Year Prep - Our fun first semester

The Prep students have had a fantastic start to the new year. We have enjoyed so many special events and have done so much learning together. The students have shared that a highlight was our Teddy bear Picnic. During Inquiry we have been learning about different celebrations in our community, so we decided to have a celebration for our Teddy Bears. Students enjoyed eating their lunch with their bears and peers outside. Students have had many experiences with making cookies as well. We learned about ANZAC day and together we made some ANZAC cookies. Students loved following the steps to put all the ingredients in and of course, they enjoyed eating it at the end.

Every Thursday we have our PMP (Perceptual Motor Program). This aims to improve students’ fitness, balance, hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, and self-confidence. We have witnessed the growth and development in different skills that the students displayed throughout this semester.

Another highlight for this semester was our visit to Manor Lakes Library. The students were very excited to go on the bus. We learnt that the library is not only a place for us to borrow books but there are different activities that are available for all of us.

We are proud of all our preppies who show resilience, embrace fun and curiosity as they continue their learning journey.

Year 1 Learning About Living Things

This semester in Year 1, a major aspect of our learning has been about animals and what they need to survive. After a few weeks of learning, the students researched an insect of choice and created an information report, including their diet, their habitat, how they walk and their body features. Once they had collated all the information, the students created books using the Book Creator App, and shared their books with each other and other classes. To conclude this unit of study, the students attended an incursion from the Werribee River Association, learning about local frogs and how to be habitat heroes.

Year 2 students create, add, subtract, and explore space

Summary: In this Semester, in Mathematics, Year 2 students learned about place value, addition, subtraction and multiplication. They learned how to write 3-digit numbers in expanded form and to order numbers from smallest to biggest. We looked at the topic of seasons, and how to read a calendar. In Literacy, students explored different types of poetry, how to write a narrative by including a beginning, middle, and end.

Students enjoyed brainstorming a variety of fictional characters, settings, and plots to create their own story. In Integrated Studies (Science) we explored the solar system, planets, moon and stars. For Geography, we discovered various landmarks in Australia as well as around the world. The main topic in Health involved how to be healthy and safe, including how to recognise healthy food and healthy eating habits, as well as what strategies we could use if we ever felt unsafe. Christian studies followed the theme that was examined during Chapel.

Year 3's Best First Semester!

Science Butterfly Experiment

This semester students learnt all about living things and their life cycles. They got to see this in action with each class raising their own butterfly from a chrysalis. We had to give them water every second day until they hatched, which could take anywhere between 4 and 12 days. Each class gave their butterfly a name (3C-Simon, 3S- Cuckoo and 3W-Jeffery). They took what felt like a LONG time to hatch but it was so good to see them and release them into the wild.

Each Class Chapel

Class 3W presented chapel just recently and students voted on the songs and dance to show the school. They worked really hard to learn the lyrics and the dance moves even taking things home for homework. Class 3C recently presented chapel to the Prep to Year 3 students. Students read the story of Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding, they sang the beautiful worship song ‘You make me brave’ and finished with a student leading us in prayer. They did an amazing job. Class 3S presented chapel a few weeks ago and they started with worship song ‘Here I am to worship’. Students read the story of Doubting Thomas and presented it as a play. Students also led the grade Preps to 3’s in a worship dance.

Cartoonist Incursion

Students recently participated in a cartoon drawing workshop as part of our Comic Writing Unit. Students were so excited to have a drawing expert come and teach us how to draw a variety of cartoon characters. Students played Guess That Cartoon Animal and versed the angry cat to earn points! One student from each session won a cartoon drawing book written and illustrated by Brett Cardy from Cardytoons.

Maths Rotations

This Semester, we have designed problem-based lessons to encourage students to use a variety of methods to solve the problems. We have used visual and kinaesthetic materials in addition to traditional number sentences and stories. This encouraged students to form deep understandings about the patterns and principles that make maths work. We have incorporated Maths rotation lessons where students completed various tasks such as problem-solving task cards, maths games (board games and online) during each Maths lesson. This allowed students to practice and extend their skills effectively.

Year 4

Year 4 engaged in an inquiry unit of work involving our environment. This unit enabled students to immediately apply their learning to the real world, giving greater motivation and fostering deep understanding.

Students engaged in discussions with their parents to obtain more information about sustainable practices at home. In addition, they gathered data about sustainable practices at school by actively walking around the buildings and grounds to develop their ideas and opinions. Furthermore, students identified questions of interest related to recycling, composting, saving energy, and reducing waste. These topics were researched in small groups. Each group creating PowerPoints and communicating their ideas to the class through a short presentation.

Lastly, students completed action-based activities that enabled them to decide how their classroom can be managed more sustainably. They wrote persuasive letters to Ms. Neophytou to present their ideas and plans for the school to be more sustainable. Lastly, we ended the term with repurposing jars!

This year’s camp was a new experience for everyone, and students bubbled with a sense of anticipation as we drove up the long winding driveway of PGL Adventure Park, Campaspe Downs. Whilst there were many positive aspects of our time at camp, the biggest highlight for students were the outdoor activities. Many were stretched out of their comfort zones as they scaled new heights and worked together to launch one another into the air. We’ve enjoyed reliving our time at camp through our students’ camp recounts and thought we’d share some of these insights with you! Our time at Campaspe Downs has provided many fond memories and we look forward to the opportunity to visit again.

Year 5FL Highlights From First Semester

The Year 5 cohort started the year with an exciting first semester. We studied the history of Australia and explored. We enjoyed conducting an egg experiment where we designed a contraption to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height.

