As we approach the end of the year, it is with great pride that we reflect on and acknowledge some significant achievements of our students.
Carey Junior School students are always encouraged to do their best and take risks. Taking risks and trying something new can be daunting and require bravery. Students are offered supportive and appropriately scaffolded opportunities to take themselves beyond their comfort zones and explore their potential.
One of the most popular opportunities is the Mathematical Association of Victoria’s annual Mathematics Talent Quest (MTQ). Approximately one third of the Donvale campus students participate by entering either individual or group projects. These projects are an inquiry into a student designed question. Participants make predictions, collect data, analyse findings and draw conclusions. Most importantly, students reflect upon their learning; sharing what they have discovered and what they would do with their learnings.
The Donvale campus has a proud tradition of being presented an Outstanding School Award which, yet again, we received in 2024. Four children who received High Distinction Awards were invited to the official MTQ ceremony to receive their individual awards and the school Award: Year 1s Logan and Edmund, Year 2 Soraya, and Year 3 Lucas. These children investigated topics ranging from pi to choosing extracurricular activities. They are to be congratulated on their efforts and achievements. Further to this success, Year 1 student Logan had his project that compared modes of travel, entered by the Mathematical Association of Victoria into the National competition, which he won!
Another recent achievement has been from Year 6 student Aaron. Aaron has a passion for history so wrote an essay titled ‘Crisis and Response: Australia in Wartime’. Exploring an area of personal interest and taking advantage of opportunity, Aaron has won two Silver Awards in the National History Challenge. He will attend the Victoria State Award Ceremony to collect these awards at St Aloysius College this month.
It is with great pride for our students that we approach our end of the academic year. As teachers prepare semester reports, we reflect upon and share the growth of our students. This growth looks different for all children. For some it is a national award while for others it is the achievement of a personal goal. The greatest achievement for some will be the conquering of a fear or making a new friend. All growth and achievement should be equally celebrated, as each of these achievements are building lifelong skills in our students.
Alysha Byrne
Deputy Head of Junior School Donvale – Student Learning
