Senior School News

We hope you all had a lovely Mother’s Day spent with family and special friends. 

Weeks 4 and 5 have been an exciting and busy time for our 5/6s. We continued on with our Youth Leadership Program, took part in a netball incursion run by the Melbourne Vixens last Wednesday, progressed along with many Madagascar Jr rehearsals, and spent Friday morning celebrating Mother’s Day. 

LITERACY

Students have adapted fantastically to our new Science of Reading-based literacy program. Applying skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening into the 2-hour sessions daily, 5/6s have blown us away with their knowledge, but also with their willingness to take on this challenge. Incorporating a different picture book weekly into our sessions brings about new vocabulary, lesson focuses and activities, and the children are exhibiting great mastery for such a new concept. 

This week also marks week four of our seven week debating program. The Youth Leadership Program. They have done a fantastic job so far with planning, collaborating, writing and delivering their debates. We can’t wait for the grand final in the last week of Term 2 where parents will be invited to come along and watch. 

MATHS

Students wrapped up their learning on collecting, representing and interpreting data last week. They showed great improvement in their knowledge of all sorts of graph types, but also how to apply this knowledge using technology (Google Sheets) and how to spot a misleading graph. This week, we have moved forward with our next topic of Fractions and Decimals. We will focus on a range of understandings, including conversion of fractions into decimals and percentages, finding a common denominator and solving problems with similar and common denominators. 

INQUI-RE

During our previous two weeks in Inqui-RE, students have been learning about their individual ecological footprints and the impact this has on the state of our planet. They have also been exploring all the things that can change or affect our ecological footprint and the things we can do to make it smaller. We also learned about different forms of energy; renewable and non-renewable energy types. In addition, we had a look at man made and natural types of materials. 

In RE, we have been discussing our Catholic Journey in the way of the seven sacraments. Students have been exploring the sacraments, what they are, why they are important, symbols and rituals that are involved, and what the sacraments mean to us as Catholics. We have also made connections between sustainability for our planet and our Catholic faith.

SEL

In Social and Emotional Learning, one of the key focuses over the last two weeks has been on teaching our students how to work collaboratively with each other. Collaborative work is not only a valuable skill in school but also an essential skill for their future endeavours. By learning to work together, our students develop crucial communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. These skills are vital as they prepare to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future. 

Additionally, we have been guiding students in developing problem-solving skills. Problem-solving is a skill that empowers children to tackle challenges with confidence and creativity. Whether it's resolving conflicts with peers, finding solutions to academic tasks, or facing real-world problems, problem-solving skills are invaluable for success in all areas of life.

MADAGASCAR JR

Rehearsals are full steam ahead for our upcoming musical in Term 3! Our cast are simultaneously learning lyrics and melodies, blocking scenes and absorbing choreography like professionals. The Atrium has been marked out to the dimensions of the Madeleine Centre for Music and Performing Arts at Genazzano FCJ College, where students are getting a feel for the size of the stage they will be performing on in four months time. They should be commended for their efforts both at school during rehearsals, at lunchtimes and at home for working so diligently on their roles. 

Have a great week.

From Miss Perrin, Mr Brophy and Miss Kudelka 😀