Lower Primary

Term 2

It has been very busy in Lower Primary with varied activities, community visitors, and excursions that have assisted students to reinforce and extend their knowledge and understanding about their community. They have particularly enjoyed the real life experiences of visiting the fire station and meeting fire-fighters, police and nurses. They have found out a great deal about the jobs that they do and how they contribute to the community.

The fire-fighters talked about their jobs and showed the special equipment that they use to put out fires. Students practiced the Stop, Drop, Cover and Roll, and Crawl Down Low and Go Go Go procedures. They also learnt about other safety measures which included the importance of making a family fire plan and having smoke alarms in the house. Students listened to the sound that the smoke alarm made so that is was familiar to them. The emergency number 000 along with when and how to use this number was also reinforced. As always, climbing on the fire truck, listening to the siren, seeing the flashing lights and spraying the fire hose were the highlights. To further emphasize the work the fire-fighters do several classes visited the Thomastown Fire Station where they got to see a fire station in operation. Students watched a fireman climb a very high ladder and use the fire hose from way up high. At the station, they once again got to use the fire hose and this time, hold a fire-fighters axe.

There were also two police visits. Tracey, a police officer from Diamond Creek and Andrew a highway patrol officer. Andrew is the grandfather of Aidan and James so this was an extra special visit for them. Both officers talked to students about their jobs, the equipment they used and what they do to keep the community safe. Students got to investigate the police cars, one of which was a green highway patrol car. It was all very exciting especially when the flashing lights and sirens were on.

Amanda’s sister Nicky, who is a nurse also came to school to tell the prep students all about the work she does, the equipment she uses and the uniform she wears. Students got to listen to each other’s heart with a stethoscope, put on an oxygen mask and bandage broken bones, cuts and Rosemary, the school nurse also came to work with other classes about what her job at school is.

These prep classes have set up a variety of play areas over the course of the unit to coincide the community helper they are focusing on. This week it was the dental surgery all equipped with a waiting room, appointment book, dentist chair, bibs, protective glasses and dental equipment. Students have being role playing being the dentist or the patient. I’m sure you can guess which is the most popular.

 During all these community helper visits students asked and answered questions which showed a growing knowledge and understanding about the jobs these people do to support us.

So much learning comes from students having the opportunity to listen, watch, ask questions, explore and play which in turn helps them to make links and connections to the world in which they live.

Our Mother’s Day celebrations are one of the very special events on Lower Primary’s calendar. Whether it is the first celebration or one of many that has been attended by Mums it is always an experience that is fondly remembered. The students put so much love and care into making presents, cards, afternoon tea and the performance for their very special person ……Mum. It was great to see not only Mums but Grandmas, Aunties and significant others attend. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Education Week was an opportunity for Lower Primary to showcase the work we are doing for students to help ensure healthy minds and bodies. Many parents visited Lower Primary to participate in activities inside and outside the classroom. Some even had the opportunity to work on special projects with their children in the Discovery Centre. Thank you to those parents who assisted with the making of  fruit platters for students to have at play time further supporting the healthy mind and bodies theme.  Our students were thrilled to have visitors, particularly their parents at school and loved sharing special activities and a healthy morning tea with them. 

The theme for National Reconciliation Week was 'Let's Take the Next Steps'. These are the steps that we take to value, respect and celebrate our first nations peoples and cultures. In recognition of this, the parents and brother of Piltenggi, one of our prep students came to school to tell us about their aboriginal history and stories through a dance performance. Students learned about the symbols on the aboriginal and Torres Straight Island flag, listened to the didgeridoo, learnt some aboriginal words and participated in a range of dances that depicted the kangaroo, emu, crocodile and brolga. Piltenggi did an amazing job teaching everyone about his heritage and culture. He especially enjoyed playing the rhythm sticks and dancing with his family and friends. Our students were so engaged by this performance and did some great dancing. Some even chose to have their faces painted with traditional ochre.  Lower Primary students and staff thank Piltenggi's family for coming to school and sharing their stories with us.

Kath Moore,

Assistant Principal - Watsonia Campus