Junior School

Year 1

We’ve had such a lovely term in our Year 1 classroom and it’s been wonderful to see how much the children have grown. They are becoming more confident with following our daily routines and have settled in so well.

In Literacy, it’s been exciting to see students starting to recognise spelling patterns and develop their writing skills. Below are a couple of the stories written about Easter:

It is Easter. We celebrate Jesus, I celebrate Easter. I have a big Easter hunt and my cousins come down and we go the beach. We stay at the beach for one hour. In the meantime, we have hot cross buns for breaky. In the afternoon, we have an Easter egg hunt. - Kai

 

It is Easter. We celebrate Jesus. I love Easter. I love God. We get surprises. - Hamish

 

It is Easter and we celebrate Jesus. In the Easter holidays I go to Ocean Grove and have Easter. We are going to have an Easter Egg hunt and we can eat the Easter Eggs. Some are big and some are small but they all taste good. The big ones are hollow and the small ones are not hollow. I find the big ones and Henry finds the small ones. Some of them are inside and some of them are outside. - Harvey

In Maths, we’ve had lots of fun practicing counting by 2s, 5s and 10s - there’s been plenty of enthusiasm along the way!

We’ve also enjoyed learning new games, spending time together, and getting creative with special art pieces to decorate our classroom. It’s been a happy, busy term full of learning and laughter.

The Carnival on Saturday was a real highlight as we celebrated the school’s 40th Anniversary. There was lots of excitement, with favourites including the big swing ride, decorating biscuits, the train ride and, of course, the bouncing castles.

As the term comes to a close, we remember the joy of Easter and the hope we have in Jesus. Wishing you and your family a safe and blessed Easter as you celebrate the risen King.

Kerry Snook

Year 1 Teacher

Year 2

What a full and wonderful week we've had in Year 2. As we look forward to Easter we have reflected on the gift of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. Students in Year 2 made Easter crosses with the scene of a sunrise behind, just like it might have looked when the women came and discovered the empty tomb.

They also spent time in small groups creating different scenes from Easter week using Lego. They made Palm Sunday, the last supper, Jesus praying in the garden, Jesus on trial before Pilate, Jesus on the cross, and finally the empty tomb. Well done Year 2 for all your amazing creativity and co-operation when working together. 

On Tuesday we had a special time in the Food Tech room making hot cross buns from scratch - wow what a task! A huge thank you to our wonderful helpers, Josiah's mum, Ruby's Grandma and Mrs McLeod for giving up their time to come and help - we couldn't have done it without you.

The Year 2 class have also been loving time with their Year 4 buddies each fortnight. It is a special time in our calender where students can learn from each other, have fun and get to know each other better. This week, students worked together decorating biscuits and having a play in our nature play space. Thank you Year 4 for the patient and kind friendship you have shown to the Year 2s.

Emily Hunter

Year 2 Teacher

Year 3

This term in Science, our Year 3 students have been exploring the fascinating world of life cycles. We have been learning about how different animals and plants grow and change over time, including the concept of metamorphosis and the unique stages that living things go through.

For their assessment, students worked creatively to build a life cycle of an animal using Lego. They then recorded themselves explaining each stage of the life cycle, demonstrating their understanding in a fun and engaging way. It was wonderful to see their creativity shine, along with their growing confidence in explaining their learning.

In Christian Studies, we have been reflecting on the significance of Easter. As Christians, this is a very special time of year where we remember the incredible love of Jesus. We have been learning about the Easter story and what it means for us - that Jesus, our Saviour, chose to go to the cross because of His great love for us. It has been a meaningful time of reflection as we consider the hope and joy that Easter brings.

I hope that all our families have a lovely Easter break.

Ang Hales

Year 3 Teacher

Year 4

The Year 4 students recently completed their First Contact projects and did an outstanding job bringing together all of their learning from the term. Students chose from a range of project options about the First Fleet, convict life and the colonisation of Sydney Cove, and used their knowledge in creative and thoughtful ways.

There was an impressive variety of work on display. Some students built detailed models of First Fleet ships, carefully labelling important areas and explaining the long journey from Britain. Others designed informative posters about convict life, showing the jobs, punishments and living conditions experienced by convicts in early Sydney. We also enjoyed dramatic re-enactments, news reports from 1788 including exploring the perspectives of the Eora Nation and the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal people.

The projects showed not only how much the students had learned, but also how well they could present their ideas in creative and engaging ways. Students poured all of the term’s learning into their work, and should be very proud of the effort, research and imagination they demonstrated.

Year 4 have also been working hard to improve their numeracy skills, with a focus on understanding place value beyond tens of thousands. Students have been building confidence in reading, writing and representing larger numbers through a range of engaging activities.

For our Friday Fun Day, we incorporated a variety of hands-on games, including using Skittles to help reinforce this new learning in a fun and memorable way.

We have also continued to enjoy our buddy sessions with Year 2. This week, students worked together to ice and decorate biscuits, fostering both creativity and strong connections across year levels.

Enjoy a safe happy and relaxing holidays. Enjoy making new memories and reflecting on the true meaning of Easter.

Alex Burgess & Naomi O'Brien

Head of Junior School / Year 4 Teacher

Year 5

Today, Year 5 said goodbye today to our Learning Support Assistant, Mr Raven. We have loved having him work in our classroom and we are sad to see him go, but we wish him all the best for the future.

Coral Robertson

Year 5 Teacher

Year 6

In Buddies this term, the Year 6s and Preps created puppets for a puppet show. Some groups made up their own plays, while other reenacted stories they already know. Additionally, students have been preparing oral language projects, where they pick a topic of interest to present to the class.

David Tomkins

Year 6 Teacher

Surf Awareness Program

Our Year 6 students recently participated in an engaging and valuable Surf Awareness program at the Warrnambool Surf Club, delivered by Splash Factory.

Throughout the program, students developed a greater understanding of beach safety and the importance of making smart decisions in an open water environment. They learnt how to identify potential hazards, with a particular focus on recognising rips and understanding how to respond if caught in one.

A highlight for many students was the opportunity to enter the ocean and put their learning into practice. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students built confidence in the water while applying essential safety skills in a real-life setting.

The program also reinforced the importance of looking out for others, working together, and respecting the power of the ocean. It was fantastic to see students step outside their comfort zones, show resilience, and fully engage in the experience.

Christie Stephen

Junior School Teacher

Food Tech

This week in Food Tech, our Year 6 students whipped up a delicious Pesto Pasta and it was a huge hit!

Alongside building their cooking skills, we explored how simple dishes can be adapted to boost protein, flavour, and overall nutrition. Students shared fantastic ideas, including adding grilled chicken, bacon, or tuna for protein, and vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms to enhance both flavour and nutrient value.

It was great to see such thoughtful discussion around making everyday meals healthier and more balanced, while still keeping them tasty and fun to prepare.

Ally Robinson

Teacher

AUSLAN

What an amazing term it has been in AUSLAN! I am incredibly proud of all students for their hard work and enthusiasm in learning a new language. It has been a fantastic start, and I have been so impressed by how quickly everyone has picked up their new skills.

From Prep through to Year 6, students have learnt to fingerspell, sign farm animals, use basic colours, and much more as they progress through the year levels. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow each week.

Well done to everyone on a fantastic term of learning. I encourage you to keep practicing your signing over the holidays, and I look forward to an exciting start to next term, including some great assembly performances from all year levels.

Naomi O'Brien

AUSLAN Teacher

Lunchtime Clubs

Junior School Lunchtime Clubs have been great fun for our students this term. Here are some snaps from Chicken Club and Michael Jackson Dance Club.

Steph Kosh

Learning Support Coordinator