Learning News 

V12 Learning 

Science

V12 students have been busy applying their learning about simple machines in Science. We have just completed a project where we had to design, make and test a simple machine that could throw a ball. Students could work as part of a small group or alone. They had to research and brainstorm ideas, design a device, make a list of needed materials, problem solve, test out their machine and then write an evaluation. Most students have listed this project as one of their most enjoyable pieces of work in term 1.

Art

While some year 5s have been at choir, the rest of the V12 students have been exploring  impressionism art and learning about the artist Claude Monet. We have also been building our resiliency skills through repeated practice to recreate Monet's waterlilies, where each time our own interpretation and impressionism skills have been applied.  

Drumbeat

Some of our First Nations Students were invited to participate in the Drumbeat program over an 8-week cycle. Holyoake’s DRUMBEAT is the world’s first structured learning program using music, psychology and neurobiology to reconnect with ourselves and others.

The name DRUMBEAT is an acronym for Discovering Relationships Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes, and Thoughts.

DRUMBEAT incorporates hand drumming, behavioural therapeutic principles and cognitive and dialectical elements to achieve positive outcomes.

DRUMBEAT facilitates the social and emotional skills for healthy relationships and values. This process of re-connection with self and interconnection with others enables profound social and behavioural change.

Kayden, Zaviah, Tyrelle, Louie - It was really fun. We enjoyed playing the different instruments. The Thunder Drum was our favourite.

Bella - I liked the shell bracelets and all the different types of music we got to play.

The students participated and loved the experience. On their last session they got to showcase their learning with their families. 

Closing the Gap

On 21st March, our Year’s 3-6 First Nations students along with Emerly McNamara (ACEO) and Lisa McMahon (Intervention & Inclusion Leader and AET) went to the Closing the Gap Day at the Wayville showgrounds.

The 2020 National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement) is a strategy that aims to improve the life outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The National Agreement marks a shift in the approach to the Closing the Gap Strategy, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people determining what is important to them.

The Closing the Gap framework and strategy was significantly overhauled, with a “greater focus on partnership between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.

The students had a great day exploring, talking to vendors, participating in activities and watching Major Moogy Sumner and dancers in a performance. Some of the students participated in a 'shake a leg' competition as well.

This is what some of the students thought about the day.

Khyeshea - It was really fun. I liked the food and all the stalls. I enjoyed watching Uncle Moogy and the dance group. 

Tyrelle, Zaviah and Kayden - The basketball and the dancing were the best! And also the football, patting a crocodile and a snake. It was fun playing in the bouncy castle together.

Bella - I enjoyed looking at all the stalls and getting to take home note pads, colouring pencils and a slap band. I really enjoyed watching the shake a leg competition. 

Connor - Being with my brother and watching the dancing was fun. The best thing was having fun with everyone in the castle and riding in the ambo bed. 

Lachlan - I liked playing tag in the castle with everyone and riding in the ambulance.

Harper - It was really fun! I enjoyed meeting all the nice people, and I won the jelly beans.