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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
Head of School’s Comment
Our 6th Class students held their annual Stalls Day today, bringing plenty of excitement and energy to the school despite the less-than-ideal weather. Their well-planned activities and games lifted everyone’s spirits, and the funds raised will go towards a parting gift for the school, something future students will enjoy for years to come. Next week, […]
Head of School’s Comment
With over 80% of families now registered on our Parent Portal, we’re pleased to move ahead with expanding its capabilities earlier than planned. Thank you for helping make this possible. Permission slips are now being added to the Portal, providing a simple way to review, sign, and keep track of upcoming activities. In addition, student […]
Head of School’s Comment
At our regular staff meetings, we begin with an Acknowledgement of Country. For some time now, we have sought to make this practice more authentic and personally meaningful by inviting a different staff member each week to lead the acknowledgement in their own way. This might take the form of a personal reflection, a poem, […]
Head of School’s Comment
This week it was a pleasure to host the parents of our incoming Lower 1st 2026 students at our information evening. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and excitement as many prepare to join our school community for the first time, and also great to see the support provided by many of the attending […]
Head of School’s Comment
This term, our focus on the School Value of Courage has encouraged students to act with integrity, face challenges with resilience, and speak truthfully with kindness. In Term 4, our attention will turn to the value of Stillness. Stillness lies at the heart of our educational philosophy and is one of the defining characteristics of […]
Head of School’s Comment
This week we held our Infants Public Speaking Finals. Reaching the final four was no easy task, as the standard across all participants was truly impressive. Each student spoke with confidence and clarity, and it was particularly fitting that one of the chosen topics was Courage, our school value for this term. Public speaking at […]
Head of School’s Comment
This week I had the pleasure of attending the Independent Primary Schools Association 2025 Performing Arts Festival at Town Hall. Our students participated with distinction, both in the John Colet School choir and orchestra performances, and as part of the combined schools ensembles. While every school presented impressive work, the richness of the repertoire, together […]
Head of School’s Comment
We were delighted by the unexpectedly large turnout for our biennial Grandparents Day this week. Please pass on our sincere thanks to all who attended for their patience with the parking limitations and the tea and coffee service. Despite the logistical challenges, the event was a remarkable success and a wonderful celebration of our community. […]
Head of School’s Comment
This term, we continue to explore our school value of Courage. At present, we are undertaking perhaps the greatest work of all – the work on ourselves. This is why we reflect on our school values and seek practical exercises that support this inner development. A wonderful place to begin is by becoming still and […]
Head of School’s Comment
With the consistently chilly weather and frequent rain, it has been wonderful to see our students arrive each morning with smiles and a positive attitude. Reports are that our 3rd and 4th Class campers (both staff and students!) have taken this resilience to the next level, enjoying a fantastic, if slightly muddy, adventure. Their willingness […]
This week, our students took part in the annual Sanskrit Recitation Finals—an inspiring showcase of clarity, rhythm, and meaning. Sanskrit has been a core part of the curriculum at John Colet School since its founding 40 years ago, offering students a unique linguistic foundation. Its precise grammar and phonetics support cognitive development and enhance understanding […]
Head of School’s Comment
Our school community came together on Monday to celebrate Teacher’s Day. Each child thoughtfully prepared a piece of writing about someone who has made—or continues to make—a meaningful impact in their life. One student from each class was selected to share their reflections at assembly, and it was truly moving to hear such a diverse […]
Head of School’s Comment
This term, our value in focus is Courage—and we’ve begun our exploration by drawing on the thoughtful insights shared by students during our recent assemblies. When asked what courage meant to them, our students offered broad and heartfelt responses: The courage to do something even when you feel afraid The courage to try your best […]
Head of School’s Comment
We are very excited to welcome you to our Open Day this Sunday, a day that promises to celebrate our theme of Stillness and Motion—a reflection of the calm, creative energy that flows through our school community. After a week of relentless rain, the skies are finally clearing and the sunshine seems to be arriving […]
Head of School’s Comment
On exhibition in the entrance area of our school are the self-portraits of our 6th Class students. Each one of these artworks is a testament to their creativity and care. This outstanding work is the result of a rich and continuous art program, introduced from the earliest years. It reflects an inspiring environment for both […]
A busy start to Term 2
Despite the damp weather and a sharp drop in temperature to start the term, the enthusiasm of our students and teachers, remains undimmed. It is always heartwarming to see the children reconnect after a break, especially the reunions between our 6th Class students and their Lower 1st buddies. These friendships are a treasured part of our […]
Thank you to everyone who attended our 40th Celebration! While we are still finalising the total amount raised, the true success of the event was bringing our school community together to celebrate our shared journey—past, present, and future. A special thank you to our Parents and Friends Association, everyone who helped on the evening, and […]
Head of School’s Comment
Our Value of the Term is Respect. Over the past two months, we have explored respect through giving attention, acting for the good of all, and being mindful of others’ needs. This week, through our assembly reading below, we focused on how we learn and grow through the support of those around us. In the […]
Head of School’s Comment
Next week, our 5th Class students will attend an overnight Leadership Camp, at The Collaroy Centre. This experience was piloted last year, with both our 5th and 6th Class students, and the feedback from both our students and staff was overwhelmingly positive. The final two years at John Colet School, mark a pivotal time for […]
