School News and Information
Welcome to Stage One — Week 9 Newsletter
What an extraordinary term it has been for our Magpies and Possums! This term we launched something very special: inquiry-based provocations, diving deep into the world of dinosaurs across a range of Key Learning Areas. Students have been sparking wonder, asking big questions, and learning through hands-on exploration in a way that has truly set Stage One on fire. 🔥
And the results speak for themselves. Our writing superstars have been dazzling everyone with their skills, we brought the house down at assembly with an unforgettable performance, and we are sitting at a collective 140 PAX points. Stage One, you are amazing! 🎉
English — Writing Superstars! ✏️
On Thursdays and Fridays we have been taking a deep dive into the Seven Steps of Writing, with some very special surprise visits from our favourite guest teacher, Mrs Deiderick. Our focus this term has been on crafting compelling complications in our narrative writing; the twists and turns that keep a reader hooked!
We have been sharpening our writer's eye by identifying the pebble, brick and boulder (small, medium and major complications) in stories. The effect on our own writing has been remarkable and our narratives have improved out of sight! We have even had students making special trips to the principal's office to collect award stickers in recognition of their fantastic writing efforts. What a wonderful achievement. We are so proud of every single one of our writing superstars!
Assembly — Dinosaur Stomp! 🦖💃
Last week, Stage One absolutely stomped their way into everyone's hearts at assembly! We choreographed a special Dinosaur Stomp dance together and then took it to the stage, complete with a thrilling dance-off between the Magpies and the Possums. The energy, creativity and sheer joy our students brought to this performance was extraordinary.
"Stomp! Stomp! Chomp! Chomp!" 🦕
We loved every second of it and from the looks on the audience's faces, they did too!
Maths — Mass! ⚖️
This term in Maths, we have been exploring Mass — what a tongue twister! Students have been estimating the weight of everyday objects using the hefting technique: lifting and comparing objects in each hand before making a prediction. We then put our estimates to the test using our arm balance scales, investigating how objects compare and learning the language of heavier, lighter and equal.
Mass has also woven its way into our provocations (more on those below!), giving students even more hands-on opportunities to explore this concept in playful and meaningful ways. Alongside this, we have been sharpening our number skills through daily number talks, playing around with manipulating and partitioning numbers in creative ways. Our mathematical thinking is growing stronger every day.
History — Ancient Worlds and World Travel 🌍
In History, we have been journeying into the Ancient Past, creating timelines and exploring some of the world's most incredible ancient sites. As part of our investigations, we have been looking at evidence in all its forms to piece together what life was really like thousands of years ago. We have explored evidence from stories, objects, sites and images.
Students became world travellers as they created their very own passports and got them stamped at each destination! Our adventures took us to:
- Stonehenge in England
- The Pyramids in Egypt
- The Great Wall of China
- The Colosseum in Italy
Using Google Earth, students zoomed into each site and imagined what these remarkable places would have looked, sounded and felt like in ancient times. The curiosity and wonder this sparked was truly something special!
Provocations — Inquiry in Action 🔬🎨🦕
Every Thursday in the middle session, our classrooms transform into a buzzing inquiry hub with 12 provocations set up and ready to explore! Students rotate through these stations each week, with each provocation designed to spark wonder and questions. While each station has a primary KLA focus, most connect beautifully across at least two subjects, which reflects the way the real world works.
Our provocations this term have included:
- Scales and balance — investigating mass
- Fossil creation using pasta and playdough
- Reading discovery corner
- Maker space — creating with recycled materials
- Writing corner — composing and posting letters
- Puzzle making and Bingo
- STEM challenge activities
- Dinosaur world building using shells, rocks and toys
- Investigation station — microscopes and magnifying glasses
- Outdoor learning — exploring our beautiful school grounds
The energy, curiosity and collaboration we witness at these stations each week fills us with so much pride. Our students are truly becoming wonder-filled, independent learners!
Thank you, as always, for your wonderful support. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to chat about your child's learning. We love hearing from you! 😊
The Stage One Team
Anneliese Williams
Jem Clyde-Smith
Our Term 3, Week 8 You Can Do It Champions!
Kindergarten Koalas
Tom received his You Can Do It award for his bubbly personality and the confidence he consistently shows in all areas of school life.
1/2 Magpies
Liam received his You Can Do It award for showing courage by having a go, taking on new challenges and believing in himself.
1/2 Possums
William received his You Can Do It award for being brave, giving things a go and never giving up.
3/4 Bilbies
Ashlee received her You Can Do It award for showing courage by confidently sharing suggestions and ideas, while embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.
3/4 Wombats
Sonny received his You Can Do It award for having the courage to ask unique questions and make thoughtful observations.
5/6 Emus
Ollie received his You Can Do It award for always having the courage to audition and sing in front of the others.
5/6 Dingoes
Kovah received her You Can Do It award for contributing to class discussions and confidently sharing her ideas.
Congratulations Merit Award Winners!
K-2
3-6
WHATS HAPPENING
Please check SCHOOL BYTES and GULGOS for the most current updates.
Below are the dates that we have so far.
Please remember to let us know if we have missed anything.
We do not add the NW trials and State events to this list of dates as it causes confusion.
Please remember that changes may occur and we will do our best to keep you informed of those changes.
What’s Happening Term 3
Week 10
Friday 25 September - Last Day of Term
Term 4
Week 4
Tuesday 3 November - State Library Incursion
The lost property basket is overflowing with jumpers and hoodies. Please check at the office to see if any belong to your children.
PEARL PEARCH LUNCH ORDERS ARE AVAILABLE EVERY THURSDAY - Get your orders in before 8:30am and don't forget to select your child's class.