We had fun planning, designing and creating wind powered cars, tested and measured to see how far they would travel. We learned about habitats, species, adaptation and classification. During our sustainability unit we calculated our carbon footprints and considered ways which our decisions impact the environment. We did an oil spill experiment where we tested ways to find a solution to separate oil which had been spilled into water and to save birds.

We enjoyed reading 'Matilda' by Roald Dahl and studying the themes within the text. We learned to interact with others through the creation and interpretation of spoken and multimodal texts, including literary texts. We developed the ability to share and elaborate on ideas related to specific topics or texts, using a range of text structures to organize and link our thoughts. We also learned to use language features, including topic-specific vocabulary, literary devices, and features of voice, to enhance the effectiveness of their communication. Through reading and viewing a variety of texts, we developed our skills to comprehend and analyse different types of texts, which may be used to inform or persuade others.

In Christian studies we developed our perspectives on themes from the Bible, focusing on different story each week. We applied our understanding and explore connections between content of the Bible and our everyday lives. We shared and developed our knowledge through writing, discussion, dance, drama and music. We prayed, show kindness and respect to ourselves and each other.

During our nutrition unit, we studied the Australian Dietary Guidelines for recommended food groups and serving sizes.

Year 6L First Semester

In English throughout Term 1 & 2, the students delved into various writing styles, including recounts, information reports, and exposition. They successfully identified the appropriate structure and language to accompany each style. As part of their literary exploration, they read Colin Thiele's renowned novel, Storm Boy, which has been a cherished favorite among both students and even some parents throughout the years.

In the realm of Mathematics, the students covered a range of topics. These included geometric number patterns, mental strategies for multiplication and division, working with timetables, understanding fractions, and employing effective addition and subtraction strategies, among others. They managed to find items in the classroom to measure and record.

During Term 1 & 2 in Science, students explored living organisms and the environment in which they are found, Mrs. C guided the students during term two in their scientific endeavors. They delved into different areas of chemical sciences, such as states of change, reversible and irreversible processes, mixtures and solutions, and a special focus on forms of energy, particularly electrical energy. See image.

Health class provided an opportunity to explore the concept of a growth mindset and the power of positive thinking in nurturing students' mental well-being. Cooperative and group activities emphasized the importance of teamwork, encouraging resilience in the face of failure and fostering a determined spirit were giving up was never an option.

In Christian Studies, the students engaged in a diverse range of topics, all of which were explored during Chapel services. Included in term two were topics such as ‘The Road to Emmaus’ and an encounter with a personal God, the ‘Wedding at Cana’ and Jesus first miracle and ‘Jesus walks on Water’ as an example of keeping faith, to name a few. This unique setting allowed the students to take charge of the services, presenting and addressing the entire school community speaking about the Ascension and Pentecost in the book of Acts.

A wonderful beginning to the year 7’s Secondary school experience

During the semester, the Year 7 students had a variety of enriching experiences both inside and outside the classroom. They actively participated in the school chapel services, which provided them with opportunities for reflection, creativity and exploration in looking at the life of Jesus. Additionally, the students embarked on an exciting school camp at Halls Gap, where they engaged in thrilling activities such as abseiling, canoeing, and archery. These adventures fostered teamwork, courage, and outdoor skills, allowing the students to challenge themselves and develop their self-confidence.

In terms of their academic pursuits, the Year 7 students delved into the study of two captivating novels: "Carrie's War" and "Hatchet." These novels provided them with engaging narratives and thought-provoking themes. In "Carrie's War," the students explored the impact of war on individuals and the importance of resilience and friendship. Through the main character's experiences, they gained insights into the complexities of wartime and the power of personal connections. In "Hatchet," the focus shifted to survival and self-discovery as the protagonist navigated the challenges of being stranded in the wilderness. The students examined themes of resilience, adaptation, and the strength of the human spirit.

Through their study of these novels, the Year 7 students honed their critical thinking skills, developed their empathy, and deepened their understanding of different perspectives. They engaged in meaningful discussions, analysing characters, plot developments, and the broader themes presented in the novels. These literary explorations not only enhanced their reading comprehension and analytical abilities but also fostered a love for literature and storytelling.

Overall, the Year 7 students had a fulfilling semester that encompassed spiritual growth, outdoor adventures, and thought-provoking literary explorations. These experiences provided them with valuable opportunities for personal development, building resilience, and expanding their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

Year 8 – The Story so Far

Semester One has been eventful and adventurous for the Year 8 students, with the students provided many opportunities to grow in their academic and life learning this semester. The Year 8 presentation and teaching about the parable of Prodigal Son saw our students collaborate and learn their lines to communicate a message of hope and redemption to the younger students in Chapel.

Our camp allowed students to get out of their comfort zone and embrace physical challenges such as canoeing and abseiling. Many students embraced these challenges, overcoming their initial fear and growing in confidence and resilience as a result. Students also embraced a number of activities as part of our Harmony Day celebrations. This culminated with all year 7 and 8 students joining hands and dancing a Greek dance they learnt and was a beautiful reflection of unity across our diverse community.

Our learning journey has included the study of two novels. Our first novel, The Arrival by Shaun Tan, explores the immigrant experience, highlighting the struggles faced by those who leave everything behind in search of a better future. Our second novel, “The Giver” by Lois Lowry was a captivating and thought-provoking novel that left students pondering the impact of a world without choice and the value of individuality. It challenged us to consider the importance of personal freedom and the role we play in shaping a society that celebrates diversity and honours the human spirit. These novels taught the students the importance of critical thinking, empathy, responsibility, and the power of taking action to create a more just and compassionate world.

Please take some time to discuss these ideas with your children.

Samantha Leonardis

Secondary Coordinator

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