Performing Arts

We've had an awesomely busy couple of weeks in Performing Arts. Students across the school have jumped enthusiastically into their keyboard learning and musical skill development. It has been wonderful to see students building confidence, trying new challenges and enjoying hands-on musical experiences.

Grade Prep students have been busy discovering the keyboard by learning to find C, D and E. They loved using the giant keyboard mat and colourful note discs to play interactive games before exploring the same notes on the real keyboards. Visiting the keyboard room had continued to be a highlight for many of our youngest musicians.

Grade 1 students have been developing their understanding of the keyboard by learning to identify all of the keys and beginning to read notes on the treble stave. Through a range of fun and interactive music games, students have been strengthening their note recognition skills while building confidence and excitement around reading music.

Students in Grades 2–5 have been working hard in the keyboard room, labelling their sheet music and practicing their performance pieces. It has been fantastic to see students showing persistence, focus and growing independence as they continue to improve their playing skills each week.

Grade 6 students have now completed their instrument masterclasses and should be very proud of the skills they have developed. They are excited and ready to move into their specialised choice units, where they will continue exploring music through areas of personal interest and creativity.

Physical Education

Students have been learning about the different athletic events that are held in the olympics. Depending on the weather we have had students participate in long jump, 400m sprint, shot put or high jump.

The 5/6 students have been participating in interschool sport every Friday morning. The mornings have been a fun successful time where the students have been playing against other schools in the district.

A reminder that the 4-6 Athletics day is on Thursday June 18th being held at Keilor Athletics Park. We are still looking for parent volunteers so if you can help out please send me an email at dane.barun@education.vic.gov.au

🏉 Term 2 AFL Auskick & Superkick at Sunshine Heights PS — Registrations Open!

We’re excited to bring the fun of footy back to Sunshine Heights Primary School for Term 2 with our Auskick & Superkick Centre!

These programs are a fantastic way for kids to get active, learn new skills and build confidence through fun, game-based footy sessions held right at school.

Auskick (Ages 4–7)

A fun introduction to footy focused on play, movement and basic skills.

👉 Register here: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/78d950

Superkick (Ages 7–12)

Perfect for kids who want to build skills and play more game-style footy with friends.

👉 Register here: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/860651

🎁 All participants receive an official Auskick or Superkick pack full of great AFL footy goodies.

All skill levels welcome — come along, have fun and give footy a go! 🏉

Contact the office if you have any questions.

Spanish

Preps have continued learning new vocabulary through song in our unit "Las Partes del Cuerpo" (The Parts of the Body), learning the parts of the face and how to label them in Spanish. Preps have had fun trying not to get tricked by the teacher while we leave some parts out when singing the song. But they're too clever for me!

Twilight School offered a wonderful opportunity to have extra helping hands and the Preps enjoyed making their own paper "Esqueletos" (Skeletons) that move.

Muchas gracias to the awesome parents who came and worked with small groups.

Years 1 and 2 have continued learning new vocabulary about clothing using vocabulary from Term 1. Students have started making sentences using "Me pongo" (I put on).

Students have practised new vocabulary through a weather and clothing song, "U La La" and have started labelling pictures in Spanish!

Years 3 and 4 have continued learning new vocabulary through our "Tema" (unit): "El Calendario". Students have become experts at the day of the week, reciting them with no visual aids! Students have begun to learn the months of the year in Spanish and recorded them in their "cuadernos de espanol" (Spanish workbooks) ordering them by seasons using colour-coding.

Years 5 and 6 have done an amazing job remembering and naming all 21 Spanish-speaking countries of the world. They have now started naming the 4 continents containing Spanish-speaking countries in Spanish too. Students created their own sentence to explain that there are 4 continents in the world where Spanish is spoken; very impressive!

Students have now started becoming experts at naming the Spanish-speaking flags too.

I am so proud!

STEM

Visual Arts

Wow I can not believe it is already week 4 down, there has been so much great, bright and vibrant art work happening in the art room. All students across the school have been working extra hard on some amazing pieces.

Preps: Self Portraits: Cool Colours & Patterns

This term in Visual Arts, our Prep students created bright and funky self-portraits while exploring the elements of line, pattern, and colour. Students learned about the difference between cool and warm colours and focused on using cool colours such as blues, greens, and purples throughout their artworks.

Using fine liners, students experimented with a variety of lines and repeating patterns to add detail and personality to their portraits. They then used watercolours to carefully paint their work, learning important techniques such as brush control, colour blending, and how to use the correct amount of water to create different effects.

The students showed wonderful creativity and enthusiasm as they explored colour and pattern in their unique self-portraits. Their finished artworks were full of expression, imagination, and vibrant detail!

Grade 1/2: Fish Kites

The last 2 weeks our Grade 1 and 2 students continued their “art around the world” journey, travelling to Asia to explore the vibrant and playful tradition of fish kites.

Students learned that fish kites are popular in several Asian countries and are often inspired by cultural celebrations. In particular, we explored how fish, especially carp, symbolise strength, perseverance, and good fortune. These kites are loved by children for their bright colours, flowing movement, and the excitement of seeing them fly in the wind.

Throughout the lesson, students developed their creativity, fine motor skills, and understanding of how art connects to culture and storytelling. They showed great enthusiasm in experimenting with textures and materials to bring their fish kites to life.

Grade 3/4: Henna

This term, the Grade 3 and 4 students explored the beautiful cultural art tradition of Henna (also known as mehndi). Students learned that henna is a form of temporary body art used in many cultures around the world during celebrations such as weddings and festivals.

Using inspiration from traditional henna patterns, students created their own detailed “Henna Hands” artworks on paper. They explored the use of line, pattern, repetition, and symmetry while carefully designing intricate shapes, flowers, dots, and flowing vines.

Some students who use henna in their own cultures shared amazing facts and personal experiences with the class. Students learned that henna can take many hours to apply, is often used during important celebrations, and traditionally fades over time. These discussions helped students make meaningful connections between art, culture, and community while celebrating the diversity within our classroom. A big shout out to Tessa from 3A for sharing all her knowledge with the grade.

Grade 5/6: Japanese Mountain Landscapes

This week in Visual Arts, the Grade 5 and 6 students explored the beauty of Asian-inspired art by creating peaceful mountain landscapes influenced by traditional Japanese painting styles. Students learned how artists use simplicity, balance, and careful composition to capture the feeling and atmosphere of nature.

Using black charcoal and fine liner, students experimented with shading, blending, and soft mark-making techniques to create misty mountain scenes. They explored how to layer shapes to show depth through the foreground, middle ground, and background, while adding delicate details such as trees, birds, and traditional Japanese-inspired buildings.

Throughout the lesson, students developed their understanding of tone, texture, and composition. They were encouraged to work thoughtfully and carefully to create calm and atmospheric artworks that reflected the beauty of natural landscapes.

Do you want to come in and be a classroom helper?

Are you able to do some framing of work for the art show?

If it’s a yes please come and have a chat with me at school pick up, I am always out on yard duty at this time.

Also I am looking for artists, performers and musicians within the school community please, please reach out if you are one as I really want to involve you in this year's artshow.

Thank you very much

Lauren Jamieson

Visual Arts Teacher

Allied Health

Art Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Speech Pathology