School of Foundations

From the Assistant Principal/Acting Head of School

How do you combat the heat?!?! 

With Ice Blocks and an ‘Ice Age Movie’, of course!

“Have you filled a bucket today?”

We value the new addition to our SOF playground.

If you would like to share the story “Have you filled a bucket today?” with your child,  you can view the story here: Kidco Storytime Online - Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

We encourage you to ask your child/ren at home, “Have you filled a bucket today, and has someone filled yours?” As they say, positivity breeds positivity. 

Ms Nicole Emerton

SOF Assistant Principal

Kindergarten  

Religion 

In Religion, students have been delving into the driving question, ‘What is Church?’ Through their learning, they discovered that the Church is not just a building but the community of people who follow Jesus.

Students explored various symbols associated with the Church, learning about their significance and meaning. They identified and discussed symbols such as the cross, altar, candles, and baptismal font, exploring how each is used in the Church to represent faith and connection with God. This exploration helped students deepen their understanding of how these symbols serve as reminders of God’s presence and the teachings of Jesus.

Mathematics

Over the past 2 weeks in Kindergarten, students have been given time to explore and represent 2D shapes in a range of contexts. Through investigation, they have identified and described 2D shapes in the classroom and school environments. They have also represented shapes through patterns, movements and drawings. We have been so impressed with the prior knowledge the students have shown through naming and describing common shapes. They have learnt to verbally describe the properties and have continued to expand their understanding of shape concepts throughout the unit. 

English 

Students have been learning how to write recounts, focusing on sequencing events clearly and effectively. They are practising the use of time connectives, such as first, next, then, and finally, to organise their ideas and ensure their writing flows smoothly.

To apply these skills, students have had the opportunity to write about events like St Luke’s Day, their weekend activities, and other personal experiences. They are encouraged to include rich details and descriptive language to help their audience visualise the events and create a vivid picture of what they are sharing. This process helps them develop both their narrative structure and their ability to engage readers.

Geography  

In Geography, students have been exploring the concept of special places and understanding what makes a place meaningful to individuals and the community. As part of their learning, students identified and discussed various special places within the school, such as the library, playground, and garden. During a guided walk around the school, they observed these places closely, considered their purpose, and reflected on why they are important. The class also engaged in discussions about how to care for these spaces, emphasising respect, responsibility, and the importance of maintaining them for everyone’s enjoyment and use.

STAGE 1 

Health

In Personal Development and Health, Year Two has been learning about social-emotional blockers and how to overcome them. We have explored what our body feels like when we are feeling down and strategies to make us happy again. We know it is important to talk to a trusted adult if we feel sad or angry. Other ways we can feel better include listening to music, exercising, doing mindful colouring or meditation. When we feel calm it helps our brain focus. We can achieve this by practising mindful looking or thinking.

Mathematics

In Mathematics, students are learning to measure and compare the area of shapes using both informal and formal units. They estimate the surface area of shapes and measure the area of various surfaces around the room using cubes, small square shapes, and formal units like grid paper. They record their findings in their maths books and engage in group discussions to compare whether their shapes are bigger or smaller.

Religion 

In Religion, Stage 1 students have been learning about being peacemakers through Bible stories like “The Story of Abraham and Lot” and “A Tale of Two Trucks”. They discussed how making peace involves love, compromise and understanding, and reflected on practical ways to be peacemakers, such as sharing, taking turns, and showing kindness. Activities like role-playing and writing helped students explore how they can choose peace in their daily lives. 

Students also learned about St. Luke and his connection to peace through the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). They created prayers and reflected on his teachings, understanding the importance of promoting harmony at school, at home, and in the community.

Science

In Science this term, Year 1 have been learning about the observable changes in the sky and across the day. We investigated day and night and created a sundial. We have been learning about what causes seasons. We created Sundials and practised using them to determine the time of day.

 Stage 2 

English - 

Year 3 (Magicians/Gringotts) - magazine 

Throughout this term, Year 3 have been working very hard upon planning and developing their own magazine article for our class magazine. The students have enjoyed exploring a topic of their own interest, researching and using their iPads to publish their writing. Keep an eye out for the Gringotts’ and Magician’s Class Magazine! 

Year 4 (Diagons)- poetry 

Throughout this term, Year 4 students have been looking at poetry. Students have looked at a range of poems but have focused on limerick poems which are extremely humorous, as well as Haiku poems, which are ancient Japanese poetry focusing on describing nature. Students have really enjoyed creating poems this term.

Mathematics: Hogwarts - open classroom 

This week, Year 4 were lucky enough to have their families come and visit classrooms. Students were able to share their learning with their families, show them around the classrooms and complete a Mathematics task together. The students were proud to show off all the things they have learnt this year and are excited for the next visit!

Science: 

Year 3

Last week, the Year 3 students had a very exciting incursion. The students learnt and experienced all things that fall under the category of ‘states of matter’ and ‘material properties’. The students loved seeing and engaging in multiple science experiments. 

Year 4- Diagons - Science experiment 

Year 4 have been learning all about the Earth and how different forces can impact the Earth’s landforms and landscapes. Students had the opportunity to observe a scientific experiment that showed the effects of water on dirt and sand castles. This was to represent the concept of erosion. 

Sport 

As we come to the end of the term, and after a year of students learning a range of skills and games, students have been given the opportunity to have some free choice play. This is where students selected a sport or game they would like to play, or even created their own game. This allowed for team work, as well as creativity.

Music and Drama 

As the Christmas season approaches, our Creative arts classes are alive with the joyful sounds and creative energy of students engaging in Christmas music and drama activities. They have been developing their talents, building confidence, and sharing the spirit of the season with their peers through rhythm and listening activities, as well as creating Christmas Plays.