Learning and Teaching

The Science of Learning 

Last week we gathered for our second session delivered from Jared Cooney Horvath around the Science of Learning. These sessions offer great insight into supporting our children and understanding their brain.  

Here is some feedback from Richard; a parent who attended Session One: 

“I am writing to share my experience from the recent Workshop on "The Science of learning". I found the session  particularly insightful. One of the most valuable parts of the workshop was the clear and concise explanations of the rational of what effects technology has on a childs learning capabilities and how this affects a child's mind in their different brain grow cycles.  

I found the presenters communication in explaining the science behind the reasons for these learning techinques easy to understand for me as a parent  from a non teaching background. 

While the exercise was a little confronting for the current status que for parenting with technology in the family home, it was a fantastic opportunity to have an insight into what St Mary's are trying to implement in the school. 

Thank you again for the opportunity to attend this training.” 

The third and final session will be Wednesday at 6:45. This is a shorter session with a focus on ‘Brain Development; why we act like we do.’ 

We look forward to seeing you there.

Year 3

During Inquiry, Year 3 learners have been investigating physical changes in materials, developing a deeper understanding of how substances can change between solid, liquid, and gas states. Through hands-on experiments, they have explored how heat, cooling, and other factors can cause these changes, observing and recording their findings like true scientists. Learners have also discussed how this knowledge can be used to care for the environment and make more sustainable choices in everyday life. 

Building on their understanding of physical change, the Year 3 learners are now in the process of designing and creating their own eco-friendly products. They are carefully considering the properties of materials, how they can be altered through physical change, and how their creations can reduce environmental impact. This project encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving as learners apply their scientific knowledge to real-world contexts, demonstrating how science can be used to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that make a positive difference in our world. 

Year 6

Last week, we sent three teams to compete in the Campaspe Interschool Basketball Competition at the Echuca Basketball Stadium. Our students represented our school with great teamwork, determination and sportsmanship throughout the day. 

Our Girls A Team, coached by Mrs Ryan, were undefeated all day and went on to play in the grand final against 208. After another fantastic performance, they secured the win and will now move on to compete at Regionals in the coming weeks, an amazing achievement. 

We were also fortunate to be the only school to have a second girls team entered this year. Coached by Mrs Chapman, this team showed tremendous improvement with every game and finished the day on a high, winning their final match, a very exciting moment for all involved. 

The Boys A Team, coached by Mr Howgate, also went undefeated throughout the day and faced 208 in the grand final. In what was an absolute nail-biter, the boys went down by just one point after the siren, an incredible effort and a true display of perseverance and sportsmanship. 

A huge thank you to all the parents who came along to help score, support and cheer throughout the day. Your encouragement makes such a difference. 

With Boys and Girls Cricket trials underway, our Hot Shot tennis team heading off to regionals next week, and several students still progressing through to State events in athletics, Term 4 is shaping up to be a jam-packed and a wonderful way to finish what has been an incredible Year.