Specialists

LOTE

In Indonesian, Prep students have been exploring farm animals, learning the sounds they make and using their new vocabulary to create short sentences. They have also been enjoying Indonesian stories and creating their own responses.

Year 1 and 2 students have been learning the names of everyday classroom objects, using their vocabulary to build sentences and consolidate their learning through fun games.

Year 3 and 4 students have been exploring everyday life in Indonesia, with a particular focus on rice. They have investigated how rice is grown, how it is eaten and its important cultural significance in Indonesian life.

Year 5 and 6 students have been comparing school life in Australia and Indonesia. They have explored school subjects, created their own timetables and compared these with what a typical school day might look like for Indonesian students.

Performing Arts

Over the past fortnight in Performing Arts, students across Prep to Year 6 have continued developing their skills in Music. It has been wonderful to see students building their confidence, creativity and collaboration as they work towards sharing their learning with our school community at our annual Christmas Concert.

Prep

Our Prep students have continued exploring rhythm through music, singing and movement activities. They have been practising listening carefully, following musical cues and coordinating their movements with music. Students have also been learning their Christmas Concert song, 'Santa Wear Your Shorts', building confidence as they sing along and prepare to perform for our school community.

Years 1/2

Our Year 1 and 2 students have been developing their understanding of rhythm and musical expression through practical music-making activities. They have been listening to music, identifying rhythmic patterns and using their voices and bodies to respond to what they hear. Students have also been learning their Christmas Concert songs, practising lyrics, melody and timing as they work towards their end-of-year performance.

Years 3/4

Our Year 3 and 4 students have been investigating how music is used to create mood, build tension and evoke emotions in an audience. Through listening activities and discussion, students have explored how composers use musical choices to influence the way we respond to music. They have also been learning their Christmas Concert songs, exploring the musical features that give their songs a festive feel.

Years 5/6

Our Year 5 and 6 students have continued exploring the music of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and artists, discovering a range of musical styles and considering how music can communicate stories, ideas and cultural identity. Students have also been developing their performance skills as they learn their Christmas Concert songs, focusing on vocal accuracy, phrasing and expression. 

STEAM

Our investigations have continued as students explore what happens when materials are combined or changed. Students have been experimenting with mixtures, observing fizzing reactions and investigating how different materials respond to water, heat and other conditions. Older students have been developing their scientific investigation skills by recording observations, comparing results and using evidence to explain their findings. In the art room, these discoveries have inspired colourful reaction artworks, experimental prints, recycled-material creations and imaginative designs. Students are learning that unexpected results can be exciting opportunities for further investigation and that artists, just like scientists, experiment, adapt and refine their ideas.

STEAM News: Science at Home

A huge thank you to the families who have already tried some of our science experiments at home and sent me photos of their budding scientists in action! It has been wonderful to see students continuing their learning beyond the classroom and sharing their discoveries with me.

Following our recent STEM incursions with Nicky from Monash University, several students asked if I could send home all the experiments so they could try them with their families. Of course! Science is even more exciting when we can investigate, experiment and discover together.

Our students have been exploring kitchen chemistry, heat transfer, solar oven design and forensic science. Below are some activities to try at home, using everyday materials wherever possible.

Remember to predict, observe, explain and ask questions as you investigate. There is no need to get every prediction right - making discoveries is what science is all about!