The Anchor

Primary School

NAPLAN is a valuable opportunity for students to become familiar with test conditions in a supportive and low-pressure environment. Our school understands that testing can feel intimidating, so we focus on helping students feel calm and confident throughout the process. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that students are not only prepared academically but also mentally, encouraging them to approach the tests as just another part of the learning journey. With plenty of practice and guidance, we aim to reduce any stress and help students develop the skills to stay relaxed, focused, and ready to give their best. It is not about the results but about growing more comfortable in these situations and building resilience for the future.

Years Three and Five, you’ve got this!

Classroom News

We hope you enjoy reading the news from our Primary classes.

 

Kindergarten: In Kindergarten we have been delving further into our inquiry ‘All about me’. We have been finding out what makes each of us unique and special. We are learning that we are all different in many ways and that our differences make us special. We had lots of fun with Mrs Ranger last week creating chalk drawings of our bodies on the concrete. We spoke about the different parts of our bodies and this week we will learn more about some of these parts and how they allow us to experience the five senses.

 

Year One: The Year One students have had fun measuring and using the comparative words ‘bigger than’, ‘smaller than’, ‘taller than’ and ‘shorter than’ and the superlative words ‘biggest’, ‘smallest’, ‘longest’ and ‘shortest’. Then they found their own ways to demonstrate these. After reading the fabulous book Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox, the class recalled their own memories, which were either warm, sad, from long ago, or made us laugh. Mr Carman brought his Year Six class down on Friday to hear the Year Ones read; it was such fun!

Year Two: The Year Two class continues to look at Push and Pull forces in Science. This week we investigated the Rube Goldberg dog feeder machine and identified all the push and pull forces involved in this design, including gravity. We had fun making the design ourselves and discussed what equipment/ideas we could use to create our own machine in Technologies later in the term. We have also enjoyed reading our class novel, The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton and looking at the difference in vocabulary and behaviours of the children in this olden day text. 

 

Year Five: In Year Five we have been working on our design and technologies techniques in preparation for the dioramas which we will start in Week Eight. We compared New York and Canada’s landforms, animals, natural disasters and weather patterns in HASS. We have also enjoyed some persuasive talk for writing in preparation for NAPLAN which starts this week.

Year Six: The Year Six students had an exciting day at the Try-A-Sport Day, arranged by local Albany sporting organisations, where they had the opportunity to try their hand at hockey, soccer and AFL. Held at Centennial Park, the event was filled with energy and enthusiasm, with the students showcasing great teamwork and sportsmanship. The day was a wonderful success, with the kids actively participating, staying engaged, and displaying excellent behaviour throughout. It was a fantastic way to introduce them to new sports and encourage a love for physical activity!

ECC Briefing 

The following superstars have worked beautifully and received a Star Award for their efforts. 

Kindergarten H: Ludovic Pyle

Kindergarten M: Tom Hicks

Pre-Primary: Connor Robson

Year One: Ava Ray

Year Two: Amaya Fourie

 

The following students have stood out for their ability to show compassion. 

Kindergarten H: Pearl Hobbs

Kindergarten M: Tom Hicks

Pre-Primary: Hudson Sutton

Year One: River Melia

Year Two: Ava Smart

Walk to School Day

We have our first Walk to School Day for 2025 on Thursday 20 March (Week Seven). For those who are new to the School, students from Pre-Primary to Year Six are invited to meet at the Coraki Cottages carpark, near the bridge, and enjoy a relaxing walk to school. A bus will take the students’ backpacks to school and can also take parents back to their cars at the conclusion of the walk.

 

When: 8.00am Thursday 20 March arriving at school by 8.30am

Where: Coraki Cottages carpark, near the bridge. 

Why: A school community event to chat and enjoy the beautiful land we live on! What a way to start the day. 

Upcoming events

Week Six

  • Friday 14 March House Sport Activities (House shirts, please)

Week Seven

  • Monday 17 March to Friday 21 March, Harmony Week
  • Monday 17 March to Friday 21 March, NAPLAN (Year Three and Five) 
  • Friday 21 March, Primary School Year Four Assembly, 9.00am in the Hall, parents welcome to attend
  • Friday 21 March, Harmony Day House Activities (House shirts, please)

Week Eight

  • Monday 24 March to Friday 28 March, Science Week 
  • Monday 24 March, NAPLAN catchup 
  • Tuesday 25 March to Thursday 27 March, Years Five to Ten, da Vinci Decathlon Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School
  • Tuesday 25 March, Spotlight Walk, Year Three and Year Four, Mount Clarence 6.30pm to 8.00pm
  • Wednesday 26 March, Spotlight Walk, Year Five and Year Six, Mount Clarence 6.30pm to 8.00pm
  • Thursday 27 March, Nocturnal Tour, Year One and Year Two, Discovery Bay 6.00pm to 7.00pm (bus leaves GSG at 5.00pm)

Have a lovely weekend!

Ms Leah Field | Head of Primary and

Mrs Hayley Ranger | Head of Early Childhood