Learning and Teaching

Extension Education @ SJM

Last term the Extension Education group met weekly to work on individual or group projects of their choice. They had to develop an ‘essential question’, research their findings and present to the group in an interesting or unique way. They were asked to challenge and extend themselves and respond to feedback that they were given at the end of last year. Below are some of the reflections from the students in this group. 

My essential question was ‘What secrets could the Mariana Trench hold?’ I learned that the fish from the Mariana Trench are very different from the ones in the coral reefs in Australia. I think I could have improved my presentation by including more animals and more details.  

Next time, I could present it differently by making a video or something. I’d like to explore different Arctic animals.

By George

My essential question was: ‘What is climate change and how can we stop it?’

I learned how to stop climate change more efficiently,and how to use the google dictionary more efficiently. I think I could improve by talking slightly slower when presenting. Next time,I think I should

 make sure all of the slides have the same amount of information. Next time, I’d like to explore more about  making a sustainable environment, or something like the project about what made a video so entertaining last year.

By Jasper

My essential question was ‘How did the Roman Empire fall?’

I learned about the divisions of the Roman Empire and the different barbarian leaders that attacked Rome.

I was good at putting emotions in the presentation when I presented. However, I think I could improve at

 keeping my project shorter, although I do think I improved at shortening from last time. Next time I’d like to explore the subdivisions of Oceania and South-East Asia.

By Sebastian

I worked with Ben on this project. Our essential question was: ‘How has Switzerland had a positive impact on the world today?’ We presented our findings in the format of a podcast recording. Click on this link and have a listen! 

(We recommend turning the captions on.) 

I have learned about many of the inventions and landmarks from Switzerland that I did not know about. I think I could improve by leaning into the microphone more. Next time I would make the script a bit longer so we can have a bit more of a conversation. I’d like to explore more European countries like Austria, Lebanon, Norway, Croatia and Finland. 

By Jackson

I learned so much about all the different inventions and landmarks of Switzerland.

I think I could improve on things like script and length as I thought there could have been more interesting things to talk about as well as it being quite short. Next time I would definitely work more on the script than the actual takes of the recordings. 

I’d like to explore more about the different things going on in Switzerland today.

By Ben

Valerie and I worked together. Our essential question was ‘How did political and social changes throughout the decades influence fashion and makeup?’

We used Canva to design our presentation. I learnt how to remove backgrounds and make an engaging presentation as well as learning how to edit text. Something I could've done better was make it less blurry and easier to understand. Next time,I would change some of the super bold colours although I also would change some of the information as there is a lot and it is a little blurry. It was challenging to get everything done in time!

By Kiralee

I learned that politics has a huge impact on our world, that fashion trends change very often, and some very interesting facts about makeup and fashion throughout the decades. Things I would change include giving a basic introduction on our topic, and not overloading my presentation with words. I would research more about the politics going on in that time and I would try to understand why women constantly changed due to the environment. In my presentation I would alter some fonts and images and dig deeper into the history of each era. Next time I’d like to work on not over loading on a topic, and being more clear with my work.

By Valerie

My essential question was “How different was life in Ancient Rome compared to today?” I have learnt how to use Canva and background remover. I have also learnt that people who drove chariots to help other Ancient Romans get around were called whips and the Ancient Romans cared very little about breakfast which they called jentaculum. I presented my findings by writing diary entries showing my learning. Next time I think I should improve on my graphics and maybe more appropriateness because part of it is a teeny bit, well ... violent. Next time I’d like to work on something more in depth, like a play for example. Yeah, a play. That’ll work.

By Lola

My project was about Koalas. I did a Google Slideshow to present my learning but I also created a diorama of a koala’s habitat. I learnt how to expand my writing. I learned how to insert videos into my slides and I also learned how to draw a koala. I  found making the display model challenging because the trees did not stand upright! To improve my project, next time I would add more writing and include more information. I would add a demonstration of the koala to improve my education. 

By Maxine

This term we are using Tournament of Minds resources to work on Long Term Challenges within a small group. The students are being challenged to work collaboratively by listening to others, building on others’ ideas and negotiating and compromising to decide on a project that everyone in the group is comfortable with and proud to present. We look forward to sharing the results with you! Watch this space….

Ange Crowe and Mel Kerwin

St John's Extension Education

Cooking Lessons at St John's

Last week our Year 1/2 students were involved in cooking classes, learning to follow directions and the procedure for making ANZAC Biscuits. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful kitchen to work in and the students were well supported by Connie's excellent culinary skills . The biscuits were delicious but also a segue into learning about the hardship experienced by the many soldiers who fought for freedom and peace that we enjoy in Australia today.

DIGITECH CLUB

It’s been a busy week in Digitech Club with lots of people joining our new Google Classroom! From here you can access a range of different coding and digital activities, either at school or at home. 

Some of the fun activities you might like to try include Minecraft Education (please use your school email and password), Scratch coding activities, as well as Grok Academy.

If you are having difficulty accessing some of these activities, please contact me on my email address below and I will do my best to help.

The link to join our Digitech Club Google Classroom is:  https://classroom.google.com/c/NjcwMjYyMTg2OTgw?cjc=ucfjnwc or you can use the 

code to join which is ucfjnwc

Have fun and keep coding!

Mrs Bayliss

abayliss@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au 

KNITTING CLUB

Everyday we offer a different lunchtime club at St John's.

On Wednesday the students are able to come along and join in the Knitting the club. Allegra and Sadie have been busy-bees at the knitting the club with Kim and are learning the skills to make a scarf to keep them warm during the Winter months.

ST JOHN’S LUNCHTIME CLUB ACTIVITIES

MONDAY

Games Club 

Each week our students play interactive games in the Mary MacKillop Space. 

TUESDAY

Library 

Every Tuesday the Library is open for students to enjoy reading together or getting absorbed in their own silent reading.

WEDNESDAY

Garden Club

Every Wednesday, meet Julie at the vegetable garden.

Code Club 

The Digi Tech club encourages all students to develop or share their skills in coding, gaming or a range of other tools and technologies.

Knitting Club 

Join Kim at Lunchtime in the Passive Play Area to make something special in the knitting club. 

All wool is provided.

Worm Club 

Join Mel K every Wednesday in the Passive Play area to check on the worms and collect their juice.

THURSDAY

Art Club 

The Art Room is Open for drawing, painting and craft activities with our Art Teacher Mrs Cosgrave.

FRIDAY

Lego Club

Lego Club is held in the STEM room.  Students are encouraged to work together to create their own lego designs.

Chook Club

Meet Mel K at the chook shed to find out what jobs need to be done to  care for our chooks.