Celebrating 40 Years of John Colet School
Celebrating 40 Years of John Colet School! By now, you are likely aware of this year’s Gala Event on 29th March. This is a very special occasion marking 40 years since John Colet School first opened its doors. This milestone celebration will take place in the stunning Mahratta Estate in Wahroonga, home to the School […]
Head of School’s Comment
Over the past two weeks in our student assemblies, we have been reflecting on the following reading: Tibetan Buddhist Prayer – The Four Immeasurable Attitudes May all beings have happiness and its causes; (Love) May all beings be freed from suffering and its causes; (Compassion) May all beings constantly dwell in joy, transcending sorrow; (Joy) […]
From our Head of School
This afternoon, we conducted our first safety drill of the year. Each term, we practice a different drill to prepare for emergencies such as bushfires, lockdowns, and evacuations, including off-site to Wyatt Avenue Oval. We know these drills can cause anxiety, and students may have questions at home. Our staff support them through the process, […]
Head of School’s Comment
We had a lovely example of Service by our 5th Class students this week at the 6th Class Graduation lunch. It was a wonderful acknowledgement of the impact they have had on our school over their many years at John Colet. There is no better practical example of the Values that we were founded on […]
Head of School’s Comment
Thank you to our Parents and Friends Association for organising a memorable Diwali Celebration last weekend. Months of behind-the-scenes preparation went into making this event a success, creating a wonderful opportunity for our families to come together and welcome friends and extended family from the wider community. John Colet School is truly strengthened by the […]
Our Primary Shakespeare Festival has been a tremendous success this week, and we are especially excited for tonight’s performance from our 6th Class students. Many of these students have played a wide range of roles since Lower 1st, experiencing over 20 plays each year as both performers and audience members. To the best of my […]
This term, we are focusing on the Value of Truthfulness. Every few weeks, we will delve into different aspects of this value, guided by simple yet meaningful questions from our Vision, Mission, and Values Statement. These questions will help us reflect on and practice truthfulness: Truthfulness Practice: • Is it true? • Is it kind, pleasant, and […]
Head of School’s Comment
This term, we have focused on the School Value of Stillness. Next term, our attention will shift to Truthfulness, which aligns well, as it is often only when we are still and detached that we can perceive the truth in any situation. Looking ahead to next term, we have an exciting lineup of events and […]
Head of School’s Comment
The momentum is building towards our Shakespeare performances being held in Term 4. The value of Stillness that we have been recently exploring, has great practical use as the rehearsals develop towards the stage. Each child’s performance depends on their weeks of listening, attention and practice. Their ability to connect requires them to be aware […]
Head of School’s comment
This week, our conversations about the Value of Stillness have focused on the significance of paying equal attention to both the process and the outcome of our work. We tend to become fixated on the goal or the reward ahead, often losing sight of the actions we’re currently taking. Our students resonated with this, sharing […]
Head of School’s Comment
We are continuing with our exploration of our Value of Stillness this Term. Our practice of mindfulness and pausing throughout the day, allows the children a regular opportunity to focus, become still and centre themselves within the present. Students practice letting go of thoughts and emotions tied up with the past, while also releasing considerations […]
Head of School’s Comment
Hello from the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Lake Macquarie. It has been a wonderful three days with our 3rd and 4th Class students. We have all been impressed with this new camp venue and look forward to returning next year. The students have had the opportunity to build deeper friendships and push themselves in […]
Head of School’s Comment
Next week, our 5th and 6th Class students head to Canberra and 3rd and 4th Class students will travel to the slightly warmer area of Lake Macquarie for their camp. Our older students have previous experience being away from home, however, for many of our 3rd Class students, this will be the longest time they have been away from […]
Head of School’s Comment
At next week’s assembly, we shall be introducing our 6th Class Leaders to the students. They may already know our Head Boy and Girl, Our Head Chorister and Art Prefect, however, what they may not know is that every 6th Class student has a role to play, and an opportunity to serve. This list includes […]
Head of School’s Comment
The School Value that we are exploring this Term is Service. Service is the cornerstone of our School and wider community, and the continued success of our School is in no small part due to the positive contribution and support of our parent community. This is particularly the case with regard to the position of […]
From our Deputy Head of School
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 […]
Head of School’s Comment
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, […]
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. […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Head of School’s Comment
Our Alphabet for Humanity word of the week has been ‘bravery’, which dove-tailed well with our value of Courage. There were many hands up in our Infants Assembly today with practical examples. A Lower 1st student gave the perfect example of starting in big school, a 2nd class student highlighted removing the training wheels when […]
Head of School’s Comment
At our assemblies this week there have been some wonderful examples from our students of how they have gone ‘that last inch’. The examples were all about personal bests; PBs. It is not about judging your success against those around you, instead, it is acknowledging when you have gone above and beyond what you have […]
Head of School’s Comment
As we continue to explore the Value of Courage this term, we bring our focus to finding the courage to finish the task we are doing and finish it well. In all subjects we look for the children to persist in ensuring that they go the extra mile or in many cases just that last […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]