Specialists Updates and Celebrations

Mandarin (Prep)

This week Preps bravely had their first Mandarin lesson at SMPS. We learnt how to say "Happy New Year" in Chinese. The speed at which they recited this phrase was incredibly impressive. They were enthusiastic, happy and positive in expressing their blessings to those around them. Their smiles are infectious!

Visual Arts (Years 1 and 2)

This week the Grade 1 and 2 students had their first lesson of Visual Arts for 2024! It has been an absolute delight reconnecting with all the students and engaging in hearing about all the exciting things they did during the holidays. After catching up, the students had a discussion on what the 'Perfect Art Room' looks like. During this conversation, we discussed the Art Room Expectations, and decided exactly how we want our time in the Art Room to feel. The students discussed safety, how to encourage their friends and what to do if they get stuck. Then, students drew a picture of their perfect Art Room!

Music (Years 3 and 4)

This week in the grade 3/4 Music Program we welcomed students back into the space by sharing the expectations and routines required for a successful year in the Music Room.

Students led a discussion around shaping a "Music Room Agreement". The end product is a list of agreed upon standards which students will strive to achieve so that they feel safe, happy and connected in the space and that they have the best chance of achieving success with their learning in Music.

We commenced our learning for our topic this term, "What makes Pop, POP?"

We looked at the key elements of Pop Music. Our skills practice focus was on developing rhythm skills for Pop Music with Bucket Drumming and Group Auxiliary Percussion work.

Performing Arts (Years 3 and 4)

Years 3 and 4 have started the new Performing Arts Curriculum, focusing on dance for the first few weeks of Term 1. The students had the opportunity to learn about different dance styles, such as: K-pop, hip-hop, pop, jazz and ballet. From this, students had exposure to various places these dances originated from and will continue to learn more about these styles throughout the term. Students explored various techniques related to that particular dance style and followed along by dancing to a video. 

Physical Education (Years 5 and 6)

Years 5 and 6 have started off with teamwork and communication games this year. Students have worked together in 'Raft Race'. Teams have to race from one side of the gym to the other with only 2 mats! The strategic planning, role assigning and coordination on show was fantastic. These skills were also used in the game, 'Hula Rescue'. We will be practising our T-Ball skills in upcoming lessons in preparation for our T-Ball Gala Day.

Library

The Year 2 to 6 classes have started to attend the library for their learning to learn session. This session covers library expectations, how to take care of the books, the library layout and borrowing rules. From February 20th classes will begin attending weekly library sessions.

Borrowing

Each student is allowed to borrow two books from the library to take home. Students may keep the books for up to two weeks. Students must have a book bag in order to keep their books safe. Students are welcome to return their books at any time to the library.

Overdue Books

After two weeks, if a student has not returned their books, teachers will remind students to return their overdue books. If after another two weeks the books are still not returned then parents will receive a reminder email asking for the books to be returned. Students will not be able to borrow new books until the overdue books are returned.

Lost or Damaged Books

If a book is lost or damaged then parents will be asked to pay a $10 fee to cover the cost of replacing the book. 

If there are any questions or enquiries please contact Ms Zoe on Zoe.Danaher@smps.vic.edu.au