The Anchor

Primary School

Celebrating Mother's Day in the ECC

This week, the ECC was filled with love and gratitude as we celebrated one of the most heartwarming events on our calendar, Mother’s Day. Each classroom thoughtfully prepared special activities to honour the incredible women in our students’ lives. From handmade cards to heartfelt songs and creative crafts, the children worked with great care and excitement to show their appreciation. The joy on the children’s faces as they welcomed their mums into the classroom was matched only by the smiles of the mothers taking part.

 

The morning culminated in a beautiful morning tea held in the library, a cherished tradition and one of my favourite events of the year. The space was transformed into a welcoming haven where families could connect and share a moment of togetherness. It was wonderful to see so many mums, grandmothers and caregivers gathered in celebration, enjoying delicious treats and heartfelt conversations.

 

Events like these remind us of the powerful role families play in our community and the importance of pausing to say thank you. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for this special morning and helped make it such a memorable occasion. 

 

Happy Mother’s Day to all our ECC mums!

Foundation Day 

Tomorrow, Friday 9 May, is our Foundation Day Assembly 1.45pm to 2.30pm. This requires presentation uniform (covered legs) for Years Three to Twelve. This is then followed by Running of the Flags at 2.30pm. Those selected students in Running of the Flags may wear House uniform all day. Year Six students attending the Orienteering event will need to change into their presentation uniform on their return to school, ready for the Assembly. 

Acknowledgment Song 

Introducing the Acknowledgement Song Project! 

Written by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse in consultation with Menang Elders, 'Kinjarling' is a brand-new Acknowledgement of Country song for Menang Noongar Boodja.

 

Last week, we were lucky enough to welcome a visit from Music Director Pia Harris who led an initial workshop to learn the song. The project visited 12 Great Southern schools. We will now practise the song with classroom teachers in preparation for filming in Week Six. An exciting beginning to a project grounded in respect, culture, and connection. 

Classroom News

We hope you enjoy reading the news from our Early Childhood and Primary classes. 

 

Kindergarten 

It has been a very exciting time in the Kindergarten classes. Last week, the tide was so high at the Wild Space that we went on a wild adventure through the bush to the unknown. It was fun to see where we would end up! We are so excited to be learning about new letters each week in class. Soon we will be reading and writing with the big kids! 

 

Year One 

It has been a week of ‘secret activities’ (which can only be revealed on Wednesday morning!) Alongside the start of the Term Two inquiry, the children were thrilled to explore their own construction site and relax in the nature area. The class has also enjoyed sharing their holiday diaries with each other, recounting many of their exciting school holiday adventures through writing and photographs!

 

Year Two 

This week we began looking more deeply into mixtures by investigating what happens when you mix different liquids. We predicted and then mixed water and detergent, oil and detergent and finally water, oil and detergent. This brought up some great discussions around density and how different liquids mix with each other. We had a great time on Mother's Day morning making lava lamps to further consolidate this learning. 

 

Year Five

This week, we began our Talk for Writing text, Clock Close, and the students have already memorised two whole paragraphs without relying on the written text—a fantastic achievement! We also started our class novel, Bridge to Terabithia. Students have been assigned definitions for challenging words from the text. On Thursday, students participated in an incursion with the Breaksea performance group, where they learned the song Kinjarling (the acknowledgment song) written by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse. In Science, we began exploring matter and its different states, and in Technology, students started investigating sustainability. They have created PowerPoint presentations explaining this concept, considering different materials in their research. Next week in HASS, we will introduce key concepts about Australia’s government system through engaging, hands-on activities and a mock election.

 

Year Six 

This week, the Year Six students have embarked on an exciting journey through earth and space, diving deep into the wonders of the solar system and reflecting on our place within the universe. From planets and moons to stars and galaxies, they have been expanding their scientific understanding and curiosity about the cosmos. Alongside their space exploration, the students have also been honing their mathematical skills, with a strong focus on measurement. They have been tackling real-world problems involving perimeter and area, developing their confidence and competence in applying these concepts practically and creatively. 

ECC Briefing 

The following superstars have worked beautifully and received a Star Award for their efforts. 

Kindergarten H: Ajit Grewal

Kindergarten M: Laylah Stone

Pre-Primary: Evie Burrows 

Year One: Isla Hodge 

Year Two: Elliott Ruffell

 

The following students have stood out for their ability to show integrity.  

Kindergarten H: Matilda Moir

Kindergarten M: Luka Moon

Pre-Primary: Eric Chen

Year One: Ally Buxton

Year Two: Benji Fergie

Upcoming events 

Week Two

  • Friday 9 May, Primary School Orienteering Carnival (selected students), Centennial Park Ovals, 9.00am to 12.00pm
  • Friday 9 May, Foundation Day Assembly (Presentation Uniform for Years Three to Twelve), 1.45pm to 2.30pm, followed by Running of the Flags. (Those students in Running of the Flags may wear House uniform all day)

 

Week Three

  • Monday 12 May, registrations for Horizons activities close at 12.00pm
  • Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May, National Boarding Week
  • Tuesday 13 May, National Boarding Week Free Dress Day - dress as a farmer
  • Wednesday 14 May, Walk to School Day, Coraki Park, 8.00am
  • Wednesday 14 May, Horizons activities for Kindergarten to Year Six start
  • Friday 16 May, Year Six L Assembly, 8.55am in the hall 
  • Friday 16 May, Mount Barker Roadshow, Galafrey Wines, 5.00pm to 7.00pm 

 

Week Four

  • Tuesday 20 May, Mokare Day Dress up - My Dream Job
  • Wednesday 21 May, Kindergarten to Year Six National Event Simultaneous Storytime Library, 9.00am to 10.00am
  • Friday 23 May, Tour Afternoon, 2.00pm to 4.00pm for families who are interested in their children attending GSG

 

Have a lovely weekend!

Ms Leah Field | Head of Primary and

Mrs Hayley Ranger | Head of Early Childhood