Dean of Primary-23 May
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
In the past two weeks, we have raised a number of important issues with the boys. All of these issues require attention to ensure that the high standards we strive for are maintained. A brief summary of the main issues are listed below. I would appreciate parents discussing the importance of these topics with the boys.
- Basic Manners: It is an expectation that boys say “please” and “thank you” to staff and each other. Saying “good morning” and “goodbye” are also important in a community built on respectful relationships.
- Uniforms: Some boys need to make greater effort to wear a “complete” uniform to school each day. This includes polished shoes, black belt, tie and blazer. Socks should be pulled up and shirts tucked in. It is an expectation that boys look neat and tidy, in complete uniform from home to school, and home again.
- Public Transport: All boys are reminded that they represent themselves, your family and our College community when they travel on public transport. They should demonstrate basic courtesy, such as allowing passengers to hop on/off before them, offer seats to standing adults, be aware of the volume and content of conversations and keep isles free of bags etc. Most boys are doing an outstanding job and give us all a great public reputation, but it only takes one or two bad experiences to damage the good work done by many.
- Morning Food Choices- I understand that the mornings are a very busy time and that some boys don’t always have an opportunity to eat breakfast at home before coming to school. The tuckshop is open each morning if required, with muffins and toasties etc. The last couple of weeks, an increased number of boys have been drinking soft drinks, eating lollies and chips etc before school. Some of these are purchased on the way to school and some are in lunch boxes (which is fine) for morning tea and lunch. I would encourage all parents to discuss with boys the need to avoid high sugar treats before school to improve concentration and settled behaviour in class.
This week, the boys gathered in their “House” groups to prepare for this year’s House Choir Competition which will take place on Friday, 13 June. Ask your son what his allocated song is and please encourage him to learn the words. The choir competition gets better every year and the collective efforts of Primary and Secondary competing together really helps build a positive House spirit.
Debating and Public Speaking
On Tuesday, we had two Year 6 teams debate against Marist, while our Year 5 boys were involved in public speaking for Round 2. The boys worked really hard during the week preparing and they did a great job presenting arguments and delivering entertaining speeches. Marist were victorious in both debates, but the boys did a great job.
All of the Year 5 speeches were very well presented. Congratulations to Edward Mewing and Archer Rawson who won the Year 5 “Public Speaker of the Night”.
Music- Junior Ensemble Concert
On Thursday night, the boys in the Junior Ensembles delivered an outstanding concert to a large audience in ERPAC. The quality of the performances was fantastic. Congratulations to all of the boys who performed and also to the staff who prepared and supported them.
Next week, the boys in Concert Band 3 and Guitar Orchestra 2 will work with staff and students from St Joseph’s Kangaroo Point. Students will rehearse together in the afternoon under the guidance of staff from both schools. The groups will then perform a concert for parents. It is always fantastic to see our boys joining with students from a local school to deepen their musical experience. I thank the music staff for organising a great afternoon in advance.
In just a few weeks we will have our “End of Term Monster Raffle”. If you would like to donate any prizes, please send them into the Primary Office. Thank you in advance to those families who are able to assist with prize donations (big or small). The boys really appreciate it.
In this Edition of the Primary Newsletter, you can also read about Curriculum Updates, Student of the Week, Music, Date Claimers and Events.
Kind Regards
Cameron Wigan
Dean of Primary