Ballet and Jazz classes commenced this week for ELC and Barbreck students as an introductory offer to our Co-curricular program of Dance. Ballet is offered to students in ELC to Year 2 and Jazz for girls in Years 3-6.

There were twirls, pointed toes, stretches, high kicks, ‘soldier arms – not chicken arms’, music, giggles, laughter and great fun as the girls followed their dance teacher, Bethany Moutray’s instructions. While they all seemed a little shy and hesitant at first, by the end of each class the girls all seemed a touch more confident. After each lesson, the girls were saying they loved to dance, with Matea in Year 1 revealing it was ‘the best day ever!’

Parents are kindly encouraged to arrive 10 minutes before the end of the lesson and collect their son or daughter/s from the forecourt in front of the Junior School Reception, and not on Heyington Place. This is particularly highlighted for the Years 5 and 6 dancers who class ends at 5.30pm when it is dark outside.

Morning Tea with Year 6

I am currently hosting a series of morning teas, firstly with Year 6 and then with Year 5 girls. At the Year 6 morning teas I am wanting to engage with the girls and hear from them about how Year 6 is progressing and what we can do to make their last year in Barbreck extra special. The first session was full of funny stories and great ideas for creating a special year! The girls are a credit to their parents, they are so courteous and caring of each other. A few minor points were raised about progressing into Year 7 and these were discussed and acknowledged as learning opportunities. The key message I gained from speaking with the girls is that they are happy, they love coming to School and that they feel confident, safe and cared for here.

Girls also reflected about how they used to look up to the big and smart Year 6 girls when they were little and how now they are those Year 6 girls that the current younger ones look to as role models. I could tell from their discussions that they understood the responsibility they carry as Year 6 leaders and they took it seriously.

The girls were also generous with their ideas, wanting to include other year levels in this, their special last year at Barbreck. Events that have fun, time to be silly and the opportunity to get dressed up were high on the agenda.  Thinking of and working in the service of others is a key trait of good leaders, like all of our Year 6 girls. It is going to be a wonderful year for them!

Special Person’s Day for Year P-3

It was wonderful to be able to again host this very special day, after missing it last year due to COVID-19. While many were not able to travel to attend, it was wonderful to know that our girls have so many special people in their lives – those that take an interest, have time to listen to their stories and do activities with them.

The girls proudly showed visitors around, introduced them to their friends and teachers and explained much of the learning and work they have been engaging with. We know that the day means so much to our girls and it is a day when they truly shine!

Thanks go to the many visitors that attended; we know that there is much organisation that goes into attending. We also thank the parents for helping their daughter arrange the invites, often driving and dropping off visitors as well.

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Out of School Hours Care

St Catherine’s School offers an Out of School Hours Care program to all ELC and Junior School families. The program is implemented by our provider ‘After the Bell’, and operates within the ELC building. Parents are reminded that if you need to use the Before School Care or After School Care service, registrations need to be made in advance with ‘After the Bell’. Please allow up to five business days for your registration to be processed before your child can begin attending the program. Registration is free. All families are encouraged to register so that you can use this service in the event that you are unable to pick up your child.

Before School Care – 7.00am to 8.45am

After School Care – 3.00pm to 6.00pm

Registrations can be completed via the ‘After the Bell’ website.

Please phone 9758 6744 for all enquiries.