Focus on Learning

Hands-on Minds-on Learning

Learning has changed in recent years and we are seeing students actively participating in their learning. There is less bookwork and rote learning and more doing. In simple terms, the hands-on minds-on approach refers to active learning. 

The hands-on minds-on approach is very effective when focusing on encouraging students to be physically engaged whilst they are learning. When children are physically engaged as well as mentally engaged, they are activating different parts of the brain. Therefore they are strengthening two development processes at once, which leads to a stronger learning foundation. 

In 450 BC, Confucius is noted to have uttered the wise words: 

"Tell me and I will forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand."

Last week the Kindergarten students were learning about clouds. First they learned about clouds from Mrs Nichols, then they went outside and talked about the clouds they could see. Then they made clouds. See below the fun they were having.

In Maths we are always using hands on materials to teach new concepts. See below some of the Stage 1 children using concrete materials to reinforce the concepts that they are learning.

Stage 2 were seen this week outside taking photos of angles for their new Maths unit. The students were so excited and engaged in their learning. See below

Halogen Young Leaders Day 2024

Mrs Amanda Bartholomew

It was my absolute pleasure to accompany our four school leaders to the 2024 Young Leaders Day held at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour, Sydney. Students were in awe of the location, size of the auditorium and one of a kind experience the day provided them with. Around 5000 school leaders attended the event which made for a vibrant and noisy day. As we walked into the auditorium we were greeted by loud music, a DJ and a dance crew to join in with. All four students had no hesitation in joining in the activities of the day and were so inspired by the presenters this year. 

The first speaker was Anastasia Woolmer. Anastasia was an accomplished Ballerina with the Australian Ballet Company before retiring at 28. After her retirement Anastasia went back to university to study economics. Finding it difficult, Anastasia stumbled upon a memory training book and taught herself how to memorise huge amounts of information in short periods of time. She then became obsessed with memory sports and has since been crowned "The Australian Memory Champion" twice. She was also well known for her time on the TV Series "Survivor" 'Champions Vs Contenders' series. 

Next we heard from Authors Matt Cosgrove and Eva Amores, Co-authors of "The Worst Week Ever" book series which has been published in over 30 countries. Matt and Eva demonstrated some simple illustration techniques and also shared their writing process with the students. They were very engaging to listen to. 

Students were then treated to a inspiring presentation by Steve O"Keefe, an Australian Cricketer who has also played for NSW in shield cricket and The Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. Steve gave a realistic account of what it takes to be an elite sportsperson...the highs, lows and the determination needed to succeed in sport at such a high level. Steve has also experienced leadership in his sport and highlighted the skills needed to be an effective leader. 

The final presenter was Ninja Warrior Bryson Klein. Bryson is a multiple Australian Ninja Warrior Grand Finalist and was part of the Australian team who won against the USA in the USA Vs The World series. Bryson talked about how he has once struggled with learning and public speaking and that his sport had provided him with the confidence to take on new challenges,  enabling him to reach his full potential.