Specialists 

Auslan

Grade 1 and 2

Year 1 students will continue to practice their alphabet, and will begin exploring numbers this week. Through games, movement and repetition, students will practice recognising fingerspelled words, signing simple fingerspelled words and recognising and signing numbers 1-10.

Year 2 students will build on their recent learning by practising simple conversations in Auslan. They will ask and answer basic questions (such as likes and dislikes) and practice signing numbers. Partner activities and games will help students grow confidence using Auslan with others.

Grade 3 and 4

This week in Auslan, the Grade 3 and 4 students will explore the important connection between language, culture and identity. Through videos, discussions and reflection activities, students will learn about Deaf culture, the role of Auslan within the Deaf community, and the different ways Deaf and hard of hearing people communicate and connect with others. Students will consider what makes up their own identity and reflect on how language can help people feel a sense of belonging and community.

Grade 5 and 6

This week in Auslan, Grade 5 and 6 students will explore the role of Auslan and the Deaf community in contemporary Australian society. Through videos, class discussions and inquiry activities, students will investigate where Auslan is used, how it is passed from one generation to the next, and why it is important to preserve and promote Australia's signed language. Students will also learn about Deaf culture and identity, considering how language helps build community, connection and a sense of belonging.

Visual Arts

Clay and Chardonnay pieces

The clay pieces from our Clay and Chardonnay fundraiser have had their first firing and are now being glazed ready for their second firing. 

Thankyou for your patience, they are going to look amazing and we will let you know asap when they are ready for pick up!

Puppets!

Puppet making in all year levels is developing well with lots of characters coming to life across the school. Here is some progress photos from week 1 and 2...

In the classroom this week...

Prep students will be making a puppet using recycled supplies and craft materials, such as bamboo sticks, plastic balls and fabric.

Grade 1 and 2 students will be starting a clay project as a present for their Dad’s Father’s Day gift. They will create coil shapes and stack them focussing on adhering them together by slipping and scoring.

Grade 3 and 4 students will be making a ceramic monster character. They will start with the pinch pot shape and slip and score some eyes, feet and a tongue.

Grade 5 students will begin to create their hand puppet as a gift for their new Prep Buddy. They will design a character of the choice and create a symmetrical pattern to transfer onto fabric or felt.

Grade 6 students will continue to create a hand-held puppet using recycled materials. They will focus on accessories that give their puppet character and personality.  

Performing Arts

Over the coming weeks, students will be bringing the puppets they created in Art into Performing Arts lessons as they explore drama, develop characters and create original puppet performances.

Prep students are continuing their introduction to drama by bringing a familiar fairy tale to life. As the story is read aloud, they will use their expressive skills, including voice, movement and imagination, to become the characters and act out key moments from the story.

Grade 1 and 2 students are using the puppets they created last week in Performing Arts. They are experimenting with different puppet voices and movements to develop unique characters before working with a partner to perform simple puppet conversations and short scenes.

Grade 3 and 4 students are completing their own paper hand puppets before exploring how to communicate emotion, personality and focus through puppetry. They will use these skills to collaboratively devise and rehearse an original puppet performance.

Grade 5 and 6 students are working in groups with their large Bunraku-style paper puppets, exploring the puppetry principles of breath, weight and focus. They are refining their expressive skills and applying these conventions to devise and perform a short scene in which their puppet performs everyday actions with realistic, human-like movement.

Physical Education

Physical Education classes have continued to build on students' athletics skills as we move closer to our Athletics Day. Throughout the week, students have been refining their techniques in a variety of running, jumping and throwing events, with a strong focus on improving their personal performances while demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and encouragement towards their classmates. It has been fantastic to see students growing in confidence and striving to achieve their personal bests.

Our Prep–Grade 2 gymnastics program will resume this week after last week's lesson was unfortunately cancelled due to industrial action. We are pleased to have secured a replacement session on Thursday 27 August, ensuring all students will still receive the full program. We look forward to seeing our younger students continue to develop their balance, coordination, strength and body control through a range of fun and engaging gymnastics activities.