Specialist News 

Visual Arts

Students at Bittern Primary School read the book ‘The Time of Chaos’, (story by N’arwee’t Professor Carolyn Briggs AM PhD) and some of our students were even lucky enough to have been involved in the collaborative building of this book whist attending Balnarring Pre-School. Students discussed the values and importance of the story, and identified that looking after the land and animals, as well as relationships, were essential themes, as well as honouring the oldest living continuous culture in the world.  Each class was tasked with using the story as inspiration for their artwork, honouring the values that the book portrayed.

Foundation level students explored the importance of nature and the land, while further exploring how implied texture could be used in printmaking. Grade 1/2 created monoprints drawing style and technique inspiration from Walmajarri Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike. Grade 3/4 created positive and negative space reverse collages featuring contours of native animals. Grade 5/6 created collage landscapes of local landscapes in our region.  Some of these artworks will be featured at the Bittern Primary School stall at the Womin Djeka festival held next year in March at Emu Plains Reserve. More information regarding this festival will be provided early in the new school year.

Ms. Roberts

PE/SPORT

A fair bit has been happening in the PE/Sport domain as ususal. However, a lot more is about to happen.

Bike Education

Congratulations Grades 3-6 on bringing your bikes along consistently. There has been a huge improvement in group riding skills and road awareness.

On the Horizon

Sir Hubert Opperman Bike Challenge - 21st November

Twelve Grade 5/6 students will be riding down to the Hastings Foreshore to compete in a series of Bike Skill Challenges and prizes.

This is part of the culmination of our Bike Ed program and gives students the chance to extend their skills in a fun but competitive environment.

Thanks to the legendary Jemima for coming with us to make it possible.

Triathlon - 28th November

This is probably the biggest individual and team event for the year for bragging rights. To do well at this you have to be able to cover at least one discipline well but to take out the individual event you need all three - Bike, Run and Swim covered off.

This year we will have teams for Grade Four, Five and Six. It really is a big day and often is the decider in our own Sports Award awarded to a Grade Six at Graduation.

Mr E

Auslan (Australian Sign Language)

Throughout the past few weeks in Auslan the students have been demonstrating impressive knowledge and understanding of Auslan, showcasing their ability to both sign and interpret with growing confidence. They have worked diligently to refine their skills across the five key areas of Auslan: Handshape, Orientation, Location, Movement, and Emotion (H.O.L.M.E). These components are fundamental to clear and effective communication.  Whether forming the correct handshapes, orienting their hands in the right direction, or using expressive movements to convey meaning, students have made significant progress in applying these elements.

A particular highlight has been their ability to convey and interpret not only the structure of the language but also the emotion behind signs, which is a crucial aspect of Auslan communication. Students have demonstrated how the subtleties of location and movement can alter the meaning of a sign, while also expressing feelings through their use of facial expressions and body language. As they continue to build their skills, it’s clear that their understanding of Auslan is growing both in depth and fluency. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and commitment to mastering this expressive language.

Performing Arts 

Our school concert is rapidly approaching. Save the date for Friday, 6th December because you are all invited. We have been working on Christmas songs and dances, musical performances including instrumental items and a very special bush dance that we want to share with you on the night. 

Here are some clues that will give you some idea of our concert program. 

So, bring your dancing shoes, your best voices and join us for a fun night in our courtyard on 6th December. More details to follow. 

Mrs Herbert