Wonga Weeklies

Specialists 

Week 1, Term 3

Performing Arts

Welcome back to Term Three! It will be a busy and exciting time in Performing Arts, with our production of Matilda Jr. taking place on September 3 and 4. Students in Prep and Grades 3–6 are involved in what is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the term.

 

Prep

Students will continue to learn one of their production songs; 'When I Grow Up'. They will listen to the composer speak about what the song means and explore how the song includes echoes. Students will also begin to learn the actions to the song.

 

Grade 1 and 2

Students will start this term with a focus on drama. They will explore using their voices, bodies, and imaginations to share stories about their holidays through drama games and movement activities.

 

Grade 3 and 4

Students will review their Matilda Jr. songs which they have learnt so far and start to learn the actions to 'Hammer'. They will also begin to learn their next song; 'Smell of Rebellion'.

 

Grade 5 and 6

Students will review their Matilda Jr. songs which they have learnt so far. They will also begin to learn their next songs, including 'Revolting Children'.

 

 

 

STEM

The second half of classes will now have STEM lessons for the remainder of the year. Students will learn the procedures of the STEM room and will explore Biology for the first half of Term 3. 

 

Grade 1 and 2

Students will begin exploring the parts of plants. We will be venturing into the garden to identify, describe and compare the different parts of plants. 

 

Grade 3 and 4

Students will investigate the characteristics of natural living, non-living and once living things. They will explore the scientific importance of fossils and what we can learn from them. Students will then create their own fossil impressions using natural materials.

 

Grade 5 and 6

Students will explore how changes to an environment can impact the growth and survival of living things. They will plant seedlings and experiment with varying conditions to influence their growth. Students will consider the importance of organisation and safety when conducting experiments.

 

Visual Arts

In the classrooms this week...

Prep

Students will be hand building a jellyfish from clay, focussing on the pinch pot technique, rolling balls, and using slip and score for effective attachment.

 

Grade 1

Students will be looking at the story ‘Chicken Licken’ and drawing their own chicken before using tissue paper to bleed a colourful background.

 

Grade 2

Students will be adding a flower crown to their koala painting, focussing on native floral that is Indigenous to the Manningham area.

 

Grade 3/4

Students will be starting a textiles project. Using calico fabric they will use masking tape to create a design. They will then paint the blank spaces of fabric in colours of their choosing, resulting in a resist painting technique.

 

Grade 5

Students will be working on a gift for their Dad for Father’s Day, using foam to etch and print a unique artwork.

 

Grade 6

Students will be continuing with their abstract expressionist painting, this week adding a layer of lines and shape outlines, focussing on composition, depth and line.

 

Physical Education

Prep

This week in PE, our Prep students will be learning all about the underarm throw, a fundamental movement skill that supports hand-eye coordination and motor development.

During the lesson, students will:

  • Learn the correct technique for an underarm throw (step, swing, release)
  • Practice aiming at a target to improve accuracy
  • Participate in fun, age-appropriate throwing games and challenges

The focus will be on developing control and coordination, while building confidence and having fun in an encouraging environment.

These foundational skills are important stepping stones for future sporting activities and help promote active participation and teamwork from an early age.

 

 

Year 1 & 2

This week in PE, our Year 1 and 2 students will be introduced to the game of basketball, with a special focus on ball control skills.

Students will explore:

  • Dribbling with control using both hands
  • Stopping and starting while keeping the ball close
  • Changing direction while dribbling
  • Fun activities and games to apply their new skills in action

The lesson aims to build each student’s coordination, control, and confidence with the basketball, all while working in a fun and supportive team environment.

 

 

Year 3 & 4

This week in PE, our Year 3 and 4 students will continue developing their basketball skills, with a strong focus on improving ball control and confidence on the court.

Students will practise:

  • Dribbling with control using both their dominant and non-dominant hands
  • Stopping, starting, and pivoting while maintaining control of the ball
  • Changing direction with purpose and control
  • Participating in fun drills and small-sided games to apply these skills in game-like situations

This lesson helps strengthen key movement skills such as coordination, agility, and spatial awareness, while also encouraging teamwork and communication.

 

 

Year 5 & 6

This week in PE, our Year 5 and 6 students will be building on their basketball skills, with a focus on developing greater ball control and confidence during gameplay.

Students will work on:

  • Dribbling with control under pressure and while moving at speed
  • Using both hands to change direction and maintain possession
  • Incorporating stopping, pivoting, and turning with purpose
  • Applying skills in structured drills and modified game scenarios

This lesson not only sharpens students’ basketball technique, but also helps improve decision-making, coordination, and teamwork in a dynamic, game-like environment.