Primary Happenings
Year 2: Puppet Incursion
Steph Farren, Year 2 Teacher
The Grade 2 students had a fun and exciting time during a special shadow puppet incursion! The day started with a lively show about a fun Indonesian story. Colourful shadow puppets moved across the screen, bringing the characters to life and capturing the children’s attention. After the show, the students learned a traditional Indonesian dance, moving to the music and enjoying the culture.
Next, they watched a Japanese shadow puppet story. They were amazed by the detailed puppets and the tools and instruments used to create the sounds and music during the performance.
Afterwards, the students joined a creative workshop where they designed their own shadow puppets using simple materials and bright colours. They made characters from the stories they had seen, explored ways to make their puppets move, and practiced using their puppets in front of the screen, bringing their stories to life.
This experience helped the children learn about new cultures in a fun and interactive way, while preparing them to design their own shadow puppets later this term. It was a wonderful day filled with stories, music, dance, fun, and creativity!
Year 1: Community Expo
Kirsti Le Page, Year 1 Team Leader
A Morning of Discovery and Inspiration
Year 1 students had a fantastic morning at our Jobs in the Community Expo, thanks to the generous parents and family members who volunteered their time to share their professions. Students were immersed in a wide range of engaging activities, including:
- Using real dentistry equipment
- Wearing a police vest and holding a police radio
- Designing marketing materials and architectural plans
- Playing a traditional Chinese instrument
- Exploring pharmacy, speech pathology, and secondary teaching tools
- Receiving a cardboard constable badge and Jetstar merchandise
Meeting and patting Bella the dog
The morning was filled with curiosity, thoughtful questions, and meaningful conversations. Students demonstrated their growing understanding of what it means to be part of a community—not just through its physical structures, but through the people and jobs that make it thrive.
In preparation for the event, Year 1 students have been investigating community roles and learning how to ask open-ended questions. This inquiry will continue as we begin planning, designing, and mapping our own community spaces.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers for making this such a memorable and inspiring experience!
Year 3: Melbourne Zoo Excursion
Bryce Morgan, Year 3 Team Leader
There were a lot of excited Year 3’s last Thursday as we walked into the Melbourne Zoo. As part of our Inquiry unit called ‘God’s Wild World’, we have been studying how different animals were created to survive in different environments as well as comparing animals from differing continents.
We were so thankful that the rain held off, giving us a great day together. The students were respectful to the other guests and got to enjoy seeing some amazing creatures. You never realise how large an orangutan is until you’re right up close!
Year 4: Justice Seekers Expo
Mariah Reed, Year 4 Team Leader
Last week, our Year 4 students hosted the Justice Seekers Expo - a powerful culmination of their learning about justice and compassion in action. We were privileged to welcome four inspiring guest speakers: Nathan Brown, an academic in law and human rights, author and publisher; Katherine Kirkwood, CEO of Stable One, a charity focused on supporting people experiencing homelessness; Drew Nicholls from Foothills Community Care, which provides meals and community support for those facing food insecurity; and Steve Venour, our Head of Secondary, who has worked extensively with the School of St Yared in Ethiopia, offering education to children living in deep poverty.
When asked the question, “What is justice to you?” our speakers offered diverse and thought-provoking responses:
- Justice is the world the way God intended it to be.
- Justice is fairness.
- Justice is everyone having a voice and their voice being heard.
- Justice is everyone having what they need to flourish.
These sessions sparked thoughtful responses from our students.
“It was great getting inspiration about what we can do about injustice and helping other people. I really liked hearing about how Mr Venour was inspired to go to Ethiopia.” – Zachariah K.
“A quote I liked was that people’s voices need to be electrified and heard.” – Chevonne L.
“Justice is for everyone.” – Hannah R.
“I love how clear the speakers’ expressions were and how we got the opportunity to learn about justice.” – Maddie H.
Hopefully, the words of Micah - “to act justly” - proudly displayed on the façade of A Block, now carry even more meaning for our students as they continue to seek justice in both big and small ways.
