Term 2

Lower Primary programs provide a wide range of hands-on learning experiences designed to build students' communication skills, confidence and independence as learners. As we reach the end of the term, we can reflect on the many learning experiences provided and celebrate the progress and achievements students have made.

Students have enjoyed a variety of learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. These have included the Space Discovery Dome incursion, the Sirens and Smiles police education program, National Reconciliation Week, Mother’s and Special Person’s Day celebrations, Education Week, AFL football coaching clinics, swimming lessons, and ongoing investigations through our Discovery Learning program. Each experience has provided opportunities for students to learn, explore, communicate and connect with the world around them.

The school expectations of Be Responsible, Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be a Learner are embedded in everything we do each day. A consistent shared language is used across the campus to help students understand and practise the positive behaviours that support successful learning and positive relationships.

This term, our focus has been on "Be Safe." Through explicit teaching, modelling, role-play and positive reinforcement, students have been developing their understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe in a range of settings. Students explored what being safe looks like in the classroom, corridors, playground, at assembly, on the bus and in the wider community. They practised using safe hands and safe feet, following classroom and playground expectations, using equipment appropriately, and identifying adults who can provide help when they need it.

To reinforce these important concepts, Lower Primary students were fortunate to participate in the "Sirens and Smiles" community engagement program presented by Victoria Police. We were the first school to be involved, and the students were very excited. There was such a large police presence that many neighbours wondered if there was an incident taking place! Students had the opportunity to meet officers from a variety of specialist units including detectives, the forensic unit, bike squad, riot squad and general duties police. They explored police vehicles and equipment, listened to sirens, activated flashing lights, tried on parts of a police uniform, and some even had their fingerprints taken. Most importantly, they developed positive connections with local police officers from Mill Park. The police and the students were very happy with the session, and officers were thrilled to receive thank you letters and drawings from our students.

Discovery Learning: What are my senses?

A variety of engaging, hands-on experiences were planned for students to explore the five senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste and to learn how these senses help us understand and interact with the world around us. Students sampled foods and classified them as sweet, salty or sour, investigated visual illusions, identified mystery items using only their sense of smell, and played Sound Bingo to develop their listening skills. They also explored a variety of objects through touch, including blindfolded activities that encouraged them to rely on senses other than sight. These activities became a favourite as they challenged students to think more deeply about how they use their senses to gather information. Other popular experiences included creating textured balloons, experimenting with scented playdough, and exploring the outdoors to discover different smells, textures and sounds found in nature. These rich sensory experiences were very engaging and encouraged students to describe and compare what they were noticing. Through these experiences, students have developed a stronger understanding of how the senses support learning, communication and safety in everyday life. 

Language Experience and Communication

Students have developed their vocabulary through weekly language experiences and by engaging with various texts to build their understanding of chosen topics. These experiences are different for each class and have included topics such as the senses, ANZAC Day commemorations, Aboriginal dot painting activities, T-shirt designs, rocket collages, string paintings and Mystery Bag investigations.

A range of communication supports, including aided language displays, communication devices, photographs, visual supports and technology, have assisted students to develop specific vocabulary and share their thoughts and ideas in ways that are meaningful to them. For some students this may have been a drawing or selection of symbols, a single word whilst others are beginning to articulate and write letters, words and sentences to express their ideas.

The Little Learners Love Literacy program continues to support students in developing their knowledge of letter-sound relationships, blending skills and early reading fluency. Through structured lessons, students are learning to recognise and recall letter sounds, blend sounds together to read words and apply these skills when reading decodable texts. Students are building confidence as readers through regular opportunities to practise newly learned sounds and words in meaningful contexts throughout their day.

Learning to Learn

Our Prep and Grade 1 program focuses on building and embedding the essential foundations for learning at a pace that is appropriate for our students. Strong emphasis is placed on developing the essential "learn to learn" skills of following routines, attending to tasks, communicating with others, problem-solving and developing independence. Every student is supported at their individual point of learning, with experiences carefully tailored to meet their needs and ensure they are challenged and encouraged to take the next steps when ready. 

Morning regulation sessions form an important part of this process. These activities may include movement sessions, sensory experiences and music, assisting students to begin the day in a calm and positive way and engage more successfully in learning.

Communication is embedded across all learning experiences. Students continue to develop and use core words such as more, go, stop and finished. These high-frequency words are modelled throughout the day using speech, visuals and communication devices, supporting students to express their wants, needs, thoughts and ideas in a range of contexts.

Reading sessions are enhanced using sensory props and hands-on experiences. Students may touch, smell, hear or interact with objects connected to a story, helping them make meaningful connections. These experiences support vocabulary development, comprehension and active participation during shared reading.

