Specialist Programs
Communicating with the Specialist Team
We look forward to partnering with you in 2020, and welcome your input:
Justin Scicluna (Health & Physical Education) Justin.Scicluna@education.vic.gov.au
Sensei Masae Uekusa (Japanese) uekusa.masae.m@edumail.vic.gov.au
Penelope Lang (Performing Arts) penelope.lang@education.vic.gov.au
Samantha White (Visual Arts) samantha.white@education.vic.gov.au
An Overview of our Learning
Visual Arts
It is so heart-warming to see so many kids and parents using their Visual Art tasks to work together to make so many pieces of fantastic work. Thank you firstly to all of my Visual Arts students who have worked hard to complete their tasks. For those who didn’t get them done- that’s ok too. Secondly, thank you to all those parents who have supported their kids throughout Remote Learning- not just in their Visual Arts sessions- but all of it. Everyone has done an amazing job.
The focus for this week’s task was on echo drawing. All levels learnt what an echo drawing is, and how artists use them to enhance the quality of their drawings and paintings. Students completed their own echo drawings using lines, shapes and patterns.
The Foundations used a grid to help them to complete a half drawing, which they then coloured in. The Level 1 and 2 students practiced their copying skills by following how to draw pages. The Level 3 and 4 students practised using grid references to transfer an image from one piece of paper to another. The Level 5 and 6 students also used grid references, however they were practising transferring and enlarging a picture. All students did a really fantastic job on their work. Well done. Some of the pieces of work submitted have been shared below.
This week our Visual Arts captains- Ruby and Alina- have created amazing videos which you can view on the Curriculum links . You can create one yourself and share it with your class. Thank you to Ruby and Alina for creating the video.
Performing Arts
It has been a very busy couple of weeks preparing some of our students for this year’s State Schools Spectacular. We have had 13 dancers and 8 singers continue to take part in the new online production. I would like to thank all of the families who took on the role of ‘Production Assistant’ and managed to film our super star performers whilst complying with the long list of filming guidelines. We could not have done this without you…so thank you! I was very excited to be invited to submit my own video…so look out for me rocking on to a bit of John Farnham when the 2020 SSS movie is released.
I have been so impressed with the videos that students have been handing in to me for our learning tasks across all the levels. At times I felt like I was watching a mini-school production…complete with flashing lights, props and costumes! Your creativity has filled me with joy and I am so happy that you have found time to complete the tasks. Please remember that all expired lessons get moved to the ‘PA Archive’ topic and you are more than welcome to complete them at your leisure.
Our Prep students have been experimenting with dance dynamics, moving fast/slow and at different levels such as high/middle/low. We used the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar to inspire our dancing. The Level 1/2 students had fun dancing with an object of choice or dancing like an object of choice. Some dances incorporated a broom, a gorilla, a horse, a duck, a fairy, a cat, a dog, a rabbit, a penguin and even a spider monkey. They were so clever and very entertaining.
Our more senior students have been looking at Dance Qualities (turning movements into dance steps) and the Elements of Dance. The learning tasks have enabled students to complete either a written component or a practical dance component (or both). Providing this choice has set our students up to succeed this semester. I know that for some, the idea of ‘Dance’ this semester was a bit scary. You should all be very proud of your effort and bravery. I can’t wait until we are back in the Performing Arts room again so we can share ideas and energy.
Finally, thank you to Eve and Tess, the Performing Arts Captains, for making their very clever video encouraging you all to get up and dance the Macarena. I can’t wait to see your videos!
Have a great break. Stay safe and stay connected.
Ms Lang
Japanese
Arigatou, minasan (Thank you, everyone)!!!
The second round of remote-learning had its challenges, but we made it to the end of term 3!
This term I have asked our fantastic Japanese learners to demonstrate their listening, speaking, writing and reading skills in different ways. Sometimes tasks were fun games, other times they were voice/video/digital comic recording. Every time I give such challenges, our students did their very best and welcomed those challenges! As you probably noticed already, but I really like to seek different ways to have fun in learning/teaching Japanese language. Thank you so much to take time to do the Japanese task and put a lot of effort into the tasks.
I truly appreciate your kind thoughts left in the comments, messages and in your quality work.
Sincerely,
Masae Uekusa
Health and Physical Education
Firstly, I would like to say how proud I am of everyone in the Upwey South Community for all of their efforts during our second period of remote learning. You have all demonstrated a great ability to adapt, be flexible and a commitment to your learning from home.
I have enjoyed planning and setting lessons for you this term and am very thankful for all of the wonderful work you have submitted. We now know what to expect come Term Four and I endeavour to continue developing students in the best possible way in both the Health and Physical Education scope.
I hope you all have a fantastic and deserved break.
Thanks once again,
Mr. Scicluna