Discovery Centre

Curriculum

Halo semuanya,

Firstly we would like to start by acknowledging the amazing atmosphere of the Christmas Concert. We cannot begin to explain how much we rely on the community to bring these events to life, and it was humbling to see so many families attending and enjoying this event. All the students did so well to be patient before and after their performances. We are so proud of them! We would also like to extend our thanks to those who were able to make it in to see our Guided Inquiry Showcase this morning! We know how tricky it can be to find time for these things and it was so lovely to see the students proud to show you their work. It was a wonderful celebration of the connections you have made with all the students in our classes this year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Last week students participated in our walking excursion where we posted letters to friends and family around the world! Not even the icy weather could wipe the smiles off the students faces. We were able to post our letters, practise a safe road crossing and model exiting the car in the Kiss-and-Drop-Off Zone. Once again, your support to provide envelopes, stamps and addresses did not go unnoticed!

This week is our Step-Up Week. While students spent today in classrooms, tomorrow will be the beginning of their four day experience in their new classroom. This program takes surprises out of the first day back at school and allows students to become familiar with their new teachers, spaces and classmates. All students wrote down a list of names of people who they would like to see in their class next year and we have worked very hard to ensure that each student has at least one person from their list.

On Tuesday morning, Foundation students will begin in the day in their current classrooms. Teachers will assist them in moving to their new classes and support them by answering any questions they may have. While this can be a new challenge, we remind students that they will always get to see their Foundation friends during lunch and play times even if they are not in the same class in Grade One. Whist in their new classes, students will participate in regular lessons and gain an idea of what each day might look like next year.

At the end of the day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, students will be dismissed from their new classrooms by their Grade One teacher. All students will be directed to the courtyard to meet families in their usual spot. If your child will not be attending school until the end of the term, please let your classroom teacher know. If you have any questions at all about the step-up program, please do not hesitate to ask! It is always a very busy and exciting week and empowers students to be confident when coming back to school after the holidays.

While Step-Up will be an important experience for our Foundation students, we are looking forward to having them back in our classrooms on Monday and Tuesday next week to say a proper farewell!

Have a great week everyone!

Your Foundation teaching team,

Brooke Henwood, Jessica Hirvonen and Ella Gasowski.

Student Voice

What are you looking forward to in Step-Up Week?

Sunny G - "To know who is going to be in my class."
Min-Yi Y - "I am looking forward to seeing my new classroom."
Sophie W - "I want to know who my teacher is!"
Caleb G - "That we get to celebrate going to Grade One!"
Ethan L - "Finding out if any of my friends are in my class."

Reminders

Step-Up Week starts Tuesday.
Hats and drink bottles still need to come to school.
Students have been bringing home their workbooks and other items from school. Please check that orange folders are emptied at the end of each day in order to avoid school bags becoming too heavy.
Please return any library books or take-home readers to your classroom this week.

Pupil of the Week

FG: Maneet S -

For showing a love of learning when working with your buddies to write about 'The Best Habitat'. Your confidence has grown to work with a range of different people.

FH: Isabella D -

For using teamwork with others to practise and perform The Three Billy Goats Gruff! It is a joy to watch your acting! Thanks for entertaining us Izzy!

FJ: Olivia F -

For using creativity when designing and creating a habitat for your minibeasts. Well done!