Specialist Happenings

Performing Arts

This term the level 5 students have been busy developing and refining their own short plays, aiming to create satisfying dramatic experiences for their audience. They have been focusing on dramatic technique, and story structure using the Hero's Journey/Story Circe model as the basis for their shows. 

Stemming from the work of mythographer Joseph Campbell, the hero's journey is a template used by storytellers of all persuasions, playwrights, screenwriters, novelists, poets etc. to create satisfying narratives and character arcs.

There are many learned treatises that explore the construct in great depth, but if you've got a spare 7 mins, here is one fantastic resource that I shared with the students last term:

Excelsior!

Mr Scherpenhuizen

Visual arts

It's all happening in the art room! We are full steam ahead, experimenting with new mediums and techniques. For the past fortnight we have been learning about, designing and completing many of the children’s first ever printmaking work. Printing is a wonderful technique that is easily adapted for classes of any age and each level has been on a wonderful journey of discovery throughout the process. There is a palpable sense of excitement and pride in the students as each print is revealed. 

In addition to this, the year 6 students worked hard in creating their personal tags using recycled newspaper. This exercise allowed them to see that art can be created using old materials, creativity and ingenuity. 

We have also had a wonderful time discussing my current exhibition that is on display at 26 Advantage Rd. They have many questions about how I have put the exhibition together and what it's like to have one.  

Doing activities, such as printmaking, that are unknown to the children, and using recycled materials, demonstrates the scope of the art world. I love being a part of helping them realise just how creative they are and what is possible. 

Their work, so far this term has been amazing!

Live creatively,

Jo

CONGRATULATIONS!

Two of our talented level 3 students Charlie Derrick and Charlotte Ibbotson-Cross have been named as finalists in the 2024 Bayside Council Ellen Jose Student Reconciliation Awards. Their thoughtful and creative artworks about 'What reconciliation means to me!' were chosen from over 200 entries, and will be on display in the Corporate Centre of the Sandringham Offices from 25th May to 29th July. 

The Ellen José Student Reconciliation Awards honours the life of Torres Strait Elder Ellen José (1951 - 2017). Ellen was a pioneer in Australia's urban Indigenous art movement and a radical activist and social justice campaigner. Her contribution to the arts and Bayside was outstanding and inspirational in raising awareness of reconciliation.

The winners will be announced at a flag raising Ceremony on Saturday 25th May. We wish Charlie and Charlotte all the best, and also warmly acknowledge all the students at SEPS who took part in developing understandings and actively connecting to reconciliation through visual art.

Well done all!

Julie Van Etten

Mandarin

Prep students have been exploring nature-themed vocabulary such as "flower," "tree," and "sun." They've been practicing writing the Chinese characters for "big" and "small" while also mastering how to use them correctly.

Year 3 and 4 students have been expanding their vocabulary, exploring a range of food terms. Moreover, to showcase their learning, they've collaborated to create a catchy rap song celebrating their love for food and sharing their likes and dislikes.

Physical Education

Our Foundation to Grade 2 students have been kicking their skills up a notch! With a keen focus on dribbling the ball and kicking towards targets.  One of the highlights has been introducing a fun game called "Human Goal Posts," where teamwork and goal-scoring strategies come into play.

Grade 3 to Grade 6 students are mastering athletic skills like long jump, sprinting, and discus throwing. They're using slow-motion videos to analyse their techniques and improve, taking charge of their progress and self-assessing against our Learning Intentions and Success criteria. 

House Cross Country Event

Our recent House Cross Country event was a huge success! 

On Wednesday, May 2nd, our Year 3 to Year 6 students headed to Spring Street Oval to represent their houses in the long-distance running event.

Everyone gave it their all, running either a 2km or 3km course depending on their age. We saw some amazing efforts from the top 15 runners, but we also want to give a big shoutout to everyone who kept going and showed great sportsmanship.

Congratulations to Esperance House, who clinched the winning title this year! Well done to all the Esperance House members!

Thanks to all the students who took part, the staff who helped on the day, and the parents and guardians who cheered everyone on. Your support made the day awesome!