Junior School News
Learning in the Classroom
In our Unit of Inquiry, we are learning how homes are built in different ways because of where people live, what they need, and the time they live in. We begun our unit by going on walk around our neighbourhood. Students tallied the number of houses we saw and documented how many of the houses had: bricks, wood, glass, plaster, cement, chimneys, solar panels and if they were single storey or double storey.
In the hallway teachers placed 30 different houses and homes from around the world. Students selected 3 houses and wrote on a post it note what they could see at one of the houses. What they think about one of the houses and what they wonder about one of the houses.
Our lines of inquiry are looking at what constitutes a home, the ways we have adapted to changes in technology and the environment to transform homes and the location choice and materials used to build a house. So, we went on an excursion to McCrae Homestead! The McCrae Homestead was built in 1844 and has been preserved in its original condition. The students were given a tour of the home that the McCrae family lived in, learnt about how the home was built and with what materials. We learnt about the Aboriginal peoples who lived around the McCrae homestead, what they ate and the symbols they used. A favourite of all the students was to hand churn cream and make butter. Which was enjoyed at school the next day on fresh homemade bread!
In the Junior School, students are exploring a range of texts connected to our Unit of Inquiry, Where We Are in Place and Time. Through these books, students are building new vocabulary, developing their understanding of illustrations, and strengthening their comprehension skills. They are also learning about what makes a house a home, as well as examining different types of homes around the world and the materials used to build them.
In writing, students are learning to create information reports. Each student will focus on a type of house from a different part of the world, describing its features, the materials used, and how it is designed to suit its environment. Their reports will also include a labelled diagram. These projects will be proudly showcased at our Celebration of Learning on 22 June, alongside student-constructed models of their chosen homes.
This term, Grade 1 and Grade 2 students have completed their Addition and Subtraction unit by applying their learning through a variety of engaging open-ended tasks, including toy shops, pet shops and real-world problem-solving challenges.
In Time, students investigated time duration by sequencing events throughout the day, week and year, while also learning about seasonal calendars and Aboriginal seasonal calendars, developing an understanding of how people use different systems to describe the passing of time.
In Measurement, students explored length using informal units, comparing and measuring objects with their feet and other classroom materials. A highlight was our paper plane investigation, where students measured and compared the distances their planes travelled using informal units and discussed the fairness and accuracy of different measuring methods. It has been wonderful to see students demonstrate curiosity, creativity and confidence as they applied their mathematical skills in meaningful and hands-on learning experiences.
In Respectful Relationships this term, students have been exploring help-seeking strategies. Through collaborative games and role play scenarios, they have practised helping each other through small problems.
We have had some special visitors from the Unconditional Love Foundation. The Year 1s recently enjoyed some Pat and Chat sessions, while Year 2 are looking forward to their turn in the coming weeks.
Junior School classes have all been participating in Thrive activities across the term. This has included regular mindfulness time, to support emotional regulation. Students have enjoyed a range of mindful activities, including colouring, crafting, lego construction, jigsaw puzzles, and drawing.
