School of Foundations
It has been a fabulous term of learning and exciting events for the School of Foundations students. Below the teachers have shared with you a snapshot of the learning experiences your child has engaged in.
On November 16 and 30 we welcomed our new Kindergarten students and their families for an orientation day. While the students were engaging in some fun activities I was able to share some important information about how to prepare their child for school. To assist me was the school counsellor and our before and after school care manager from Ambrose.
Farewell and Goodluck
I would like to take this opportunity to say goodbye to all of the amazing parents who have entrusted their child’s learning to St Luke’s and myself as the Head of School of Foundations. Your partnership has been appreciated and valued over the past two years. My aim during my leadership was to ensure that the teachers were provided the resources and professional learning to be able to offer your children high quality educational experiences. We have engaged in professional development meetings where our staff have taken a deep dive into the new English and Mathematics syllabus documents. Next year our teachers will consolidate their knowledge in these areas. Ensuring all children have the opportunity to access quality learning and have a safe learning environment has always been a priority for myself and the School of Foundations leadership team. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Mrs Emerton, the Assistant Principal, Christina Soliman Stage 1/ Instructional Leader and Kelly Bowden Stage 2/Instructional Leader. I would also like to thank the teachers and teaching assistants for their dedication and care. They have been a great support to me and ensured the learning and wellbeing of your child throughout the year. Although I am moving on, I have faith in knowing I leave your children in the care of the expertise of Ms Julianne Rook, the new Head of School and an amazing team of teachers and teaching assistants.
From all of the staff in the School of Foundations we wish you a Merry Christmas and a fun and safe holiday. We look forward to seeing you all in 2024!
Miss Pecnik
Head of School of Foundations K-4
ES1
English
The students this term have been continuing on with Opinion Writing. We have looked closely at the story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. In particular, the students have looked at the story from the Wolf’s perspective discussing their own view as to whether they believe the Wolf is bad or innocent. To help with this, we have read different versions of the Three Little Pigs. We have been impressed with the student’s attention to detail with their writing piece. It has been great to see all of them consolidate what great writers do as they publish their piece in preparation for student-led conference week.
Mathematics
Which is heavier? How do you know? Over the last few weeks, students have been exploring the concept of mass and comparing objects of various masses, first making predictions, then hefting to test their hunches. To further confirm their estimates, students used balance scales to prove their solutions. The idea that big items don’t always mean that they are heavy was explored too, just like little objects can have heavier masses.
We even found songs to sing and wriggle to that allowed us to express how heavy and light can be demonstrated.
Religion
This term, we are continuing our learning about Advent, students are exploring the 2 different coloured candles associated with Advent. I wonder if you know why the candle that represents ‘joy’ is pink? We have also continued exploring how we can show love and care towards others. Along with this, we are compiling something special for our student-led conferences through which we will showcase bits and pieces of our religion learning for the term.
Creative Arts - Dance
This term, Kindergarten has been exploring dance during their Creative Arts lessons. Throughout the learning, we have focused on a number of different elements associated with dance. We have been developing our understanding of how to use the dance spaces safely, as well as using different body parts to create different shapes with their body and different movements when dancing. We have enjoyed learning dances, following specific steps and also creating our own dance moves to a variety of songs.
Other News - Building connections across the school
On Tuesday, Kindergarten students were invited to attend an incredible Showcase of Learning presented by our innovative Stage 3 students as part of their Semester 2 Unit of Inquiry, known as the ‘Become Me’ program. Best of all, Kindergarten was accompanied by our Stage 2 Buddies from Gringotts! During the showcase of learning, Stage 3 shared their Inquiry projects to their enthusiastic audiences, imparting their knowledge and passions with their younger SOF peers. A wonderful way to share learning and also promote community!
Stage 1
As we approach the end of the year, we would like to thank you for your support. The Stage 1 students have had a very exciting and successful year of learning. We are very proud of their achievements and wish them every success next year.
