Specialists
Auslan
Grade 1 and 2
This week in Auslan, students will start learning about handshapes in Auslan. They will discover how different shapes are used to form signs and how changing a handshape can change meaning. Students will practise copying signs, building confidence, and using their eyes to watch carefully. We will also be learning and revising the Australian national anthem in Auslan this week.
Grade 3 and 4
In week 2 students will learn that signs in Auslan can be made in different places on the body or in the space around us, and that meaning is created through a combination of handshape, orientation and facial expression. Through games and activities, students will explore how small changes to a sign can change its meaning. We'll practice using clear signing and facial expression to communicate effectively.
Grade 5 and 6
In grade 6, students will focus on how handshape, orientation, location and movement are key features of Auslan signs, and how changing these can alter meaning. They will explore examples, identify differences between similar signs, and practise refining their own signing for clarity and accuracy. Students will also analyse signs more closely to develop a deeper understanding of how Auslan works as a visual language.
Performing Arts
ANZAC Ceremony
Congratulations to all the students who performed at our ANZAC Assembly this week. It was a joy to hear their voices and instruments as they contributed so thoughtfully to this important occasion.
VSSS - Mass Dance
Our VSSS Mass Dance crew have their next rehearsal excursion this Tuesday, and we are looking forward to joining other schools to continue rehearsing together.
In the classroom...
Prep
Studentswill be exploring First Nations music through listening, singing and movement. They will be introduced to a range of First Nations instruments and the sounds they create, while also beginning to learn simple songs that include First Nations language.
Grade 1
Students will explore how pitch moves in music (high and low sounds). Using “pitch maps,” they will visually represent how melodies go up and down, helping them connect what they hear with what they see and perform.
Grade 2
Students will explore the song Mr Clickety Cane, creating their own lyrics and actions for repeating sections of the song. They will also revise rhythm patterns from last term and begin to apply these when singing in rounds, developing their timing and listening skills.
Grade 3/4
Students will revise rhythm patterns and begin exploring how music is written on the staff. They will be introduced to the treble clef and how notes are placed to represent pitch, supporting their understanding of how musicians read and perform music.
Grade 5/6
Students will explore the symbols used in music to communicate ideas, such as notes, rests and other notation markings. Through a sorting and pairing activity, they will build their understanding of these symbols before using them creatively to design their own music-inspired artwork.
Visual Arts
OPEN ART ROOM!
During our Mother’s Day morning next Friday May 8th, parents and students are invited into the Artroom to view the amazing artwork created by all students during Term One. The 2D and 3D work displayed is inspired by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama – full of dots, pumpkins, mushrooms and colour! Each student has contributed two or more artworks for you to view.
Parent Helpers
Thankyou to all the parents that have signed up to help out in the Art room this term. There are still a few places available to be filled, so please follow the link below if you are available.
In the classroom this week…
Prep students will finish their yarn wrapping and adding beads to make it 3D and add another layer of texture. They will also sponge a teddy bear and create a plaid background in preparation for their Teddy Bear Picnic coming up.
Grade 1 students will begin their work on ‘Country’, the CBL Big Idea for Term 2. They will weave indigenous designed papers on a loom and decorate it with paint pens. To finish their work they will thread beads onto a pipe-cleaner to create a hanger.
Grade 2 students will begin a unit on ‘Country’ the Big Idea for Term 2. They will design a picture made up of lines, inspired by Indigenous art and pattern. They will glue down yarn, following the lines to add colour to their picture.
Grade 3/4 students will be making foam flowers for the Kusama display next Friday. They will add dots to petals and construct a flower to add to collaborative vases for display.
Grade 5 students will be adding paint pen details to their Kusama inspired mushrooms. They will also add the final layer to their Mother’s Day canvas.
Grade 6 students will begin a textiles project based around the Big Idea of ‘Country’ for Term 2. They will plan a landscape design and begin to lay out wool and use a needle felting tool to bind the fibres to the felt background.
Physical Education
This week, students across all year levels are enthusiastically preparing for our upcoming House Cross Country Day. It’s always a highlight on the school calendar, bringing together friendly competition, teamwork, and plenty of school spirit. Students are encouraged to wear their house colours on the day to help create a vibrant and supportive atmosphere.
The weather forecast is looking great, and we are hoping for a fantastic day outdoors. Although it will be May, we will continue to prioritise sun safety. Students should wear their school hats throughout the day when not running and are reminded to apply sunscreen before arriving and to reapply it during the day.
We are looking forward to a fun-filled and challenging day for all involved, and we encourage everyone to get behind their house, give their best effort, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.
STEM
STEM sessions will explore the concepts of Chemical Science in the first half of Term 2.
Grade 1 and 2
Students will be exploring mixtures, identifying the different materials in them, and describing the properties of those materials.
Grade 3 and 4
Students will continue to investigate natural and made materials (fibres, metals, glass, plastics) and describe their observable properties.
Grade 5 and 6
Students will continue explore irreversible changes, this week focussing on the process of rust.