Around the Junior School

Pre-Kinder

Pre-Kinder has had a busy but fun start to the year, with our youngest students eagerly exploring their new environment. At this time of the year, we are intentionally focusing on building trusting relationships with one another and nurturing a strong sense of belonging in our classroom. It has been wonderful to see how well the children are settling in and how confidently they are embracing the new challenges and experiences each day brings. 

Year 6 CSU Performance and Biomechanics Centre Excursion

Year 6 recently visited the Sports and Exercise Science Centre at Charles Sturt University, where they engaged in a series of hands-on investigations in the Performance and Biomechanics Lab. Students participated in a VO₂ max test, the Wingate anaerobic test and an electrocardiogram, exploring cardiac function and energy output during exercise.

They also rotated through smaller testing stations, including balance activities that highlighted how the brain and muscles coordinate movement, handgrip strength testing, flexibility assessments, jump mats measuring height and velocity, and timing gates demonstrating the role of technology in performance analysis. Students also explored 3D motion capture, learning about not only how technology can be used to enhance performance, but to also create 3D motion picture. 

Through these experiences, students developed a deeper understanding of how the muscular, respiratory and circulatory systems work together. Students explored how heart rate can change with increased activity, and how our body uses energy to fuel itself under different workloads. The excursion strongly supported our Science unit on body systems, showcasing how our body systems work together, and how technology can be used to monitor, enhance and improve human functioning and performance.

A huge thank you to CSU lecturers who supported our learning!

Year 5 Science 

This term in Science, our Year 5 students have been exploring the fascinating world of electricity. Most recently, they have been investigating electromagnetism and how electricity can be used to create magnetic force.

This week, students worked collaboratively to design and build a simple electromagnet. Using a nail, copper wire, a battery and paperclips, each group created their own electrical component and tested how effectively it could attract metal objects. Along the way, students also applied their knowledge of electrical symbols to represent their circuits.

Through hands-on experimentation, students discovered that the tighter and neater the coils of wire, the stronger the electromagnet becomes. It was wonderful to see their curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving skills in action as they tested, adjusted and improved their designs.

Year 5 should be very proud of their scientific thinking and enthusiasm. There is definitely some future engineers and scientists in the making!

Kindergarten Learn About Shrove Tuesday

This week, Kindergarten explored the meaning behind Shrove Tuesday, a Christian tradition that marks the day before Lent begins. Students learnt that Shrove Tuesday has long been a time for using up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent, which is why many communities celebrate with pancake making.

To bring this learning to life, Kindergarten cooked and enjoyed their own delicious pancakes. The excitement was high as students chose from a mouth‑watering selection of toppings that would rival any café counter! It was a wonderful hands‑on experience that blended learning, tradition, and plenty of smiles.

Merit Awards