Primary School Update

Term 2: The Primary School – Extending Learning

With routines now firmly established across the school, Term 2 has been marked by significant growth in both our learners and programs. As students have settled confidently into their environments, we have been able to build upon learning, creativity and community engagement in meaningful ways. This term has offered a range of rich learning opportunities, new initiatives, and a growing sense of connection between students, staff and families. From creative projects and outdoor experiences to leadership opportunities and community events, the energy and commitment across the school have been evident. It has been a rewarding term of growth and achievement.

Teaching and Learning – Friends’ Early Learning (FEL) & Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)

Both the OSHC and FEL teams have recently reviewed their Quality Improvement Plans — a key requirement under Early Childhood Regulations, but more importantly, a wonderful reflection of the dedication and continual growth demonstrated by both teams in providing high-quality care and learning experiences.

In the Starlight Room, our three-year-old children have been working on an exciting project — becoming published authors! Through an exploration of story writing and story acting, the children are creating a wonderful collection of original short stories, with new contributions emerging each week. This project has been enriched by a sustained focus on creative expression, including drawing, mark-making and painting, facilitated by our new Creative Arts Educator, Joey Soh.

The OSHC team has also reviewed and refined the program’s philosophy, ensuring that the value of being outdoors and connecting with the environment remains central. By actively listening to student voice, the program continues to be shaped by the interests, needs and agency of the children.

Teaching and Learning – Kindergarten to Year 6

Our Kindergarten students have been immersed in creativity through an ongoing inquiry into performance, music and movement. With a stage now set up in the Kindergarten learning space, budding actors, storytellers and musicians have been enthusiastically writing and performing their work. Visitors to the space are often treated to a spontaneous show!

Prep students have enjoyed engaging excursions to Linear Park, deepening their connection with the local environment.

In our Wells Assemblies, students have reflected on the value of community by exploring the animal world. Through the lens of bees, ants and wolves, they have considered the importance of collaboration, communication and care within a community.

In Years 3 to 6, students have begun a deep dive into understanding themselves using the New Metrics competencies of Agency and Citizenship. This work is shaping the design of learning tasks and strengthening engagement. Alongside this, teachers have undertaken rich professional learning focused on mathematical reasoning, ensuring that students build strong skills and confidence in their mathematical understanding.

Kitchen Garden Program

Our Cooking and Gardening program has flourished this semester. Students in Years 3 and 4 have worked hard to develop their vegetable gardens, embracing the full cycle from seed to plate. While challenges such as escaped chickens, caterpillars and unpredictable weather tested their resilience, students responded creatively and collaboratively to protect their crops.

A highlight was visiting Pendle Hill to gather fresh herbs, which were then used to bake delicious focaccia. We are incredibly grateful to our school community for the generous support that enables this program to continue growing.

Physical Education and Sport

The PE program in Years 3 to 6 began with a focus on Cross Country in preparation for participation in JSSATIS Cross Country and subsequent events at Symmons Plains. In the second half of the term, students engaged in gymnastics, with Years 5 and 6 attending the Kingborough Gymnastics Centre and Years 3 and 4 participating in a new program that concluded with a visit to the Centre. This was a very popular initiative for our younger students.

Winter sport was once again a highlight, with students participating in netball, soccer, hockey and water polo. Over 120 students were involved across these activities, with six soccer teams and four netball teams playing weekly games. We extend a sincere thank you to our dedicated coaches, managers and staff who supported these activities.

Music

Sings and Strings Concert

Our annual Sings and Strings concert opened with the vibrant sound of the Primary School String Ensemble, filling every corner of the stage. A standout moment was the beautiful collaboration between the Middle School String Ensemble and the Primary School Choirs, who joined forces to perform The Quest, an enchanting piece by Australian composer Katherine Rhule.

One of the most special aspects of this concert is the opportunity it provides to witness the growth of our music students over time. It’s truly heartwarming to see students of all ages come together to create such beautiful music, showcasing their development and shared passion for performance.

Marimba Concert

The Year 3–12 Marimba Concert is always a crowd favourite! The Primary School students absolutely love playing marimba, and they especially enjoy the lively, funky repertoire performed by the Middle and Senior School marimba groups. The energy in the room is contagious, making it a memorable experience for all who attend.

Japanese

This semester, students from Prep to Year 6 have been learning to read Japanese, building towards recognising and reading all 46 hiragana — the syllabary that forms the basis of written Japanese. Hiragana is deeply embedded in both traditional and modern Japanese society and culture, making it a natural starting point for language learning.

Through ongoing reading (and some writing) activities, students are building their skills to become increasingly confident readers of hiragana. They are also developing confidence and natural articulation of simple everyday greetings, self-introductions and requests.

In Semester 2, students will begin putting their reading and writing skills into practice within our inquiry units, transitioning from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" in Japanese language and culture.

So far this year, students have learned new Japanese songs, explored cultural traditions through a Poster Competition celebrating the 2025 Year of the Snake, and delved into modern cultural signposts via YouTube Shorts. They’ve also practised reading everyday Japanese in the built environment — not to mention mastering a tongue twister or two. Our students will tell you firsthand that one of the hardest things to say in Japanese is: raw wheat, raw rice, raw egg… really fast. Just ask them!

Co-Curricular Clubs

This term has seen an incredible variety of co-curricular clubs offered to students across the school. Thank you to our passionate staff who continue to provide such rich and varied opportunities.

Active clubs like Skipping, Drift Bikes, Running and Netball have kept students moving and building friendships. Meanwhile, students in Tinker Club have delved into coding and 3D printing, and the Rubik’s Cube Club continues to thrive with eager problem-solvers. The Minecraft Clubs in Years 2 and 5 are buzzing with creativity.

Opportunities for creative expression have flourished through Clay, Art, Bookmaking, Chill Out, GAP and Journal Clubs, while our Debating Team has proudly represented the school in inter-school competitions. Chess Club remains a favourite, with students from Years 2 to 6 enjoying weekly challenges.

Leadership opportunities have also continued to grow through the Student Council, Sports Leaders, Environment Group, Guinea Pig Leaders and Library Clubs, empowering students to take ownership of their contributions to school life. We’re excited to see what new initiatives will emerge in Term 3!

Meeting House Gatherings

Throughout Term 2, students have been reflecting on the Quaker testimony of Peace, exploring what peace means within themselves, in their relationships with others, and in the wider world. Using the Faith and Play story “Quaker Business Meeting”, students in Years 1 to 6 were introduced to the Quaker process of decision-making — practising deep listening, hearing all voices and finding unity as a group. Some classes have brought this process back into the classroom, enriching their group work and class meetings.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on Term 2, it’s clear that this has been a time of remarkable growth — both for our students and for the programs that support them. Through rich learning experiences, creative expression and meaningful connections, students have developed skills, confidence, curiosity and relationships. Across classrooms, gardens, playgrounds and performance spaces, a strong sense of community has flourished, built on collaboration, care and shared purpose.

These diverse experiences not only deepen learning but also strengthen relationships and belonging. We are proud of all that has been achieved and look forward to the continued growth and discovery that lies ahead.

Mark Febey - Head of Primary School (Early Learning to Year 6)