Spotlight on Learning
Early Stage 1
Welcome back to Term 4! It’s hard to believe we’re in our final term of Kindergarten. The students have settled back beautifully after the holidays and are already diving into some exciting learning across Literacy and Numeracy.
Writing – All I Want for Christmas
In Writing, we’ve been reading the story All I Want for Christmas is Rain by Cori Brooke. We explored the context of the story and talked about life in the countryside and what happens when there’s no rain. The children made thoughtful connections and practiced writing compound sentences using the conjunction “so.” We discussed how “so” helps show a cause and effect, for example, “It was very hot so we stayed inside.” It’s been wonderful seeing the students experiment with joining their ideas together to make their writing more interesting!
Mathematics
In Numeracy, students have been exploring MAB blocks, Cuisenaire Rods, and number tracks to strengthen their understanding of number facts, place value, and addition and subtraction. These hands-on tools have supported students in visualising numbers, making jumps along a number track, and recognising how numbers can be combined or separated in different ways. Through playful activities and problem-solving challenges, students are developing confidence in explaining their mathematical thinking and noticing patterns in numbers.
We’re so proud of how far the students have come and can’t wait to see all the growth and excitement Term 4 brings!
Mr Widjaja - KW Classroom Teacher
Stage 2
Last week, our Stage 2 classes, Contemporary Dance group, alongside our Indigenous students, had the incredible opportunity to attend a captivating theatre production by Bangarra Dance Theatre. Known internationally for its powerful storytelling through contemporary Indigenous dance, Bangarra’s performance left a profound impact on all who attended.
The production, The Bogong’s Song, is a rich blend of storytelling, shadow puppetry, dance, and song created especially for school aged children. As the children opened their hearts to the stories of their ancestors, everyone was invited to experience a deep connection to Country and discover that even the smallest creatures have a vital role to play.
This excursion provided our students with a unique cultural and artistic experience, deepening their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous heritage and dance. Watching the vibrant fusion of traditional and contemporary movements brought to life the rich stories and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in an engaging and dynamic way.
Students were inspired by the creativity and skill of the Bangarra performers, many of whom draw on their own connections to country and culture. Our Contemporary Dance group returned brimming with new ideas and motivation to explore their own artistic expressions, while the Indigenous students expressed pride and joy in seeing their culture celebrated so beautifully on stage.
After the performance, students enjoyed a relaxing picnic lunch at Barangaroo, taking in the beautiful surroundings of this iconic Sydney waterfront precinct. The students also engaged in a creative sketching activity, capturing various landmarks and native plants around Barangaroo. This artistic exercise encouraged them to observe and appreciate the distinct features of Sydney’s architecture and landscape, further enriching their cultural experience of the day.
This outing was not just an entertaining experience but also an important opportunity to foster cultural respect, connection, and learning beyond the classroom. We thank Bangarra Dance Theatre for sharing their artistry and storytelling with us and look forward to more such meaningful cultural experiences for our students.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and workshops where our dance group will apply their newfound inspiration!
Mrs Jones, Miss Foster and Mrs Clements - Stage 2 Teachers
Stage 3
Peer Support Program: Wrapping Up a Year of Growth and Resilience
As Peer Support 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the success of this year’s program, which centred around the theme of Moving Forward. This program has focused on developing resilience in our students, encouraging them to face challenges with confidence and adaptability.
Throughout the year, our Peer Support groups have worked exceptionally well together. The Year 6 leaders have particularly shone, stepping up to develop vital leadership and teaching skills. They have demonstrated great maturity in managing challenging situations, collaborating closely with their co-leaders to problem solve and foster a positive, supportive environment for their peers.
We are incredibly proud of the dedication and growth shown by all participants. Their commitment to supporting one another and embracing the values of resilience has made this year’s Peer Support sessions truly impactful. As they move forward, we are confident these experiences will continue to empower them in all areas of their learning and personal development.
Thank you to everyone involved for making this year’s Peer Support program a success. We look forward to continuing this important work together next year!
Mr Love - Stage 3 Assistant Principal