How to get very young children interested in art
Art teacher, mother and grandmother Annette Gadsby shares tips and links for bringing out the artist in very young children, and explains why ‘visual literacy’ is so important Our 4-year-old grandson’s favourite artwork is a copy of a Fra Angelico painting. I’m not sure whether it’s the gold leaf or the image and colours that […]
Deputy Head of School’s Comment
In 6th class Philosophy lessons we are currently looking at the subject of Unity. Nothing is better than an actual example to show how this works. This week we have seen the effect of unified co-operation and support through out our school community as we work together to navigate our way through an untested situation. […]
6th class artwork ready to enter Art Prize
In creating our entry into the 2020 Gallipoli Art Prize, our 6th class students looked at ‘means of escape’. They particularly focused on the games and objects sent to POWs through Red Cross parcels that could be used for escape purposes. The sheer focus, imagination and ingenuity in creating ways to escape: hiding information and […]
From our P&F
Thanks to all the parents that joined us for the P&F meeting on Monday. Please look out for the minutes from this month’s meeting – they’ll be sent out by your class parent in the next few days. The area of sustainability has been raised and we’re looking at opportunities to refrain, reuse and recycle […]
Proudly supporting “Fetch it for a Farmer”
This week we had Crazy Headwear Day for Cook House Market Day. The charity that Cook House chose was Fetch it For a Farmer. This charity was founded by sixteen-year-old Annabelle K who came and spoke to our Assembly about the drought and the fundraiser she started. Her parents farm is 50km outside of […]
Head of school’s Comment
This week in Assembly our Head Boy and Girl, together with our House Captains, spoke to our students about their roles and the effect of their service on their personal development. All six students spoke with great confidence and clarity, giving practical examples of their different experiences throughout the year. They have provided a wonderful […]
Wanted! Plastic milk bottle tops and bread bag ties
We are also asking children to bring in two specific plastic items – Bread bag ties and milk bottle tops. These two items can be recycled to make prosthetic limbs (in Victoria) and wheel chairs (in south Africa) Students are collecting these items and can bring them in to place in the arms of Perry […]
Head of school’s Comment
The school community celebrated Teacher’s Day this week. Each child prepared a piece of writing on someone who has or continues to have a significant influence on their life. One child was selected to represent each year to speak at assembly, and it was wonderful to hear such a wide range of examples. Mrs Renshaw […]
Head of school’s Comment
We are eagerly looking forward to showcasing our school next Sunday at our Open Day. There are some new attractions and performances, as well as many of our regular favourites for our community to experience and enjoy. Open Day is an opportunity to celebrate what makes this school truly special with our families and friends. […]
Deputy Head’s Comment
This week we have been practising for our annual Open Day event. The children showcase their singing and recitation skills as part of the day. It is striking to see how each year this practice becomes easier, steadier and takes place with a minimum level of fuss. Reflecting on this, it is clear that tradition […]
Deputy Head’s Comment
This week it has been wonderful to watch all the students enthusiastically engaging with our Science Week theme of Game Changers and Change Makers. There were a number of projects around the School this week that involved the children applying their problem solving skills to consider ways in which we can more effectively reduce the […]
From the P&F
Get your masks ready!
Stage Coordinator Comment
The children are asked to practise the courage to be truthful this is of course a wonderful training for life, as so often fear of consequences leads us to dissemble where openness and honesty would serve better. Our value this term Courage, is the practice that goes with Display self-control, inner strength and right action […]
Alumni catch-up: Rafe Skidmore
Stick a Smile (http://stickasmile.com) is a not-for-profit initiative that aims to make the world a happier place through empowering people with the act of smiling. It’s the brainchild of John Colet School graduate, Rafe Skidmore. We distribute free stickers with quotes reminding people to smile written on them, to anyone who asks. These people in […]
On the vegetarian lunch menu this week…
Mon MAC’N CHEESE Tues EGG SALAD ROLLS Wed TOMATO AND VEGETABLE RISOTTO Thurs PAD THAI NOODLES Fri CHEESY BEANS ON TOAST Vegan, dairy free, gluten free and egg free options always provided. As many of you know one our favourite meals is our JCS Saucy Pasta. It may look like tomato sauce on pasta – […]
Head of School’s Comment
Over the past couple of terms I have been extremely impressed with 6th Class and the way in which they interact with each other, the teachers, staff and younger children. They have their moments, like all children do, but you can see in them the very fine qualities that will develop into their being extremely […]
CPR – train or refresh your skills
