Dear GJS Community,
As we settle into the school year, GJS has gained great momentum, with teachers and students working together to create challenging and exciting learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. What we see daily is true student agency in action. Our role as educators is to guide students through the planning process, challenge their thinking with thoughtful questions, and support them as they bring their ideas to life. It’s a daily dance in a school that places students at the center, helping them develop lifelong skills and empowering them to achieve more, dream bigger, and embrace new possibilities.
Here are some of the upcoming events that will take place in October:
Week Without Walls: A week after returning from the break, we will embark on our WWW trips. Booklets containing all the necessary information and expectations will be sent home on October 4, giving families ample time during the break to review and ask any questions. Our students are also working on their Service as Action projects and considering how they will give back to the communities they visit during these trips.
Hawks Cup: From October 30 to November 3, the Student Council will host the Hawks Cup, a student-driven initiative that brings together arts, sports, and academic competitions and events such as Model United Nations.
Dear GJS Community,
As we settle into the school year, GJS has gained great momentum, with teachers and students working together to create challenging and exciting learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. What we see daily is true student agency in action. Our role as educators is to guide students through the planning process, challenge their thinking with thoughtful questions, and support them as they bring their ideas to life. It’s a daily dance in a school that places students at the center, helping them develop lifelong skills and empowering them to achieve more, dream bigger, and embrace new possibilities.
Here are some of the upcoming events that will take place in October:
Week Without Walls: A week after returning from the break, we will embark on our WWW trips. Booklets containing all the necessary information and expectations will be sent home on October 4, giving families ample time during the break to review and ask any questions. Our students are also working on their Service as Action projects and considering how they will give back to the communities they visit during these trips.: The Student Council, with the support of the PA, is organizing a Halloween event for secondary students, which will be held after school on November 8.
Many more initiatives are in the pipeline for November and December, and I will share those details with you in our next issue. I practically spend every break and lunch in my office, listening to your children take charge and bring these proposals to life.
Next week marks the end of the 1st term, offering an excellent opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned so far and to plan the steps ahead. It is also time to review and discuss the learning goals your children have set for themselves. After thoughtful reflection on their strengths, areas for growth, and ATL skills, they have carefully crafted these goals, taking the lead in determining the best path forward for a successful academic year.
The 1st term reports for Years 7 to 11 will include some already-assessed criteria, providing a mid-semester checkpoint, while a full report will be provided for Year 12. As we prepare for positive and productive MSCs, we invite you to consider the following steps:
Read through your child’s report prior to the meeting and have an initial conversation at home about possible action plans.
Approach the discussion with your child and their teacher collaboratively, ensuring a free and open exchange of thoughts and concerns. Listen actively to both perspectives.
Direct the conversation towards how the goals can be achieved. Discuss practical strategies that encourage your child to take responsibility for their learning journey.
Agree on clear actions and timelines to help monitor progress effectively.
Don’t forget to acknowledge every success, no matter how small. Recognizing growth and effort is key to keeping your child motivated and engaged.
We look forward to continuing the partnership between parents, teachers, and students as we all work together towards a successful and fulfilling academic journey.