On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 7, Term 3
Monday: Pumpkin soup served with sourdough and butter Tuesday: Tomato and basil penne pasta topped with basil and parmesan Wednesday: Cheese and spinach triangles with spiced chutney Thursday: Potato and spinach yellow curry with rice pilaf Friday: Vegetable stir-fried noodles with sweet soy chili and shallot. (Served with chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables)
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
This week’s Assembly reading on the theme of Service came from Albert Einstein’s book The World As I See It. Students resonated with his reflection that we are all beneficiaries of the “labours of others, living and dead.” It prompted us to consider just how interconnected our lives really are. From the food we eat to […]
Head of School’s Comment
I can honestly say ‘I had the pleasure’ of attending the 5th Class camp to Bathurst this week. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of our early settlers during the gold rush era: the living conditions, the food, the sanitation, the metal forging, and in our case this […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 6
Monday Cream of cauliflower and truffle soup served with fresh sour dough and butter Tuesday Bean nachos with guacamole and sour cream served with corn chips Wednesday Salad wraps with carrot, tomato, cucumber, iceberg and cheese on a flour tortilla Thursday Tomato and cheese puff pastry rolls served with fresh tomato sauce Friday Ratatouille style […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
As we head into the latter half of the term, the excitement of class camps is forefront of many students’ minds. Class camps are not just an exciting opportunity to be with friends and explore topics that have been studied in class. They allow students to learn about themselves, broaden their horizons, and develop independence. […]
Head of School’s Comment
Below in this week’s newsletter you will see a few sneak peeks I took of our 6th Class students’ self-directed art projects. Each student was given the freedom to create their own piece, inspired by an art movement or specific artist. The range of subjects, mediums and attention to detail were very impressive. They were […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Term 3, Week 5
Monday Chickpea and pumpkin Thai style yellow curry with basmati rice Tuesday Crumbed vegetable patties served with sweet chili and sour cream Wednesday Cream of corn and potato soup served with fresh sourdough and butter Thursday Broccoli and cauliflower pasta bake topped with fresh mozzarella Friday Egg and vegetable fried rice with sweet soy, shallot […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
As we celebrate Book Week with our upcoming Book Parade on Wednesday 19th August, it is worth reflecting on the wonderful influence books have on young readers. With so much conversation today about reducing screen time and countering declining attention spans, books offer a powerful way to educate children on many levels. They inspire, provoke […]
Head of School’s Comment
This week we welcomed a group of directors and educators from local preschools for a tour of the school. They spent additional time in our Lower 1st classrooms and in conversation with our teachers, which they found particularly useful in helping them plan and support their students’ transition into primary school. We are always pleased […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 3
Monday Lentil soup served with sourdough and butter Tuesday Risoni served in a roasted vegetable and tomato and red pepper sauce Wednesday Egg and vegetable fried rice with sweet soy, chili and shallot Thursday Salad rolls tomato, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, carrot and cheese served in a lunch roll Friday Cauliflower Macaroni cheese topped with mozzarella and […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
Community involvement is an important part of school life, and this week it was evident in so many ways. We began by celebrating Teachers’ Day, where students showed great respect and gratitude towards teachers, both past and present, acknowledging the important role they play in our lives. The JC Choir proudly represented the school at […]
Head of School’s Comment
Sanskrit has been taught at John Colet School since its founding, and next week’s Recitation Finals are one of the most visible expressions of that commitment. It is one of the most precisely constructed languages ever recorded. Every sound has a specific point of origin in the mouth and throat, and every word is built […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 2
Monday Salad wraps Tomato, Cucumber, carrot, iceberg and cheese served in a flour tortilla Tuesday Spinach and ricotta ravioli served in a 4 cheese Wednesday Cream of tomato soup served with sourdough and butter Thursday Bean nachos served with sour cream and guacamole with corn chips Friday Singapore noodles with sweet soy chili and shallot […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
The value of Respect was observed and practised throughout NAIDOC day celebrations last week. Beginning with the whole school Acknowledgement of Country, students engaged with the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through various activities. By the end of the day, our students had made such a great impression on the […]
Head of School’s Comment
This Monday our school celebrated Teachers’ Day. At John Colet School, this is an opportunity to show respect and give thanks to our class teachers and to all those from whom we learn how to be our best selves and work for the good of all. Philosophy means the love of wisdom. Such wisdom can […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 10, Term 2
