Whole School Activities

Rocky River Ice Cream

Mr Ridley's Ice Creamery was in full swing last Friday! With our lovely chooks producing more and more eggs in the warmer weather, we are exploring opportunities for the students to use them in creative ways. Mr Ridley led a small group through the process of making vanilla egg custard, which was used as a base for the vanilla ice cream. As a special treat this afternoon, Mr Ridley served up vanilla, strawberry and choc chip scoops, all made from the Rocky River egg base. The ice-cream cups and wooden spoons added to the excitement to this lovely Friday afternoon. Thank you Mr Ridley for creating a special way for students to connect and reset before heading into the weekend

Thunderbolt's Festival Float Planning

We are excitedly preparing for the upcoming Thunderbolt's Festival parade march which will be on Saturday 25th October this year. Rocky River are upping the anti for the "Wild West" theme this time around, with the Swilks family organising a truck for us to ride in; our design really must take the cake! Year 3-6 students have explored the theme, suitable colour, weather resistance and practical elements which we can include on the design which will come to life on Friday (the day before the weekend of the festival). Check out some of our student's initial planning below!

Lower Division English

Lower Division have commenced study on a new unit this week. The first text examined, "Tilly" is a story of a girl and her collection of precious treasures and how she deals with an unforseen situation that has a large impact on her and her collection. This text gives us the opportunity to focus on nouns and adjectives in our writing, and also to practice our compound sentences using conjunctions.

Lower Division Mathematics

We concluded our unit on arrays earlier this week, where we had concentrated on how we can group multiple items to make counting them simpler. Students examined how we can share multiple items equally, how we can skip count groups that are equal and how we can represent our learning in different ways.

STEM

A/Prof Brendan Jacobs from UNE visited our class on Monday where we started and exciting three week project that will run unitl the end of Term 3. This week we examined the Design Cycle, noting the steps of "Think, Make and Improve" and applied this to the our exploration of project-based learning to make electric cars. The first iteration of this involved making vehicle chassis out of corflute and then using bamboo skewers as axles connected to cotton spools as wheels. These were then moved using paper sails to catch the wind. Our students very much enjoyed this project and we look forward to seeing our cars develop in the coming weeks.

Stage 2 English | Ned Kelly and the Green Sash

This term we have delved into the captivating mentor text Ned Kelly and the Green Sash by Mark Greenwood, exploring the powerful use of quoted and direct speech alongside rhetorical devices. This rich historical narrative offers a vivid glimpse into the life of the infamous Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly, and engages readers through dramatic storytelling techniques.

One of the highlights of our lessons was examining how Greenwood uses direct speech to bring characters to life. Students discovered how quoted dialogue can create immediacy and emotional connection, allowing readers to hear Ned Kelly’s voice and the voices of those around him. For example, a line like "What will you do now?" not only moves the story forward but also invites readers to ponder the tough choices Ned faced.

In addition to direct speech, we explored rhetorical questions—thought-provoking queries that don’t require an answer but instead stir feelings and reflection. These questions add dramatic effect, encouraging readers to empathise with the characters and consider the justice and struggles of the time. Phrases such as “Can one man change his destiny?” challenge readers to think deeply about Ned Kelly’s story.

To deepen their understanding, students were given illustrations taken directly from the mentor text. They carefully studied these images and then wrote their own words to accompany them, blending creativity with analytical skills. This exercise helped students appreciate how text and visuals work together to tell a compelling story.

Our exploration of Ned Kelly and the Green Sash has not only enhanced students’ skills in recognising and using quoted speech and rhetorical devices but also fostered a greater appreciation of Australia’s history and storytelling traditions. We look forward to more exciting literary adventures ahead!

Stage 2 Mathematics | Position

This term, our students have been developing their understanding of position and movement through the NSW Mathematics syllabus, focusing on metric measures and spatial concepts. By exploring left and right directions, compass coordinates, rotations, and grid references, students are gaining essential skills to navigate and describe the world around them.

