IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Exploring New Horizons: Adventures in Kinder

By Kirsty Meese (ELC Director & 4yo Kinder Teacher) & Jane Bartholomeusz (3yo Kinder Teacher) 

We have had a great start to our Three-Year-Old-Kinder year with lots of learning taking place, adjusting to being in a new environment, getting to know the other children and teachers and joining in with the kinder routine. 

We had our first experience leaving the kinder room as a group and walking to the Discovery Centre for our first library visit. Before we left the room we talked about the importance of staying together and we practiced walking around the room staying behind Mrs Bart and in front of Mrs Esmore. When we arrived at the library the children were introduced to Mrs Little and Mrs Weller. 

Mrs Weller explained how to choose a book, take it to the desk, line up to wait for your turn, give the book to the librarian and say your name, wait for your book to be stamped, put your book in your library bag and in the trolley. The children used their listening skills and developed their sense of agency following all these instructions and steps.

In Four-Year-Old-Kinder, we’ve been on a variety of adventures around the school grounds, meeting new staff members and developing our confidence as we leave the ELC Space. We’ve met the administration team and were surprised at the amount of office gadgets that they have on their desks that they could show us globes, “No” buttons, mini basketball games, fluffy pens and dinging bells. We’ve learnt that Primary School have an upside-down fridge (the fridge is at the bottom and the freezer is at the top) and met a number of primary school teachers. We’ve explored the Senior Learning Centre (SLC) where we have seen some very tall students. 

We've also begun to find the joy in turning our ideas into reality at the crafting table using sticky tape and glue, learning how to mix colours as well as going on adventures to Bush Kinder, and if that wasn't enough excitement we've also began our specialist subjects (French, Science and Music) and can already say hello and goodbye in French! 

It's looking like we’ve got a fantastic year ahead of us!

Student Agency and Problem Solving

By Cathleen Baker (Head of Primary School) 

Recently, we noticed some conflicts arising in the Primary Oval area due to overlapping games and space issues among students. When teachers intervened, it didn't lead to the desired outcomes for the Year 5 and 6 students. Students were encouraged to initiate a conversation about it. A student approached Mrs Barker, requesting further discussions to resolve the matter.

Following this, each Year 5 and 6 class selected two representatives for a lunchtime brainstorming session aimed at finding a solution. The students demonstrated thoughtfulness, inclusivity, and creativity in their ideas. They proposed an Oval Rotation plan along with behaviour guidelines, which were then approved by our Primary School Leadership Team. This plan will be implemented starting Monday, February 23rd. 

At the end of the term, the students will reconvene with Mrs Barker to evaluate the plan's success and make any necessary adjustments. It's truly a fantastic solution and process that demonstrates the collaborative effort between our students and leadership in Primary School.

Secondary House Swimming Makes a Splash!

By Bronwyn Maidment (Secondary Sports Coordinator) 

On Tuesday, BHCS Secondary students journeyed to Lilydale Outdoor Pool, for the annual Swimming Carnival. We were blessed with an incredible new venue and a perfect sunny day where students were commended for the excellence displayed in the pool. 

We were also treated to a staff versus students relay race where the Staff team proved unbeatable this year. 

Congratulations to Yarra House who were crowned overall carnival Champions by 2 points! 

We would also like to congratulate the following students who were awarded Age Group Champion for the most points individually gained in their age group.

Primary School Musical ‘Seussical Jr.’ Underway!

By Chris Knop (Primary Musical Director) 

It is with great excitement that I announce the production of ‘Seussical Jr.’ is officially underway at Belgrave Heights Christian School! After a fantastic round of auditions and careful consideration, the casting is now complete, and the rehearsals are scheduled to start this week!

A huge congratulations to our talented cast members!

Emmy H as The Cat in the Hat

Sienna S as Jojo

Chris A as Horton

Austin B as Mr. Mayor

Maelie D as Mrs Mayor

Grace H as Gertrude McFuzz

Ivy I as Mayzie La Bird

Flora C as the Sour Kangaroo

Felicity C as the Young Kangaroo

Ayden D, Henry M, Ben W, and Jack C as The Wickersham Brothers

Matilda S, Sienna F, Audrey S, Lilia L, Paige G and Lucy M as The Bird Girls

Cierra B, Kaley O, Annabelle S, Amelie M, Lucia F, Indie D as The Whos

Flynn F as the Grinch

Will R as Vlad Vladikoff

Mitch H as Judge Yertle the Turtle

Ada E and Angelique E as Thing 1 and Thing 2

The whole Primary School will play a part in making the evening of the show a huge success. The students in Years Prep to 2 will kick off the night, providing the pre-show entertainment. Students in Years 3 to 6 will help bring the music of ‘Seussical Jr’ to life playing the vital role of the ensemble.

Parents who would like to be involved will be invited to contribute in various ways such as making or altering costumes/props/sets/face painting, etc.

Stay tuned for further updates as we prepare for the big performance. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.