Primary Specialists
Visual Arts
On behalf of the Visual Arts team, Ms. Nishani. Ms. Mancini and Ms. Fankhauser, we would like to wish you all happy holidays and a fantastic New Year! We have had such a wonderful time teaching your lovely children this year and look forward to seeing them all again next year as they move up a year level. We would like to thank our parent helpers who have helped us with our very first art show and are very grateful for all your hard work and assistance. Next year, if you would like to be a parent helper during art classes or in whatever capacity you can, please come and see your student's art teacher and let them know your availability at the start of the year. Here are some holiday activities for you to create with your child during the holidays and keep them entertained:
Try these creative activities at home.
Materials needed for the following lessons: tempera paints, watercolors, brushes, markers, crayons, kitchen items, glue, scissors, paper, miscellaneous items
- Make a splatter painting. Using watercolors and a toothbrush, splatter paint on white paper. Fill the toothbrush with paint, run your thumb along the bristles to spatter the paint. Cut into pieces. Assemble on black paper. Glue in place. This can be messy so make sure that you use washable paints and cover up with an apron.
- Create a nature collage. Spend some time outside collecting small nature items: sticks, petals, leaves, feathers, etc. Glue or stick on a paper. You can also place a piece of sticky contact paper in a frame, sticky side up. Then place items on the sticky side.
- Make a collage box. Use an old shoebox. Color the box with markers. Glue on some favorite things. Collect items that can be used in art projects: paper scraps, meat trays, packing stuff, pictures, etc.
- Paint thumbprint picture.Use watercolors. Prime the paints by placing a bead of water on each color. Stick your thumb in a watercolor pan. Make a thumbprint on the paper. When it is dry, add lines to make it a person, bug, or something imaginative.
- Print with kitchen items.Using tempera paint, pour some paint on a paper plate or cookie tray. Pick some kitchen items to print with: cookie cutters, corks, spaghetti, mallets etc.
- Make tracks. Using tempera paint, pour some paint on a paper plate. Take small trucks and cars and run them through the paint. Then make tracks on the paper. It's fun to fill a bucket with soapy water and have a car wash when done painting.
- Create Pan art. Place a piece of paper in a cookie pan. Paint the paper with water. Using a very wet brush, dip in a watercolor color. Dab the paint on the paper. What does it do? When the child has filled the paper with color, have him sprinkle salt on the paper and leave to dry. Once it's dry, brush off the salt and talk about what happened.
- Connect the dots. Using the end opposite the bristles on a paintbrush, dip in tempera paint and make dots around the paper. Then use paints or markers to draw lines to connect the dots. Add color in the spaces.
- Make A Timed line wonder. Turn on your kitchen timer to one minute. Using a marker, begin drawing but don't pick up your marker. Make one long continuous line going up, down, across and around. When the timer goes off, color in the spaces.
- Design Nature stamps. Collect some nature items that have a flat side (twigs, leaves, rocks, etc.). Paint the items with tempera paint and stamp them on paper.
Great websites to check out:
https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/christmas-crafts-for-kids/
https://www.happinessishomemade.net/easy-christmas-kids-crafts-that-anyone-can-make/
https://familyfocusblog.com/10-fun-new-years-crafts-kids/
https://familyfocusblog.com/inspiration-new-year/
Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,
Bienvenidos a la clase de Español
As we approach the end of Term Four, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey we've had in our Spanish class this year. The classrooms have been buzzing with excitement as students eagerly participate in various end-of-year activities that not only enhance their language skills but also broaden their cultural horizons.
Over the past few months, our focus has been on exploring cultural celebrations and discovering the similarities that unite us all. From festive traditions to unique customs, our students have delved into the rich tapestry of global celebrations that make our world so wonderfully diverse. This exploration has not only been a linguistic adventure but also a journey of understanding and respecting cultural differences.
One of the highlights of our year has been the students' engagement in projects that showcase their appreciation for cultural diversity. Through multimedia presentations, class exhibitions, and interactive discussions, our learners have been able to express their unique cultural identities. This emphasis on embracing diversity has created a positive and inclusive classroom environment, fostering a sense of unity among our students.
In addition to cultural exploration, our students have been diligently learning basic Spanish vocabulary for daily use at school. This practical approach to language learning ensures that the skills acquired in the classroom are applicable to real-life situations. From common greetings to essential phrases and our students are also gaining confidence in using the language in their everyday interactions.
As we approach the well-deserved year-end break, we want to express our gratitude to both students and parents for their enthusiasm and support throughout the year. Your commitment to language learning and cultural appreciation has truly made our Spanish class a vibrant and dynamic space.