English
Throughout the year stage 1 have made so much progress in English and we are very proud of each and every one of them. We have seen huge jumps in reading levels, writing ability and handwriting. The students have learnt so much about the different writing genres including persuasive, informative, instructional, recount and imaginative writing as well as the different types of poems. All students have put a lot of effort into their work and are dedicated editors of their own work as well. We couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of kids.
Religion
We ended our unit on ‘How God speaks to us through the sacred scriptures?’ with a liturgy. Students explored different messages that can be found in the Bible, who inspired people to write the Bible and why we should be reverent with the Bible.
As we move into Advent students will engage in the Christmas story through enactments, singing and retelling activities.
Mathematics
For the last three weeks, students have been learning about 3D and 2D spatial structure. Students explored the different names of both 2D and 3D objects, as well as their properties. This is how many vertices, edges and faces each object has. Students have also been learning about what volume and capacity is. This involved students filling containers with water and other informal objects to find out how much space there is inside each container.
For the remainder of this term, students will be learning about Mass. Students will be using scales to measure the weight of various objects in the classroom.
Art
During this Term, Stage 1 students have been using a range of art strategies to create Christmas artworks.
Students used paint, textas, oil pastels, colouring in pencils and coloured paper to create their artworks. They created Christmas trees by experimenting with size, proportion, scale and colour.
Stage 2
English
As promised, our Stage 2 Magazine editions are finally complete. Each class has put in a lot of effort and work to create their own magazine. Enjoy skimming through the various articles filled with Informative, Persuasive and Entertaining texts. Students have copies of each magazine in their classroom bookshelf, so the students can browse through the pages during silent reading.
Mathematics
Students have been currently looking at Time in Mathematics. As part of the school’s inquiry based learning, students have been able to use their knowledge of time in their real everyday life through hands-on learning. this week students applied exercising and measuring time to understand seconds and minutes.
Religion - Stage Liturgy
Last week, Stage 2 participated in the Term 4 Stage 2 Liturgy. It was great to welcome so many parents to join us in prayer as well as celebrate the great learning that has been happening in Religion this term. Throughout our studies of heroes, students explored how the Sacred Scripture has many heroes who overcame hardship and adversity. They explored the virtues and courage of these revered figures. As part of this enriching learning experience, students expressed their understanding by creating comic strips that retold the stories of these biblical heroes. During the Stage 2 Liturgy, stage 2 students shared these stories, depicting the bravery and resilience of these remarkable individuals.
Other - Transition Session
Last week, the students were given the opportunity to experience their new learning spaces. Students in Year 4 ventured over to the SOL buildings where they got to learn like a Year 5 student. The students in Year 3 got to move around in the Stage 2 building to see what it might be like as a Year 4 student. Lots of excitement filled these spaces while students completed a range of activities. These activities included an All About Me task for their new teachers to view over the holidays and get to know their new class. This experience helped calm the nerves and allow the students to become familiar with what to expect. Bring on 2024!
Sport
This week our students had fun participating in a Basketball clinic. They were able to learn some important skills of dribbling, throwing and goal shooting.
Music
Our students have been preparing for our Christmas concert with Mrs Camilleri and Mrs Paraskevas.
Rubik's Cube Competition
Over Weeks 3 and 4 we held our first St.Luke's Rubik's Cube Competition for students in stages 2-6. The Stage 2 Rubik’s Cube Champion was Emily Callos with an average solve speed of 49.536 seconds. This was followed closely by Megan Meneses with an average solve speed of 53.47 seconds. Emmanuel Abwi came third from the Stage 2 lineup with an average solve speed of 58.367 seconds.
The students were supported by their friends, teachers, and Stage 3 leaders who assisted with timing the competitors. Congratulations to all the students who participated. We are very proud of you.
Mrs Josephine Camilleri
Assistant Principal
(School of Leadership)
Santa’s Letter Box in The Hub
Exciting news is here to share,
Santa's mailbox awaits your care!
Express your hopes, both big and small,
For Santa reads and hears them all.
Drop your letters in the box with care,
For Santa's magic to be aware.