Monday Egg and vegetable fried rice with sweet soy, chili and shallot fished with Asian herbs Tuesday Pumpkin ravioli served with a tomato and basil cream sauce Wednesday Roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes with sweet chili and sour cream Thursday Cheese and spinach filo triangles served with tomato jam Friday Cheese and tomato pizza topped […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
This week we had the pleasure of watching U1st and 2nd class in their dress rehearsals. The hours of effort and careful preparation have clearly paid off. The children have mastered their individual parts, and through teamwork they form wonderful presentations. It is hard to believe that for many of them, this is only their second or third experience […]
Head of School’s Comment
As we complete this term’s exploration of Respect, our assembly reading next week comes from the Dalai Lama. His point centres on motivation, not in the everyday sense of drive or effort, but deeper than that: the why behind what we do. The same action, physical, verbal, or even in thought, can be respectful or […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 9
Monday Lentil soup served with sourdough bread and butter Tuesday Salad wraps, tomato cucumber, iceberg lettuce, carrot and cheese in a flour wrap Wednesday Cheese and spinach puff pastry rolls served with tomato relish Thursday Singapore noodles with Asian greens, shallots, sweet soy and chili, coriander and mint Friday 4 cheese penne pasta topped with fresh […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
Philosophy discussions in class each week allow students to consider ideas at a deeper level than they might ordinarily. For instance, when exploring the value of Stillness, Lower 1st contemplated the idea of focused attention. In practical terms, the children experienced the quality of attention that comes with colouring in — focusing on the point of the pencil […]
Head of School’s Comment
We have two special performances coming up to conclude Term 2. Next Tuesday’s Instrumental Concert is largely an individual achievement. Each student has been practicing their instrument outside school hours, often without an audience, and in many cases this concert is their first opportunity to play in front of one. The Upper 1st and 2nd […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 7
Monday Cheese and spinach ravioli served with a tomato cream sauce topped with parmesan Tuesday Indian style lentil curry served with rice pilaf Wednesday Salad wraps tomato, cucumber, carrot, iceberg and cheese served with a flour tortilla Thursday Tomato soup with fresh basil sourdough bread and butter Friday Sausage sizzle for athletics carnival (served with chefs’ […]
Bumper Book Fair
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along and supported our Book Fair at Open Day. We’re absolutely thrilled to share that, thanks to your incredible generosity, 153 books have been donated to our school library — a new school record! Your kindness means so much — not only have you helped grow our […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
Open Day was a wonderful success and the excitement carries straight into next week. Founder’s Day will be marked at both the Infants and Primary Assemblies with a presentation on the origins of John Colet School. On Wednesday, finalists from 3rd to 6th class take the stage for the Primary Public Speaking Competition final, and Friday brings […]
Head of School’s Comment
We threaded the needle with fine conditions for Open Day last weekend, and fingers remain crossed for similar luck next Friday at our Athletics Carnival. This year the carnival will be held at John Colet School. With major maintenance works at Narrabeen Sports Centre leaving significant areas off limits, the distances involved in moving between […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 6
Monday Closed for Pupil Free Day Tuesday Egg and tofu vegetable fried rice with sweet soy, chili and shallot Wednesday Bean burritos with Guacamole, sour cream served in a flour wrap Thursday penne Boscaiola topped with parmesan and fresh herbs Friday Minestrone soup topped with fresh parmesan (served with chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables)
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
Open Day is nearly here, and the children cannot wait to welcome you. Alongside the classroom displays, there has been a wonderful buzz of preparation behind the scenes — with singing, orchestra and drama all coming together for the occasion. What you see on the day is just a glimpse of the rich and varied […]
Head of School’s Comment
We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to our Open Day this Sunday. Our thanks go to our dedicated staff, students, and parents whose time, energy, and care have made the day possible. A special mention to our alumni who are returning to assist with the lemonade stand, climbing tower, Mexican BBQ, breakfast […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 5
Monday Cream of pumpkin soup served with sourdough bread and butter Tuesday Tomato and basil penne pasta topped with basil and parmesan Wednesday Sweet potato and chickpea Thai style yellow curry served with rice pilaf Thursday Cheese and spinach filo parcels served with tomato chutney Friday Salad Wraps, tomato, cucumber, carrot, iceberg and cheese served on a […]
Deputy Head’s comment
Our school lunch program is one of the things that makes John Colet special. Children don’t just get a good meal — it’s an opportunity to try new and varied foods, practise serving others, and develop good table manners. A recent ABC News story explored the idea of introducing school lunches across Australia. The reason […]
Head of School’s Comment
