From the Principal's Desk
Week 5 - Science Week
This week we celebrate Science week.
We had a wonderful start to Science Week with Tobie White from Armidale Secondary College who conducted a Solar Car Racing Challenge with our Stage 3 students.
Also from ASC our Future Teachers, brought Science into the classroom with their lessons, bringing their passion and love for Science to the Year 1 students.
We have had so much fun and loved seeing our developing buddying scientists at MGPS.
Drone workshop
Last week we were very lucky to a part of the Drone workshop. Carl from Warrumbungles Environmental Education Centre visited MGPS and ran a fantastic drone workshop with our HPGE Stage 3 students. The event took place in the hall, where a large countryside-themed tarp set the scene for students to undertake exciting missions. Working in groups, students coded drones to perform tasks such as checking dam levels, monitoring powerlines, and putting out grassfires.
Thank you to Carl for delivering such a valuable and engaging learning experience!
Spelling Bee
Last week Sebastian and Xanthe competed in the Regional Spelling Bee finals. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their hard work, dedication, and bravery. Competing at the regional level is no small feat, and we are incredibly proud of their effort and determination. Both students represented our school and showcased their skills on a bigger stage, making it through to round 2 on the day. Congratulations Xanthe and Seb!
Book Week
Book Week was a wonderful celebration of reading and creativity at our school! It was fantastic to see so many parents and supporters join us in classrooms, helping to make the event truly special. The array of costumes was impressive, with students (and teachers!) dressing up as their favourite book characters. A huge thank you goes to our P&C for running a delicious sausage sizzle and a successful book fair. Thank you for your hard work and dedication that made Book Week a memorable experience for everyone. Thank you to all who participated and supported this great event!
Check out the photos here!
Bowling
Students from Martin’s Gully took part in the PSSA Inclusive Sporting Program, with a team of four competing in a ten-pin bowling event. Mrs Bull reported it was a wonderful morning filled with fun, smiles, encouragement and excitement. Well done everyone!
Gymnastics
On Monday, several of our students attended the Northwest Gymnastics day, held in Armidale. Once again, our students shone with their enthusaism and sportsmanship. Well done!
E-Safety - Digital citizenship website
What is Digital Citizenship?
Being a responsible citizen of the online world is important for fun and learning on the internet. Digital citizenship helps students build a positive presence online by teaching them how to conduct themselves in the digital space.
The goal of the Digital Citizen website is to empower students, teachers and parents with practical advice, based on current research, to guide them in making informed decisions about how children and young people engage and conduct themselves online.
We have made a conscious effort to move away from a fear-based approach to focus more on a positively framed strategy. NSW public schools teach students to be responsible digital citizens as they explore the possibilities of the digital world. We are equipping and empowering NSW students, teachers and parents with the skills and knowledge to minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities of our digital future by:
- supporting teachers to model best practice and to actively teach the skills to be a good digital citizen
- providing advice and guidance to parents and carers on how to best support and care for their children when online
- encouraging students to be safe and responsible when online and to be positive contributors to a digital society.
The Digital Citizenship website provides practical advice to students, teachers and parents on the responsible use of technology, addressing safe and ethical online behaviour. Articles and resources are linked to the NSW and Australian Curriculum.
Please remember to check the What's Happening in School Bytes, which is updated every Friday.
Have a wonderful week!
Peta Deiderick