Whole School Activities

Lower Division English

Lower Division students have been studying the important English topics of Perspective and Argument. Our focus has been on understanding how people form opinions and express their viewpoints, as well as how persuasive techniques can be used to influence others.

To support our learning, we closely examined two engaging texts: I Wanna Iguana and Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. In I Wanna Iguana, we looked at how the main character tried to convince his mother to let him have a pet iguana, using reasons, examples, and emotional appeals. In Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, we explored how the cows made demands of Farmer Brown by writing letters, demonstrating negotiation and the power of collective argument.

Students took part in a range of activities to practise these skills. In small groups, we wrote and presented our own persuasive arguments on topics such as classroom rules, favourite books, or pets. As a class, we watched and discussed these performances, giving feedback on what made each argument convincing and how different perspectives were expressed. These activities not only helped us become better communicators, but they also encouraged us to consider other people’s opinions and reasons.

Lower Division Mathematics

Lower Division students have been exploring different ways to measure items in our environment. We started by learning how to measure length, using both formal units (like centimetres and metres) and informal units (such as paperclips and blocks). Students had fun comparing the size of classroom items and recording their findings.

We also investigated the area of shapes, focusing on rectangles and squares. Students used playdough snakes to measure how much space these shapes cover, helping them understand the concept of area in a hands-on way.

We investigated the areas of weight and mass in different ways. Lower Division learned about the technique of ‘hefting’—lifting objects to guess which was heavier. We then used balance arms to test our predictions, making the activity both fun and educational. These measurement activities have given students valuable skills and confidence to investigate and describe the world around them.

K-2 Movie Excursion

While the Upper Division were away at camp, our Lower Division students were lucky to attend a special screening of the new Paw Patrol movie. Alongside students from Kellys Plains, Kentucky, and Kingstown, we enjoyed the movie together, complete with popcorn and a refreshing drink. A big thank you to Tim from Kentucky for organising all the details, a special thanks to our bus driver, Anne-Marie from Kentucky, for making this wonderful excursion possible, and thank you to Todd Johnson for kindly donating the use of his bus, making this part of the excursion fee-free.

Responsible Pet Ownership Visit

Students recently took part in a practical session about responsible pet ownership, especially how to safely interact with dogs we may meet. Rachel taught us some useful and important tips, showing us how to keep safe around dogs and how to enjoy spending time with them. The best part was meeting Kari, the friendly dog, and everyone got a chance to pat her. We are very thankful to Rachel and Kari for visiting and teaching us so much.

Upper Division Great Aussie Bush Camp

Our time at the Great Aussie Bush Camp has been an incredible hands-on learning journey! Situated near the unique Bracius Water Creek, where fresh and saltwater merge, students gained fascinating insights into natural waterways. We explored survival skills, including how to make water safe to drink by boiling it over a fire; an essential technique if ever stranded in the bush!

Nature became our classroom as we enthusiastically built shelters using natural materials, experiencing firsthand the resourcefulness and teamwork required to create safe spaces outdoors. The art of damper making was a delicious highlight, connecting us to traditional bush cooking and shared stories around the campfire.

Archery quickly became a focus, sharpening our concentration, patience, and coordination - skills vital both on and off the field. At the rock climbing wall, students challenged themselves by setting personal goals, learning how perseverance and planning helps overcome fears and reach new heights.

Day two was packed with adrenaline and fun, including the giant swing, high ropes course, and muddy adventures on the Lost Island challenge. Canoeing and the looming flying fox promised even more excitement before we headed home, tired but exhilarated.

This camp has been a beautiful blend of adventure, learning, and building resilience, courage, and strength. Our Years 3-6 students from across the Thunderbolt Alliance have embraced every moment, creating lasting memories and deepening friendships. We look forward to carrying these inspiring experiences back into the classroom and beyond!

Visual Arts | Sand Art

Annabelle's curiosity sparked a wonderful opportunity for a hands-on Visual Arts lesson recently. It all began when she showed interest in creating art in the sand, using a simple hoop to define a border and her creative workspace.

Annabelle started digging until she reached the cool, damp sand beneath the surface. This perfect texture allowed her to craft lines and shapes, which she transformed into faces, animals, and simple designs. Some students chose to use sticks for their creations, while others preferred to sculpt with their hands, exploring different techniques and textures.

This organic and engaging approach not only encouraged artistic expression but also fostered sensory exploration and teamwork among students. Congratulations to Miss de Vree for facilitating such an inspiring and creative lesson!

Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Our recent Visual Arts lesson focused on creating stunning portraits of the red-eyed tree frog using a step-by-step "how to draw" approach. Students began by carefully sketching graphite portraits of the frog, capturing its unique features with precision and attention to detail.

Once their sketches were complete, students brought their frogs to life by adding colour using their medium of choice—whether crayon, oil pastel, acrylic pens, or coloured pencil. This allowed for a wonderful display of individual creativity and texture.

Next, we explored background creation inspired by the artist Wassily Kandinsky. Using his techniques, students crafted vibrant green backgrounds filled with different lines and shapes to add texture and depth, perfectly setting the scene for their frogs.

To enhance the composition, we traced leaves of varying sizes and shapes on the back of these green backgrounds. Layered over a rich brown base symbolising tree branches, students practised layering and overlapping techniques to create dynamic and textured artworks that truly tell a story.

Congratulations to all the students for their dedication and beautiful creations!

Wassily Kadinksy | Scribbles = Art

Students recently enjoyed an inspiring Visual Arts lesson centred on the work of Wassily Kandinsky. After watching a brief tutorial about Kandinsky’s unique style, students immediately began exploring line and shape within their own compositions.

Using black markers, students experimented with many different types of lines and an array of shapes, thoughtfully arranging them to create bold and beautiful artworks. Once the outlines were complete, students added colour to their shapes with oil pastels, making their artworks vibrant and expressive. Finally, each piece was finished with a soft wash of watercolour, adding depth and bringing their creations to life.

This activity encouraged students to think creatively and use their new skills to experiment with texture, colour, layering and composition. Well done to all the students for embracing the spirit of Kandinsky and producing such imaginative and colourful pieces!