Primary School News | Growing Hearts, Minds, and Gardens
Building Integrity: The Power of Owning Our Choices
As part of providing a well-rounded education, we extend learning past the fundamentals of English and Maths, into the realm of character development and growing hearts. For young children they have to learn to navigate the busy playgrounds, large and small group dynamics, classroom boundaries and rules and often this means making mistakes. It is a normal part of development. However, character is developed not only in the mistake, but how we respond and what learning we take away to action in future events. This is building integrity.
Taking ownership means stepping away from the natural human impulse to make excuses, blame others, or hide the truth. Instead, it looks like a student having the courage to say, "I made a poor choice, and I want to make it right." When children step up with honesty, they learn that admitting a fault is a brave mark of maturity. Accepting natural, restorative consequences, whether that involves a sincere apology, taking reflection time, or helping fix a problem, allows grace and accountability to work together to build genuine resilience and integrity.
This growth happens best when home and school walk in close partnership. When children see parents and teachers calmly reinforcing high expectations, upholding boundaries, and praising honesty above all else, they feel safe enough to be truthful. By framing consequences as constructive learning opportunities rather than mere punishments, we empower our students to grow into young people of strong Christian character who value truth, respect others, and take pride in doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
Partnership with Strength Potential
Over the last 2 years we have been partnering with an external company called Strength Potential. With their team of facilitators we have engaged with 3 programs, specifically designed for girls and boys within our Year 5 and 6 cohorts. The girls have enjoyed hot chocolate whilst learning about “Building Resilience” and “Coping with Stress”, whilst the boys have looked at their identity in the “Four Pillars Program”. Recently we were asked to provide video testimonials which are currently live on their social media platforms.
Pupil Free Day - Teachers learn too!
Friday 4th September is a pupil-free day and often we are asked by parents what happens on these days, or why we have them. This day is set aside for every school in Queensland to engage in Professional Development and Senior School moderation tasks.
For Primary School we have a few events on:
2027 Prep Information Event
> All our 2027 Prep students and their families come to school for an activity and information session. For students they rotate through some fun activities, meet new friends and teachers. Parents will have a session on what to expect and how to support their child in Prep readiness.
PD - What Great Maths Teaching Looks Like
> Independent Schools Queensland are hosting this workshop that 7 staff will be attending. It is a full day of practical, evidence based learning grounded in the Science of Learning. Teachers will learn from experts on how to tackle numeracy challenges and boost student engagement.
Garden Club
Recently garden club have had to dismantle their little area for some renovations - but good news - it’s back up and running with 15 new garden beds and all sorts of flowers, herbs and vegetables growing. They have even begun beautifying our front entrance of A block with some flower gardens. Thanks to Mr Hodges, Mrs Edwards and the multitude of students who attend and are committed to growing wonderful things.
Blessings,
Sarah Rowan
Head of Primary – On Campus
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