Year 1 Bulletin
Term Highlights
What a term it has been in Grade 1; we don't think there has been a week that hasn't had something fun for us to do, from our Strings Program, to our Excursion to Wombat Bend and Hays Paddock, it has been jam-packed!
Strings Program
Over the course of 5 weeks, the students participated in 1-hour lessons where they learned to play either the violin or the cello. They became familiar with the different parts of their instrument, practised identifying note names, and developed early playing techniques. As their confidence grew, students enjoyed learning and rehearsing a range of fun Christmas songs. The program offered a valuable introduction to string instruments and gave students the opportunity to experience the excitement of making music together.
Wombat Bend and Hays Paddock
As part of our Big Idea, students took part in an exciting excursion to two local parks - Hays Paddock and Wombat Bend in Melbourne. They explored a range of natural and built features in each environment, comparing open spaces, play equipment, waterways, and the ways people use these areas. Students enjoyed observing, sketching, and discussing what they noticed, and they had plenty of fun playing and discovering new spaces with their classmates. It was a valuable hands-on learning experience that supported their understanding of how different environments are designed and cared for.
Junior Sports Day
Students took part in our Junior Sports Day, enthusiastically participating in activities including the longest throw, target throws, hurdles, sprints, and the classic egg-and-spoon race. They had lots of fun competing with friends and cheering one another on, all while demonstrating the physical skills and techniques they have developed throughout the year with Katie. The points they scored contributed to their house groups, adding an extra layer of excitement and teamwork to the day. It was a joyful and energetic celebration of their learning and school spirit.
Halloween
Our Halloween Dress Up Day was a wonderful celebration filled with excitement and creativity. Students arrived in an incredible range of costumes, from spooky characters to clever partner outfits, and everyone enjoyed showing off their looks during our fun-filled parade. The atmosphere was full of laughter as children admired one another’s costumes, and a few standout outfits even earned special prizes. It was a fantastic day where everyone joined in the fun and embraced the Halloween spirit.
Why Worry Wally Incursion
As part of our wellbeing learning, students explored what worries are and how we can manage them. Together, we explored different types of worries children may experience, such as feeling lonely or making friends, performing in front of others, trying new or scary things, making mistakes, or concerns about things going wrong. Through these discussions and activities, students learned simple strategies to recognise their feelings, talk to trusted adults, and build confidence in managing their worries in positive ways. One of the favourite activities was doing a conga line around the room, where as they passed a box, they had to pull a worry out of their head and throw it into the box as they said “Worries Away”. They also explored strategies that they can use to support themselves when they feel a worry building up inside them. The Why Worry Educators taught them a fun way to remember how they can support themselves!
Strategy - BEST
B - breath, through bumble bee breathing. Body scan - as they listen to a short story.
E - exercise for your body and brain
S - something fun
T - talking to a trusted adult.
EXERCISE FOR BRAIN
- Something you're looking forward to
- Things that make you smile
- Something good that has happened today
- Something you do with your family
- Something made you laugh
- Who gives you the biggest smile in life
- Who would you like to say thank you to
- A friend you have fun with.
Kind regards,
Rosanna, Jarryd and Stef
The Year 1 Team
rosanna.caruso@education.vic.gov.au
jarryd.lamb@education.vic.gov.au
stephanie.lampard@education.vic.gov.au