From the Classroom

 Junior Unit Tells All 

Term 2 has been a fantastic term of learning in the Junior Unit. 

In English, Junior A have been reading the 'Big Book of Bugs' and have been learning about nouns, verbs and adjectives. Students used this knowledge to draw and describe an ant, identifying nouns, verbs and adjectives to add detail to their writing. They then applied their understanding by writing informative sentences about their ant.

Students also engaged in a hands-on activity using playdough to create a spider. They used adjectives to describe the spider’s shape and size, helping them to build their vocabulary and develop their understanding of descriptive language.

Over the past few weeks in Maths, Junior A students have been busy learning all about time! We have explored the days of the week and months of the year, and worked hard to remember how many days are in each month. Students enjoyed using songs, games, and hands-on activities to build their understanding.

We also learnt about the different times of the day and discussed activities we typically do in the morning, afternoon, and night. Students loved sharing their daily routines and comparing how their days look at different times.

It has been wonderful to see students growing in confidence as they talk about calendars, routines, and the passing of time. We are so proud of all their hard work and enthusiasm throughout this unit!

This fortnight, Junior B have finished reading 'The March of the Ants', looking at how characters are represented in books. Students explored character strengths then connected them to characters in texts, how illustrators work to portray these strengths and then how an audience will feel about the characters. Junior B also worked on expanding sentences by adding 'when' something happens, where and why. 

In Maths, Junior B have been working on time, learning how to read an analog clock. They learnt the terms o'clock and half past, with some students even looking at quarter to and quarter past. To consolidate their learning, the class played a game of 'time relays' where they had to create a time using hula hoops, we had lots of fun! 

To complete our Inquiry Unit, Junior B chose a place that is special to them to write about. Students explained why it was special to them and how they can be active citizens in these places.

As we complete the term, the Junior team would like to say thank you to our families for continuing to support your child's learning, it makes a significant difference in their education. We wish you a restful break and look forward to seeing you next term. 

Middle Unit News

In Middle B, students are developing their understanding of time through a range of engaging and practical learning experiences. Using the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, students are learning to read, interpret and represent time using both analogue and digital clocks, including times to the minute.

Students are exploring how to calculate and compare durations, solve real-world problems involving elapsed time, and use calendars and timetables to plan events and schedules. Through hands-on activities and problem-solving tasks, students are building confidence in applying their understanding of time to everyday situations.

In English, students have begun exploring the picture book Sonam and the Silence. Through shared reading and discussion, students are investigating how authors and illustrators use imagery and symbols to communicate ideas, emotions and deeper meanings.

Students are learning to make connections between the text, their own experiences and the wider world, helping them develop a richer understanding of the story. These activities support students to interpret and analyse literary texts, explore how language and visual features create meaning, and share their responses through discussion and writing.

Middle A have finished off their book The Mallee Sky, their last task was to create an Acrostic poem to the words Mallee and drought. To complete this piece of work, students picked their favorite page from the Mallee and recreated this through a water colour painting, to act as a back ground for their poem.

Middle A have been exploring time around the world in Maths by linking this unit to the world cup. Our students have been following a country during the world cup thus far, which has lead them to opportunies to explore factors of time. The students have also been able to create training timetables for some of their favoutite soccer places which had a emphaisis on AM and PM times.

We finished off our inquiry unit with a hands on project of creating a vessel that is water tight and can float. In small groups the students planned out what materials they would use and how to construct their model. The water tight box had to be in water for one hour which allowed the groups to reflect upon what worked and what they would do different next time. 

As we reach the end of the term, we would like to thank all students and families for their support. We wish everyone a safe, happy and relaxing holiday break. We look forward to seeing all students refreshed and ready for another exciting term of learning next term.

Seniors News

The Senior students have continued their engaging journey through the novel Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief in English. Students have shown great interest in the story as they learn more about World War II, exploring the different perspectives and emotions experienced by people across various countries during this significant period in history. As part of their learning, students wrote letters from the perspective of a character in the novel, using thoughts, actions, and emotive language to bring their writing to life and build empathy for those affected by the war.

In Mathematics, students have been developing their understanding of fractions by practising adding and subtracting fractions and applying these skills to real-world worded problems. Through these activities, students have been learning how fractions are used in everyday situations and strengthening their problem-solving abilities.

In Inquiry, students have been busy completing their research projects, investigating a range of natural disasters and their impacts on communities and environments. They have explored the effects of climate change, geographical changes, and the ways these events shape our world. Students have demonstrated excellent research skills and have worked hard to present their findings in informative and engaging ways.

Physical Education News

PE at Marlborough Primary School

During Term 2, all middle and senior students participated in an Athletics program delivered by DS Sports. Coach Gabi H conducted four engaging sessions, helping students develop their skills in sprinting, relay running, baton changes, jumping, and throwing events. The program focused on correct technique, skill development, and personal improvement.

These skills will be put to good use at our House Athletics Carnival, which will be held on Wednesday 22 July (Week 2, Term 3) at Proclamation Park. The carnival provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their learning, challenge themselves, and contribute points towards their house team.

Following the House Athletics Carnival, selected students from the middle and senior school will represent Marlborough Primary School at the District Athletics Carnival. This event will be held on Tuesday 1 September at the Bill Stewart Athletics Track.

Indonesian News

It has been a very productive term in Indonesian classes. The main themes for the whole school in Term 2 were days of the week/months of the year.

 The students in Prep –Grade 2 are learning new vocabulary through games and songs. Students from Grade 3-6 are learning about different cultural events in Indonesia and examining the similarities and differences.  

Words to practise at home:

If students have access to the internet at home, they might like to explore or revise their vocabulary at the Indonesian section of Languages Online at: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/indonesian/indonesian.htm

Heathmont College Visit

On Wednesday 24th June, we had Bu Devathas and a group of Heathmont College students which included several former Marlborough PS students come to address our Grade 5 and 6 students about the benefits of studying a language at secondary school. Our students enjoyed playing “Angklung” and playing games run by the Heathmont College students. We are very fortunate to have a great partnership with Heathmont College which ensures a smooth transition for our students. 

In Term 3, all students will have the opportunity to enter a poster competition, run in conjunction with VILTA (Victorian Indonesian Language Teachers Association) and the Indonesian Consulate. Stay tuned for further details.

Selamat liburan bagus! (Happy holidays!)

Terima kasih,

(Bu) Mary-Ellen Dowling