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 […]
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, […]
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. […]
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 […]
Friendly soccer matches vs German International School
On Friday, 24 October, we welcomed the German International School for two exciting friendly soccer matches. Our Year 4 mixed team showed outstanding skill and teamwork, securing an impressive 8–2 victory with excellent passing, strong defence, and clever positioning across the pitch. The Year 3 mixed team played with great spirit and determination, going down […]
We are off to the next round in tennis!
On Monday, 20 October, nine students from Years 3 and 4 participated in the Todd Woodbridge Regionals. The students performed exceptionally well, placing second overall and qualifying for the next round, the Todd Woodbridge Cup Playoffs, which will take place at Sydney Olympic Park on Monday, 10 November. They represented our school with great enthusiasm […]
What’s happening in our garden lessons in Term 4
In the bush playground, each class is planting one native tree endemic to the area. This act is designed to connect children to Country, following on from concepts covered during the Term 3 bush tucker lesson. Plantings were accompanied by species data and a thought-provoking philosophical tree quote that will remain for visitors to consider […]
Great result at RoboCup Junior Australia
The RoboCup Junior Australia (RCJA) 2025 National Competition concluded in Canberra last weekend. A team consisting of Neil C, a Y4 student from JCS and two students from St Ives North Public stood out in the Primary Rescue Line division, advancing to the finals with the second-highest score after eight preliminary rounds and ultimately securing […]
Our kitchen garden is a national award winner!
John Colet School’s kitchen garden has won a national award, coming first in the ‘Down to Earth’ category of the National Kitchen Garden Awards. Judged by Alice Zaslavsky, Stephanie Alexander, Thanh Truong, and Clarence Slockee, our entry demonstrated how our students get their hands dirty, nurturing our kitchen garden soil. Our entry highlighted the magical […]
On Wednesday, 3 September, 16 of our students from 3rd and 4th Class participated in the Todd Woodbridge Cup at Evolve Tennis, Collaroy. They played doubles and mixed doubles matches against teams from Pittwater House and St Kevin’s Dee Why. We entered two teams in the competition, both of which competed brilliantly throughout the day. […]
IPSHA Athletics Carnival 2025
On Wednesday, 27 August, 16 students from 3rd and 4th Class proudly represented our school at the IPSHA Athletics Carnival, held at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre. After weeks of rain, we were blessed with some sunshine, which made the day even more special for our young athletes. It was a wonderful day of […]
The 2025 Primary Shakespeare Festival playbill
Wednesday 29th October- Class 3H perform – A Midsummer Night’s Dream 4S – Hamlet 5B – Twelfth Night Thursday 30th October- 3N – Henry V 4C – Much Ado about Nothing 5M – Troilus and Cressida Friday 31st October- 6H – Richard III 6BE – The Merchant of Venice Tickets go on sale from 10am […]
Huge turnout at the Beach2Beach fun run
Congratulations to all the families who took part in the Beach2Beach fun run last weekend. We had 124 members in the John Colet School team, making us, once again, the second largest team entered! Everyone enjoyed the lovely fine morning and the picnic lunch at the finish line. Thank you to Rotary and the other […]
Great result at Ryde Eisteddfod
Hearty congratulations to our Chamber Ensemble, who performed at the Ryde Eisteddfod on Tuesday evening, winning 2nd Prize in the 207D Open Age Small Mixed Instrument Ensemble section. Well done to Arthur L, Engei F, Lauren D, Isabella K and Lachlan L.
New Deputy Head of School Announced
We are pleased to announce that Mrs Niree Nadjarian, current Class Teacher of 3N at John Colet School, has been appointed to the role of Deputy Head of School, commencing in 2026. Since joining John Colet School in 2017, Mrs Nadjarian has distinguished herself as an outstanding educator, valued colleague, and dedicated community member. Her […]
Senior Public Speaking competition winner 2025
Climate change. It’s the topic that I’ve heard and I’m sure you’ve heard, many times before. But finding out that some people believe that climate change is caused naturally was … a genuine surprise. Today I’ll be talking about what I believe, based on the research I’ve done. Good morning, teachers, staff, students etc.. Now […]
Junior Speech Competition Winning Speech 2025
Respect is the most important value in the world The Dalai Lama once said: The quality of everything we do; our physical actions, our verbal actions, and even our mental actions, depends on our motivation. Imagine a world without Respect: dark, cruel and meaningless. Now, a world like today would be much better. I will […]
Cyber safety tips in Second Class
On Wednesday Second Class learnt a lot in the Y-Safety talk at school, and parents could learn about this too through a parents online Y-Safety talk. These talks give practical ways to be safe at home with children online. Second Class learnt some important lessons about safety online, such as the Three Questions for Safe […]
Great performances at IPSHA Cross Country
The IPSHA Cross Country Carnival was held on Wednesday, 2 April, with independent schools from across NSW competing at The King’s School, North Parramatta. Ten students from John Colet School had qualified for the event, and all gave their best, tackling a challenging course with determination and grit. The weather was perfect with blue skies, […]
International Permaculture week
This week is International Permaculture week! Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable, self sufficient and resilient ecosystems, inspired by the natural environment. These are the principles that the school Kitchen Garden operates by. To celebrate, we cultivated community with the parent volunteers, the year 6 garden monitors harvested 15kgs of produce for the kitchen […]
Whole school discussion topic: Compassion
This week, the students were introduced to the word ‘Compassion’ as part of The New Alphabet for Humanity. We explored its meaning and practical applications during both our Assembly and Philosophy lessons. The children engaged in thoughtful discussions about how they can show compassion in their daily lives, both at school and at home, and […]
Beautiful application
This beautiful Sanskrit writing by four children in 2nd class was selected for its neatness and clarity. Work of this standard calls for amazing focus, which is developed through the regular practice of Stillness. Well done to Arnavi, Jet, Gail and Gabriel.
