Teaching and Learning

Welcome to Our Term of Learning and Celebration

I have been very fortunate to witness a number of the compelling teaching and learning events and celebrations in the past few weeks.

Lower Primary Concert-‘Going to the Zoo’

Over 250 people enjoyed this colourful, entertaining night of music, singing and dancing. I learnt that students made some of the props and they truly performed with amazing enthusiasm and confidence. The Lower Primary team led by Bec Campbell, Mara McAlley and Alix Boyton. ensured it was a night to remember.

Sleepover for PLW, PHT and PKW

I arrived at the Lower Primary campus to see many excited campers setting up their overnight luggage and preparing for the bus trip to the Mornington Peninsula. I waved them off on the first day as they explored mazes and adventure activities in the Enchanted Adventure Garden, near Arthur’s Seat. They dined at the Doncaster Hotel Bistro, slept over at school and joined in trampolining, obstacle courses and rock climbing at Latitude the next day.

Our little campers showed surprising stamina, determination and teamwork!

PreCAL Information Evening

Many interested parents, carers and families participated in a short information session led by Kirrily Lamers and the PreCAL team. There was much excited chatter and discussion after the initial presentation.

Information evening for 2019 Yr.11 families

Bronwyn Hart and her year 11 team warmly welcomed a large number of attendees at their recent VCAL information session. It was fantastic to see students and family members embracing the new program. The team is looking forward to a positive 2019.

Yr. 9/10 Night of Celebrations

An enthusiastic crowd of year 9/10 families turned up in wintry weather for the BBQ and celebration, showcase session. The interactive event was staged in the Discovery Centre. Sam Birrell and her Yr. 9/10 team welcomed visitors and encouraged students to guide their families through the wide range of attractively presented learning displays. It was great seeing students and adults; engaging in activities, constructing Strawbees, manoeuvring robots, watching videos of STEAM programs and listening, laughing and lingering over student learning.

We hope families, carers and friends can soon join in the excitement and shared learning at the following upcoming celebratory events:

Upper Primary Presentation Night
Yr. 7/8 Heating and Melting Expo
Two Graduation Presentations-Yr. 6 and Yr. 12 students
Christmas Concert
Whole School Assembly

"It All Adds Up"

Sections have exposed students to a range of instructional experiences to build their numeracy skills this term. .Below is a snapshot of some memorable moments and lively learning in each section.

Lower Primary students have been revising their knowledge of addition. They have been using verbal action stories and lots of concrete materials to combine two groups to count all. All students are using the language of and as well as altogether, whist some students have been using count on from the largest number as a strategy.

Upper Primary students have also been focusing on addition. Last week they completed an addition moderation task for their assessment portfolio. Students confidently showed what they have learnt about addition over the past few weeks and discussed strategies they used to solve problems.

PreCAL students in Yr. 7/8 and 9/10 have been working on addition. They have used money to find the total of two collections. Students have purchased their lunches while out on excursions; adding menu items together, counting change and consolidating adding one more to a collection or counting on.

Yr. 7/8 and 9/10 have been exploring fractions and decimals They have learnt that a fraction is ‘an equal part of a whole’ by doing hands on learning with different resources. They have investigated the difference between fractions of a whole item (e.g. an apple) and fractions of a collection (a bag of apples shared).

Year 11’s focusing on oracy and debating skills have been comparing the features and costs of various phone packages. They have researched what the providers and packages offer and made consumer choices about what they would personally prefer. To achieve their learning outcomes they also had to record their arguments and provide a summary of their report findings. I was extremely proud of the students’ effort’s in SJS, the other day, when I heard them clearly stating their opinion and confidently listing their reasons for their consumer choices.

Helen Edmonds

Acting Assistant Principal

Graduating Student Interviews

I caught up with some students who are graduating from year Primary and Secondary school. They gave me some interesting insights concerning:

What they enjoyed learning?

Their top highlights

What they would miss most?

What they are looking forward to, next year?

What advice they would give other students?

Upper Primary Interview with Patrick A (PJT)

You are graduating from Primary School this term.How long have you been at Concord School? 4 years, I started in year 3 at Lower Primary

What are three highlights in your time at Concord School?

Graduating in Lower Primary to come up to Upper Primary

Playing at the top yard and making good friends

Helping new people who come to our school

What have you enjoyed learning this this year?

Learning about the First Fleet and the new people who came to our country.

What will you miss most when you leave?

Talking to Upper Primary teachers

Talking to the rest of the students who are not graduating

What are you looking forward to next year?

Harder work especially Maths

When you see other Primary students at Concord School what advice would you give them?

I would say ‘I can introduce you to some friends in 7/8’

‘If you need help I can help you’

If they are hurt I can take them to Rosemary.

Upper Primary Interview with Mark D (PCS)

You are graduating from Primary School this term

How long have you been at Concord School? 6 years

What are three highlights in your time at Concord School?

Maths-Counting money

The Chocolaterie visit–especially tasting the chocolate and driving in the country.

Science-doing magic stuff like Professor Bunsen

What have you enjoyed learning this this year?

Melting chocolate and tasting the different types of chocolate.

What will you miss most when you leave?

My helper-Ebony, my teacher-Cath and my best friends; Jasper, Oliver and Lucas

What are you looking forward to next year?

Growing up and being in the Secondary School

When you see other Primary students at Concord School what advice would you give them?

I would advise them to be cheerful and enjoy their learning. I would I ask them how their day was and say ‘I can’t wait till you come up-you will love it!’

Year 11/12 Interview with Brittney M (SAP)

This is your last term of school .How long have you been at Concord School? 5 Years- I started here in 2014

What are three highlights in your time at Concord School?

Making new friends # teachers

Sydney Camp was the first time for Yr.12’s

Awesome teachers

What have you enjoyed learning this this year?

The Charity work especially Guide Dogs, Red Nose and Breast Cancer

What will you miss most when you leave?

I will miss the teachers; Vera, Nina, Ann, Hayley, Dianne and Jen

What will you do next year?

I am looking forward to being a Personal Trainer and doing hairdressing