Learning

Learning Beyond the Classroom

As we come to the end of our first semester at Balambalam, it is wonderful to reflect on how much learning has taken place across our school community. Students have settled into new routines, built relationships, explored new ideas, engaged in classroom learning, borrowed books from our new library and continued to grow in confidence as learners.

The school holidays provide a valuable opportunity for students to rest and recharge after a busy semester. They also provide many opportunities for children to keep building their knowledge of the world through everyday experiences.

While Mrs Heatley and her family are escaping the winter chill and heading to warm Port Douglas, my family will be doing the opposite and travelling around cold Tasmania in a motorhome. Although these holiday experiences are very different, both provide rich opportunities for learning, conversation and curiosity.

Travel, family outings and time together can help children notice new places, compare weather, read maps, talk about distances, learn new words, ask questions and make connections to the world around them. Even simple moments, such as planning a day, reading signs, visiting a new place, cooking together or talking about what you notice, can build language, knowledge and understanding.

At Balambalam, we know that learning happens in many ways. Classroom learning is important, but the experiences children have with their families and communities also help shape how they understand the world.

Thank you to our students, staff and families for a wonderful first semester of learning. I hope all families enjoy a safe, restful and happy holiday break, and we look forward to welcoming students back for another exciting term of learning.

Warm regards,

Daniel Wragg 

Assistant Principal - Curriculum