Catch up on the latest sports news.

This term we have been learning about Courage. Having courage is the ability to do the right thing even when it is difficult. We started this term with a focus on the courage of the ANZACS and appreciated our guest speaker, Mrs Ramsay, sharing her family story about life in a military family.

When you stop to think about the impact of different groups of people who had to endure hardship and the courage to just keep going, it was quite emotional to hear. People just like Mrs Ramsay who had to have the courage to keep going about her life as a child even when her parents were constantly being deployed, not knowing where they were going and if and when they would
return took a lot of courage. It took a lot of courage to share that story with all of us, so we are very fortunate to hear it first-hand.

Some of us have looked at the inspirational story of courage of Christopher Reeves, aka Superman and how he was able to remain positive in his outlook on life and use his platform to raise money for research into spinal injuries. We will continue to look at examples of our own courageous and positive behaviours. Sometimes being courageous means standing up for something you believe is right even when everyone around you thinks it’s a joke or makes fun of others. We will continue to not hide from disrespectful racism and sexism issues and show how we can learn to develop our character and have the courage to go against people around us if we need to stand up for what is right.

All students from Pre-Primary to Year Six participated in ‘The Maths Show’ incursion on Friday 14 May. The Maths Show presented mathematics in a fun and engaging way whilst teaching the boys about the hidden power and magic of numbers. The boys were shown ways in which number patterns can be used to guess a mystery number.

“I thought it was mind-blowing because he used smart ways to read people’s minds”

• Theo 4W

“The problem involving the bridges was really tricky and cool. He taught us things that seem possible in your head can be impossible and things that are impossible in your head are possible.”0

• Zayd 4W

“I think the maths show was very detailed. He was very funny, magical and entertaining. I liked it very much”.

• Jack Delic 5R

“I liked how he explained all the things he did. It was magical, mathematical and mind blowing”.

• Jamie Robinson 5R

In Week 2 this term, the Junior School hosted the annual Scholastic Book Fair in the Library. This event is always very well supported by our community. We would like to sincerely thank all Junior School students and families for the support provided to the boys in encouraging reading, and a love of books. Thanks to Mrs Beverley Rive for assisting in the smooth running of the fair.

We are excited to be able to donate the $470.00 commission from the Book Fair to Edmund Rice Camps for Kids.

The Junior School House Cross Country Carnival was held on Thursday, 29^th April on McMahon Oval.

All students from Kindergarten to Year Six competed, with race distances ranging from 250m to 2.5km. The wind provided an issue on the day and the conditions made it tough for the competitors. However, all races were completed before the downpour. Additionally, it was great to see many of the teachers and Middle School student volunteers running with and supporting the boys throughout the carnival.

Final Points

1. Egan – 114.2
2. Quinlan – 117
3. Redmond – 117.2
4. Clune – 125.4

Congratulations to Egan for being the Champion House and to the following boys who were named Champions and Runners-up for their year level.

Kindergarten & Pre-Primary

• Champion: James Murphy (Quinlan – PP)
• Runner-up: Arlo Trembecki (Clune – PP)

Year 1

• Champion: Beau Smith (Quinlan)
• Runner-up: James Groombridge (Egan)

Year 2

• Champion: Jeshua Landrigan (Redmond)
• Runner-up: Oliver Neo-Johnston (Clune)

Year 3

• Champion: Maxime Blackadder (Egan) – New course record
• Runner-up: Jordan Trueman (Redmond)

Year 4

• Champion: Luca Zoiti (Redmond)
• Runner-up: Kirby Mincham (Egan)

Year 5

• Champion: Kane Peckham (Redmond) – New course record
• Runner-up: Will O’Hehir (Clune)

Year 6

• Champion: Lewis McLernon (Quinlan)
• Runner-up: Liam Trewhella (Egan)

Special mention to the following boys for their record-breaking performances on the day. Maxime Blackadder broke the Year 3 course record by 3-seconds. Additionally, Kane Peckham broke the Year 5 course record by a significant margin of 18-seconds. Congratulations, to you both on your outstanding achievements.

Congratulations and well done to all boys who represented their House and gave it their all on the day. The boys selected in the JPSSA Interschool Cross Country team will be competing at Wesley College on Thursday, 10^th June and we wish those boys the best of luck.

Lastly, thank you to all staff members, ground staff, ICT staff, Middle School volunteers and Sam Coffey for all your help and support on the day.

Kindy students were keen to try out their new play equipment.

Our Middle School leaders have embarked on a new initiative in 2021 with the Junior School Mentoring Program. 24 students in Year 9 attend Junior School classes from pre-primary to Year 6 every Monday and Tuesday during the Middle School tutor period. During this time they support the students in the following ways:

• Role Modelling Aquinas College values
• Supporting small group activities
• Reading to students
• Assisting the teacher with guiding student learning
• Work with individual students who require further support or enrichment

The program provides an opportunity for leaders to develop their emerging leadership skills through an authentic experience. I do not doubt that both sets of students have plenty to gain through the interactions. At the end of the program, the leaders are given formal feedback via the classroom teacher on their leadership skills. The program lasts for 6 weeks and a new set of leaders will work in the program in Term 2.

Quotes from Pre-primary

"I liked them over here." – Alfie

"I liked them helping us with writing." – William

"They were beautiful. I liked how they were here every Monday and Tuesday." – Marius

"They were kind and helpful." - Loke

Quotes from Year 9 leaders

"It’s been good helping out with the younger kids; helping them with their music and reading skills. I feel I’ve made a difference by steering them on the right track and helping them to get back to their work."

• Jay Mutter

"It’s been interesting learning about what they’ve been doing and comparing it to when I was in their year. It’s been fun helping them and giving them advice. I’ve learnt about the importance of modelling the standards I want the boys to demonstrate such as sitting quietly. I’ve learnt from Mr Leggett how to assist boys when they are stuck on something."

• Cooper Allen

On Friday 19th February, the Year 4s went to their much-anticipated Outdoor Learning Experience at Point Walter. There was a sense of excitement and disbelieff, as the boys believed the opportunity was one of the many events devoured by COVID-19.

The day involved three activities: swimming pool, orienteering and a flying fox. At the pool, boys had to build a raft out of logs (pool noodles) and rope and make it through the burning grass, across to safety on the other side. They also had to dive to collect treasure lost at sea. Orienteering involved working in teams to locate various points around the camp. The boys learnt how to keep their maps pointing north by always having the top of the map facing the city skyline. The flying fox was a hit with many of the boys; some were even brave enough to hang upside down!

Throughout the day, the boys used teamwork to develop stronger bonds with their peers. Though weary by the end of a hot day, the Year 4s still had smiles on their faces the whole bus ride back to school.