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Ross Featherston

Headmaster, С»Æ¹Ï×ÊÔ´Õ¾

At our start of Term 2 Professional Learning day, our staff were asked to consider the role of creativity in learning and how creativity can align with our commitment to having a culture of high performance.

Integrating creativity into the learning process is an ongoing point of focus for us as that it prompts students to think outside the box and develop a sense of ownership over their learning.

By valuing creativity, we as educators can help nurture adaptable learners capable of innovating and thriving in an ever-changing world.

I also wanted to update you on the strategic review of the APS Sport program. As a member of the APS Steering Sub-Committee leading the review, I’m pleased to report that there has been strong interest and engagement in the project from APS students, schools and the broader community. An update is available for you to read here.

Finally, as I mentioned in my video to the community earlier this week, the 2024 Annual Giving Appeal will support our Centre for Science, Creativity and Entrepreneurship.

We hope to raise $300,000 on our Giving Day, Tuesday 14 May, bringing us closer to our $10M target. I hope you will join me in .

Peter Tellefson

Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School

Last Friday’s House Cross Country was a character-building experience for our boys. Long distance running is a challenge, particularly if you are not built for it! I was immensely proud of our boys’ efforts to dig deep when it hurt, to persist and keep at it.

At last week’s Assembly, we challenged our boys to be strong- minded and determined, to keep persevering when they felt tired, their legs were hurting and they needed a rest. 

Too often it is easy for our boys to ‘opt out’ and feign illness. Parents can be quick to write a note to excuse their son from an event like Cross Country because their son does not want to do it, this is the easy option, and we have an obligation to challenge our boys. I think all in attendance would agree with me that all boys who crossed the line were winners. 

The endeavours of our boys, their level of support and encouragement, the House cheering, the hard work of the staff, the excellent leadership from Mrs Bek Ashcroft and Mr Aaron French and the support from so many parents was greatly appreciated. School was House Champion and Armstrong was awarded the Team Spirit Award.

Wilson House Happenings & Reminders

• This week we waved farewell to our Touring Party of Year 6 boys (Billy Ardlie, Scott Bowen, Rupert Clancy, Max Edwards, Lenny Lui, Angus Scales, George Williamson, Miles Williamson) and staff (James Hilditch and Louis Saccutelli) as they travel to Bathurst Island.

• I will be visiting our Year 6 students in Bathurst Island from Monday to Wednesday of next week. Whilst I am off-site, Mr Dean Bryan will be responsible for the Junior School.

• Our boys and staff look forward to our Prep to Year 6 mums joining us on Friday 10 May from 8.30am for our Mother’s Day Celebration. Borwick House Choir boys and their mums and siblings go directly to St Andrew’s Church at 8.15am. For all Prep – Year 6 boys not in choir, the morning will commence in your son’s classroom.

• Our Year 4 boys and staff have enjoyed magnificent Autumn weather on the foreshore of Anglesea this week.

• Prep – Year 6 Term 2 Parent/Teacher interviews will be held on Wednesday 8 May and Thursday 9 May via Zoom. Bookings are now open via the Parent Portal on the BGS app.

• Our Year 6 boys’ Outdoor Programs are on the following dates this term:

Monday 13 May – Friday 17 May (6D & 6E) / Monday 20 May – Friday 24 May (6I & 6R)

Annual Giving Appeal

The BGS Annual Giving Appeal will take place on Tuesday 14 May. All funds raised will go towards our Beyond Tomorrow campaign in support of our Centre for Science, Creativity and Entrepreneurship.  We invite all students to participate in casual clothes on this day for a $2 donation.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to our House Cross Country Individual Champions and Encouragement Award winners.

Amelia Barrow

Director of the Early Learning Centre

Our Mother’s Day celebration evenings are always a highlight of the boys’ year, and this week we were very excited to welcome our ELC mothers to share this special event with their sons.

Upon returning from the Easter Break, the boys began designing and creating very special gifts for their mums. Keeping them a secret was challenging for many; however, their patience paid off and with beaming smiles they were able to proudly present their gifts to their mothers on the night.

A variety of activities were provided for our special guests, along with the opportunity to engage in quality time with their sons. A highlight for all was seeing the results of a complimentary manicure from their boys or a painted portrait!

Our Parent/Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Monday 13 May and Tuesday 14 May which will again be held in the Junior School. This will provide both parents with the opportunity to attend and discuss the individual goals/needs for your sons. Booking details will be available via the BGS app.

The BGS app is an integral communication tool for all BGS families, so you don’t miss out on any important dates and events. Please ensure that you have this on your devices so you can keep up to date with our busy calendar.

With the cold and wet weather creeping up on us, it is important that the boys receive enough outdoor play. Ensuring that your sons have a raincoat and warm clothing in their bags helps in allowing them opportunities to engage outdoors comfortably.

We would also ask that if your son is displaying any cold or flu symptoms you also test them for COVID and keep them at home if unwell as we have had a few cases over the past week.

Parenting tips

Zones of Regulation Webinar

Learning how to self-regulate is essential for children’s positive social interactions and effective learning. The Zones of Regulation is a curriculum developed to assist students in acquiring skills to consciously regulate their actions, which in turn leads to increased control and problem-solving abilities.

ELC to Year 6 parents are invited to join Julie Liptak, Speech Pathologist and Olivia Tims, Junior School Psychologist, to learn about the Zones of Regulation along with some strategies and tools you can use at home with your child to help him manage his emotions.

Have you heard of Sherpa parents?

Have you heard of Sherpa parents – ‘helping’ by doing the hard work kids should be doing themselves?  See the link below where Dr Judith Locke makes a compelling case for parents to back off.

Olivia Tims
Junior School Psychologist