Inside the Classroom

Early Primary

Class 5 had a fantastic time at Wangarang this week, getting involved in the Earn and Return program by collecting bottles and cans to help raise funds for the school. The students enjoyed the process of watching the recyclables, even though it was a bit noisy! It was a great opportunity for them to learn about recycling after the visit from Eliza at Netwaste. 

This week, Class 5 and 10 were treated to a fascinating cultural session with Jordon from Three Rivers Cultural Services. The students learned about animal fur and feathers and even heard an instrument that mimicked the sound of an emu! They were also thrilled to listen to Jordon play the didgeridoo, and got to feel traditional ochre paints, learning about their cultural significance. 

Class 10 has been taking full advantage of the warmer weather, exploring the playground in search of cicadas and learning about their fascinating life cycles. Water play has been a favourite, bringing plenty of smiles and laughter!

In the classroom, students have been refining their freehand drawing skills and practising decision-making during morning circle. Music lessons have been filled with excitement as they explore a variety of instruments and discover new ways to create sound. It’s been a joyful and busy time for Class 10!

Class 11 is currently focusing on sentence construction. Students are learning to identify the who (noun), what they are doing (verb), when, and where (prepositional phrase) by observing images. These observations are then turned into sentences. As their confidence grows, they will begin adding adjectives to enrich their writing.

In mathematics, the class has been exploring the concept of money, with a particular focus on coins. Students are examining their value, size, and design. The class has discussed the transition of coin designs, noting the change from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III.

Finally, the class has begun studying the pygmy possum and its endangered status. The students are eager to continue their research and uncover more about this unique species.

Billie-Jo Rutten

Early Primary Assistant Principal

Upper Primary

Students in upper primary participated in incursions recently presented by Eliza from Netwaste. These incursions were engaging for the students and staff learning about a "Wormy World". 

The students also learned how important recycling is. They had opportunities to sort rubbish by what can be recycled. 

Class 12 have been building bridges in science. They are enjoying music lessons with Ms Cooke and also class outings. Class 12 also participated in the Netwaste incursion. 

Kari Priest

Assistant Principal

Stage 4

Stage 4 students have been developing their woodworking skills by constructing wooden pencil boxes. They’ve had a fantastic tool to assist them: a model designed and 3D printed by our talented GA, Mr. Wilson. This invention has made the task more accessible for all our students. Thank you, Mr. Wilson!

Class 15 have been enjoying using the weekly Mini Woolies recipes for our cooking sessions each week. On Tuesdays students shop for the cooking ingredients. On Wednesdays we cook. Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls were a favourite. Students have been practicing essential kitchen skills, including grating and chopping vegetables. This hands-on experience is helping them develop confidence with food preparation while learning about healthy eating. 

Stage 5 and Orange Learning Centre 

In Science students learnt about DNA testing by Anson Street School resident scientist Mrs. Griffin, whereby, they extracted DNA from peas and strawberries. Students also analysed the similarities and differences of their extraction process. Students were informed of how genetic testing (including DNA extraction) is useful in breeding new varieties of peas and strawberries.

Stage 5 and Orange Learning Centre (OLC) combined for a Campus picnic and served the very tasty recipe of the week pork and apple sausage rolls. A production line was created, whereby, fifty plus sausage rolls where made and then all students / staff enjoyed positive interactions in the lovely Campus grounds.

Curiosity Clubs continue with plenty of active research, engagement, energy and learning (REEL);

Auslan has focused on the natural environment with insects, the butterfly life cycle and the creation of a empowering awareness video; 

Marine Studies  have explored aquatic predators and now shifted their focus on varieties of Octopus, Cuttlefish and Quid and their life cycle. Of interest octopus have a copper based blood, hence why they have blue blood, while their deadly ink that is used against predators is designed too; disable sight, movement, taste and smell. 

Design & Technology have been exploring world renowned Mosaics and then turn their hand to designing / creating their own Mosaics.

Several students engaged in resuscitation training, acquiring the basic knowledge and understanding of DRSABCD from our Wellbeing Officer Ms. Lisa Baker and will be refining their skill and timing the remainder of Term 4.

Stage 5 also welcomed new neighbours recently to the Anson Farm / Orange HS Ag lot, in the way of three alpacas and two Angus heifers (see images below), they are usually described as docile, gentle, curious and social animals and will oversee the sheep flock. Do they have names?

Hugh Rasmussen

Stage 5 Assistant Principal

Stage 6

Year 12 students have been enjoying the many activities associated with their Term 4 community access program. Recently we have visisted the Cowra Japenese Gardens, explored facilities in Orange and this week we visited Blayney. 

In Blayney we visisted the train station and discussed train safety. Explored the town by visiting the local bakery to purchase bread and and the butchers to purchase sausages. Students enjoyed watching the geese while they hid their kindness rocks and visisted the park to cook a BBQ lunch.

Year 12 students have been discussing gratitude and have written 'positive postcards' that they sent from the post office to staff that they would like to thank. Students learnt about writing names clearly, address and post code on the envelope and purchased a stamp.  

Class 4 have been working with Mr Anikin to complete technology recycling and have delivered the recylcing to officeworks. 

last week class 7 visited the LiveBetter day program. LiveBetter's service manager Callan took us on a tour and students got to see all the different spaces and activities available.  It was lovely to see our past students and it was wondeful to see them engaging in their post-school programs and thriving in life as young adults. 

Last week year 12 organised a fundraiser lunch where they cooked and sold chicken wraps to staff for lunch. They are currently fundraising for a gift for the year 12 students to donate back to the school. 

Jess Hodder 

Stage 6 Assistant Principal