Spotlight on Learning
Early Stage 1
This week, we enjoyed reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. The story helped us explore the concepts of "who," "when," and "what." The children discovered that the "who" is the caterpillar, the "what" includes the foods he eats, and the "when" relates to the days of the week. The book also provided a great opportunity to talk about healthy eating habits and to count the days of the week.
The students created their own versions of the hungry caterpillar using coloured paper and oil pastels. They explored different shades of green for the body and added hair-like strokes in various colours to bring their caterpillars to life.
In math, students used a measuring balance and LEGO blocks to explore and compare weights, discovering which blocks were heavier or lighter. Through this activity, they learned that objects with the same mass can look different. This engaging experience helped them develop essential skills and participate in meaningful discussions about measurement.
Mrs Son - KS Classroom teacher
Stage 2
Week 1 of Term 2 has flown by, and we are already diving into some exciting learning adventures!
In English, students are embarking on a captivating study of the hybrid text, Desert Lake. This unique book combines visual and factual elements, providing a rich platform for our students to explore themes of argumentation and authority. As we delve into the text, students will participate in various activities, including group discussions, creative writing tasks, and presentations that allow them to express their opinions and support their arguments with evidence. We aim to foster their critical thinking skills and encourage them to articulate their ideas confidently.
In Mathematics, we will continue our structured approach, focusing on key concepts and skills that are vital for our students' development. This term, we will work on problem-solving strategies, number operations, and measurement activities that promote logical thinking and reasoning. Our lessons will include hands-on activities and real-life applications to make learning engaging and relevant.
We are also excited to announce that this term will include a new term project that will be incorporated into the fortnightly homework schedule. This project will encourage students to explore topics related to Desert Lake and apply their learning in creative ways. More details will be sent home soon!
Mr Yu - 4Y Classroom Teacher
Stage 3
Police Youth Liaison Officer Visit
On Friday 11th April, our Stage 3 students participated in an important session with two Police Youth Liaison Officers who discussed the critical topic of online safety.
During the session, the officers highlighted what information should never be shared online, including full names, schools, locations, and ages. They emphasised the importance of being respectful in online interactions and identifying potential red flags when communicating with others online.
Some of the key red flags discussed included:
- Being asked to move to another online platform
- Receiving messages that don’t make sense
- Being asked personal questions
- Requests to meet in person
To help our students navigate these situations, they were encouraged to respond with, "I'm sorry but I only want to talk about the game." They were also reminded to block anyone who raises concerns and to speak to a trusted adult immediately.
Additionally, the officers stressed the importance of age-appropriate online activity. Students were reminded that at their age, they should not be accessing most online platforms. Those over 10 years old can face serious consequences, including being charged with a telecommunications offence if they say offensive things online.
For further support, students were informed that they can reach out to Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 if they ever feel uncomfortable about any online issues.
Mr. Love encouraged all students to go home and discuss what they learned during this workshop with their parents. Open communication about online safety is essential in helping our children navigate the digital world safely.
Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our students safe.
Year 5 Explores Australia’s Preferential Voting System
In an engaging and informative lead-up to last weekend's federal election, Year 5 students had the opportunity to dive into Australia’s preferential voting system. Under the guidance of Miss Jacob and Miss Rajakariar, the classes learned about the mechanics of this vital democratic process.
To bring the concept to life, the students participated in a hands-on activity where they voted for their favourite movie characters using preferential voting. Each student ranked their choices, demonstrating how preferences can influence outcomes. Miss Jacob distributed the votes, allowing students to witness first hand how their collective preferences shaped the final results.
This interactive lesson not only enhanced the students' understanding of our electoral system but also encouraged them to think critically about the importance of their votes. It was a fantastic way to connect classroom learning with real-world events, sparking interest in civic engagement among our young learners.
Mr Love - Stage 3 Assistant Principal