Grange Primary School Newsletter

From the Principal 

Dear Parents and Caregivers, Konnichiwa!

 

Extra Curricula Activities

What a busy time this term has been. At Grange we have so many additional opportunities for our students to excel and shine. Some of these extra curricula programs are now being finalised and celebrated, including-

  • Sir Oliphant Science Awards
  • Tournament of the Minds
  • Wakakirri
  • Numerous sporting teams and individual representation on district and State groups
  • Sports day
  • Choir
  • Debating
  • Chess
  • Homework club
  • Personal Learning Projects (PLP) and presentations
  • Hirigana competition
  • Instrumental music

 

All of these programs could not run without the support and leadership of our outstanding teaching staff. So many of them give so much extra on top of their classroom/specialist teaching role and in their own time. Fantastic job by our teachers, enabling our students to follow a passion, excel and shine.

 

STEM works opening

Last week the Minister for Education, the Honourable John Gardner officially opened our new STEM works. Student leaders confidently led John and the official party on a tour of the facilities works we have undertaken and showcased classes learning in the new spaces. 

 

John was very impressed by the extent of work across the school that we were able to achieve with the $1,000,000 of funding provided. 

While the new STEM facilities will support each and every one of our 762 students and their teachers, it is the continuous professional learning of teachers that will make the real difference.

 

 

An excellent example of this at Grange is in Mathematics that was recently showcased in a very positive story on the ABC news. Three of our year 6/7 students James, Ashden and Ellie summarised the key messages so well. 

Messages of-

  • The importance of Mathematics in the world around us and the world of work
  • Engagement in real life problem solving
  • Progress in student achievement

The attached link shows the ABC news story.  (This will take you to a SugarSync  file  to download and enjoy.)    

 

IMG_3532.TRIM.MOV (18.28 MB)

 

Preparing our students for this ever changing world requires us as a system, school and class teacher to best prepare our students to be the best they can be in this uncertain world. Text book and completion of sheets of numerical problems that is the same for all students is not going to be successful.

 

Real problem solving on tasks such as “designing your dream backyard” requires application of many mathematical skills- measurement, calculating, estimating, area, perimeter, volume and much more. Engaging, fun and deep learning in action.

 

Regards, Grant

 

Grant Small, Principal

Grange Primary School