Spotlight on Learning
Kindergarten
Writing
We have been doing ‘Free Writing Fridays’ in KW over the past few weeks, where students have been composing their own texts in response to a stimulus. They have been using their fantastic imaginations and observation skills to write their own sentences in response to a storybook we have read during the week. It has been a wonderful opportunity for students to use their sounding out skills to spell unfamiliar words. Students have felt confident in applying their phonics skills to their writing and while we don’t expect perfectly accurate spelling, it has given us plenty of opportunities to expose them to spellings that don’t follow typical phonics rules. It has been amazing to see the culmination of their reading and writing skills be applied in creating their own original texts.
Mathematics
It has been all about measurement these past couple of weeks for KW, we have been learning about length, area and mass. We have been conducting a lot of hands-on experiments around the classroom to measure different objects’. We used our wingspans to measure and compare different items, superimposed different coloured pieces of paper to compare their area, and hefted different objects to compare their mass. Our students loved being directly involved in measuring these items and we have even recorded our findings in our workbooks to demonstrate our predictions and results from our investigations.
Mr Widjaja - KW Classroom Teacher
Stage 2
Mathematics
In our recent lesson, students learned about the importance of measuring mass and its everyday applications. Using a supermarket catalogue, students sorted items by weight, which was an engaging activity that helped them understand how to measure and compare mass. This knowledge is practical for everyday activities, like shopping or cooking and helps build their skills in organising and categorising information.
Writing
Stage 2 students wrote a paragraph describing an image using descriptive language that engaged all five senses. They focused on details such as the texture of tree bark, the scent of blooming flowers, the vibrant colours of a sunset, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, and the taste of a cool breeze. This lesson helped them practice creating vivid images in the reader's mind using sensory details. As a result, their writing became more engaging and vivid, allowing them to better convey the scene and evoke a stronger emotional response from their readers.
They then applied these skills to a new task, writing about a book parade. Using the same sensory techniques, they described the vibrant colours of book-themed costumes, the lively sounds of cheers and music, and the soft touch of costumes. This connection between the two assignments helped students enhance their descriptive writing skills, enabling them to vividly describe both a static image and a lively event, making their writing more engaging and immersive.
Mrs Son - 3S Classroom Teacher
Stage 3
Milson Island Adventure: Year 5 and 6 Take on the Outdoors!
Last week, the Year 5 and 6 students embarked on an exciting three day adventure at Milson Island Sport and Recreation Centre. Despite a blustery start, with strong winds on the first day, the weather turned out to be perfect for outdoor activities. The students made the most of their time away, enjoying a wide range of challenges that tested both their physical and teamwork skills.
Among the favourite activities was kayaking, where students paddled across the scenic waters, learning new skills and building confidence on the water. There was also bike riding, allowing students to explore the trails and experience the thrill of speeding down paths surrounded by nature.
A definite highlight was archery tag, a combination of strategy and aim, which had students ducking, dodging, and aiming to hit their targets in a fun, safe environment. The obstacle course was another challenge, pushing students to navigate a series of physical tasks that tested both strength and endurance.
One of the most memorable moments was the Amazing Race team challenge. Students worked in groups, racing around the island to complete tasks and solve puzzles. It was a true test of teamwork, with plenty of laughter and cheering along the way.
The trip to Milson Island was a great success, leaving everyone with lasting memories of fun, adventure, and friendship. Well done, Stage 3!
Classes will have photos available for you to view on Google Classroom.
Mr Love - 6L Classroom Teacher