Specialist Updates
Art
Stella Maris Art Show
It has been a busy couple of weeks getting the Stella Maris Art Show up and running, and we are so proud of the wonderful display of student artwork!
Each and every student should be congratulated on their artistic contributions. Their artworks beautifully highlight the skills, techniques and creativity they have developed throughout their learning.
Our students have been inspired by a range of mentor artists, using their ideas and approaches to spark their own imagination, creativity and artistic expression. It has been wonderful to see students take these inspirations and transform them into unique and meaningful artworks.
We are incredibly proud of the effort, enthusiasm and creativity shown by all of our students. Well done to every young artist who contributed to making our Art Show such a wonderful celebration of creativity and learning!
STEM
Over the past fortnight, our Prep - Year 2 STEM explorers have been investigating what happens when rubbish doesn’t make it into the bin. Students discovered how wind and rain can carry rubbish into drains, rivers and eventually the ocean. We then learnt about the Great Garbage Patch, looked at real photographs and tested our knowledge with a fun True or False game! To finish, students became STEM engineers and designed their own Rubbish Catchers to catch rubbish before it could reach the ocean. There were lots of creative ideas, problem-solving and teamwork along the way!
The Years 3–4 students have become Clothing Detectives! They investigated a range of clothing to discover where our clothes are made and what materials they are made from. Students discovered that two common materials are cotton and polyester. We then took a closer look at the life cycle of these materials, following their journey from raw materials all the way to the clothes we wear. It has been fantastic seeing students ask questions, investigate labels and uncover the story behind clothing!
Our Years 5–6 students have been taking a closer look at the life cycle of cotton, polyester and nylon. Students discovered the similarities and differences between the life cycles of these three materials before digging deeper into their environmental impacts. They explored how our clothing choices can affect the environment and have been left wondering... is there actually a “perfect” material?. We can touch it. We can wear it. But how much do we really know about its journey?”
Italian
Prep students have developed more confidence in naming body parts in Italian as they practise these words in games and songs. They have begun to prepare for next term’s Italian day by learning one of the five songs that will be performed in our Italian Day Incursion in Term 4.
Years One and Two students have enjoyed exploring the unusual style of the Italian artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo who painted portraits that contained flowers, fruits, vegetables and other objects. They have created their own versions of his art work through a board game called Roll an Arcimboldo. This game has given them more practise in naming and asking for fruits or vegetables to consolidate their learning.
They have begun to prepare for next term’s Italian day by beginning to learn two of the songs that will be performed in our Italian Day Incursion in Term 4.
Years Three and Four students have been working hard to complete their art reports on two selected art works by one of the artists we have learnt about this term. They have demonstrated their ability to name the art work, artist and give a reason for why they like or dislike it. Some students have also read their report to the teacher to practise their pronunciation of Italian words.
They have begun to prepare for next term’s Italian day by beginning to learn one of the songs that will be performed in our Italian Day Incursion in Term 4.
Years Five and Six have proudly displayed their completed wanted posters in the Italian room and are enjoying seeing the different characters and celebrities described by their classmates. They have briefly explored the unique style of the Italian Artist Amedeo Modigliani and used their newly acquired describing skills to discuss one of the subjects in his portraits.
They have begun to prepare for next term’s Italian day by beginning to learn one of the songs that will be performed in our Italian Day Incursion in Term 4.
Performing Arts
Our Foundation students have been busy developing their musical skills through beat and rhythm activities on the xylophone. They are learning to keep a steady beat, explore different rhythms and experiment with creating their own melodies. It has been wonderful to hear the beautiful and melodious sounds filling the classroom as our young musicians confidently explore their instruments. 🎵
The Year 1 and 2 students have begun playing glockenspiels. They have been introduced to the notes in the treble clef and practised playing the C scale on their instruments. They have also enjoyed learning to play the song Hot Cross Buns and are slowly increasing the speed at which they can play it. The Year Two’s have also discussed the difference between the beat of this song and the melody or rhythm.
Year 3 have completed activities to practise reading the notes of the Treble Clef. After having explored and created their own ostinatos, the students have learnt about the composers Hans Zimmer and John Williams who have composed some of the most recognised movie themes which contain ostinatos. We enjoyed hearing samples of their work such as music from Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lion King. We are excited to begin learning to play one or more of these on the glockenspiels.
Year 4 students are continuing to increase their skills in playing the recorder. They have now been introduced to a fourth note - the High C and have attempted to play a song that uses all four notes.
Years Five and Six have been learning the chord of F on the ukulele. They have been completing practice activities where they strum the chords they have learnt and change between them. Our focus has been to perfect changing from F to Am.
Physical Education
It has been a very busy fortnight for Years 5 and 6 students . Our Senior Boys Basketball Team competed in the Cheltenham District Basketball Championship and were undefeated. They demonstrated great skills, teamwork, determination and great sportsmanship to win the championships and will progress to the Kingston Division Finals on 22 October. We were all so proud of the team - congratulations!
All Year 3-6 students have also been focusing on their athletic skills and practising track and field events in preparation for the District Athletics Carnival on Monday 14 September. Students have been jumping, throwing and running with a very special focus on their Circular Relay Baton handover preparation. Wishing all students who are representing Stella Maris at the Athletics Carnival the very best.
The Prep, Year 1 and 2 students are continuing their skills development unit on AFL. With talk and excitement centering around the AFL finals, students have been keen to practise and finesse their handballing technique. Kicking and marking skills will be the focus until the end of Term 3.
Library
Congratulations to all of our students, staff, siblings, grandparents and other interested buyers in supporting our Jungle Themed Book Fair.
Louise Moore,
Library Technician