IPSHA swim carnival a great success
On Tuesday, 4th March, a team of 18 students from Years 3-6 represented our school at the IPSHA Swimming Carnival, competing against other Independent Schools from across NSW. They truly did us proud, demonstrating great effort, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm throughout the day. The team returned happy, energised, and motivated after an incredible experience swimming in […]
Look who might be starting school soon
We are excited to share that our school is trialing the introduction of a School Support Dog. Klaus, an 18-month-old Mini Schnauzer, has completed both puppy and adolescent dog training. He is scheduled to undergo further assessment at school by a CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA accredited Dog Trainer & Behaviourist to ensure he meets the highest standards […]
2024 – Our year in the garden
Overall food waste diverted from landfill and turned into compost – Over 2 tonnes! The weight of a large SUV Food waste collected from recess by Year 6 Garden monitors – 303kgs Produce harvested and contributed to the kitchen – 163kgs We were fortunate to receive grants from the Sydney Edible Garden Trail, Woolworths Junior […]
2024 – 6th Class Year in Review
This year has been fun, fast and full of fantastic events! The children have participated in many creative and exciting projects and excursions. The activities on offer were endless, and the 6th class children soaked up every opportunity. As school leaders, the children assisted the school in many different capacities. Their leadership proved to be […]
Moving up the grades
Today our current 4th Class students welcomed 2nd class children to their classrooms to give them a taste of Primary school when they enter 3rd class next year. 4N and 4H talked about some big changes 2nd class can expect as they advance from Infants to Primary (e.g. cursive writing, attending camp and the swimming […]
The legacy of Shakespearean theatre at John Colet
The students of John Colet immerse in Shakespeare’s work every year, from Kindergarten to Year 6, learning many aspects of stagecraft in the process. As our sixth-class leavers prepare to embark on the next stage of their educational journey, it is apt to reflect on the legacy of their theatrical experiences, to consider “which grain […]
4th Class at the end of Term 4. busy as ever!
This week, the project presentations showcased the children’s research and creativity with regards to plastic pollution, and brought our Science and Geography units of work to an end. In English, using the text Storm Boy, the children presented arguments to an imaginary council meeting as to why the vandals, who destroyed the birds’ habitat in […]
Organic garden update
Last Friday the annual beds in the kitchen garden were retrofitted with self watering technology to combat invasive roots from nearby trees. They were refilled on Tuesday with thanks to parent volunteers, and planted out by infant and primary Gardeneers during lunch. The spring onions, tomatoes, and rainbow popcorn planted so far were all grown […]
Starting out in Tennis
This week students from Lower 1st, Upper 1st, and 2nd Class had the exciting opportunity to participate in fun and engaging tennis activities in small groups. The children returned with big smiles, and many shared how much they enjoyed their first-ever tennis experience. With fantastic weather and the perfect day on court, it was a […]
On Wednesday night the John Colet Choir and Chamber Ensemble performed at the annual IPSHA Performing Arts Festival held at Sydney Town Hall. The children’s performances were outstanding, and the calibre of the music was exceptional. Special mention must go to violinists Isabella K and Lauren D, and flautist Lachlan L and pianist Engei F, […]
End of 2024 Debating season
Today for the final round of IPSHA Friday Afternoon Debating, we hosted Oxford Falls Grammar. Our debate topic was That we should stop selling bottled water. We held one debate on the topic, with Oxford Falls Grammar debating in the affirmative and John Colet School debating in the negative. Our adjudicator from Masters Academy awarded […]
This week we were delighted to hear the news that a group artwork by Year 4 students was selected as one of the 100 finalists from over 5,000 entries in the Wild at Art Threatened Species Art Competition. The organisers said: “Your class’s skills and dedication have truly shone through, and we couldn’t be more […]
A big week in Athletics
We had another fantastic turnout for the Beach2Beach Fun Run this year, with our JCS Team having 110 participants, making us the second-largest team after Stella Maris College! The weather was glorious, and everyone enjoyed the event, whether they chose to walk or run the 3k, 6k, or 13k distance. It was a wonderful day […]
Welcome to our Open Day
Our Open Day is on Sunday 26th May, open to the public from 10 – 2pm. This is an official school day for all students, so attendance is compulsory. Please note, Monday 27th May is a pupil free day. This year’s Open Day theme is The Art of Science. We will hold our annual Cake […]
