Student Learning
Science in Term 3: Nothing was ever the same again!
It is not very often that students are told that they have to try and destroy their experiments, but all year levels proved highly successful at breaking, rotting, rusting or melting whatever materials they were given to test!
This term the focus was on Chemical Sciences and the reactions that occur through the application of force; heating and cooling; and chemical solutions on everyday materials to test their properties.
In Year 1/2 we explored bending, stretching, folding, scrunching, rolling and tearing. We discovered that if you try and fold a piece of paper in half, it doesn’t matter how big the paper is, it will only fold about 7 or 8 times. Making our own playdough was a lot of messy fun.
In Year 3/4 we explored heating and cooling, and went on a journey with ‘Bob' the plasticine hero who, week after week, bravely went into the fiery furnace (a.k.a. the microwave) to see how long he could survive before melting. Even though he made a complete pool of himself, he returned unharmed the following week once he’d had a chance to cool down and think about his actions. We incorporated our HASS unit into experiments by burning some everyday materials in containers that recreated hot, tropical conditions to see how they would survive in a neighbouring country’s rainforest environment.
In Year 5/6 we explored reversible and irreversible reactions by conducting a range of experiments where a material was subject to change to see if the change was permanent (irreversible) or not (reversible). We found that most chemical reactions were irreversible, but some force and heat reactions were reversible as a general rule. To tie in with the unit on Early Colonisation, we experimented with rusting metal and coatings to prevent rust so we could come up with a plan to preserve a significant historic monument from Australia's past.
Throughout each unit there have once again been beautiful moments to weave faith into our lessons, either through reference to Bible stories (see if you can work out the one I hinted at above) or by discussing the interplay of God’s Word with God’s works in His world.
There was also the chance to celebrate the creativity of students who took part in the Oliphant Science Awards and we look forward to seeing the entries for the Mary Anning Art Prize due in Week 1, Term 4 or any time beforehand.
Andrew Harris
Specialist Science Teacher
What's been Happening in Physical Education
This semester, students have engaged in a range of sports and activities that build fundamental movement skills and an understanding of different game types. Early years students are beginning their PE journey through simple activities that build confidence and teamwork, while middle and upper years are refining skills and applying strategies in more complex games.
Our learning has included a netball unit, where students explored invasion games. Early years focused on throwing, catching, and moving into space, while middle and upper years applied defending, positional play, and tactics - linking skills to sports like soccer and basketball. In gymnastics, early years practised safe landings, balances, and body awareness, while older students created sequences that built strength, control, and flexibility.
A highlight was our Ultimate Frisbee program, supported by Sporting Schools funding. Early years focused on the basics of throwing and catching, while older students built on past experience to develop accuracy, tactics, and teamwork. Across all year levels, the game’s emphasis on respect and fair play was reinforced.
We also strengthened our partnership with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), offering a lunchtime girls’ program and preparing to launch Cricket Blast next term. In Term 4, students will explore net and wall games - early years focusing on tennis, and middle and upper years on both tennis and badminton - before moving into striking and fielding games such as cricket, softball, and teeball.
Our PE program is designed to meet students at their stage of development, layering skills and strategies as they progress through school. By the time they leave, students are not only confident and capable across a wide range of sports but also equipped with a positive attitude towards lifelong physical activity.
Brett Middleton
Campus PE Coordinator
Mary Anning Art Prize
Reminder - the Mary Anning Art Prize deadline to bring finished artworks to school is Friday 17th October Term 4, Week 1. Entries cannot be accepted after this date, as entries need to be photographed and submitted. All entries will be returned to the students, so you can have the original to keep. Entries can be delivered to school anytime before this date.
If you require further information please collect this from Mr Harris. If for any reason it becomes too stressful to complete, please don't worry - it's a free competition, it's the first time we're trying it and the purpose is to have fun creating some art that tells a story.
Andrew Harris
Year 3/4 Class Teacher, Specialist Science Teacher
RAA Street Smart Program
During Week 7, each class attended a presentation about road and traffic safety as part of the RAA Street Smart program. The information presented was tailored to the age of the students. Topics included wearing seatbelts safely, crossing the road safely, how to be a safe passenger, wearing a helmet correctly and ‘wheeled’ safety.
Aquatic Educational Program
Last week, our Foundation to Year 4 classes visited the State Aquatic Centre in Marion for our Aquatic Educational lessons. The weather was a little cooler, but we all had so much fun!
Over the three days, students practised many new skills - organising themselves independently, looking after their belongings, building resilience when things didn’t go as planned, and growing in confidence in the water.
Of course, there were goggles galore and towels in every colour imaginable. The laughter and chatter as we walked to the bus and entered the centre added to the excitement.
In the pool, students practised important water safety skills - blowing bubbles underwater, floating on their backs, taking a few strokes of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, and even duck diving for sticks.
Lisa Newbury
Early Years Coordinator
Bali Life Stalls Fundraiser
On Thursday and Friday of Week 8 the Year 6 students ran the annual "Bali Life Stalls". They sold a variety of homemade treats, crafts, and games to help raise money for the Bali Life organisation. The students have been working hard all term on planning, budgeting, and advertising these stalls. The Year 6s are very excited to count up the money this week and discover how much they were able to raise. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the Year 6s by purchasing something from the stalls - they were all very pleased to finish on Friday having sold out!
Abbey McKennall
Year 5/6 Class Teacher
