Specialist Team News

Performing Arts

Prep : The Preps were introduced to the Performing Arts room in week 6. We have started with the introduction to the key elements of Music, first Rhythm and Beat along with Dynamics. The children have been learning to identify loud and soft and last week learnt the musical terms piano ( soft) and forte ( loud). As well as being introduced to percussion instruments ( claves, castanets, shakers and bells ) to accompanying a short piece of music, an ensemble whilst into the piece as directed. Many budding musicians on the horizon.  

Year 1: Students have finished the term with a jam session, singing, dancing and playing the African songs, they have learnt this term. They are: Funga Alafia, Kwa Heri, Zimbole and Kye Kye Kule.

Year 2: Students can sing the song called “Poor Old Cinderella” and have learnt the percussion and marimba parts for this song. Some groups have also worked on creating actions to go with each verse.  

 Grade 3/4 – Students have been learning about songs and music styles from the Caribbean. They have listened and played reggae music and have been working on playing the chorus of “Havana” from Cuba in 3 parts on the marimbas.

Grade 5/6 – Students have been learning about polyrhythms and their purpose of making music more interesting to listen to and play. They have played the “Taco Bell Canon” in 4 different parts and have started learning how to play “Da Coconut Song” which is also in multiple parts.

Music Clubs

Choir

Thank you to all the parents who have returned permission notes. Next term we will vote on the T-shirt designs submitted by the 3/ 4 ,and 5/ 6  students in the choir. Once it has been selected , families will receive a notification on Compass about the purchase of the choir T-shirt Our sessions include a vocal warm up , then we sing through and learn the correct pitch , timing and lyrics of the selected songs. Our song list includes , The Willy Kids Song, Ging Gang Gooli, Try Everything and last week we had a quick sing through  of Inanay.  all the songs are aavialble on Youtube, except The Willy Kids Song. 

Rehearsals are held on Wednesday lunchtimes.

Marimba Band   

The Marimba Band name has been selected for this year. The Band will be known as The Rhythm Makers. Congratulations also to Joella L who has joined the band.

Rock Band

The Rock Band has also selected their name for this year. They will be known as The Tide Breakers. 

Music T Shirts – Colours and designs are currently being considered by our students for our three performing groups. Once the details have been finalised, an order form will be put on Compass for ordering T shirts. This will take place next term.

Warm regards,

Faye Ferry & Lynne Georgiadis

Performing Arts Teachers   

Physical Education

Fortnightly Curriculum Focus in Physical Education – End of Term 1

As we wrap up a fantastic first term of PE, students will be finishing their athletics units with a focus on refining their skills and celebrating their progress.

• Prep: Engaging in fun movement challenges that reinforce running, jumping, and balancing skills.
• Year 1 & 2: Applying jumping and landing techniques in creative movement activities.
• Grade 3/4: Completing the long jump unit by focusing on technique and consistency.
• Grade 5/6: Wrapping up high jump, building confidence in their run-up, take-off, and clearance.

We’ll also take time to reflect on the skills learned this term and enjoy some connection-focused activities to celebrate the end of Term 1!

Sports Update

A massive congratulations to Danica G, who won her Breaststroke event at the Western Metropolitan Region Swimming Championships and has now qualified for the State Finals! This is an incredible achievement, and we wish her all the best as she prepares to compete at the highest level. Nicholas F and Samantha T also swam brilliantly, putting in outstanding performances despite just missing out on progression. Well done to all three swimmers!

In the Summer Interschool Sport Grand Finals, our Mixed Basketball, Mixed Cricket, and Girls' Tee-Ball teams came away as District Champions! These teams will now move on to the Division Finals later in the year, where they’ll take on the best teams from other districts. We are so proud of their efforts and can’t wait to see them in action again!

That’s a wrap on Term 1—what an amazing start to the year! Have a great break, and we’ll see you all in Term 2 for another exciting term of PE and sport.

Warm Regards,

Paddy Gallivan (Physical Education)

Visual Arts

Wow! Term 1 has been very busy in the Art Room!!! Well done to all the students for all the amazing artwork they have created this term.  I’ve included some artwork highlight photos for you to enjoy. Have a safe and happy holiday everyone.

Hobsons Bay 5x7 Art Competition 

A huge congratulations to all the students who participated in the Hobsons Bay 5x7 art competition! We won second place and I’m so proud of the hard work these students put into making their mini canvases. I’ve included each student’s artwork in this week’s newsletter and I will be taking lots of photos at the exhibition on Saturday 5th April where Williamstown Primary School will be awarded our $100 Atelier voucher. The official presentation will take place this Saturday at 2pm at the Louis Joel Gallery in Altona. The exhibition is open over the holidays and would be a fun activity for you to see artwork from across Hobsons Bay.

***Just a reminder to bring in your Art smocks. Please hand them into your classroom teacher for storage. I recommend an old, oversized t-shirt or shirt with your child’s name on it. 

Warm Regards,

Marcia Evans (Visual Art)