Junior Primary
Grade 0 - Grade 3
At St Teresa’s Junior Primary, we are committed to nurturing every aspect of your daughter’s growth, ensuring that her academic journey is enriched with Christian values and a deep sense of community. Nestled in the beautiful suburb of Craighall Park, our campus provides a serene environment where girls can thrive, both in and out of the classroom. We emphasise kindness, cooperation, and compassion, guiding our students not only to excel academically but also to be mindful of others and to aim for a world that is more equitable. The overarching rule to “Be Kind” forms the foundation of our school culture, encouraging respect and care for everyone in our community.
Our holistic approach to education goes beyond academics, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. We believe in the power of a growth mindset, where making mistakes is seen as an opportunity for valuable learning. Girls are encouraged to be bold, to persevere, and to approach challenges with confidence. Our passionate teachers are dedicated to ensuring that each child has the opportunity to flourish and grow into an independent, open-minded, and compassionate young woman.
At St Teresa’s, we place great importance on building strong relationships within the school, as we understand that the pastoral well-being of our pupils is key to their success. Every girl is part of a community where she belongs, and where her potential is celebrated and nurtured. We invite you to visit us and experience first hand the special environment we have created, where your daughter will be supported at every step of her educational journey.
Mrs Lynne Elfick
Principal: Junior Primary
Rosebuds Pre-Primary
Our Rosebuds Pre-Primary for children aged 3 to 5 is situated on our campus, but with its own building and extensive garden. Here we are dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of young children through the power of play, as we believe that early childhood is the most formative stage in a child’s life. We align ourselves with the wisdom of Jean Piaget, who stated, "Play is the work of childhood," embracing a play-based approach to learning. Play is not just an activity; it is an essential component of how children grow cognitively, emotionally, and socially. We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which sees children as active participants in their learning journey, fostering autonomy, creativity, and collaboration from a young age.
We understand that the first few years are foundational, and research consistently highlights the importance of unstructured play in building executive functioning skills like memory, self-control, and flexible thinking, which are attributes critical for academic success and life in an increasingly complex world. At Rosebuds Pre-Primary, we balance joyful exploration with meaningful learning, ensuring that our girls not only acquire the knowledge they need but also develop the social and emotional skills essential for navigating both school and life beyond.
We place great value on outdoor play, which encourages environmental awareness and a love for nature. By spending time outdoors and engaging in sensory-rich activities, the children at Rosebuds are also learning the importance of physical health, ecological responsibility, and resilience. These are lessons that will serve them well in their futures, preparing them to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world with a healthy self-esteem, confidence and compassion.
During the Junior Primary years from Grade 1-3 the main focus is on the three integral learning areas of English, Mathematics and Life Skills. By incorporating the best approaches from a variety of educational systems, the teaching methodologies adopted ensure that high standards are always maintained. All children are encouraged to work collaboratively as well as individually, to cultivate a Growth Mindset by following the Habits of Mind in their approach to learning. The Habits of Minds are a set of 16 problem solving, life related skills that are necessary to effectively operate in society and to promote strategic reasoning, insightfulness, perseverance, creativity and craftsmanship.
Computer-based learning and interaction is also offered, during which the Knowledge Network Programme is followed. This programme enables the accelerated and progressive development of ICT skills in the Windows environment using MS Office software and other applications. During project-based lessons, the relevant computer skills are acquired together with the simultaneous development of the following thinking skills: listening, concentration, memory, lateral thinking, creativity, problem-solving, research, planning, time management and user-independence. In addition, visually stimulating interactive e-Learning programmes such as Mathletics and Reading Eggs are used.
Academics
We are dedicated to providing a sound, balanced, and broad-based education that serves as a solid foundation for each child's future academic success. Our small class sizes allow us to focus on the unique needs of every girl, ensuring no learning gaps while fostering an environment of care and structure. In this loving and secure setting, each child is made to feel special and valued, creating the perfect climate for her to reach her full potential academically, socially, and spiritually.
Our curriculum focuses on the core learning areas of English, Mathematics, and Life Skills. We have Learner Support in the classroom, as well as a Learning Centre team comprising of specialists that includes an Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physiotherapist, Child Psychologist, and Remedial Therapist. This holistic approach meets the needs of the whole child, supporting every girl in her learning journey. We also believe in the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving, incorporating the Habits of Mind framework, which cultivates strategic reasoning, perseverance, creativity, and collaboration. Chess is included in our curriculum, helping to develop planning, logic, and strategy in a fun and engaging way.
Our academic program is forward-thinking, blending traditional learning with modern technological advances. With computer-based learning and the Knowledge Network Programme, our girls develop progressive ICT skills, including coding and robotics. Chromebooks are used in the classrooms for extension and project-based work, equipping our girls with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving digital world. Through this comprehensive and innovative approach, we ensure that our girls receive an outstanding education that prepares them for the future.
Extramurals
St Teresa’s Junior Primary School encourages participation in a variety of Cultural and Sporting Extramural activities for their many positive developmental and health benefits. The rewards of Extramural activities in schools have been researched extensively, and results have shown that children who participate in these activities show higher academic results, have stronger inter-personal relationships and are more likely to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
Participation in Extramurals introduces children to a completely new range of activities and empowers them to achieve their full potential. It also gives children the opportunity to develop particular skills and exhibit their non-academic abilities. We endeavour to promote a positive attitude during Extramurals by providing an enjoyable and fulfilling experience encompassing teamwork, team spirit and service to others.
Both school and private Extramurals are offered.
The following Extramurals are offered:
Private Extramurals:
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Ballet
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Karate
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Little Kickers
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Irish Dancing
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Buzz Kids
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Experi-Buddies
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Playball
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Piano
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Vocal
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Guitar
School Extramurals (included in the school fees):
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Choir
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Xylophone
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Scripture Union
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Folk Dancing
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Critical Thinking
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Board Games
School Sports (including in the school fees):
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Swimming
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Tennis
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Netball
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Hockey
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Athletics
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Soccer
Note: Chess is included during the academic school day.
Junior Primary Sport
Our Grade 1 to 3 Sport Programme aims to develop competence in the child to perform gross motor skills at an age appropriate level, in preparation for competitive sports at a later stage. Enjoyment is a large focus of the Sports Programme together with the development of self-confidence and the enthusiasm to take part in physical activities.
SPORT
Games are introduced to the children in Junior Primary as an introduction to Sport. It is here that the children develop teamwork, sportsmanship and co-operation in a physical, fun environment. Participation is key to learning in this phase and all children are given the opportunity to participate. During this time, sporting skills are developed and in Grade 3 the children take part in selected competitive interschool events.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education that takes place during school complements the Sports Programme with the focus in Junior Primary being on the vestibular system, gross motor skills, movement, games and ball skills (including tennis). All our lessons are stimulating and promote a feeling that physical fitness is fun, which in turn, develops a desire to want to participate in sports later on and a mindset of fitness for life. Physical Education classes are integral to the complete education of each child.
