In our Classrooms

Prep/One Class

It has once again been a little difficult to capture this adventurous group in action, with their mission to the Water Planet continuing to take them well beyond the usual classroom boundaries.

I have, however, managed to intercept another message from Captain Marcus with an update from the crew.

The class has recently been joined by some new E.S.s — Extra-terrestrial Spacefarers — with Shane and Jodie joining the mission. They have been helping students bring their ideas to life, supporting learning across the classroom, making sure everyone stays safe at the Water Planet and helping the crew with pack-up.

Students have also been collecting samples and preparing Field Reports, building their scientific vocabulary as they describe and record what they discover. In maths, Bingo has transformed into Addo, students have been playing Make and Take, and they are now beginning to use their growing number knowledge to measure some of the samples collected on their travels. I also spotted a few skeletons on the classroom floor, although I am still not entirely sure whether they are evidence of life from another planet!

The crew has also been reading All Brains Are Different and exploring the idea that everyone is welcome and accepted, no matter where they visit, how they travel or what their brain needs along the way. They have also been putting their Ready to Learn gadgets to use, reflecting on how they are feeling and choosing strategies that can help with regulation, so everyone can feel safe, settled and comfortable in their body.

Two/Three Class

This group has pretty much been either at camp or at the pool over the past couple of weeks! They are understandably a little tired after all of their adventures, but they have taken everything in their stride. The photos probably do a better job of capturing the last couple of weeks than I can.

Oh, and the class did get some stick insects as class pets!

Four/Five/Six Classes

The Year 4s have had a very similar couple of weeks to the Year 3s, spending plenty of time out and about with camp and swimming.

The Year 5/6s spent the week with Emma continuing their learning and beginning production of their new media empire — Talkative Taradalians. Articles are now being generated and the first pieces should be ready for publication in the next newsletter.

The Year 5/6s also headed down to explore Back Creek after the recent rain. Much of the Taradale Mineral Springs area was under water, which made for a very different and exciting learning environment.