PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Milgate Primary School would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land of the Wurundjeri People, and we would like to pay our respects to the elders both past and present. Staff, students and the school community understand that we thrive, learn and live on Wurundjeri Country and we stand with all cultures united as one.

YEAR 4 CAMP

This week our Year 4 students have enjoyed their camp at Mt Evelyn Recreation Camp. The weather has been ideal to do their activities including bush cooking, giant swing, flying fox, orienteering, bike riding, wildlife encounter and bushwalking. Many have challenged themselves to try new activities and been risk takers as they have learnt new skills. They have also formed new friendships working with other students and have been able to get to know the teachers in a more informal setting. Thank you to James Will for organising the camp and also to the Year 4 teachers as well as parents who have assisted with the camp. 

The Year 3 students will be attending next week, and we are sure they will have a brilliant time!

BOOK WEEK PARADE - FRIDAY 23RD AUGUST

A reminder that we have our Book Week Parade next Friday 23rd August at 9:00am on the blue basketball courts. This year's theme for Book Week: "Reading is Magic!". As part of the festivities, we invite you to join us for our sustainable Book Week Parade. Embracing our commitment to sustainability, we will build on last year’s parade and we encourage students to dress up as their favourite book characters or authors, using recycled materials or items from home. Let's celebrate the magic of reading while demonstrating our dedication to taking action towards a more sustainable future. We look forward to seeing you there!

DEVELOPING CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING IN THE IB PYP

In the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), one of the most important goals is to develop students' conceptual understanding, which goes beyond memorising facts and encourages deep, lasting learning. But what does this mean, and how do we support it in our classrooms?

What is Conceptual Understanding?

Conceptual understanding involves grasping the bigger ideas that connect facts and skills. It allows students to apply their knowledge in new and diverse situations. For example, instead of just learning that water turns into vapor when heated, students explore the broader concept of states of matter and the principles of change and energy.

Why is it Important?

In a rapidly changing world, simply knowing information isn’t enough. Students need to develop the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and make connections across different areas of learning. Conceptual understanding equips students with the tools they need to thrive in the future, encouraging them to be inquisitive, reflective, and adaptable.

How We Cultivate Conceptual Understanding

1. Inquiry-Based Learning: At the heart of the PYP is inquiry, where students ask questions, explore, and discover. This approach helps students engage with concepts at a deeper level as they connect their learning to real-world situations.
2. Transdisciplinary Themes: The PYP curriculum is structured around themes that transcend traditional subject boundaries. This allows students to see the interconnectedness of knowledge and understand how concepts apply in various contexts.
3. Active Reflection: Reflection is a key part of the learning process in the PYP. Students regularly reflect on their learning, considering how concepts can be applied in different situations, which reinforces their understanding.
4. Collaborative Learning: Students work together, sharing different perspectives and building on each other's ideas. This collaborative approach helps to deepen understanding as students articulate their thinking and consider new viewpoints.
5. Assessment for Understanding: In the PYP, assessment is ongoing and varied, focusing on the understanding of concepts rather than the recall of facts. This helps teachers guide students on their learning journey, providing feedback that supports growth and understanding.

Teachers and parents play a crucial role in supporting students' conceptual understanding. Teachers design learning experiences that challenge students to think deeply, ask questions, and explore. Parents can reinforce this at home by engaging in discussions about what their child is learning, encouraging curiosity, and exploring connections to everyday life. Parents can also refer to the ‘Unit Overview’ for teacher questions to prompt conversations with their child.

Developing conceptual understanding in the PYP is about nurturing students’ ability to think critically and make meaningful connections. This foundation not only prepares them for academic success but also equips them with the skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning. By working together, we can support our students in becoming thoughtful, informed, and capable global citizens.

Sarah Brown - IB PYP Coordinator

STUDENT RECOGNITION - VCASS

A big congratulations to Garim K and Judy M in Year 6 who have both been accepted into the Victorian College of Arts Secondary School, starting next year.

Thousands of students audition for only a handful of spots, and both students showcase their extraordinary talents in their auditions well enough to receive one of these spots. 

VCASS is a secondary school that allows students to combine the specialist training requirements in their chosen field, with their secondary education. It is the leading Performing Arts school in the state.

Garim's specialist area is ballet and Judy’s is playing the cello.

I am sure both students will thrive with their talents and skills at such an amazing school, and we cannot wait to watch and see where these take them in the future.