Junior School
Students in the Junior School are so engaged in their learning. Staff work hard to create learning opportunities that are meaningful, authentic and challenging. Some of these projects are inquiry-based, meaning that the questions that the students have drive the learning forward. Teachers love it when the questions the students have take the learning to unexpected places.
The Stage 1 Dolphins have been wrapped up in a Maths investigation to do with the BFG. Roald Dahl writes:
Sophie allowed her eye to travel further and further down the street. Suddenly she froze.
There was something coming up the street on the opposite side. It was something black… Something tall and black… Something very tall and very black and very thin.
It wasn’t a human. It couldn’t be. It was four times as tall as the tallest human.
It actually had to bend down to peer into the upstairs windows. That’s how tall it was.
The size of the BFG fascinated the students and their questions took them on an inquiry journey that involved measurement, addition, multiplication, ordinal numbers, exploring 3-digit numbers and more. Ms Walters was astounded at the brilliant questions and mathematical thinking happening in her class, and proud of how collaborative and supportive the students were when working together.
The Pre-K and Kindergarten classes at the Springwood campus went on adventure to Bunnings this week – out the gate and walking all the way to Valley Heights Bunnings! The children were so well behaved, even with the excitement of a walking excursion!
The next day Heidi from Bunnings visited the Springwood campus and helped the children create their own garden. We are all on the lookout for the magical fairies who visit and leave gifts like flowers and special stones there! I’ve heard they may even leave messages in bottles…
Thank you to all the families who partner with us in the Junior School. Our staff are committed to caring for your children well – in fact, they love each and every student we have. They work hard to plan lessons that are rich and inspiring, building on skills and capabilities so that your children can inquire into the big and interesting questions of life. And we make sure that play time is fun and enchanting and full of imagination.
To all the Dads, and the Grandads and the men who step in and care for children – Happy Fathers' Day for this weekend! Your children have bought up BIG at our Fathers' Day stalls so we hope you feel appreciated!
Mrs Rachael J Newton
Head of Junior School
Student Achievement - 2022 National Swim Champ Noah Erne
During the week we heard of the outstanding results achieved by Noah Erne (Year 6) at the National Swimming Championships in Brisbane recently.
Noah, competing as an 11 year old, is the National Champion in the 12 Years and Under category, gaining Gold Medals in the 200m Freestyle, 200IM, 100m Breaststroke (whilst setting a national record!), 100m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle.
In addition to his first placings, Noah was also on the dais to receive Silver medals in
100m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke and 50m Butterfly, and a Bronze Medal in the 100m Backstroke.
As a result of these wonderful performances, Noah was pronounced Swimmer of the Meet, for the most points overall for his program of events.
Bravo, Noah, on these fantastic results!