Primary News
A Zoo-per Time in Dubbo!
Our Year 4 students had an unforgettable two-night camp adventure in Dubbo! From exploring animals and habitats at Taronga Western Plains Zoo to stepping back in time at the Old Dubbo Gaol, every day was packed with team building, discovery and fun. Students also ventured underground at Wellington Caves, where they explored caves and learned about fascinating fossils!
Swipe through to check out their adventure!
Forces in Action
This term, Year 2 students have engaged in the "forces' unit in Science. Students engaged in a collaborative project in which they planned, designed, and built a game that uses forces such as push and pull.
Students used recycled materials and created a learning journal using technologies. They went on a gallery walk and shared their games with peers across the cohort.
Magnificent Magnifiers!
Year 1 students enjoyed exploring magnification as part of their Science learning about light. Using clear containers filled with water, they held the water in front of their eyes and observed how their eyes appeared larger when viewed by others.
Students investigated how light travels through water and discovered that water can magnify objects by changing the way light moves. They made predictions, shared observations and discussed their findings, developing important scientific inquiry skills.
We are thankful for opportunities to wonder, discover and learn about God's creation, recognising the amazing ways He has designed the world around us.
DIGGING into Capacity
Year 1D enjoyed a hands-on Mathematics lesson in the sandpit as they explored the concept of capacity. Students used scientific skills by making predictions about how much different containers could hold before testing their ideas. They filled, compared and recorded the capacity of a variety of containers, developing their understanding through investigation and observation.
Through open-ended investigation, they were able to make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them. It was wonderful to see students working together, showing curiosity and perseverance as they learned. We are thankful for the opportunity to explore God's world through discovery and to use the gifts He has given us to learn and grow.
From the Head of Primary School:
Thank you for the positive feedback on my article in the last newsletter about managing inevitable friendship conflict. It has been encouraging to hear that many families have been having conversations at home about these strategies, and even putting them into practice when navigating sibling squabbles!
One of the key tools we use as part of the PeaceWise peacemaking process is the Peacemaking Pizza.
When we are faced with conflict, the pizza reminds us of four important steps:
- 🍕 God – Put God First: Pray, seek God's wisdom and guidance, and view conflict as an opportunity for growth rather than something to fear or avoid.
- 🍕 Me – Own My Part: Examine my own attitudes, emotions and actions. Are there roadblocks such as pride, anger or selfishness that need to be addressed? Pray, repent and take responsibility for my part.
- 🍕 You – Talk It Over: Speak with the other person respectfully. Apologise for my part in the conflict and encourage them to take responsibility for theirs.
- 🍕 Us – Make It Right: Work towards forgiveness, reconciliation and restoring the relationship wherever possible.
This process is not always easy! However, it is something we explicitly teach, model and encourage students to use in their interactions at school. Our goal is not to raise children who never experience conflict—because conflict is inevitable—but to help them respond to conflict in ways that honour God and strengthen relationships.
Jesus reminds us of the importance of reconciliation in Matthew 5:23–24, encouraging us to seek restoration in our relationships. The Peacemaking Pizza provides a practical way for children (and adults!) to do just that. I know this approach has helped me many times in my own relationships.
As we come to the end of another wonderful term, I would like to thank our students, staff and families for their support and partnership. It has been a great term filled with learning, growth and many opportunities to celebrate together.
Upcoming Dates
📅 30 June – Years 2–6 Athletics Carnival
📅 2 July – Praisebeat Recital, 4:00pm (TLA) for Praisebeat students and families
📅 3 July – End of Term Assembly, 2:20pm (parents welcome)
📅 3 July – Talent Quest forms and $2 entry donations due to the College office
📅 6–7 August – Talent Quest performances
📅 21 August – Parent Assembly
📅 18 September – Book Week Parade and Grandparents Day, Parent Assembly
I pray that you and your family enjoy a safe, restful and refreshing holiday break. Stay warm, and we look forward to seeing everyone back next term.
Alesha Alcorn
Head of Primary School