Junior School, Term 4 Week 11

Congratulations to our staff and Year 6 children on a successful Canberra trip last week. The group actually happened to be in Parliament House for the announcement of the new Governor-General.

These types of experiences are essential for children as it broadens their horizons and exposes them to new routines, people, and landscapes. Experiencing new environments such as Canberra challenges their perspectives, encourages adaptability, and also builds their resilience. Whether exploring historical sites, trying different food, or navigating unfamiliar surroundings, children develop crucial life skills and memories that shape their identities and understanding of the world around them.

Along with the other aspects of our school camp program, these wholistic learning experiences ultimately teach children about themselves, and we hope, nurture a lifelong passion for exploration and discovery.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program (PACER) towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the School upon completion of the excursion.

Parent Workshop

On Wednesday 15 May at 7.00pm in Wyatt Hall, Madhavi Parker will present a one hour workshop for parents on supporting the wellbeing of children. Madhavi is the Director of Positive Minds Australia, and one of Australia’s leading experts on Wellbeing and Resilience. Madhavi is known for her warm, optimistic, and compassionate attitude towards others. She is a passionate supporter of young people, their families, and schools, and as a widely published author, Madhavi’s books and programs are implemented in schools, homes, and allied health care settings around the world. Madhavi specialises in Workplace Wellbeing, Mindset training and Parent Coaching. Link can be found HERE.

I urge all families to consider attending.

Junior School Swimming (Years 1-4)

As part of the Junior School Physical Education program, children in Years 1 to Year 4 are participating in four 1-hour swimming sessions from this week at the indoor heated swimming complex at Immanuel College, Novar Gardens. Children will travel to and from Immanuel by bus accompanied by Pulteney staff.

Year 2 Excursion

To consolidate our learning about significant South Australian Landmarks along with our study on Indigenous Culture, the Year 2 children will be going on an excursion to the South Australian Museum.

When:  Friday 10 May 2024
Time:  Leaving Pulteney by private coach at 9.30am and returning to school by 12.00pm.
What to provide:  We will have brain food and lunch at school.  Please provide your child with recess in a disposable bag along with a named drink bottle.  Your child needs to wear Sport Uniform on this day.

If you would like to volunteer to help on this excursion and you have a Working with Children Check, please let your class teacher know.

Thank you,

Kate Dodd and Harry Selwood

Tuck Shop

Junior School children are asked to not purchase food and drink at the end of the school day from the Tuck Shop, prior to participating in co-curricular. For children travelling on buses, drinks are not allowed, and for all children participating in physical activities, eating a large quantity of food is not advised.

Jason Fay
Head of Junior School

Year 6 Educational Tour to Canberra.

Last week I had the pleasure of accompanying 66 Year 6 children and 7 adults to Canberra for 4 full days of hands-on experiential learning about Australia’s Federal Government. The educational officers who spoke to our children and led them in their thinking and their learning, all commented on how learned they were, as well as how respectful, interested and engaged. The children made themselves, the School, the teachers, and their parents proud.

Many also commented on how smart our Year 6 school jackets looked and how easy it was to be able to identify our group.

Along with the serious learning we were involved in, the children were also wowed by the science and the fun at the CSIRO, Questacon, A.I.S., glow in the dark mini golf and ten pin bowling.

I trust and hope you all heard much about our highly successful trip.

Thanks must go to all the adults who accompanied the children and helped to make it as successful as it was.

Robyn Cox
Specialist Teacher

The Canberra trip was an amazing experience for the entire Year 6 cohort. What we learned in the classroom, came to life in both the old and new Parliament Houses, as well as Government House where the Governor-General resides. One of our personal favourite moments was when we were in Parliament House and the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Federal Minister for Social Services, spoke to us about leadership. She made the announcement to us that Samantha Mostyn had just been declared as the new Governor-General.  

We learnt a lot in the classroom, but meeting the people whose entire job is to know and make laws, as well as, being at the institutions, brought our learning together to a new level of understanding.  

All the bus rides were full of fun as we told horrible jokes over the loudspeaker and had sing-alongs with our bus driver Brayden. The night activities were a great way to be social with friends and teachers and we had lots of fun at tenpin bowling and glow in the dark minigolf. It was also good to experience iconic places like Questacon and the Australian Institute of Sport. All in all, the experience was certainly one to remember for the rest of our lives. We would like to thank all the people who made this trip possible. 

Jock Mills and Eli Thomson
On behalf of the Year 6 children