Junior School Report
June 1, 2026 – Edition 7
Connecting with Our Wider Community
The past fortnight has been filled with rich learning experiences, celebrations and opportunities for our students to connect with the wider community.
Year 1 students journeyed to Gumbuya World on their recent excursion, which involved learning more about animal life cycles and habitats. Thank you to Mrs Grech, Miss Reale, Mrs Driessen, Mrs Black, Mrs Giles and Miss Lynch for organising, attending and ensuring the excursion was a huge success.
Our Foundation S students delighted families, students and staff with a wonderful assembly celebrating National Careers Day. Students proudly dressed as the careers they aspire to pursue when they grow up and confidently shared their dreams and ambitions with the audience.
A particular highlight was the beautiful photo display showcasing the many achievements and milestones our youngest students have accomplished since commencing their school journey this year. It was a heartwarming reminder of how much they have already grown and learned. Congratulations to Miss Stephenson and her wonderful Foundation S students!
District Cross Country
I would like to congratulate the fifteen students who proudly represented our school at the District Cross Country event last week. All students were outstanding ambassadors for the Junior School, demonstrating excellent behaviour, sportsmanship, resilience and determination throughout the day.
Most importantly, they gave their very best effort and should be extremely proud of their achievements. A special congratulations to Taj – Year 6, Cleo – Year 5, and Jiya and Sidhak – Year 4, who have qualified for the Regional Cross Country Championships.
We wish them all the very best as they prepare for the next stage of competition and look forward to hearing about their success. Well done to all students who participated and represented our school with such pride.
Victorian Parliament Excursion
Our Junior School Captains and House Captains were fortunate to attend an excursion to the Victorian Parliament recently, gaining valuable insights into the workings of government and civic leadership. Sincere thanks to Dr Jacob and Mrs Leo for accompanying and supporting our student leaders throughout the day.
4L Assembly
Students in 4L hosted an engaging assembly sharing reflections from their recent City Camp experience. Through stories, photographs, and personal insights students highlighted the learning, challenges and memorable moments that made the camp such a valuable experience. Bravo Mrs Britton-Bird and our talented 4L students!
Year 2 Excursion
Our Year 2 students also enjoyed an excursion to Bunjil Place in Narre Warren to attend a performance of The Magic Pudding. The opera provided a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with live theatre and the arts. Thank you to Mrs Kyne for organising and attending this enriching experience, and to Ms Burns, Ms Browning, Mrs Tour, Mrs Giles and Ms Parnall for accompanying the students.
These experiences continue to enrich learning beyond the classroom and reflect the many opportunities available to our students at Casey Grammar School. We thank our dedicated staff for their ongoing commitment to creating engaging, meaningful and memorable learning experiences for our Junior School students.
Melissa Roberton
Head of Junior School
Early Years Discoveries
It has been a busy and exciting fortnight in the Early Years, with students enthusiastically engaging in discovery and exploration.
Through art, sensory play, storytelling, and collaborative activities, they have demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and imagination while building confidence in sharing ideas and working alongside their peers. We also greatly enjoyed Simultaneous Story Time 2026 and listening to the story Luna Roo.
Bridgette Reale
Head of Early Years
Country
For Reconciliation Week, 2B explored the beautiful picture book Country by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson. Through rich language and illustrations, we discussed how “Country” is more than just a place; it includes land, water, people, stories and connection. 2B students reflected thoughtfully on what Country means to them:
Country is…
- … sharing – Harper
- … beautiful – Archer
- … past, present and future – Gurwaris
- … water – Elizabeth
- … something that makes us strong and healthy – Sophia
- … looking after our planet – Guntas
- … full of life – Nathania
- … kindness – Gurnaaz
- … land – Francesco
- … life – Inaarah
- … nature – Liliana
- … powerful – Henry
- … peaceful – Evana
- … happiness – Earl
- … safety – Link
- … kindness – Chase
- … joy – Emilyn
- … animals – Sebastian
- … wild – Logan
- … love – Hesanya
- … laughter – Sukham
- … cooperation – Thomas
Jess Burns
Year 2 Teacher
Gumbuya World Excursion
Year 1 students recently enjoyed an exciting excursion to Gumbuya World, where they explored and learned more about animal life cycles and habitats.
Through interactive experiences and close encounters with a variety of animals, students developed a deeper understanding of how living things grow, change, and survive in different environments. The excursion provided a wonderful opportunity for hands-on learning, curiosity, and meaningful connections to their Inquiry topic.
Here are some student reflections of our fun day:
- I liked feeding the rabbits and I loved the Bird Show! – Elnaz 1RD
- I liked the masked owl and the Bird Show. – Simar 1RD
- My favourite thing was feeding the kangaroos because they were soft and fluffy. – Isabella 1RD
- I liked the Bird Show and feeding the kangaroos, I saw a joey in the mum’s pouch. – Nethara 1RD
- Feeding the wallabies was fun because there was a little baby one and they were so furry. – Alisha 1RD
- My favourite thing was that my mum came because it was so much fun and I was in her group for the excursion. – Lana 1RD
- I liked holding the snake, because I like snakes and it felt smooth. I liked the Bird Show because there was a bird that sang and spoke. – Ava 1RD
- We got to hold a black headed python and I liked it, even though it was so heavy! – Isaac 1B
- When we went into groups, Aria’s mum got swooped by a bird. Feeding the kangaroos was fun. – Arianna 1B
- I liked the singing bird. – Ayuki 1B
- My favourite animal was the penguin. My mum came and she held a snake! – Dean 1G
- Ranger Gemma taught us about the python and then we got to pat a white owl. – Arsheen 1G
- We fed the animals and after that we went to have a walk and my favourite animal was an owl we got to pat. – Joakim 1G
Year 1 Teachers
Bridgette Reale, Emily Driessen, Kate Grech and Kathy Black
Year 6 Update
It has been a rich and engaging term so far in Year 6 as students continue their inquiry into the history of Australian migration. Through their learning, students have developed a deeper appreciation of the many migrant groups who have shaped Australia, recognising how their languages, beliefs and traditions contribute to the vibrant and diverse society we are fortunate to be part of today. They explored how migration has enriched our nation, fostering inclusion, shared experiences and a strong sense of community.
Working collaboratively in small groups, 6K students investigated how celebrations from different cultures often use light as a powerful symbol of hope, unity and new beginnings. They confidently shared their insights through engaging class presentations and proudly showcased their learning at assembly two weeks ago.
Year 6 students have also been engaged in meaningful learning as they explored the origins and significance of National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. Through their studies, they developed an understanding of key historical events, including the Stolen Generations, the 1967 Referendum and the 2008 National Apology delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
To deepen their connection to these important moments in Australia’s history, students participated in a National Sorry Day Ceremony, reflecting on the past and acknowledging the experiences of First Nations peoples. As part of the ceremony, they laid decorated stones at the base of the lowered flags as a symbol of remembrance and respect.
Students explored the powerful text Country by Aunty Fay, using it as inspiration for their own writing. They crafted thoughtful paragraphs and poems that incorporated sensory details, figurative and emotive language to express their understanding of Country as a place of deep connection, identity, culture and home.
As a collective expression of unity and respect, they contributed to a collaborative “All In” artwork, creating a tree adorned with ochre-scratched handprints as leaves to symbolise growth, healing and our shared commitment to reconciliation.
Year 6 Teachers
Vanessa Khvorostin, Heather Dunn and Melinda Murray