Non-competitive after school sports choices for Term 2
We are thrilled to inform you about the fantastic non-competitive After School Sport programs we have lined up for our students in Term 2! These sports are on offer for children who don’t participate in PISA Training on a Tuesday, except for Netball as it will take place on Thursdays. Our aim is to provide […]
Shakespeare tips and links for learning lines at home
There are many ways to assist your child at home as we begin preparations for your child’s annual class play. Rule number 1: Let it be a fun experience! Rule number 2: Slow and clear articulation is crucial. Rule number 3: Repetition makes perfect. Rule number 4: Remember this is a team effort because every […]
2023 Year in Review by 6th Class
This year has given us many opportunities. From Luna New Year to graduating, Year 6 has been a great experience. On Monday 30th of January, we started our last year at John Colet. We kicked off the year with adorable faces by helping our Lower 1st buddies through their first days at school. We then celebrated […]
Perpetual Resonance: Why Shakespearean theatre is an essential pedagogical experience
Studying Shakespeare is an inevitable feature of modern adolescence, as his works remain a permanent fixture of the Western literary canon. Nevertheless, to immerse in his dramatic creations from the beginning of one’s school life may, to some, seem a luxury rather than a necessity, perhaps even a questionable venture, considering the torment of his […]
Putting the fun in fun run
Last Sunday, 27th August many families joined us for the Beach2Beach Family Fun Run either starting from Dee Why, Warriewood or Mona Vale and finishing at beautiful Newport Beach. We’re thrilled to announce a new record of 72 participants, a significant increase from last year’s 50. At the starting line a lot of happy faces […]
IPSHA Athletics Carnival
We’re thrilled to share the exciting highlights of our IPSHA Athletics Carnival held on Wednesday, 30 August. With the sun shining brightly, the Olympic Park Athletic Centre in Sydney was the perfect setting for a day filled with athletic achievements and camaraderie. A total of 14 students from 5th and 6th Class showcased their incredible […]
The John Colet Choir and several instrumentalists performed beautifully in the Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday evening. Following a day of rehearsals, the children returned in the evening to sing and play along with six other independent schools from both Sydney and regional NSW. Following the National Anthem with Elliott and Hailey soloing as the […]
More robotics classes in Term 4 2023
In Term 4, two classes on LEGO WeDo2.0 have been arranged to satisfy the demand from parents. The program on Monday is aimed at K-Y1 students who have very limited prior experience on building LEGO. Compared to the robotics class on Tuesday for Y1-Y2, the models constructed in this class will have simpler structures and […]
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 […]
John Colet School founders receive OAMs
It is wonderful that both our founding teachers have this year each been awarded the Order of Australia for their services to education. Mrs McKendrick OAM received hers in the Australia Day Honours list in January, while Mrs Donald OAM received hers in the King’s Birthday awards last weekend. Mrs McKendrick continues to serve the […]
All about JCS 2023 Open Day
John Colet School Open Day, Sunday May 28th, 10m – 2pm Children will have the chance to explore a range of creative workshops set up around the School in our Art-themed Open Day. They can make their own gorgeous print to take home, decorate a cupcake, learn some weaving ways, create a clay pot, a […]
New Art Centre Focuses on Visual Learning at John Colet School
From the first crayon scribble on the table, to the cheeky texta creations on the walls, to the colourful finger painting brought home from kindergarten. Kids love art. As parents, of course we encourage our children to do what they love, and we treasure those moments where their little faces light up when presenting us […]
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 […]
Head of School’s Comment
We hope that you have had a relaxing, stress-free, and safe holiday. Our School has had a fresh paint, carpets have been cleaned and our outdoor spaces are looking green and lush! 2023 begins with all our new play and learning areas open and ready for our students. We have a full year of exciting […]
The Power of the Pause in Promoting Productivity and Purpose
Om Paramatmane Nama… These words might sound a bit foreign, but to the John Colet School community, this little phrase represents a big part of their daily life. Throughout the day, students and staff Pause for at least five seconds before starting a new activity. The result? A more grounded, more present and more attentive […]
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 […]
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.