John Colet

Head of School’s Comment

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 …

Head of School’s Comment

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 …

Deputy Head of School’s Comment

This week the John Colet Choir performed at the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival in Sydney Town Hall. As preparation the Choir and the accompanying instrumentalists performed for the Primary Assembly on Monday morning. The calibre of the music and singing were outstanding. On Tuesday night when they did perform, comments were passed about how fine the performance was. Today the Choir performed for the Infants Assembly. The children were totally captivated by the performance which was an uplifting experience for us all. Di Renshaw Deputy Headmistress …

Head of School’s Comment

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 …

Head of School’s comment

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 …

The High School student Philosophy Group program for 2023

The Plan for 2023: We plan to run 2 separate groups (numbers dependent): One for the new Year 7s, and one for Year 8s and 9s. We hope this helps to engage the students and meet the different needs of these groups. We also plan to make meditation a central focus of the sessions. We will start each session with a period of quiet time/meditation, so please ensure your child arrives on time for this. If your child had not taken the School’s mantra-based practice, rest assured we will be able to accommodate them with an alternative practice. Flagging our next session for 2023 is the Mt Wilson weekend on 25-26 March, so please think about whether you would like …