The weather was very warm, but so was the welcome as the children returned to school after their summer break. A new teacher, new books and stationery in a different classroom as well as new classmates to meet. There is so much anticipation and excitement – and the same applies to the staff.
We are very fortunate in that we have two classes at each year level through the Junior School, and the two classes while being separate, have the flexibility to work closely together when required.
New reception students
We have two classes of Reception students and they have made an outstanding start to their full-time schooling. Only 13 years to go!
New class teachers
Mr Brad Sheridan has joined us most recently from Annesley School in Adelaide where he has taught for the past three years. Prior to that he taught at Ballarat Grammar and Berwick Primary in Victoria. Before embarking on a teaching career, Brad was a professional basketball player representing numerous clubs including the Victoria Titans, Sydney Kings and Townsville Crocodiles. He has a considerable height advantage over the students in his Year One class, and we are delighted to have him as a member of the teaching team at Investigator.
Ms Amelia Young has joined us as a Reception teacher having taught most recently at Christies Beach Primary School . Prior to that she worked at Leigh Creek Area School and has held other roles in various schools since 2019. Amelia has created a very warm and welcoming classroom for her Reception students and they are thoroughly enjoying being a member of her class
A welcome distraction
For excitable youngsters returning to school to different rooms, with different teachers and some new classmates – it is almost overwhelming to also have graders, diggers and rollers to watch during the breaks. The construction noise is a bit of a distraction at times, but the fact that it is a very tangible example of the exciting developments taking place at Investigator College makes it all worthwhile.
We certainly understand that the carpark being out of action has been an inconvenience to families and we appreciate your patience and understanding.
The line up this year
As we are up and running with our 2025 School year, for reference I’d like to list the roles for the Junior School staff.
- Reception – Mrs Georgie Shearer and Ms Amelia Young
- Year 1 – Mrs Carly Bollenhagen and Mr Brad Sheridan
- Year 2 – Mrs Sophie Hunt (M-Th) / Mrs Katie Hills (F) & Ms Gemma Lovell (M, T&Th) / Mrs Nicki McCann (W & F) while Mrs Meadows is on leave.
- Year 3 – Mrs Tanya Stopp and Mrs Amy Willcocks
- Year 4 – Ms Julia Bartram and Mrs Steph Gurner (M-Th)
- Year 5 – Mrs Detmar and Mr Craig Donley / Mrs Sarah Viney
- Year 6 – Ms Alana Coppock & Mr Lucas Lane (Mrs Helen Maidment (Th)
- Music – Ms Lisa Pointon (ELC- Yr 4) & Cass (5 & 6)
- PE – Mr Mark Tenny, Mrs Helen Maidment & Mr Clinton Alleway
- Japanese – Mrs Jodie Marks
- Design Technologies (ELC-4) – Mr John Freebairn.
- Digital Tech (Yr 5/6) – Mr Andrew Ayliffe
- Learning Support leadership – Mrs Rebecca Cousins
- Deputy Teaching & Learning – Mrs Katie Hills
- Deputy Pastoral – Mr Mark Tenny
- Head of Junior School – Mr Grant Bock
An update on our award-winning scarecrow
