Acting Principal's Newsletter

A Week of Global Connections: International Visits Galore!

We’ve had a busy and exciting week at Huntingdale Primary School, welcoming a flurry of international visitors from around the world!

Our week began with a study tour from our sister city's educational representatives, who experienced our bilingual education programs firsthand. The four visiting teachers enriched our students’ learning experience by running engaging Haiku lessons in the classroom, showcasing our commitment to effective bilingual teaching.

Next, we hosted Shioya Junior High School students and teachers for the first time since the pandemic. Their visit was filled with interactive activities and cultural exchanges, creating memorable experiences for all involved.

Adding to the excitement, English teachers from Taiwan came to observe and learn from our exemplary bilingual education practices, gaining insights into our successful approaches.

This week, we are thrilled to welcome another group of teachers from Japan, who are here to observe our Japanese lessons in action and explore our bilingual education setting.

It’s been a fantastic week of global collaboration and learning, highlighting our vibrant international connections and dedication to educational excellence at Huntingdale Primary School!

Exciting Highlights from Science Week!

Science Week has been buzzing with excitement and discoveries! Our Year 6 Leaders have truly outdone themselves with a fantastic lineup of events.

First up, we had the Science Week Quiz, a thrilling challenge that tested students' scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills. Congratulations to all participants for their enthusiasm and impressive answers!

In the Grade 5/6 Go Public Showcase, the Multi-Purpose Room was abuzz as Grade 5 students proudly presented their Term 3 projects using Microbits. It was an inspiring display of creativity and technical prowess, showcasing how our students are bringing technology to life.

Lastly, the Science Demonstration, organized by the Year 6 Leaders, was a hit with its array of fun science activities and hands-on experiments. From bubbling reactions to intriguing physics demonstrations, students of all ages had a blast exploring the wonders of science.

A huge thank you to Mr. Gorney for organizing this exciting week and ensuring everything went off without a hitch. Your dedication and hard work made Science Week a truly memorable and educational experience for everyone involved. We look forward to more opportunities to spark curiosity and innovation in the future!

A Memorable Visit from Shioya Junior

High School

We recently had the pleasure of hosting a group from Shioya Junior High School in Japan. Over three fantastic days, Shioya Year 10 students and two teachers immersed themselves in our school life and local culture.

The visit featured an exciting excursion to South Oakleigh Secondary College, where they joined our Grade 5 students for a matinee performance of the College school production. Our Japanese guests were thrilled with the experience, sharing how much they enjoyed interacting with our students and watching the school play. They were particularly touched by the warmth and kindness of the Melbourne community.

During their stay, the Shioya students participated in both English and Japanese classes, which fostered meaningful cross-cultural exchange. The visit concluded with a captivating performance of "Kamishibai," a traditional Japanese storytelling art form, featuring the tale of "Tsuru no Ongaeshi," presented at a farewell assembly with our Grade 3 to 6 students.

A big thank you to everyone involved for making this visit a memorable and enriching experience. We look forward to future opportunities to strengthen our connection with our friends from Shioya Junior High School!

Haiku Lesson with a Japanese Twist

Our students recently had a unique opportunity to engage with Japanese culture through a special Haiku lesson conducted via Zoom. A teacher from Japan guided our students in exploring the art of traditional Japanese poetry, enriching their understanding of this classic form.

The lesson not only introduced students to Haiku but also inspired them to participate in a Haiku competition held in Japan. The chance to create their own poems and enter an international contest was an exciting challenge for everyone involved.

The local newspaper took note of this cross-cultural learning experience and interviewed Miss Biddle about the impact of the Haiku lesson. She expressed her enthusiasm, highlighting how the students are acquiring valuable skills in Haiku and applying them with great creativity.

You can read more about this exciting cross-cultural exchange in the Japanese newspaper article in Japanese below.

We’re thrilled to see our students embracing new cultures and talents through these enriching experiences!

Book Week: "Reading is Magic" – Exciting Activities Ahead!

Next week, from August 26th to August 30th, we’re celebrating Book Week with the enchanting theme "Reading is Magic"!

Get ready for a week full of exciting activities and events designed to ignite a love for reading in every student. Over lunchtime each day, there will be a variety of fun and engaging activities to celebrate the magic of books.

The highlight of Book Week will be our Book Parade on August 30th, starting at 9:00 AM in front of our school. Students are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite book characters and join the parade to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm for reading.

We can’t wait to see all the magical reading moments and celebrate the joy of books with our school community. Let’s make this Book Week truly unforgettable!

Naomi Mori-Hanazono, Acting Principal &

Keiko Harada, Acting Assistant Principal

Team Kids