SCHOOL OF WONDER
Book Week - Encapsulating the transformative power of literature in a child's life
In a flurry of tales, a twitch of ears and a brandishing of shields, swords and wands, the School of Wonder (SOW) children revelled in an enthralling Book Week parade last week after having shared and enjoyed a selection of inspiring quality children's books, nominated by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA).
Delving into the vibrant worlds and stories held within the pages of these award winning and nominated books, the children spent the week participating in a range of activities aimed at not only igniting their imaginations, but inspiring the writers within.
With Read, Grow and Inspire this year's CBCA Book Week theme, the SOW children really did showcase their love of children's literature adorning all manner of costume, alongside their equally joyful learning mentors, in honour of their favourite story book characters.
Year 3/4 Melbourne Excursion - Embarking on a historical adventure
On Wednesday, August 23 the grade 3/4s embarked on an adventure via bus to Melbourne. Staff and students were enlightened by the thrilling experience of THE LUME, where they viewed the breathtaking exhibition titled, Connection. Bringing over 650 works from 110 visual and musical artists, Connection celebrates the rich cultural history of Country in the world’s largest digital art gallery.
After a well deserved lunch, the children then enjoyed a sunny walk around the Melbourne Convention Centre to Polly Woodside, where students explored what it was like to be a captain of old and what it was like to be a member of a ship's crew back in the early days.
Thank you to all the staff who supported our students on this exhilarating excursion.
Click on the attachments to see some student write ups of the excursion.
Click on the links below to watch a clips of students at The Lume and Polly Woodside.
Grade 1 & 2 Local Habitat Research: Lake Walk
Lowanna Park, Kialla
Watch out Sir David Attenborough, there are budding naturalists, biologists and environmentalists in the School of Wonder ranks.
Ready to observe, classify and record their findings in the field, Grades 1 & 2 merrily walked to the bustling wetlands at Lowanna Lakes, Kialla on Thursday, August 3. Equipped with clipboards, pencils, keen eyes and an abundance of curiosity, the children classified their findings into animals, insects and plant categories while chatting vibrantly about the need to protect and conserve the local environment for its diverse inhabitants.
Engaged in deep conversation with his friends about the possibility of finding a reptile or two, Louis confirmed, “We are learning about what’s a living thing and what’s not a living thing and we’ve got to draw on our sheets eight things or more, if we find them.”
“I’ve found a caterpillar, an ant, people, a duck, grass, a spiky bush and a flower,” Lawson reported excitedly, but when asked what he hoped to find, he emphatically declared, “A snake!”
Another intrepid explorer, keen to record her findings was Makedde who said, “ We’re having a look at a lake because our focus is on living things. Today I saw a duck, a fish and a frog. In class we’ve been learning about the responsibilities that you need to have for living things, they’re not like a toy.”
When asked about our shared responsibilities for taking care of, and respecting the natural habitat and the ‘living things’ who live there, Makedde added, “Well, you might need to feed some of the animals, and if you see something dangerous, don’t touch it or go near it.”
“Every drop counts”. Our entries for the Water Week competition have been shortlisted. A new display is available for viewing in the school foyer, showcasing the shortlisted entries. A representative from Goulburn Valley Water will be visiting in the coming weeks and will complete the final judging.
The shortlisted entries from F-2 are Alexa, Aria, Dheeran, Dhairya, Anhad, Mia, Adele, Hannah, Saanjh and Neeva.
The shortlisted entries from 3/4 are Sophie, Lucy, Millie, Ana, Japji, Fateh P, Seamus, Isabella, Hely and Xavier W.
Congratulations to all learners. The care and effort that was put into these beautiful creations is commendable.
Italian
Excited to share messages of love and appreciation to the special fathers and father figures in their lives, School of Wonder children enjoyed making and writing special cards, inscribed with Italian words and phrases this week.
Buona Festa del Papá - Happy Father's Day!
Assembly
Our next assembly will be held on Monday the 11th of September at 9.10am in the 1/2 learning space. This will be a lovely way to celebrate Term 3. This assembly will be hosted by Bec’s 1/2 group.
SOW leaders email contact:
Megan Shiner - mshiner@sackialla.catholic.edu.au
Emma O'Keeffe - eokeeffe@sackialla.catholic.edu.au
Megan Shiner & Emma O’Keeffe- School of Wonder Leaders
