Term 1

As Term One comes to an end, we reflect on the progress and achievements of our Lower Primary students. It has been wonderful to see how well they have settled into their new classrooms, forming friendships, adapting to daily routines, and building strong relationships with their teachers and classmates. Students are learning how to regulate their emotions, so that they feel safe, calm, and ready to learn. It has been positive to watch our students grow in their ability to navigate their emotions whilst adapting to the new year’s learning process. From our enthusiastic new Preps taking their first steps on their educational journey to those who have been with us for some time, it is their growing confidence and developing readiness to learn that stand out the most. Their classroom experiences are teaching them about responsibility, respect, cooperation and teamwork, building a strong foundation for both academic and personal growth.

Over recent times, we have started the school year with our Lower Primary Family Fun Night at Lollipops Playland in Bundoora, and it has quickly become a much-anticipated event! This special event provides a fantastic opportunity for students, siblings, parents, and staff to come together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting outside of school. Lollipops Playland, designed for children of all ages, offers a safe and exciting environment where students can play independently and with confidence. The night is always filled with laughter, adventure, and plenty of energy as children explore the play areas with their classmates and siblings. Parents appreciate the chance to connect with each other, form friendships, and chat with staff, all while knowing their children are happily engaged in play. The feedback each year has been overwhelmingly positive. Many parents have shared how much they value this opportunity to meet other families and build connections within the school community. For staff, it’s a wonderful chance to see students outside the classroom, enjoying themselves in a different environment. We extend our thanks to all the families who joined us again this year to make this event so special. Your enthusiasm and participation help create a strong Lower Primary community.

The Discovery Unit this semester is “How to stay safe”. Teachers will use an inquiry approach to foster curiosity and hands-on exploration around this topic. Students will be supported to ask questions, investigate and role play to develop their understandings. Over the semester, students will begin to identify aspects of safety in the home, school and community. They will identify safe and unsafe situations and investigate people who help to keep them safe, including people in the community such as police, fire and ambulance officers. Students will explore their own responsibilities in ensuring their safety and the safety of others and will make the connection that rules can help to keep them safe. They learn how to become important members of their class and school through co-operative class work and an awareness of rules and expectations. At the conclusion of the unit, we anticipate students will be able to indicate:

Ways to stay safe
People who can help you stay safe at home at school and in the community
Strategies to help play with a friend in the yard
Strategies to help work with a peer in the classroom

Students were so excited to attend tennis lessons conducted by Coach Callum during their PE sessions, over a 4 week period this term. The activities were fun, and worked on hand-eye coordination and tracking skills along with forehand and volley strokes. Students absolutely “loved” playing tennis and being involved in this program. They were given a Certificate of Participation for their great efforts and Coach Callum kindly gave a free introductory lesson voucher to parents/carers for those who wanted to consider tennis as a recreational activity for their child.

The swimming program is a much-anticipated event that many of our students look forward to. Learning to swim is an essential life skill that benefits children in both safety and enjoyment. It is also a fantastic way to stay active and maintain fitness throughout life. Swimming lessons follow a structured progression, beginning with water familiarisation before advancing to stroke development and survival skills. We witness students who were once hesitant to leave the pool’s edge gradually gain confidence—first by putting their faces in the water and blowing bubbles, then by jumping in from the poolside. Over time, we see some advance to swimming freestyle and backstroke, continuing to refine their technique. It is incredibly rewarding to see students build confidence and develop their skills with each lesson. Practising independent dressing skills and caring for personal belongings is also an integral part of the program.

Lower Primary staff and students had a wonderful time celebrating Harmony Day. Students actively participated in activities that emphasised the powerful message that "everyone belongs." Our older students showcased their musical skills with a performance at assembly, and it was great seeing so many wearing a touch of orange or culturally significant clothing to mark the day.

Lower Primary continues to purchase a range of fresh fruit and vegetables for our students each week from a local business. Platters are prepared in classrooms and students are encouraged to try a variety of fruit and vegetables. Most students enjoy the fresh fruit and vegetables but those who are a little more hesitant are encouraged to have a “little” taste. The program reinforces healthy eating habits at school.