In the Hub is where you’ll find,
A letter box of golden shine.
National Shared Reading Week
During Week 8, St Luke’s celebrated National Shared Reading Week. Staff and Student House Leaders shared childhood memories through their favourite childhood picture book. It was a wholesome event and a joy to watch our Student Leaders interact with the College’s younger cohorts.
Selina Wong
Wellbeing in the School of foundations
Gardening Group
In a heartwarming initiative aimed at fostering mental health and building positive connections, a group of Stage 1 and 2 boys at our school recently joined forces to embark on a gardening journey as part of the School of Foundations. This unique collaboration not only promotes the therapeutic benefits of gardening but also underscores the power of teamwork and shared experiences in enhancing overall well-being.
Research consistently highlights the positive impact of gardening on mental health. The act of nurturing plants, witnessing growth, and being immersed in nature can significantly contribute to stress reduction, improved mood, and increased overall happiness. Recognizing these benefits, our school brought together a diverse group of Stage 1 and 2 boys.
The success of this gardening initiative owes much to the support and guidance received from Brittney at Bunnings, Marsden Park. Brittney, a seasoned gardening expert, graciously volunteered her time and expertise to lead the installation process.
During their gardening group the boys discuss challenges, and explore the broader themes of teamwork, resilience, and responsibility.
New Family Induction
As the academic year draws to a close, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of new families who will be enrolling their children at our school in the coming year. While much attention is often given to the induction of Kindergarten and Year 7 students, we want to extend a special welcome to families with children entering other year levels. Transitioning to a new school is a significant milestone for any student, regardless of their age or grade level. Recognising the unique needs of students joining outside the traditional entry points, we place great emphasis on the importance of a thorough induction process.
On Wednesday, 29th November, we welcomed new families to our school. Mrs Bauer introduced our families to our community and we took our new families on tours of the school and they also heard from our students about life at the College.
Understanding the layout of the school, locating essential facilities, and becoming familiar with daily routines can be overwhelming for new students. Their children will also be a part of the “New Kids on the Block” program which is our induction program and this program is designed to alleviate any potential concerns by providing guided tours, introducing key staff members, and offering insights into the various academic and extracurricular opportunities available. By the time the academic year begins, our “new kids” will feel confident and well-acquainted with their new educational home.
At our school, we understand that each student is unique, and their educational journey is a personal one. Our induction process is tailored to cater to the individual needs of each student, taking into account their academic background, interests, and aspirations. This personalised approach ensures that every student feels seen, heard, and supported from the moment they step through our doors.
To the new families joining our school community, we extend a warm welcome. Your decision to entrust your child's education to us is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are committed to providing a nurturing environment for their growth and development. Welcome to our school family!
Year 6 and Kindy Buddies
In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and mentorship, our Year 5 students recently took on the role of enthusiastic buddies during the Kindergarten Orientation Day. Recognising the significance of this interaction, our Year 5 students underwent a dedicated workshop aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to mentor their younger counterparts effectively. The workshop, led by three of our newly appointed house leaders – Shannon, Jordyn, and Lincoln – focused on fostering communication skills, empathy, and patience. These attributes were deemed essential to create a supportive environment for the Kindergarten buddies.
The benefits of mentorship extend beyond the immediate event. For the Kindergarten students, the presence of their Year 6 buddies (current Year 5’s) serves as a friendly face in a new environment, easing the transition into formal education. On the other hand, for the Year 6 students, the experience offers an opportunity to hone their leadership skills, encouraging a sense of responsibility and empathy that will undoubtedly serve them well in their academic and personal pursuits.
A special note of gratitude goes to Shannon, Jordyn, and Lincoln, our newly appointed house leaders, for their instrumental role in guiding the Year 5 students through the mentorship workshop. Their leadership and dedication ensured that the Year 5 students were well-prepared to extend a warm welcome to their Kindergarten buddies. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth of these relationships and the positive influence they will have on the wider school community.
Mr Chris Bettiol
Leader of Wellbeing, Growth and Development (K-12)