This week at our assemblies we explored the concept of Ubuntu, drawn from Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s writing. Its central idea is that none of us learned to speak, to walk, or to live in isolation. We did so through others, and that debt of gratitude extends outward to the whole human family. At its most […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 2
Monday Closed for Anzac Day public holiday Tuesday Salad wraps, carrot cucumber, tomato, iceberg and cheese served with a flour wrap Wednesday Spinach and ricotta ravioli served with a tomato and basil cream sauce Thursday Vegetable puff pastry rolls served with spicy tomato chutney Friday Singapore noodles with Asian herbs, shallot finished with sweet soy and chilli […]
This week, ySafe delivered cyber safety workshops to all students from Upper 1st to 6th class. ySafe presenter David Smith noted how much students’ awareness of online safety has grown since he began visiting John Colet several years ago. In the parent webinar, David emphasised the importance of parents approaching technology with curiosity and having […]
Head of School’s Comment
At our ANZAC Service yesterday, we welcomed Peter McAskill and Kevin Leary from Forestville RSL. They spoke at the service and then stayed to speak further with the students at greater length. Our students were engaged and appreciated the chance to ask questions. We also thank Mr Bruce Hellmers on trumpet, Mr Miles Mackenzie on […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 9
Monday Vegetable and tofu fried rice with shallot sweet soy and chili finished with Asian herbs Tuesday Cheese ravioli in tomato and basil cream sauce topped with fresh parmesan Wednesday 4 cheese arancini balls served with homemade tomato sauce Thursday Ricotta and spinach sausage served with spicy chutney Friday Closed Good Friday/End of Term 1 […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to observe several classes during their writing sessions and have noticed the students’ careful, sustained attention. Intentionally cultivating attention is an important practice at our school. Its many lifelong benefits make it a valuable skill, and our students are fortunate to be developing an awareness of it and experiencing its […]
Head of School’s Comment
A warm thank you this week to our Parents & Friends Association, whose energy and generosity continue to enrich life at John Colet in so many tangible ways. Hot cross buns were delivered today, and tomorrow sees the inaugural Easter Family Day, which has sold out completely. Our thanks also go to those organising next […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 7
Monday Risoni served in a roasted Mediterranean style sauce topped with Parmesan Tuesday Mexican bean nachos served with Guacamole, sour cream and corn chips Wednesday Vegetable Minestrone soup served with sour dough and butter Thursday Red lentil dahl served with steamed basmati rice Friday Curried vegetarian puff pastry rolls served with tomato chutney (Chefs’ selection […]
Deputy Head’s Comment
Several years ago, John Colet School introduced The Alphabet of Humanity as part of our character education program. Each letter of the alphabet is linked to a meaningful concept—such as abundance, diversity, and empathy—that we explore with the children. Each week at Assembly, a new word is introduced and discussed. Through reflection and conversation, students build their vocabulary, strengthen […]
Head of School’s Comment
NAPLAN testing began this week for our 3rd and 5th Class students. We wish them well. A standardised test measures certain things on a certain day, and those things have their place. But a John Colet education is built on something broader: the development of curiosity, character, attention, and a genuine love of learning. The […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 6
Monday Cream of tomato and basil soup served with crusty sourdough and butter Tuesday Pumpkin Ravioli served with a nut free pesto sauce Wednesday Margarita pizza topped with mozzarella and Italian herbs Thursday Salad rolls tomatoes, cucumber, iceberg lettuce and cheese served in a lunch roll Friday Vegetable stir-fry noodles with sweet soy chili and […]
Music Camp 2026
This year, children from John Colet school were invited to attend a weekend Music Camp held at German International School Sydney on 21st and 22nd February. Our students participated in the instrumental and choir groups, finishing with a concert for parents on the Sunday afternoon. Mr Miller collaborated with the music teacher at GISS several […]
IPSHA Swimming Carnival 2026
On Tuesday, 3 March, 22 of our 3rd to 6th Class students proudly represented the school at the IPSHA Swimming Carnival. Each student earned their place at this special sporting event by achieving qualifying times at our School Swimming Carnival, a wonderful accomplishment in itself. Competing against schools from across NSW, our swimmers demonstrated courage, […]
Deputy Head’s Comment
I have been so impressed by how smart and well-presented the children look each morning as they arrive in their school uniforms. From remembering their hats and keeping shoelaces neatly tied, to the many 5th and 6th Class students wearing their compulsory Term 1 blazers, their tidy appearance sets a positive tone for the day […]
Head of School’s Comment
Each week in our Infants and Primary Assemblies, we take time to explore our school value for the term, which this term is Truthfulness. Having begun by reflecting on our school motto and school pledge, this week our discussion turned to why truthfulness can sometimes be difficult. There are moments when something weighs on us, […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 3