A key part of our learning involved using a four-point compass rose—North, East, South, and West—to understand direction. Students practiced identifying and describing positions using compass coordinates, building their confidence in giving and following directions.

We also explored rotation turns, including quarter, half, three-quarter, and full rotations. Through hands-on activities, students rotated shapes and objects to see how their position changes while maintaining their size and shape. This helped them visualise movement and understand how rotation works in everyday situations.

Additionally, students practiced using grid references on coordinate grids to pinpoint exact locations. By combining their knowledge of left, right, compass directions, and rotations, they enhanced their spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.

These engaging lessons not only support students’ mathematical development but also equip them with practical skills for real-life navigation and spatial awareness. We look forward to continuing our exploration of measurement and position in the weeks ahead!

Whole School PE | Cricket

This term, our students have been enthusiastically embracing the sport of cricket, developing skills, teamwork, and a love for the game. Through practical coaching sessions and fun activities, they have been learning the fundamentals of batting, bowling, and fielding, all while building confidence and sportsmanship.

Our cricket lessons have focused on essential techniques such as how to grip the bat correctly, bowl with accuracy, and catch with agility. Students have enjoyed drills that improve hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking, helping them understand the rules and flow of the game.

Beyond skill development, cricket has been a fantastic way for students to work collaboratively, encouraging communication and supporting one another on and off the field. Whether running between wickets or planning field positions, teamwork has been at the heart of every session.

Upper Division Geography | The Earth's Environment

This term in Geography, our students have been excitedly learning about The Earth's Environment, focusing on the natural places and spaces that make our world so unique. A special emphasis has been placed on the native flora and fauna that are found only in Australia, helping students appreciate the rich biodiversity that belongs to our country alone.

This week, we explored the seven continents of the world. Students identified and located each continent on a large world map, developing their geographical knowledge and spatial awareness. To make remembering the continents easier, Henry, a Year 6 student, created a fun and memorable acronym: AAAAENS — Amazing Ant Alfred Anna Eats Noodle Soup. This clever saying helped everyone recall the continents: Asia, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

Through these lessons, students are gaining a deeper understanding of both the global environment and the special natural heritage found right here in Australia. We look forward to continuing our journey of discovery and learning about the many wonders of our planet.

Stage 3 English: Podcasting

Stage 3 students have been working collaboratively in pairs and small groups to create informative and engaging podcasts on topics of interest. Throughout the project, students are developing their research skills by gathering accurate information and creating reference lists, practicing scriptwriting and oral presentation, and used digital technologies to record high-quality audio. This initiative has encouraged students to use materials, tools, and equipment to develop solutions, but most importantly, to effectively communicate their ideas. The project also supports collaboration and creative presentation skills; and we look forward to sharing the finished podcasts at our Week 9 assembly!

Stage 3 Mathematics

Creative Clock Project

Students in Stage 3 have kicked off an exciting mathematics project, “Creative Clock Numerals: A Mathematical Makeover”! Over several weeks, students will use their knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, powers, square roots, factors, multiples, simple algebra, fractions, and numeral systems to redesign a clock face. Each hour mark will be represented by a unique mathematical expression, encouraging creativity and deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. The project also includes opportunities for extension activities and reflection, making Maths learning hands-on and engaging for all. We look forward to seeing their imaginative designs come to life!

Maths Quiz Challenge

Our '100 Question Quiz' was a welcomed change of pace in the Stage 3 classroom. Students worked in teams (or independently - by choice) to grab a numbered question, solve it, have it checked for feedback from the teacher, then initial their name on the hundreds board once that question was answered correctly. This style of revision introduced speed and brought out the competitive streak in some of our Mathematicians! It was exciting to see lots of movement and Maths work completed.. with Henry winning as our overall champion, solving the most questions, solo, against the other groups. We are looking forward to another Maths Quiz Challenge soon, as we revise new content covered in the latter end of the term.