Inside the Classroom

Early Primary

In class 5, we’ve been exploring the Zones of Regulation, using playdough to help our little learners understand and express different emotions. Through this fun and tactile activity, students crafted various facial expressions and scenarios, learning to identify and talk about how they feel. This hands-on approach not only supports emotional development but also enhances fine motor skills, as children manipulate the playdough to create their shapes and designs. It's a fantastic way for our young ones to connect with their emotions while building essential skills for their growth. We’re excited to see how this creative activity helps them navigate their feelings and develop their fine motor abilities!

Class 10 have been expressing their creativity through drawing, using vibrant colours to bring their imaginations to life. Shaving cream sensory play has been a big hit, allowing students to explore textures and engage their senses in a fun and messy way. Additionally, our music lessons have been a joyous highlight, helping students develop rhythm, coordination and a love for music. These activities are not only enjoyable but also contribute to their overall development, fostering creativity, sensory exploration, and musical skills.

Class 11 has been excited to watch the Paralympic Games in Paris. We have been exploring how people with different abilities can participate in a variety of sporting events. The students were amazed by the skills and abilities of the competitors. Earlier this term, we wrote letters to Qian Lang, a table tennis player, and Hannah Cowap, a rower who competed in the Games. The students were thrilled to see that Qian won gold medals in both the doubles and singles matches, while the rowing team performed impressively, finishing in 5th place. We practiced our counting skills as we tracked the medal tally and practiced our skip counting by fives.

In other exciting news, we have started cooking as a class. We made ham and cheese scrolls, jelly slice, and fried rice. We have been practicing and learning new skills such as measuring, crushing, pouring, grating, mixing, and spreading. We can't wait to see what we cook next!

Billie-Jo Rutten

Early Primary Assistant Principal

Upper Primary

Class 12 have been taught by Miss Grace Dillon for the past 6 weeks as she completes her teaching qualifications. The students have enjoyed having her in the room and have been engaging in lots of learning experiences. We wish Miss Dillon all the best as she starts at her new school next term. Whilst the weather was warm, Class 12 were enjoying class outings.

Class 8 participated in the recent Bunnings Spring Art competition. They created a fantastic artwork that was displayed at Bunnings last week. The class visited Bunnings during their class outing and had fun posing for some Spring photos.

Class 13 have been busy with a range if learning activities in their classroom. Students love to get messy with a range of art and sensory activities.

Kari Priest

Upper Primary Assistant Principal

Stage 4

Stage 4 have enjoyed designing, making and testing balloon powered cars as part of the Digital Technology subject. They have been able to test theories, trial and improve various car designs during this process. 

In Ancient History classes we have been studying Ancient Egyptian society. While discussing how and why the Egyptians mummified people and animals, we tested the mummification process by putting apples in a salt mixture. This helped us understand what happens to a person when they were mummified. 

The students continue to access various school locations for physical and sensory needs including the Engine Room and the Gym. This helps the students become more regulated and ready for desk work back in the classrooms. 

Stephen Gross

Stage 4 Assistant Principal

Stage 5

Stage 5 have been immersed in a wide range of learning experiences the past few weeks and have also been completing in-class assessment tasks across all Key Learning Areas.

Students have continued on producing quality artworks, their attention to detail, concentration and creativity is to be commended. 

Students continued investigations in urban settlements and how and why localities expand over time, which has been at the forefront of the students thinking in HSIE. Students have displayed great collaboration skills in planning towns / cities and have investigated the factors that influence design principles and processes using Lego.

Focus on the study of bacteria in Science has now been completed, with striking results from the bread experiment. Stage 5 can be confident in highlighting the need to keep all spaces clean and tidy, especially hand-rails and sporting equipment.

Our recent excursion to the Bathurst Railways has continued to be a discussion point and several more images are included in this week newsletter, showcasing various train models and displays.

Our Work Experience students continue to thrive in their work placements, enhancing their knowledge, skills, confidence and interactions with the greater community. 

All Stage 5 classes have been creating and polishing performances for the upcoming School Concert, sources indicate that Crocodile Rock may be unleashed, exciting times for all. 

Hugh Rasmussen

Stage 5 Assistant Principal

Stage 6

Marine studies students have been enjoying learning and practising their skills for the recreational fishing component. We enjoyed visiting Gosling Creek and Carcoar Dam but unfortunately we were unluckly to not even get a bite! Better luck next term!

Primary Induistries students have been busy making use of the wonderful Spring weather. They have recently installed a new vertical garden with built in water drip system. We look forward to see how our seedlings have grown after the holidays. 

Stage 6 students have really enjoyed the disco theme for the school concert and thoroughly enjoyed the rehearsal. 

Jess Hodder 

Stage 6 Assistant Principal 

Orange Learning Centre

Class 20 has performed a full and complete bicycle audit ready for the warmer weather. The students checked every bike in the shed, testing things like tyre pressure, brakes, hand grips and chains. 

Class 21 have been immersing themselves in all things volcanoes. They have learned about types of volcanoes and have made an amazing model volcano from recycled materials. 

They have also been able to relate an erupting volcano to emotions and have worked on strategies to manage these big feelings. Ms Shez and Brad have also been working together on learning from each other, with Brad teaching MS Shez the finer details of mastering Minecraft

The Skills House has been a big hit for Class 21 as well; both as a pampering and self care experience as well as a learning experience.

We also continue to welcome new students into the Tutorial program and support students as they transition out.

We have welcomed Amelia and Tyler into classes and Alex, Emily and Brad are spending valuable time in classrooms on the main site. 

The Orange Suspension Centre continues to be busy supporting students to remain connected with their learning.

Kate Griffen

Head Teacher Orange Learning Centre