Page 28 - Demo

FUSION 2024 Page 28JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORTIt has been an extraordinary year, and I am privileged to reflect on all that has been accomplished. I am truly impressed by the determination and enthusiasm of both staff and students, whose commitment to continuous improvement has been unparalleled.In addition to celebrating the usual milestones of primary school life, 2024 has also seen some remarkable achievements.You will have noticed some amazing new features in our buildings and grounds. A fresh coat of paint in the foyer and the Year 5/6 building complements the beautiful artwork students have been working on throughout the year, along with the World Map situated outside the 2/3/4 building. By far the best additions have been the outside sign markings, offering new sources of fun both at break times and during class. Students can now access a sensory-style path outside the Foundation classrooms, snakes and ladders outside Ms. Tanner%u2019s office, a 100s chart outside the 1/2 classroom, and the most fun of all, the IB PYP Learner Profile Hopscotch! Don%u2019t forget to check out the logo as you walk through the pedestrian gate in the Junior School Playground as well!With the introduction of BK-12%u2019s Positive Behaviour Expectations, students have been working hard with their teachers and peers to unpack the Matrix and explore what our expected behaviours look like (and don%u2019t look like!). Nelson Mandela said, %u201cEducation is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,%u201d and we recognise that our role as educators is not just to share or teach facts and figures, but to fulfil a broader purpose: to teach the skills, understanding, and interpersonal abilities that are essential for being a productive member of modern society. This has allowed us to focus on the social and emotional learning our students need to engage with regularly in order to succeed.The absolute highlight has been the introduction of %u201cCommunity Groups,%u201d which provide a platform for us to share with families the skills, knowledge, and understandings that students have developed through their exploration of the Matrix. We have successfully held PBE Afternoons where families and siblings come together to participate in activities that reflect the work our students have been doing. A huge thank you and congratulations to Mitch Stone (Director of Junior School), the Student Voice Team, and the School Captains, who have driven this work, organised, and prepared the fun activities we have all enjoyed. A celebratory sausage at the end of the afternoons added to the wonderful sense of community.We have had a range of community-based events this year that have supported our goal of giving back to the community. These have included (but are not limited to%u2014apologies if I%u2019ve missed any!):%u2022 Whole School Swimming Carnival%u2022 Whole School Athletics Carnival%u2022 Dental Van Visit%u2022 Clean Up Australia Day%u2022 F-2 Teddy Bear%u2019s Picnic%u2022 Food Bank Food Fight%u2022 Easter Egg Hunt%u2022 Book Week%u2022 Mother%u2019s Day and Father%u2019s Day breakfasts%u2022 Interschool Sports%u2022 100 Days of School for Foundation%u2022 CaliSchools%u2022 Jackson Taylor Writing Competition%u2022 Children%u2019s University Program%u2022 Excursions to KIOSC%u2022 Mini Olympics%u2022 F-4 Swimming