Junior School
From Ms Gooch
Term 3 brings many opportunities for us to connect with our parents on site here at Kambala. I watched with excitement the recent Massie House Sports Day, and I congratulate all those that participated. We have our Book Character Parade coming up on Friday 26 August, our Year 4 Drama Showcase on Thursday 29 August, the Whole School Fathers’ Day Breakfast on Friday 30 August and our very special Junior School Open Day, on Friday 20 September. Please mark these dates in your calendar and if you are able, we would love you to join us to celebrate learning.
Recently our Junior School staff were fortunate to have a professional development session with Dr Mark Williams. Dr Williams has been a professor of cognitive neuroscience working in universities worldwide, with over 25 years-experience conducting behavioural and brain imaging research focusing on social skills. He is primarily concerned with the neuroscience behind learning, the neuroscience of emotions and the impact of modern technologies (like Smartphones) on our brains.
It was affirming in listening to Dr Williams to know that we are on the front foot here at Kambala in our approaches to teaching and learning. Dr Williams showed us the ways the human brain constantly changes, and with this, we feel proud of the importance we place in assisting our students to learn about their own potential as learners and knowledge seekers. The significance of sleep was also highlighted in its crucial role in consolidating memories and in transferring them from short-term to long-term storage. Of course, this has many implications for our educators as designers of learning. Finally, we were yet again reminded of the concerns surrounding Smartphone use for young people, at a time when connection and belonging could not be more paramount. I encourage you to take a look at his most recent publication, “The Connected Species: How the Evolution of the Human Brain Can Save the World” (Williams, 2023).
Ms Samantha Gooch
Acting Deputy Principal Head of Junior School
Book Week Competition (optional)
Students are invited to participate in a competition based on the theme for Book Week- Reading is Magic. Students may choose from the following:
- Create an artwork inspired by the theme (1 x A3 page limit)
- Write a story/poem inspired by the theme (1 x A4 page limit, written or typed- single sided)
- Design a poster about the magic of reading (1 x A4 page limit)
Students can give their competition submission to Mrs Pericles by Wed 21 August. Their name and class should be written on the back. Winners will be announced at Assembly, and these will be displayed in the library. Students who choose to submit an entry will need to do this in their own time; class time will not be allocated for this as it is optional.
Year 4 Plan Bee at Royal Botanical Gardens
On Tuesday, 18th June, Year 4 students set off on an exhilarating educational journey to the Royal Botanical Gardens, eager to uncover the secrets of native Australian bees. Immersed in the buzzing world of these vital pollinators, they discovered how these bees differ from their European counterparts and the crucial roles they play in our ecosystem through hands-on experiences. One of the day’s highlights was the team effort in constructing bee hotels. The students enthusiastically built these structures to create safe havens for solitary native bees like the Blue Banded Bee and Resin Bee. The excitement continued as they embarked on a thrilling hunt around the gardens, searching for insects and identifying which flowers were favourites among locals. The day was a whirlwind of discovery, filling the students with valuable knowledge and a strong sense of stewardship, empowering them to support and protect these essential pollinators in their communities.
Ms Diane Jones
Science
Year 3 Centennial Parklands
On Monday, 24th June, Year 3 students transformed into spirited explorers, equipped with bug catchers, dip nets, endless energy, and sharp observation skills for their adventure to Centennial Parklands. They plunged into the wild, on the lookout for eels slithering through secret waterways, the elusive tawny frogmouth, lively and raucous flying foxes, and a myriad of intriguing insect larvae in the water systems. The thrill-seeking adventurers were captivated by water boatmen darting like Olympic swimmers, the boisterous megabat colony, exhilarating games of hide and seek at the Ian Potter Centre, and the muddy fun of trekking and squelching through swampy grounds. Each moment was an exciting discovery, unravelling fascinating life cycles and delighting with care in every creature encountered.
Ms Diane Jones
Science
Year 6 National Plant A Tree Day
On Friday, 26th July, Year 6 students rolled up their sleeves and dove into action at the Royal Golf Club for National Tree Planting Day. Armed with gloves, buckets, and boundless enthusiasm, they teamed up with the shadow minister for the environment, Ms. Kellie Stone, Royal Golf Club president, Ms. Lucy Regan, and students from Cranbrook Boys' School. The mission? To breathe new life into the Championship golf landscape by planting native Australian trees. As they worked together, the energy was palpable—every tree planted brought them closer to a greener tomorrow. After a morning of hard work, the students were treated to a well-deserved BBQ lunch, celebrating their efforts, and contribution to a greener future and reinforcing the importance of sustainability and the powerful impact of coming together for nature's sake.
Ms Diane Jones
Science