First Aid Training: Two sessions to choose from: Wednesday 3rd June Saturday 18th July Interested in First Aid Training by an accredited professional? The P&F is organising CPR Training on Wednesday 3rd June, from 7pm-9pm, at school and also on Saturday 18th July. The cost will be $55 per person ($75 with a certificate). It’s […]
Mindfulness in Education talk this Wednesday evening
Dont forget that this Wednesday 18th March, 7.30pm, John Colet School is hosting a free talk by Dr Craig Hassed on the benefits of Mindfulness in Education. Dr Hassed, from the Department of General Practice at Monash University, works with Monash to expand its range of resilience-building programs. He is a regular speaker in Australia […]
Book the babysitter for a free talk at JCS on Mindful Education
Wednesday 18th March 2015, 7.30 start
Weekly comment from our stage coordinators
The Primary Swimming Carnival was a great success, and Phillip House won. It was a very exciting event the children’s behaviour was exemplary they demonstrated courage, enthusiasm, support for one another and good sportsmanship: what more could we ask for! There were slogans and banners, painted faces, cheers the lot! The children went home tired […]
Game on in chess
Hello Chess Enthusiasts! John Colet Chess Competition The Annual Primary and Infants Chess competitions will be taking place in November (just after Shakespeare week). o Infants Competition: Mon 3rd Nov. 2014, 9.30-12.30 o Primary Competition: Wed 5th Nov. 2014, 9.30-12.30 Numbers for each competition will be capped at 40. Children in the Chess Club will […]
30 Year Anniversary Tea Towels
ORDERS OPEN! Orders close last day of Term 3
From the P&F corner
Don t be late for this very important date. Come along and celebrate being part of the JCS community. We have sold 110 tickets already! The wonderland dinner is almost here and you have one week to finalise your booking and book your table. The committee and volunteers are working very hard to finalise purchases […]
Respect – a core school value
From the Stage Coordinators, Mrs McKendrick and Mrs Donald
From the stage coordinators: 18/3/13
Welcome back to the Headmaster we managed without him, but he was sorely missed, and we don t envy him his email backlog! Welcome also to Mrs. Mane, who went with him. Respect: At Assembly on Monday, we had some beautiful examples of ways in which the children could respect each other. This is our […]
Headmaster’s Weekly Comment: 11/3/13
The school has a vision, a mission and values. These have been expressed many times in various ways. One way is to say that our vision is for the children to be Happy, Strong and Accomplished. Happiness is available if we spend at least some of our time trying to be a source of happiness […]
Some great websites for fun and learning
Entertainment Australian Children’s Television Foundation: General Education Australian Broadcasting Corporation: https://education.abc.net.au/home#!/home Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/ Reading https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/ https://www.audible.com.au/ Maths https://au.ixl.com/ Learn a language https://www.duolingo.com/ Art Remotely visit the world’s museums: https://artsandculture.google.com/ Science National Geographic Kids: https://www.natgeokids.com/au/ NSW National Parks: https://wilderquest.nsw.gov.au/map Taronga Zoo: https://taronga.org.au/taronga-tv History State library https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/learning/learning-home Sydney Living Museums: https://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/children-and-family Physical Education Daily exercise for […]
Posting our science findings
4th class is looking at different Materials this term. The students are posting to a virtual wall with information they have researched on materials and their properties. They are discovering what effect temperature has on different materials and are learning how to write up their scientific investigations.
First Aid Training: Saturday 18th July, 2pm – 4pm
Brilliant opportunity to learn CPR at John Colet School Interested in First Aid Training by an accredited professional? The P&F is organising CPR Training on Saturday 18th July between 2pm – 4pm at the school. The cost will be $55 per person ($75 with a certificate). It’s a great way to update your training for […]
John Colet School Shakespeare Festival Opens October 31st – November 1st
3rd Class N is doing the first half of the Macbeth. There’s a witch scene, a stabbing (poor Duncan), the discovery of a grisly murder, a coronation, a ghost scene and a lead who’s starting to go mad. Ghosts and gore, what more could you want? 3rd Class R is doing the second half of […]
John Colet Art Show Returns After Fire Devastated Previous Event
When a fire raged through the main hall and adjoining buildings of John Colet School last year, the devastation sadly lead to the cancelation of the highly successful annual art show. This year, on Friday 24th May, the show is back on again and better than ever.
John Colet School has a huge Science Week
It has been a big week in Science at JCS. Our school held 60 special science sessions this week demonstrated by parents, staff, outside providers, graduates of John Colet and in one case, a JCS student. A huge vote of thanks to Marissa N (Jason in 6R’s Mum) who coordinated the whole week. Mrs N […]