From the

Assistant Principal 

Dear Parents / Carers,

This term, our students have been provided with a variety of opportunities to engage in social, educational and sporting activities, which has enhanced learning experiences for all students at Rowville Primary School.  Some of the highlights have included weekly assemblies, Student Leadership Badge Ceremony, House Cross Country, District and Regional Swimming Carnivals, Education Perfect Italian Competition, Garden Club and our Year 6 Foundation Buddy Program.

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program allows for students, teachers, parents and volunteers to work together to develop a more sustainable future for everyone. The program's aim is to develop lifelong healthy habits for our children by having them grow, harvest, prepare and share delicious and healthy food and learn about Italian culture in an authentic way.  Our students experience ingredients that they may not normally have been exposed to, broadening their appreciation of food for life. At Rowville Primary School, our kitchen program supports students to apply their Italian vocabulary and language skills to describe foods, ingredients, flavours and recipes; use maths to measure and weigh ingredients; to work collaboratively as a team; to develop greater self-confidence; to develop awareness of the environment, sustainability and plant diversity. 

Our Foundation to Year 2 students engage weekly in an Italian language and cultural awareness program focusing on basic greetings, colours and numbers through music, interactive songs, games and activities. Education Perfect is the online platform that we use in Year 3 – 6 for our students to build and extend key vocabulary, cultural elements and speaking and listening skills through units of work in the Italian language.  All students can work independently at their own level which enables them to monitor their own progress with feedback provided. Education Perfect offers students across the world the opportunity to participate in competitions three times a year to showcase their language skills against other schools.  

Our Year 3 – 6 students also love the opportunity to combine their Italian language and culture skills and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, through reading and cooking Italian recipes and enjoying a delicious Italian meal together. What a wonderful way for our students to connect with their peers, teachers, and the wider school community.  Ms Babich and I are fortunate to receive samples of the food produced by our students each week. The calzone and this week’s focaccia were favourites – even if there was a little too much chilli!! 

Here is Mrs Haddon’s focaccia dough recipe . . . 

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons yeast 

2 teaspoons salt 

2 cups of warm water

Drizzle olive oil over the dough once combined 

Leave to proof in the fridge for 12 hours or 2 hours in a warm place

Cook in the oven at 220 degrees for approx. 20 minutes

ANZAC Day 

This week our Community Service Working Party have been busy selling ANZAC Day badges. We invite students and parents to bring along medals from family members who served to our ANZAC Day Assembly at 2.30pm on Monday 24 April.

Wishing all families, a Happy Easter and relaxing Term One holiday break. 

Kind regards,

Tiffany Bamford

Assistant Principal