Learning Enhancement
We welcome all students and families back to school for an action-packed Term 3. This semester our topic focus is Science.
Ochre, the non-profit organisation that supports Literacy and Numeracy across the school, is now providing some, and eventually all, of our Science curriculum. As we follow the Victorian Curriculum, the topics and concepts are the same as those in the Primary Connections resources that have been used at St Luke’s up until now. Each science unit is teacher-directed, with concepts being explicitly taught. Students learn by asking questions, making predictions, hypothesising, exploring and investigating. They plan and conduct experiments with teacher guidance, record and analyse the data and observations, draw conclusions and communicate their findings. They relate their learning to everyday events.
Students explore four main areas:
- Biological sciences – living things and their life cycles.
- Chemical sciences – materials and their properties.
- Physical sciences – forces, motion, light, and sound.
- Earth and space sciences – weather, seasons, and the solar system.
… and Science as a Human Endeavour
Students learn that science is a means of understanding the world and that it has practical applications in the real world. They explore how science impacts society and how people utilise science in their everyday lives.
Children develop skills in:
- Questioning and predicting
- Planning and conducting investigations
- Recording and analysing data
- Drawing conclusions and communicating findings
Science integrates well with other subjects, particularly Maths, English, and Technologies, helping students make connections across learning areas. Students use measurement, data and statistics for practical purposes during experiments and observations. They discuss and write scientific reports and explanations. They use technology – laptops, timers, calculators etc to support learning where appropriate.
The curriculum is designed to match children’s developmental stages, with increasing complexity from Foundation to Year 6. Foundation students, for example, are currently learning about the observable properties of different materials; Year 3 students are learning about changing substances (solids & liquids) by using heat; and Year 6 students are learning about what makes things change and what affects how fast they change, why some things burn more fiercely, rust more quickly or smell more strongly. These chemical science units all relate to everyday events, connecting to our students' experiences and prior knowledge, while developing scientific knowledge and skills.
Our unit plans and resources help our teachers deliver engaging science lessons. You can support your child’s interest and learning by encouraging curiosity and discussing science topics at home.
Jen McKillop,
Jess Moodie & Eloise Liddell.
ICAS
The ICAS Assessments are underway, with Writing and Digital Technology assessments completed this week.
The English Assessment is scheduled for Week 4. With staff organisation and student events to consider, this will take place on Thursday for Year 2 - 4 students, and on Friday for Year 5 & 6.
Science, Spelling Bee and Mathematics assessments will take place through Weeks 5 and 6.
Library News
OVERDUE LIBRARY BOOKS
Please remind your child to return any overdue library books. Currently, we have a total of 89 books that are overdue, and some students are eager to borrow these titles. Your cooperation helps ensure everyone has access to the books they are excited to read.
BOOKWEEK 2025
This year, Book Week runs from Monday, 18th August to Friday, 22nd August.
The theme is "Book an Adventure".
Dress Up Day will be held on Friday, 22nd August. The parade will take place at 9:10am on the basketball courts (weather permitting).
Parents and grandparents are most welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing some fabulous costumes from both staff and students!
BOOKCLUB
REMINDER: Issue 5 closes today!
Thank you for your continued support. All orders placed earn reward points that can be used to purchase more books and resources for our school.