From the Head of the Preparatory School
Pre-K and Kindy Grandparents’ Day
Earlier this week we held our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Grandparents’ Day. It was a fantastic occasion with a huge number of visitors in attendance. Prior to the Chapel service beginning we were entertained by a number of our budding Year 6 musicians. Mr Smith spoke about the importance of grandparents and the special relationship that grandparents have with their grandchildren. Following Chapel, the boys had the chance to share their classrooms with their guests before sharing a lovely morning tea with their grandparents.
Click HERE for the highlights.
Parent Information Evening – Managing the transitions at Prep
On Wednesday evening, we held a parent information session focusing on the transitions experienced by students (and parents) throughout their time at the Prep School. The session was initiated based on feedback received earlier in the year whereby parents felt it would have been helpful to know what to expect and how they can support their son as he manages the changes.
Transitions and adapting to change are part of life in general and this is certainly true for boys (and their parents) as they make their way through school. These changes are in line with increased expectations and opportunities which are reflective of a young person’s development readiness. This process is also part of an inevitable ‘letting go’ for parents as they allow their son to grow up, take increased responsibility for themselves, and have the opportunity to try new things. The latter inevitably includes experiences of failure which are integral to growth and learning.
Whilst change is to be expected, an awareness of these changes can also be invaluable in managing expectations and supporting the partnership we share with parents in a boy’s learning journey. At the parent session we had the opportunity to explore some of the specific transitions that a student will experience from Pre-K through to Year 6. It was also important to note the many things that remain consistent throughout, such as the School’s commitment to educating boys in mind, body and spirit, our focus on growth and the development of inquisitive and skilful learners, and the need to support students in both their academic and social / emotional learning.
A video of the session can be found at this link for parents that missed the presentation. The slides can also be found at this link.
The Unplugged Psychologist
As mentioned in last week’s Prep News, the School recently hosted a presentation by ‘The Unplugged Psychologist’, otherwise known as Dr Brad Marshall. The presentation was aimed at families of boys in Years 5 to 8 and addressed challenges of screen time, and gaming. I am pleased to be able to share a recording of this presentation for anyone that may have missed it or would like to re-watch.
Strathfield Auxiliary
The Strathfield Auxiliary held its final meeting of the year on Wednesday afternoon. Whilst the end of the year is fast approaching, the Auxiliary are still working on the organisation of a couple of exciting initiatives. On Tuesday 8th November we will be holding the annual Walkathon which will be combined with a ‘Crazy Sock’ day this year. This promises to be a great community celebration that parents are encouraged to join us for. Please chat with the Class Parents for more information about how you can get involved.
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the Auxiliary for their commitment to our community and the boys of the Prep School throughout the year. Thank you!
Swimming, Walkathon and Studio Concerts
Tuesday 8th November promises to be a busy day at the Prep School. In addition to the Walkathon, there will also be Studio Concerts and day two of the K-2 Learn to Swim program. The schedule for the Walkathon and Learn to Swim program will be adjusted to allow boys to participate in both and the Walkathon will be finished before the Studio Concerts commence. Unfortunately, some students may miss out on swimming on this day if they are double booked with a performance at a Studio Concert.
Cape York Cultural Immersion 2023
On Tuesday evening we hosted an information evening for a proposed optional Cape York Cultural Immersion for students entering Year 6 at the Prep and Junior Schools in 2023. After several years without a cultural tour, we are excited by the opportunity for students to visit an Aboriginal community and to gain first-hand experience of indigenous culture and ways of life.
School Leaders in 2023
This week we embarked on the process of electing School Leaders for 2023. Electing boys into these roles is a difficult task due to the high number of quality candidates in Year 5. The Year 5 boys have discussed the role of leaders within our School and have been given the opportunity to nominate themselves for positions of interest. We have explored the theme of integrity with the boys and encouraged them in the knowledge that people will have already noticed their positive influence and character. Next week we will seek the assistance of the boys in Year 2-6 and the teachers in voting for the boys that they think could serve the Preparatory School in positions of leadership for 2023.
AMEB Exams
This week a number of our boys participated in AMEB Music Exams. These exams are an opportunity for the boys to be affirmed in the practice and hard work they have been doing throughout the year.
Prep School Annual Prize Giving
As is our custom, we will conclude the 2022 academic year with the annual Prize Giving service. This year the service will take place on Friday 2nd December at 11:30am at Sydney Town Hall. All students in Years 3 to 6 will be expected to attend wearing their summer uniform. Further information will be communicated closer to the event.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3-4
Chris Wyatt | Head of the Preparatory School
