Specialists Updates and Celebrations

Visual Arts (Prep)

The Prep students have been loving learning about art from different countries and cultures for the second half of this term. This week they have focused on art forms found in Greece. They learnt about the origins of the Olympic Games and decorated their own Greek pot which was often presented to Olympic winners. Students could choose one of their favourite sports to be represented on the pot, as well as some traditional Greek patterns. This lesson had a focus on cutting and pasting - developing their fine motor skills. The students all worked so hard and I was so proud of their artworks. Great job, Preps!

Physical Education (Years 1 and 2)

This week in Years 1 and 2, we have been learning more about Australian Rules Football (AFL). Students took part in many different activities to improve their understanding and skills playing footy. One of the games we started with was a fun running game whereby the children had to run to different parts of the footy pitch (forwards, midfield and backs). The game turned into an elimination with the last two players being eliminated to the bench before finding a winner. After this, children were introduced to kicking (punting) the ball with a partner. Being shown the correct technique, with laces to faces and dropping the ball onto their stronger foot and kicking the ball before it bounces. The students had lots of fun practising this technique and developing their kicking skills. Finally, the children played a fun target game aiming to 'hit the teacher' with their footy kicks! Well done everyone for all your hard work this week.

Music (Year 3 and 4)

Our Year 3 and 4 students have been learning to play the 3-string guitar. We have modified our approach to playing regular 6 string open position chords by using the top 3 strings only. This way, accessing basic chords on the guitar becomes much simpler. Students have learnt two pieces, 3 Chord Jam #1 and #2. Each piece has multiple strumming patterns (rhythms) and the focus is on changing chords smoothly while playing as a class to a backing track.

We have begun looking at new kalimba material too. Students will complete their second kalimba piece for the semester by the end of term two. 

Our theme this term is “For Those About to Rock!” Song material has been chosen based on this theme, and we have discussed aspects of rock music each lesson in the buildup to Rockstar Day, 4th July 2025. More information to come soon!

Environmental Education (Year 5 and 6)

Year 5 students have been learning about how to plant and maintain a garden. In the last two weeks they have learnt about how to water plants, including checking first if they are wet or dry, and about common pests in gardens. The students have planted their own herb garden including coriander, rosemary, parsley and mint! They look forward to tasting the herbs when they have grown.

Year 6 students have been learning about plants and animals. They have learnt about adaptations that help animals to survive in their habitats and identified both structural and behavioural adaptations. They have focused on Australian animals: emus, red kangaroos, wombats and thorny devils. Please see below Amber from 6A’s slide, sharing the physical adaptations of a thorny devil. 

Library 

Every recess and lunch the library is open for students who like a quiet space to read, colour or draw.