From the Head of the Junior School

Dear Parents and Friends of the Junior School,

Yesterday’s Junior-lympics were spectacular and the volume of responses suggested that it was just the tonic the boys needed at this time. Every one of the almost 3000 Flipgrid posts conveyed enthusiasm and creativity! It will not surprise you to know that I have not watched every video but I have seen hundreds and especially loved the wrestling, synchronised swimming and Opening Ceremonies featuring national dress. It was heart-warming to see the boys smiling, outside, and having lots of ‘old-fashioned’ fun using imagination, pretending, and making-do with whatever equipment could be found. There are lots of siblings, pets and parents featured in videos too – we hope you enjoyed the fun first-hand as well. We have compiled some of our favourite moments for all to enjoy. Please read a longer story and watch some clips here. The House Captains and teachers are to be thanked for building enthusiasm with their orientation videos and messages. Special appreciation is extended to Mr Karagiannis who assembled all the video components and designed the eye-catching and easy-to-use Canvas course. Congratulations to the boys for their overwhelming participation and especially to LATHAM House who finished atop the medal table. However, just like the Olympics, it really was a day when just being part of the games made you a winner.   

We plan to provide a special event or focus for boys to look forward to each week. Next week, Book Week provides the perfect opportunity to focus on the joys and benefits associated with reading. Whilst we will need to put our annual Book Parade on-hold for the time being, Mrs Bowden has planned a number of activities including author virtual-visits with Andrew Daddo and Gus Gordon. Teachers will incorporate links to literature throughout the week’s tasks and lessons. Any parents keen to get boys away from screens might use the excuse of Book Week to hide devices outside school hours and instead place sons under a tree with a good book to read. It will probably be tempting and rewarding for us adults to join them as well! I hope your week features at least some down time with a good book.

We will continue to update you with plans for calendar events. With no end yet confirmed, we are re-imagining events usually held in the back half of this term such as Father and Son Breakfasts, 3-Way Learning Conferences and our Walk-a-thon. Should we not be able to hold these events at school, we are confident we can facilitate a variation of them whilst learning remotely.

Mark Dunn | Head of the Junior School

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23