Monday Cream of tomato and basil soup served with sourdough bread and butter Tuesday Potato gnocchi in rich Napoli sauce topped with herb crumb Wednesday Salad rolls tomato, cucumber, carrot, iceberg and cheese on a fresh lunch roll Thursday Penne Boscaiola topped with mozzarella and parmesan Friday Cheese and spinach puff pastry roll served
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
I’m thrilled to be teaching Philosophy to Lower 1st this year. We’ve begun our journey into wisdom by exploring our School Value of Truthfulness, discussing the fundamental question: What is Truth? Next week’s Sanskrit prayer, ‘Asato ma’, beautifully connects to this theme. Through listening carefully to the prayer’s words, the children made a wonderful discovery—recognising […]
Head of School’s Comment
Our teachers enjoyed meeting with parents on Friday evening for their information sessions. We strongly encouraged all parents to attend, as these sessions provide a valuable overview of the year ahead and an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. It was also a wonderful chance to connect with parents from other classes at […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 2
Monday Thai style pumpkin soup served with fresh sourdough and butter Tuesday Buttered sweet potato and cauliflower curry served with basmati rice Wednesday Tomato and basil penne pasta with Parmesan and fresh herbs Thursday Salad wraps with tomato, cucumber, carrot, iceberg and cheese served with tortilla wrap Friday Crumbed vegetable patties served with sweet chilli […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
Last week, Mr. Renshaw spoke to the staff about our school motto, “Testare de ille Luce” which translates as ‘Bear witness of that light”. This week, I had several opportunities to witness the light in our 6th class students. On Tuesday, our eldest students warmly welcomed our new Lower 1st children on their first day of school.Their friendly presence was invaluable to the younger children, their parents, and staff alike. Mr. Wilcock and I also […]
Head of School’s Comment
It has been wonderful welcoming our students back to school this week and hearing about their holiday adventures. Our new students, including those in Lower 1st, have settled so quickly that it already feels as though we have been together much longer. At John Colet School, our Values of Stillness, Truthfulness, Courage, Service, and Respect guide […]
From our Deputy Head
The start of the year is often thought of as a time for new beginnings. For children in Lower 1st, 3rd, and 5th Class, next week marks an important milestone as they embark upon a new chapter in their educational journey. For all students, the commencement of the school year naturally brings a blend of […]
Welcome to 2026
Whether your holidays were busy, or nice and quiet, we hope there was time to rest, reconnect, and recharge before the rhythm of work and school life resumes next week. The school is looking in excellent shape. Over the break, Cowan House underwent a major refurbishment in preparation for welcoming our new Lower 1st students. […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 1 2026
Monday Margarita pizza topped with mozzarella and fresh herbs Tuesday Bean nachos served with Guacamole, sour cream and corn chips Wednesday Indian style red lentil dal served with basmati rice Thursday Cauliflower macaroni cheese finished with fresh parmesan and herbs Friday Cheese and vegetable puff pastry rolls served with tomato chutney (Chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables provided daily)
On the Vegetarian lunch menu for the rest of the year!
Monday Salad wraps cheese, cucumber, tomato, iceberg and carrots served in a flour tortilla Tuesday Tomato and basil penne pasta topped with parmesan and herbs Wednesday 6th Class graduation lunch hosted by 5th Class Thursday Vegetable, egg and tofu fried rice served sweet chili and soy Friday Picnic Day (Kitchen Closed) Week 9 Term 4 Monday […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
This week the P&F met for the final time in 2026. This is always a very convivial meeting as we get to have a meal together. It came up in conversation about the unique community that we are a part of at John Colet. There is an intangible, unmeasurable and indefinable force that works throughout […]
Head of School’s Comment
Next week, we celebrate an important tradition at John Colet School: the 6th Class Farewell Lunch, hosted by our 5th Class students. This event is more than a shared meal, it is a moment of acknowledgement, gratitude and connection. Our 5th Class students have prepared some entertainment and have each selected one of the graduates […]
6th Class Year in Review – 2025
What a year it’s been! From Swimming Carnival to the exciting buzz of Open Day all the way to Speech Night; so many exciting activities packed into one year. Year 6 has been by far the busiest, fun, and most eventful year in our journey through John Colet. Our sunny day at the Swimming Carnival […]
Kitchen Garden produces amazing results in 2025
During the John Colet Garden’s second year we feel very fortunate to have been recognised with a Stephanie Alexander National Kitchen Garden Award. As Winners of the Down To Earth category, competing against 500 entries, John Colet received over $4,000 in prizes and funds to further advance our sustainable education resources. 2025 Statistics Overall food […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 7
Monday Cream of cauliflower soup served with sourdough bread and butter Tuesday 4 cheese penne pasta topped with fresh herbs and parmesan Wednesday Bean nachos served with sour cream and guacamole Thursday Sweet potato Indian style curry served with rice pilaf Friday Potato and corn muffins served with sweet chilli and sour cream (Chefs’ […]