Junior School BulletinFriday 12 February, Weeks 4B-5A Term 1 2021

Dear Oxley Junior School families,

It has been a strong start to the year. Kindergarten and new students are looking more confident in themselves and are connected with friends each day. Please continue to be in contact with the school to help us better understand your child’s needs if there are any issues, as they get settled in.

It was lovely to speak with so many of you this week at Parent Information Sessions. Our outstanding class teachers, specialists, support staff and members of the leadership team were thrilled to be able to share with you the work we do in the Junior School and the efforts of your children, which amaze and delight us every day.

Communication with the Junior SchoolAs was communicated in Parent Information Sessions this week, the school diary is a great way for families to write everyday matters in the ‘Parent/Teacher Communication’ section. Emails to class teachers are usually responded to within 24-48 hours and more pressing pastoral matters are directed to the Deputy Head of Junior School, Peter Ayling.

Junior School Differentiation and Enrichment OpportunitiesThis week at Parent Information Sessions, I talked about differentiation in Years 3-6 in the Junior School. To meet the diverse range of needs within our school, we are introducing a stage model for Reading and Mathematics. The model includes co-teaching sessions, and clustering of student needs for support and extension.

K-2 students will continue to receive support and extension within their stage in Literacy and Mathematics as they normally would.

The Junior School have always offered small group and individualised support opportunities through the Learning Engagement Team, in addition to a range of Enrichment opportunities. In-school enrichment offerings such as in Debating, Science, Mathematics, Writing, Philosophy and History will be offered throughout the year. With the easing of Covid restrictions, we also anticipate that other inter-school opportunities will be available as in previous years.

Junior School Swimming CarnivalThis week you have received a note regarding the Swimming Carnival on Friday 26 February. We look forward to a great occasion with Junior School families on what we hope will be a day of good weather, swimming triumphs across the years and lots of fun.

With very best wishes,

Katherine HalcrowHead of Junior School

From Mr Peter Ayling, Deputy Head of Junior SchoolWeek 4B Oxley Values Reflection: Social Awareness Being socially aware means that you understand how you react to different social situations, and effectively modify your interactions with other people so that you achieve the best results.

Week 5A Oxley Values Reflection: Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence This means that you notice and value the world's beauty and people's skills. Appreciation of beauty can generate awe; appreciation of a skill can generate admiration; and appreciation of good things can make you happier.

Upcoming EventsWeek 4B

Date Event Notes / ContactFriday 19 February JS Assembly via Webinar

https://zoom.us/j/921475806049.00am

Week 5ADate Event Notes / ContactMonday 22 February Years 3-4 Incursion: Kadoo Tours New item

Note to followWednesday 24 February Junior School & Sibling School Photos Change of date

Note to followFriday 26 February Junior School Swimming Carnival

(Parents are welcome to attend.)See separate note

Forward Planning Term 1 2021Major College Dates can be found on the Oxley College website at:https://www.oxley.nsw.edu.au/news-events/terms-college-dates/

Week Date Event Notes / Contact6B Friday 5 March Open Morning for prospective families7A Saturday 13 March Scholarship Interviews, by invitation8B Monday 15 –

Wednesday 17 MarchJunior School Parent Teacher Interviews Note to follow

9A10B Monday 29 –

Wednesday 31 MarchYears 5-6 Excursion - Canberra Note to follow

Wednesday 31 March LAST DAY OF TERM