Primary School Update - 20 February 2026

HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE Su Temlett

Term 1 is well and truly underway, and what an outstanding beginning it has been for our Primary School community. There is already a strong sense of purpose, enthusiasm and connection across our classrooms and playgrounds.

A Wonderful Start to Term 1 It has been a joy to see how settled our students are so early in the year. Classrooms are calm, focused and purposeful, with rich learning already taking place across all year levels. Routines have been established quickly, and students are demonstrating positive learning behaviours and strong engagement in their work.

Gymnastics has commenced as part of our Physical Education program, and students have embraced the challenge with energy and determination. From balance and coordination activities to skill development on apparatus, it has been wonderful to see confidence growing week by week.

We also enjoyed a fantastic ‘competitors only’ Primary Swimming Carnival. Despite a last minute adjustment due to the weather, the day ran smoothly and was filled with House spirit, sportsmanship and perseverance. Our students represented the College with pride, and we thank staff and families for their flexibility and support in ensuring the event’s success.

A Special Dedication Service for Our 2026 Primary Student Leaders The Dedication of our 2026 Primary School Captains, Ministry Leaders, House Leaders and Library Leaders was a truly special occasion. It was a meaningful opportunity to formally acknowledge the responsibility and service these students have committed to for the year ahead.

Each leadership portfolio has already begun actively serving within its designated area. Our leaders are modelling initiative, responsibility and collaboration, and it has been impressive to see them stepping confidently into their roles.

We seek to instil into our leaders an understanding of servant leadership, grounded in the words of Jesus in Mark 10:45:

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This verse reminds us that true leadership is not about status or recognition, but about humility, service and putting others first. We are already seeing this lived out in practical ways.

Of particular note is the way all of our leaders have been supporting our new Kindy cohort. Each morning, as well as during recess and lunch breaks, they have been playing alongside our youngest students, helping them build friendships and feel secure in their new school environment. This visible culture of service and care reflects the heart of servant leadership and sets a powerful example for our entire Primary community.

Introducing Our 2026 Student Planners Every Primary student has now received their brand new School Planner for 2026. The excitement has been palpable, with students eager to begin using this special gift.

The Planner is more than just a diary. It is an important tool designed to strengthen executive functioning skills, particularly in the areas of organisation, time management and responsibility. By recording homework, key dates and reminders, students are developing habits that support independence and accountability.

We are also hopeful that the Planner will further enhance school-home-school communication, providing families with a clear and consistent window into classroom expectations and upcoming events. We ask parents and carers to regularly review and sign Planners weekly as part of this shared partnership in learning.

Creativity Flourishing in Our New Art Rooms Our students are thoroughly enjoying their new purpose-built Art rooms for K-2 and 3-6. These thoughtfully designed spaces are already fostering creativity, focus and artistic exploration.

Students have begun producing an array of initial works across a variety of mediums, experimenting with drawing, painting and mixed media techniques. The excitement of working in dedicated creative spaces has been evident in both the quality of work and the enthusiasm with which students approach each lesson.

Jesus Over Lunch Time (JOLT) We have had a wonderful start to the year with our highly anticipated JOLT (Jesus Over Lunch Time) Program! This term, we are looking at the ‘Mighty Rescue’ of the God of the Bible through the book of Exodus. We have learnt that the God of the Bible is working even when times are hard and we can’t seem to feel it, and that the indescribable God of the Bible chose to make Himself known to us most clearly in Jesus. We have loved singing, opening the Bible and praying to God together. We thank God for the roughly 50 students in UP JOLT, 40 students in Junior JOLT and over 100 students in Mini JOLT who have attended across each week and warmly welcome any student from Years 1-6 to continue joining us this term as we hear how the powerful God of the Bible rescues His people!

Term 1 has begun with energy, purpose and strong community spirit. We are grateful for the partnership of our families and look forward to all that lies ahead in 2026.