Term 1

Term 1 has been the time for establishing strong foundations for learning and this has contributed to positive start to the year in Lower Primary. We have focused on building consistent classroom routines and structures that help students feel safe, supported and confident. These clear and predictable routines enable students to understand what is expected of them to develop as learners. Alongside this, we have been working closely with students to develop positive learning behaviours by encouraging them to do their best, take responsibility, show respect for others, and respond safely within the Lower Primary community. Together, this helps create a calm and productive environment where every student can learn. A strong sense of wellbeing remains a priority, as it underpins both engagement and success in all areas. Our academic, social and physical programs continue to prioritise individual needs, meaningful engagement, and the development of essential skills.

This term, we have welcomed many new students to Lower Primary. A very special welcome to our Prep students: Flynn, Kiaan, Luke, Miral, Aston, Ella-Rose, Setia, Ansh, Anthony, Domenic, Kyler, Malakai, Noah, Austin, Ellie and Sam who have begun their learning journey with us. We have loved getting to know these enthusiastic learners, seeing their smiles each day, and supporting them as they settle into school life. We have also welcomed Anton, Jaxson, Hugh and Heidi from other schools and have been pleased to see how quickly they have formed friendships and are settling into their new educational environment.

One of the highlights of the term was our Family Fun Night, a favourite event on the Lower Primary calendar. It was a great opportunity to welcome new families into our community and reconnect with familiar faces. The evening provided a relaxed and enjoyable setting for students to spend time with their classmates and siblings, while parents and carers had the chance to meet and build connections with each other. It was a fantastic way to start the year.

Our Discovery Unit this semester is “What are my senses?” Each class is progressing through the unit at its own pace, with students engaging in learning experiences that reflect their individual needs and readiness. Across the semester, all classes will explore the five senses of touch, hearing, smell, sight and taste through a range of engaging, hands-on activities. Students have been identifying the body parts associated with each sense and describing their observations using new and developing vocabulary. Highlights of their learning have included:

• Investigating different textures and describing them using words such as soft, hard, smooth and fluffy.
• Exploring the sense of smell by making predictions about a variety of items.
• Participating in taste tests to identify flavours describing them using words such as sweet, sour and salty.
• Negotiating spaces whilst wearing a blindfold. What senses did students need to use? 

• Identifying objects whilst blindfolded. How did students do it?

   

We also celebrated Harmony Day, with students wearing a touch of orange to recognise and celebrate the diversity within our community. This provided a valuable opportunity to reinforce the message that everyone belongs, celebrating and respecting the diversity of backgrounds, languages, communication styles and identities within our community. Students engaged in stories, craft activities and discussions that promoted the idea that we all belong.

Our specialist programs continue to provide rich and engaging learning experiences. In Art, students created self-portraits and explored basic printing techniques. In Performing Arts, they have been singing, moving, and responding to different types of music while building confidence as performers. In Physical Education, students have been developing their gross motor , coordination, teamwork skills through a variety of games and activities. In the Library, students are learning how to borrow and care for books, while building an understanding of library routines.

In Social Competencies classes, students have been learning about rules and expectations, personal learning and naming and understanding their feelings. LPH, LPI, LPJ and LPK have focused mainly on establishing and practicing daily routines. In the area of Personal Learning, LPD, LPE, LPF and LPG practised organising materials and packing up independently, while LPA, LPB and LPC developed self-help strategies for challenging tasks, including teamwork, persistence, and positive self-talk through a range of engaging activities. In the feelings area, LPH, LPI, LPJ and LPK explored happy and sad emotions and learned to recognise these in others through facial expressions, creating their own faces using craft materials. LPD, LPE, LPF and LPG extended this by identifying happy, sad, angry, and scared feelings through facial expressions and body language, and discussing situations that trigger these emotions. LPA, LPB and LPC also explored these emotions, along with feelings such as worried, embarrassed, and excited, and practised appropriate responses. It has been wonderful to see students applying these skills both in and outside the classroom, building positive connections and engaging in play with their peers.

Students have also enjoyed a range of additional physical activities including swimming and tennis. The swimming program has supported the development of essential water safety skills, while also encouraging independence and confidence. Weekly tennis sessions have been a highlight, with students enthusiastically developing their hand-eye coordination and learning new skills using a tennis racquet. 

To finish the term, on Thursday students will enjoy a fun celebration. They will have a Hat Parade where students will proudly present the hats that they have designed and created to their friends, parents and carers. This will follow by a range of activities which will include an Easter egg hunt, providing a happy end to a busy and successful term.

As term 1 ends, staff would like to give students a big pat on the back for the great start they have made to the 2026 school year. It has been so good to see students begin to establish routines, get ready to learn strategies and make some positive choices both in the classroom and the playground.

We wish all our families a safe and happy holiday break and look forward to welcoming you all back for another term of learning in Term Two.

Kath Moore 

LPB

LPD

LPE

LPG

LPI

LPK