Throughout the term, the playground facilities have undergone upgrades to enhance student play and exploration. At the back of the campus, “down the hill,” is the newly developed nature area. Students can access this space by using the double slide or simply running down the hill. Once there, they can engage in active play by balancing on logs, jumping between them, or using the space for imaginative games. A wooden teepee has also been installed, offering a quiet retreat where students can relax, or engage in small group activities. Further improvements are planned to make the space even more engaging. Adjustments will be made to accommodate the installation of a mud kitchen, complete with a water supply, allowing students to engage in sensory and creative play. This addition will support collaborative and hands-on learning experiences.

In addition to the nature area, a new playground featuring modern equipment is under construction alongside the cubbies. This space will provide students with more opportunities for climbing, swinging, and other physical activities that promote coordination, strength, and teamwork. The project is progressing well, and it is expected to be completed over the holiday break, ensuring students return to an exciting and new outdoor play area.

As always, a big pat on the back to the wonderful Lower Primary students and staff for your hard work and achievements this term.

Happy and safe holidays

Kath

LPA, LPB, LPC

LPA, LPB, and LPC students have settled in smoothly to the new school year. They have adapted to new routines, built new friendships, and actively engaged in a variety of learning activities across all curriculum areas. Some of the fun activities included: swimming for LPA, language experiences including parachute games, making robot's and monsters, carpet bowls, balloon games and chalk drawings.

LPD, LPE, LPG

LPD, LPE and LPG have had a busy start to 2025. Students have been engaged in many fun activities and lots of new learning. We have completed some exciting language experiences such as making bubble snakes, sand paper castles, marble painting and Easter craft. On Fridays students participate in afternoon rotations. Activities include cooking, craft and science. Some of the activities we’ve done so far are exploding volcanoes, lava lamps, firework pictures, 3D ice-creams, making fruit salad and pastry pin wheels.

LPH, LPI, LPJ and LPK

Throughout the term, our Prep and Grade 1 students in LPH, I, J and K dove into learning school routines while enjoying a range of hands-on activities. They explored nursery rhymes and familiar stories, practiced counting through number songs and completed writing tasks based on weekly language experiences which often featured sensory or science themes. On Fridays, the four classes rotated through engaging afternoon sessions, including sensory activities, music and movement, building and construction and swimming. Although it was a busy term, the students had a wonderful time bonding with one another and building friendships.

Specialists

Library

Term 1 has been an exciting and fun time for the specialist programs at Lower Primary. In library, the students have been reacquainted with the program and got into the routines again. We have listened to various books about familiar topics including being in the library and discussed how to take care of our books. Students have the opportunity to borrow books to take home weekly and it’s been fantastic to see most students remembering to bring their library bags for borrowing. Our favourite part of the library has been listening to stories and then looking at all the wonderful books on display for borrowing.

Performing Arts

Students have had a great start to the year in the Performing Arts program, diving into various aspects of drama, music, and movement. Through engaging "get to know you" games and learning welcome songs, they’ve helped establish routines, especially for our new prep students. The program also focused on celebrating the Lunar New Year, where students actively participated by listening to music, dancing, and using puppets to represent the Dragon and Lion dances, which are central to the festivities. Instruments such as maracas, sticks, and drums were introduced, along with body percussion, to help keep the rhythm while singing and creating beats. As part of our Harmony Day celebrations, students will also be performing at the assembly, showcasing their talents and the cultural diversity celebrated throughout the year.

Art

In the ART Room students have had a great start to the school year as they consolidated their knowledge of art safety, including sitting our own on seat when working, taking care when handling scissors and following teacher instruction. Students celebrated themselves by creating amazing self portrait drawing which have been displayed in the Art room, they made a collage using shapes to recreate their home. Also, they discovered a range of mediums for creating their art, including playdoh modelling, this was a very popular activity! I’m looking forward to next terms creations.

GAME, SET, MATCH!

It has been an incredible 4 weeks with Coach Callum from Topseed Tennis Academy come to us and give all classes a hands on experience with Tennis during PE sessions.

During the 4 weeks students got to practice forehand, backhand and volley skills. Students really enjoyed this experience despite being their first time playing Tennis. Students were given a Certificate of Participation for their great efforts and also Coach Callum has kindly given a free introductory lesson voucher, these will be sent home this week. It will be a great opportunity to book in and see how fun it is or a great holiday activity to do.