I wish everyone a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and precious moments with loved ones. May the break rejuvenate and energize each one of you for the adventures that lie ahead in the coming year.
Warm regards,
Señor Pasten
MEDIA
Thank you to all students and year levels for participating in our Media unit throughout the year. It has been wonderful teaching you all and helping you discover your talents and abilities in Media.
Preps were principled with their photos of the emotions and analysing elements of a story.
Ones were wonderful as they explored sound recording and cultural stories.
The terrific Twos did fantastic work on their print and radio advertisements.
The Threes thrilled with their still-image narratives capturing students facing a fear.
The fabulous Fours created some great montages about our daily school life.
The famous Fives put on their creative hats and made some exceptional short films.
Sixes were studious as they analysed Encanto and it's connections to themes such as migration and family.
Wishing all students and families a safe and happy holidays!
DANCE.
2023 has been a great year for dance with so many achievements and accomplishments by so many students, both in a group situation and personally also! The dance extension program has grown both in numbers and in skill levels also, while many are eager and already counting down the days to re-audition for 2024! The VSSS dancers represented our Saltwater community on such a high level this year showcasing their talents, skills and commitment to the tasks at hand. In return this also made them a school that VSSS were looking at to help lead the way with the dance routines provided in the big show, by placing them in prime position to help other schools follow if needed.
Students this year in dance extension and VSSS performed and showcased at our school assembly's, the Principals conference, Victorian State School Spectacular, Saltwater School Carnival, Year 6 graduation ceremony, and of course with their respective classes for the Saltwater Christmas Carols. Everyone has represented the dance program so well this year and have set the standard higher yet again for next years groups to follow!
I am beyond proud of all students this year and so happy with how they've worked together solidifying the importance of teamwork, accountability, ownership, commitment, consistency, and how they have overcome all obstacles that were presented and learnt how to be patient, yet persevere to achieve all goals set out. They have made new friends along the way with a common love for what they do, which they speak about and are so happy about, and look forward to another year ahead to build and grow from here. 2023 was great but 2024 is already shaping up to be even better.
A special thank you goes out to all parents and teachers for their ongoing support for their children and students throughout this journey. It has meant the absolute world to the students to have you standing beside them this year as they fulfilled their goals, dreams and visions and look forward to doing it again next year.
congratulations to all students involved this year on all you've accomplished and look forward to what 2024 has to bring. Have a safe and happy well deserved break, and send best wishes for a Merry Christmas and amazing New Year!!
Kind Regards
Mr
Physical Education
As we bid farewell to another exciting year, we can't help but reflect on the incredible journey we've had in Primary Physical Education at Saltwater.
Celebrating Achievements:
Throughout the year, our students have showcased outstanding achievements in physical fitness and skill development. From mastering fundamental movements to conquering new challenges in team sports, each student has successfully completed an incredible year of P.E.
Special Events and Challenges:
The year wouldn't be complete without the excitement of our sporting events. From Athletic and Swimming day carnival’s to the friendly competition of our mini-Olympics, students had the opportunity to apply their skills in a fun and supportive environment. These events not only encourage friendly competition but also foster a sense of community and school spirit.
Looking Ahead:
As we look ahead to the new year, we're excited about the continued growth and development of our young athletes. Our commitment to providing a positive and engaging physical education experience will continue, and we anticipate even more achievements and adventures in the coming months.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and cant wait to see you all back in 2024.
Music
Dear Students and Parents,
As the year draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful musical journey we have embarked upon together. It has been a year filled with joy, growth, and harmonious melodies, and we are so proud of each and every one of our talented students.
Throughout the year, our primary school music program has provided a nurturing environment for our young musicians to explore their passion for music. In our music classes, we have witnessed the power of collaboration and teamwork. Our students have come together to create magical moments through group performances, where they have learned the importance of listening, supporting one another, and blending their individual talents into a harmonious whole. These experiences have not only enhanced their musical abilities but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and friendship among our students.
I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents for their continuous support and encouragement. Your commitment to your child's musical education has been instrumental in their growth as musicians.
As we approach the end of the year, we want to celebrate the achievements of each student and acknowledge the progress they have made. Whether it was mastering a challenging piece, learning a new instrument, or simply finding joy in creating music, every accomplishment is worth celebrating. We hope that the love and passion for music that our students have developed will continue to flourish in the years to come.
As we bid farewell to this year, we look forward to the new melodies and rhythms that await us in the future. Wishing you all a joyful and harmonious holiday season filled with music and laughter.
With warmest regards,
Steve Saxton
Primary Years Music