st andrews Christian college

wantirna south, melbourne

Head of Primary School: Term 1 Reflection

It has been wonderful to welcome our Primary students and their families back for Term 1 of 2024. I can’t believe we are nearly halfway with the term just flying along. Our theme for the year ‘Running the Race’ and scripture from Hebrews 12:1b-2 “to run with perseverance the race marked out for us”, is a reminder that in all things we are to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus who is our constant source of strength and purpose behind everything we do.

The term started with our annual Parent Information Evening, and this was a great opportunity for parents to meet the Leadership Team and their child’s teachers to find out about the year ahead. The Prep teachers welcomed new parents and students to the school with a Tissues and Tea morning. Following on from this was a Prep Picnic and evening celebration with students and families enjoying games and a picnic dinner. It has been pleasing to see our Prep students settle in so well – this week is their first full week at school!

In our PE program, our Years 3-6 students have been busy with their swimming, committing to trials and a swimming carnival. St Andrews took out the championship winning the Primary trophy for 2024! Many of our students this year will compete at the next level, CSEN Championships, in the coming weeks.

Students across Primary have settled into learning routines enjoying art, drama, IT, STEM, story writing, mathematics, and a few lunch time activities. If you haven’t heard of SPIKEBALL, it is a lunch group run by Mike, from the Wellbeing team. Other lunch opportunities include gardening, art and reading. We are excited to see our amazing Student Leaders step into supporting some of these initiatives and personally developing their leadership skills. Finally, in just over three weeks we are looking forward to our Extension Week for Years 1-6. Teachers are busy planning a host of challenges ready to stretch and enthuse our young minds.

A new initiative for Primary this term was hosting Parent/Teacher Interviews earlier than in previous years. This allowed us to get to know our parent community and ensure we are setting up good working relationships and routines early in the year. In the coming weeks we are releasing feedback through the form of ‘marked work’ to you via the hub. Our hope is that they provide you with feedback on how your child is progressing in various subjects and importantly share with you your child’s next learning step.

Please continue to keep the College in your prayers. We are thankful for His provision in all things and the love of Jesus which we get to share with our students every day.

Every blessing for the weeks ahead.

Janita Bratton
Head of Primary School