On Thursday our 5th class students were responsible for welcoming our new 2024 students and their parents. They did an outstanding job of representing the school and demonstrating the school values. They were open, polite and enthusiastic in their service. It was wonderful to watch the younger children’s faces light up when a 5th class buddy came to help them with their bags or take them to the playground. It was obvious that the older children’s kind and loving approach immediately helped to put our new students at their ease. Many of the new parents commented on how well the 5th class students conducted themselves. Di Renshaw Deputy Head of School …

Listening and the ability to really engage is a skill that needs to be developed. As we look at our Value of Respect this term, we begin by considering the benefit of silence, and in particular of listening with attention. Listening takes practice. Listening pays respect to the speaker, encourages them to share their views, and develops empathy and understanding of each other. Treat others like you want to be treated, and as we all know, nobody likes being interrupted or talked over. Stillness, attention, and listening are core parts of our pedagogy, for both our students and teachers. The practice is built into all areas of our curriculum. Our Primary Shakespeare rehearsals and performances are a particularly great …

We have recently learnt that Middle Harbour Yacht Club, who run our Saturday sailing program, will soon be closing their ‘Tackers’ program. While we have not been able to secure a spot in a similar club nearby, we are pleased to have engaged the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Newport as our new venue. This opportunity, for 7- to 12-year-olds, will now be held on Sunday mornings. John Colet School has a historical fund, which was created many years ago when the parent run sailing program closed. While funds remain the School is happy to subsidise the cost for each student enrolled at $80 per term. Details regarding the program are included below in this Weekly Note.  Julian …

Hello from Milson Island! We have had a wonderful three days with our 3rd and 4th Class students at camp. For many of our 3rd Class students, this was the longest time they have been away from their parents. They have all met this new experience with a positive attitude, and courage. In doing so, have built on their resilience to meet future challenges. All students have had the opportunity to build deeper friendships, push themselves in personal and group challenges and to work more independently. Both the camp staff and our teachers have been extremely impressed with our student’s engagement, respect and behaviour. They have been true ambassadors of our School. Julian Wilcock Headmaster …

As our Value in focus this term is Stillness, our discussions this week have centred around the wisdom that pausing provides. Making a right, informed or wise decision is not always easy. Particularly when we may be caught up with our emotions, or perhaps distracted by the world around us. Having a blank canvas with which to consider our choice is, more often than not, going to result in a thoughtful decision. Our regular practice of pausing is akin to working and developing a muscle that can be accessed when required, often subconsciously. Being present, not in the past, not in the future, is where the best decisions are made and where wisdom lies. Julian Wilcock Headmaster …

Next week, we shall be holding our annual Infants Shakespeare Festival for Upper 1st and 2nd Class. During rehearsals, it has been wonderful to witness the confidence and passion of such young children. Each child’s performance is dependent on their weeks of listening, paying attention, and empathising for the role they play. The plays also encourage a commitment to the wider cast, an understanding of social themes, as well as a deep appreciation of history and language. These are powerful experiences that will be with them for many years to come. We want to congratulate in advance our Shakespeare Coordinator, Ms Lilla, who is new to the role this year. Thank you to all those parents who have lent …