SCHOOL OF INNOVATION

On Friday last week, Year 5 students Jemma and Charlotte represented St Anne's College at the Junior Lions Club Public Speaking Competition at Bourchier Street Primary School. They presented their four minute speech on the most influential person in their life. 

Both girls were then given the impromptu question which was 'What was the best day in your life?' They had 10 minutes to prepare for this topic and they then had to speak for 1 minute. 

Jemma spoke about the day she got her horse Jasmine and Charlotte spoke about her recent European trip where she watched the inspiring Matildas soccer team play. 

Both girls spoke very confidently and should be very proud of their efforts. Well done!

This week the Year 5 students completed their exploration into bird wing adaptations and how birds have adapted to survive. Students were asked to reorganise a series of information to make it true. To complete this task students had to collaborate, research, think and communicate in pairs to ensure the bird, image, wing type and description matched, and add an image of a paper bird they had made in previous sessions.

Throughout the unit, students have worked in random pairs which has built upon their capability to communicate, listen, lead or follow, as well as sometimes being out of their comfort zone. The motto when partners were made was, 'it's for now, not for ever'. Students worked brilliantly with their partners and sometimes identified possible new work mates for collaborative tasks.

The Year 5 students are learning and practicing soccer skills and drills with a focus on footwork and agility, dribbling and direction, passing, and scoring and goalkeeping.

Students worked around a circuit in pairs to complete each station.

Students also took control of explaining, describing and demonstrating various soccer techniques to ensure we all knew what correct technique looks like.

The soccer experts were very patient and respectful of those with less knowledge and understanding and showed excellent team work, collaboration and role modelling.

The Year 7 students took part in the La Trobe University's Uni Buddies program this week where they heard from current university students about uni life and the differences between being in high school and studying at uni. 

La Trobe University visited St Anne’s College to run Graduate Games with the Year 8 students who took part in the fun and engaging game testing their knowledge about uni life. The students got to roll a huge dice and move around a circle, testing their knowledge and playing games like Pictionary along the way.

The activities are aimed at raising aspiration and removing barriers to participating in higher education by giving students a touchpoint with the La Trobe team, scaffolding their learning as they go through high school.

Following on from the Uni Games with the Year 8 students, the Year 9s participated in the same activity, aimed at raising aspiration and removing barriers to participating in higher education. From making the shape of the number 5 with their bodies to lining up in order of their ages, the games were full of joy.

Class Resources

Our iPads! Please ensure any damage is reported to Pastoral Group Leaders and IT staff to ensure it can be rectified as soon as possible. iPads must be fully charged each day and it is encouraged that we adopt good habits to assist us with this. 

Important Pastoral Group Information

At St. Anne’s College, all students within the School of Innovation are allocated to a Pastoral Group. These groups are overseen by a Pastoral Group Leader and currently comprise students from their respective houses: Montessori, Charles, Cooper, and Majella houses.

Each morning, students commence their day within their Pastoral Groups. This time involves participation in morning prayer, a welcome to country, and updates about the day's news and events at the College. This period holds significance in allowing our students to establish strong connections with their peers and their Pastoral Leader. Consequently, our students are able to cultivate a strong sense of community at St. Anne’s College.

Our Pastoral Leaders also seize this opportunity to implement the three core principles of Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness (GEM), which stem from our school-wide program conducted by the Resilience Project. These principles encourage our students to contemplate and recognise the positive facets of their day-to-day experiences both at the College and at home. This practice ensures that our students embark on each day well-prepared for successful learning and meaningful connections with others.

Given that this session only spans 10 minutes each morning, it is imperative that students are punctual and actively participate within their designated Pastoral Groups. If students miss this period or arrive late, they will forfeit this crucial initiation to the school day.

We extend our gratitude to all parents and caregivers for your sustained support in ensuring that this routine is upheld for the continued success of our students.

Important Uniform Information

A reminder that all School of Innovation students are required to wear their academic uniform items each day, except for sports days or other nominated days when their sports uniform items can be worn. Please ensure your student is in their full academic uniform. If this is not possible on a particular day, please send a note, including the date your student will be able to be in full school uniform.

A dress code, in particular a uniform, provides a visual connection to identify students as members of St Anne’s College community. The way a uniform is worn makes a statement about our college and it represents the fact that the student is a part of the community.  The benefits of a school uniform include:

• Allows all students to feel equal

• Helps prevent bullying and competition on the basis of clothing

• Ensures students appearance reflects the expectations of St Anne’s College

• Enhances the profile and identity of the College and its students in the wider community

• Strengthens the spirit of community within St Anne’s College

• Enhances individual student safety and group security

• Ensured all students are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities

• Encourages students to develop pride in their appearance

• Prepares students for the expectations in workplaces

• Encourages students to present themselves appropriately for a particular role

Thank you for your support.