Team Foundation News

Term 2 Integrated Studies-Where we live - sustainability unit

In Term 2, Foundation students have been learning about different places and how to care for and sustain them. They have investigated and created maps, deepening their understanding of the significance of ‘Place/Country’ to First Nations Australians. Students also explored the features of animals and their habitats, using this knowledge to design and create dioramas that showcase a habitat for a remarkable animal.

Last Friday, the Foundation students spent the afternoon creating a habitat for their remarkable animal. They began by designing their habitat on paper, ensuring they included essential features such as a water and food source, shelter, and access to air—elements necessary for the animal’s survival. Using shoeboxes as the base, students painted the background of their habitats and brought them to life with a variety of materials, including coloured paper, tissue paper, cellophane, icy-pole sticks, and cotton wool.

The next part of the project involved creating a remarkable animal out of Magic Clay. Students had already designed these imaginative creatures on paper, ensuring they combined three different body parts from three different animals. To support this process, students watched an instructional video demonstrating how to add colour to the white clay, form various shapes, and join different pieces of clay together. They then applied these techniques to bring their remarkable creatures to life.

For the final part of the project, students will create a 2D map of their remarkable animal’s habitat. This will take the form of a visitor map, designed to help others understand how to care for and sustain the habitat. As part of this task, students will develop a set of rules for visitors to follow, encouraging thoughtful and respectful interaction with the environment to ensure its long-term preservation.

The FKJ students have been working incredibly hard on this rich and creative task, and they can’t wait to share their amazing creations and learning with their families. We warmly invite you to join us for the Term 2 Expo, which will take place on Thursday, 3rd July from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the students’ wonderful achievements!

Echi Echidna Adventures

In Week 9, Chantel had a wonderful week of adventures with Echi the Echidna! Their time together was filled with fun and learning. First, Chantel taught Echi how to play the board game Cluedo. Echi caught on quickly, but Chantel’s skills were no match—she won the game! They then shared a delicious meal before heading off to Chantel’s ballet class. Echi was very impressed with Chantel’s graceful moves!

Back at home, Chantel kindly showed Echi how to brush his teeth so he could avoid a trip to the echidna dentist. She then read him a bedtime story—beautifully done, Chantel! To finish their special week, Chantel played a song on the piano. Echi tried to join in but found it tricky—his spikes kept getting stuck between the keys!

Thank you so much, Chantel, for looking after Echi with such care and for sharing your life and adventures with him and the class!

At the beginning of Week 10, Harley shared his exciting adventures with Echi the Echidna with FKJ. Their week started with a gentle pat from Harley—Echi loved being pampered! Next, Echi had a taste of Harley’s lemon juice drink. It was sweet and sour—yum!

Harley then showed Echi how to write in Chinese, which completely amazed him. You’re so clever, Harley! On Friday night, Harley caught up with his very good friend, and together they went roller skating. Echi held on tightly to Harley and didn’t let go the whole time!

After skating, the boys went out for dinner at McDonald’s, where they enjoyed chicken and chips. Echi couldn’t believe how big their appetites were! Thank you so much, Harley, for sharing such a fun week with Echi and for telling your classmates all about your adventures. It was wonderful to hear everything you did!

We look forward to hearing more Echi adventures in the future! You're such a lucky echidna Echi!

Team Foundation Teacher

Kirstin Jones