Teaching and Learning News
Preps Celebrate 100 Days of School
Reaching a century is a big deal whether it be in cricket, age or days at school.
It warrants a celebration and that’s exactly what happened last week when Lauren, Nell and their prep students had a day celebrating everything to do with 100.
They explored the number 100; stacked 100 items, sequenced numbers to 100 and constructed necklaces with 100 pieces. They made crowns and wore them to a 'disco' and of course, came to school dressed as 100 years old.
“This is the best day of my life” was a student's comment before they all went home for a very long “nanna nap”.
Such days are a very real example of the growth and development of learners who only 100 days ago arrived at school as beginners, kinder kids and our newest SMDP learners.
Congratulations to our Prep teachers and students on all your learning over the past 100 days.
Imagine their achievements when they reach their 1000 days of learning milestone!
Great Achievement in Karate
Last week Anika from Year 5/6K participated in Australian National Championships 2022 in Karate where she represented Victoria. Anika and her family travelled to Rockhampton in Queensland to participate in the tournament.
Anika finished in 4th place. "It was probably one of the best experiences of my life. I made so many new friendships, the energy was awesome and I am very proud of what I did because I tried my very best!" What an outstanding achievement.
Anika picture with her Sensei - Simon (Back), Sensei Andy (Left) Yisan - from Anika's Dojo (Right).
The Joy of Reading!
We know reading is a skill students learn at school but it is so much more than that. We want our learners to develop a deep love for books which they carry into adulthood. We want them to know the joy of reading and storytelling, as opposed to reading being another task or subject on their daily class timetable.
Children’s picture book author, Mem Fox, describes the difference between reading as a love and reading as a duty:
“It’s about good books and stories creating a bond that itself creates language and literacy through the endless, expressive shared reading aloud experiences of old and new favourites. It’s about deliciousness, not duty.”
Reading to your child is a chance for uninterrupted quality time where you can share moments of magic and imagination. Re-living cherished childhood memories or being distracted by unusual words or amazing illustrations as you flick through the pages of wonderful books, is a special experience of connection and bonding.
Children need to hear many, many books read aloud before they begin to read themselves – and quality book choices are really important. Books that can be read and read and read until they become familiar friends.
They may feature rhythm, rhyme and repetition, which are key building blocks for learning to read – they allow your child to predict what comes next and recall the story they come to know so well. They enable a child to begin to “read” along with you in time, and with increasing independence.
And the good news is, it’s never too early or too late to start reading with your child.
Book Week is fast approaching.
Dates: 22nd - 26th of August 2022
Book Parade: Friday 26th August 2022 at 9am.
Our student leaders brainstormed this theme to mean:
- you can be anything if you put your mind to it
- you need to see your full potential
- nothing is out of reach if you try your best
- life is full of endless possibilities
- what/who inspires you.
We will be doing art activities during the week related to the shortlisted books.
There is no pressure to buy a costume for book week, costumes can range from masks, head wear or get creative with clothes you have at home.
Elise Coghlan
Deputy Principal | Literacy & Numeracy Leader | Visible Learning Leader
Denise Kelly
Co-Deputy Principal | Learning & Teaching Leader