausing are far reaching. It is very encouraging to see that our five- and six-year-old students understand this through their own experience.
Di Renshaw
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Head of School’s Comment
With the consistently chilly weather and frequent rain, it has been wonderful to see our students arrive each morning with smiles and a positive attitude. Reports are that our 3rd and 4th Class campers (both staff and students!) have taken this resilience to the next level, enjoying a fantastic, if slightly muddy, adventure. Their willingness to embrace the unknown, try new activities, and face challenges head-on, whether it was climbing, archery, or simply sleeping away from home for the first time – has shown a shared courage that not only brings them closer together, but also strengthens them personally. These moments of bravery, big and small, are what make camp so memorable.
Julian Wilcock
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On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 4
Monday Risoni tossed in nut free roast vegetable romesco sauce
Tuesday Lentil soup served with fresh sour dough and butter
Wednesday Cheeseburgers served in a milk bun
Thursday Cauliflower macaroni cheese served in creamy mornay sauce topped with mozzarella
Friday Mushroom stroganoff served with basmati rice
(Chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables provided daily)
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment
This week I would like to recognise the School Value of Stillness and the huge role it plays in all that takes place at John Colet. During the week, as on most weeks, I had cause to go into all of the classrooms in the school. I was struck particularly by the consistent level of focus that was present within each classroom no matter what the year group. It was also striking looking around at the very high standard of work that is produced as a result of that focus. It is easy to take this atmosphere of quiet for granted and forget what a fundamental thing it is to enable children to thrive in their education.
Di Renshaw
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This week, our students took part in the annual Sanskrit Recitation Finals—an inspiring showcase of clarity, rhythm, and meaning. Sanskrit has been a core part of the curriculum at John Colet School since its founding 40 years ago, offering students a unique linguistic foundation. Its precise grammar and phonetics support cognitive development and enhance understanding of other languages, including English. Through Sanskrit, children explore the roots of words across cultures—like da (to give), which connects to dāna (gift), Latin donum, French donner, and English donate and dedicate. The recitations reflected not only linguistic skill but also deep engagement with themes of wellbeing and self-awareness.
Julian Wilcock
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A busy week, 100 days in, for Lower 1st
We had a wonderful range of learning experiences in and outside the classroom in Week 3. On Monday, we celebrated Teacher’s Day, honouring all the teachers in our lives. Thank you to all families for sending in a flower as a symbol of gratitude–it made the day very special. The children reflected on the importance of teachers by writing about a special teacher in their lives and what they have learned from them.
In Science, we began learning about the plant life cycle by planting seeds in our individual ‘greenhouses’. Over the coming weeks, students will observe and record the growth of their seedlings as they sprout and develop.
L1st M also enjoyed a gardening session on Tuesday with Mrs. Green, focusing on Bush Tucker. Students took a short walk through the school grounds to identify native plants and learn about their traditional Indigenous uses. They even had the opportunity to wash