Specialist

As we wrap up 2024, I want to say a huge thank you to all the students for their hard work this year in STEM!

This week, Foundation, Grade 1, and Grade 2 students took part in a fun activity where they built temporary shelters using butcher's paper and tape to survive a simulated storm. Despite the hot weather, the students were excited to design and create their structures. Once the shelters were built, a special jet sprayed water to simulate a rainstorm, testing how well the shelters held up. The students worked together, adapting their designs as needed. It was a thrilling experience filled with teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, leaving everyone buzzing with excitement!

Grade 3/4 students have been learning about earthquakes and earthquake-resistant buildings. To put their knowledge to the test, they completed a hands-on activity using plastic cups to build structures that could withstand a simulated earthquake on a shake table. Working in teams, they experimented with different stacking methods to find the most stable design. As the table shook, the students observed which structures held up and discussed what made them successful. It was a fun and interactive way to apply their learning about engineering and earthquakes.

Grade 5/6 students learned about counterweight trebuchets and used this knowledge to build their own models. Using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, a straw, glue, and an eraser, they created functional trebuchets, experimenting with balance and launch mechanisms. After assembling their designs, they tested them by launching small objects, adjusting their creations for better accuracy and distance. The activity was a fun, hands-on way to explore physics concepts like force and energy transfer while encouraging creativity and teamwork.

What an amazing year we have had in Art this year :) This past week we have been finishing off projects that were incomplete from throughout the term. The students have worked super hard and have created some amazing pieces.

I am so proud of each and every one of them. Thanks for a wonderful 2024.

Week highlight: Congratulations to the Cliffy Crushers for winning 2024's BPS World Cup!

Our students in Foundation have enjoyed revisiting the Gaga Pit for some fierce games of Gaga Ball. Students have shown they have been able to learn the rules, shown good sportsmanship while being encouraging of each other playing. It's been a very positive and fun way to end our year!

Students in 1/2 have been working on their hockey skills, shooting to score for their team in games of Number Hockey!

Our 3/4s headed to Interschool Sports at Dallas Brooks Primary last week. Students participated in teams for Volleyball, Basketball, Tee-ball and Cricket. The Social Summer Games gave students in Grade 3 to see what Interschool Sports looks like, and our Grade 4s got to practice for the the real thing next year! It was a great day for all, and an awesome opportunity to meet with other schools and get to know our local community.

As we finish the year, 5/6s have been enjoying a variety of sports activities of their choice, including soccer, basketball, table tennis, cricket, skipping, downball, Jenga and many more. We've been making our last few PE sessions of the year as enjoyable as possible, and are happy to see students try out different sports as well as include others in their games.

Hola a todos! Students have been reviewing numbers and learning emotions in Spanish. 

Grade 3/4 students have embarked on an exciting journey to explore emotions in Spanish, using a variety of engaging methods. They have practiced expressing different emotions through lively songs and captivating video clips from the beloved movie "Inside Out." This creative approach has not only made learning fun but also helped the students connect with the material on a deeper level.

Following these activities, the students took a personality test to discover which emotion from the movie they most closely resemble. The results were surprising and sparked a lot of interesting discussions among the students. It was a delightful way for them to gain insights into their own personalities and understand the diverse range of emotions we all experience.

To further reinforce their learning, the students participated in a matching activity. They were tasked with pairing various emotions with corresponding pictures introduced during the session. This hands-on exercise allowed them to visually and contextually link the emotions they had been studying, solidifying their understanding in a memorable way.

Grade 5/6 students have truly outdone themselves in preparation for this year's School Fete! Each team has taken on the responsibility of decorating and personalizing their stalls with incredible creativity and enthusiasm. From vibrant banners to unique themes, their hard work and dedication are evident in every detail.

Moreover, the students have also been busy with upsells, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit. They've brainstormed and implemented innovative ideas to attract and engage visitors, ensuring that their stalls are not only visually appealing but also interactive and fun.

We are incredibly proud of our Grade 5/6 students for their commitment and teamwork. Their efforts made this School Fete a truly special event, and we couldn't wait for everyone to experience the magic they created. Visitors enjoyed their stalls and the fantastic performances they prepared!

Overall, our students have immersed themselves in a variety of activities designed to help them recognize and understand emotions and feelings in Spanish. They have also discovered fascinating similarities between the English and Spanish languages, reflecting on how emotions are expressed across cultures. Next week, students will focus on saying goodbye as they prepare for the school summer holidays. ¡Adiós amigos! We look forward to sharing more of their journey with you soon.