Students have also been participating in structured Learn to Play sessions, which provide valuable opportunities to develop communication and play skills. Staff scaffold each student’s play development, meeting them at their individual level and supporting them to take the next steps when ready. For some students, this has begun with sensory exploration, while others are engaging in solitary or parallel play with support. Some students are now beginning to share ideas, take turns and participate in more cooperative play experiences. These structured opportunities have led to noticeable gains in play skills, confidence and engagement for many of our youngest students.

Celebrating Our Special People and Education Week

A campus favourite is our Mother’s Day and Special Person’s Day, where mothers, grandmothers, fathers and other special people are welcomed into our classrooms to be celebrated and recognised for the great job that they do. The students were very excited to share items they had prepared in both the classroom and art room. There were handmade gifts and cards, learned songs, cooking items and a range of classroom activities designed to celebrate their special people. There was much happiness as students presented their gifts, took part in activities and spent time with their special guests. A great time was had by all.

Education Week provided another opportunity for families to visit the classroom and see their child’s learning firsthand. Families participated alongside their children in a range of learning activities and saw the way their child communicated and engaged throughout the session. Students love having family members in their classrooms and were proud to share their learning.

Thank you to the parents and friends who were able to attend these events and share in the programs and learning that occurs across Lower Primary.

M80 Build

The new murals surrounding our nature playground and outdoor spaces have created another exciting learning opportunity for our students. Students have loved discovering the Australian animals hidden throughout the artwork and have enthusiastically searched for kangaroos, kookaburras, wombats, emus and cockatoos during playtimes and learning sessions.

The Lower Primary community would like to thank M80 for their ongoing support in helping create a more engaging outdoor environment. From the nature playground and cubby spaces to these new murals, each project has enhanced opportunities for imaginative play, exploration and learning. We have greatly enjoyed working alongside the M80 Big Build team and appreciate their generosity and commitment to supporting our students.

Specialist Program

 Music

This term, students explored beat and rhythm through a variety of engaging musical experiences. They used body percussion, including clapping, tapping and stamping, to maintain a steady beat and create rhythmic patterns. Students also enjoyed playing a range of drums and experimenting with different sounds. Through these activities they developed listening skills, coordination, confidence and teamwork while experiencing the joy of making music together.

Library and Space Discovery Dome

Students investigated the topic of space through a range of fiction and non-fiction texts and participated in creative craft activities to consolidate their learning. A highlight was the visit from the Space Discovery Dome. Students stepped inside the inflatable planetarium and explored images of stars, planets, the Moon and the Sun while learning about our solar system in an exciting and interactive way.

Physical Education

Students thoroughly enjoyed participating in a four-week AFL Footy Clinic delivered by AFL Victoria coaches. Throughout the program, students developed football skills including kicking, handballing, marking and teamwork through a variety of fun activities and games. The beautiful weather allowed all sessions to be held outdoors, and students demonstrated enthusiasm, confidence and persistence as they developed their skills. We thank the AFL Victoria coaches for providing such a valuable and enjoyable learning experience.

National Reconciliation Week

During National Reconciliation Week, students explored the importance of friendship, respect and working together. Through storytelling, art experiences, sensory activities and discussions, students are beginning to develop their understanding of Australia's First Nations peoples. A favourite story was Tiddalick the Frog, a traditional Aboriginal Dreaming story about a giant frog who drank all the water in the land. Students listened to how animals worked together to solve the problem and explored important messages about sharing, caring for others, taking responsibility and looking after the environment. These experiences provided opportunities for students to celebrate culture, understand difference and learn about the importance of building positive relationships with one another.

                                                                                                      KABOOM Sports Day 

As a fun way to finish the term, students from Lower Primary and Upper Primary came together at the Watsonia Campus for a Sports Day hosted by Kaboom Kids Sport. Throughout the morning, students rotated through a variety of activity stations that challenged their throwing, kicking, balancing, catching and coordination skills. Music, movement and dance added to the morning, with students participating to the best of their ability. A highlight for many Lower Primary students and staff was catching up with those who moved on to Upper Primary and having the opportunity to say hello. Thank you to Etaoin for organising such a successful morning and to the families who joined us and helped along the way.

Social Competency

  As you can see it has been a busy term full of learning and fun experiences. The Lower Primary staff would like to acknowledge the participation of our students in their learning programs and celebrate the development of new skills and positive relationships. A pat on the back to everyone!

We wish all families a safe and relaxing break and look forward to a happy and productive Term 3 working alongside you and your children.

Kath Moore

Campus Principal