Mrs Leanne Schulz

Welcome Back to Onsite Learning

What a wonderful sight to see our primary students come back to school this week! The Preps arrived on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by the Year 1 and Year 2 students on Thursday and Friday, and the Year 5 and Year 6 students on Friday. There were many happy, smiling faces all week and a buzz of excitement as students reunited with their friends and teachers. A big thank you to the parents for adhering to the safety protocols in place and juggling the demands involved with the staged transition back to school. We cannot wait to see the Year 3 and Year 4 students next Tuesday and Wednesday.

There will be many exhausted children this week as they adjust to the normal school routine. The teachers planned a range of engaging learning activities focussing on rebuilding social connections and having lots of fun. Student wellbeing is the priority after such an extended time away from school.

Staged transition for the next two weeks

Preps	Monday 25, Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 October
Years 1 & 2	Thursday 28 and Friday 29 October
Years 3 & 4	Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 October
Years 5 & 6	Thursday 28 and Friday 29 October
Mid Term Break	Monday 1 November
Melbourne Cup Holiday	Tuesday 2 November
Preps	Wednesday 3 November
Years 1 & 2	Thursday 4 November
Years 3 & 4	Wednesday 3 November
Years 5 & 6	Thursday 4 November
All students	Friday 5 November

Uniform Reminder

A gentle reminder that on return to school the students are expected to wear either full summer or winter uniform. Hats must be worn when playing outside. As we have been in lockdown for quite a period of time and the uniform shop has not been open, if students have outgrown parts of their uniform and shoes, or misplaced their school hats, please let the homeroom teacher know and some allowances will be made until the uniform shop is accessible. For a short term, if a school hat cannot be found please send any hat with your child as the UV rays at this time of the year are strong.

Prep News

Miss Gemma Jackson (Prep AHOS)

It was so lovely to welcome the Preps back into the classroom this week. We had so much fun being together again. The Preps have been getting creative and developing their own story plans to turn into narratives. We had a focus on queens and kings this week and turned ourselves into characters with our crowns! We had a special icy treat from Mrs Schulz and Miss Donohue and enjoyed time playing with the toys in the classroom. In Mathematics, we have started our learning on place value. The Preps are doing a great job at recognising what a ten is. We are already looking forward to next Monday.

Year 1 and 2 News

Mr Jevon Scandrett (Year 1/2 AHOS)

We are absolutely thrilled to have welcomed back Year 1 and Year 2 students this week! The teachers and staff were so excited to see the smiling faces of the children in the classroom once again. The Year 1 and Year 2 teachers planned some special activities for the first day back to create some special memories and provide a positive return to on-site learning.

As we ease back into coming into school, our priority is fostering the wellbeing and social development of our students as well as establishing routines and learning in the classroom again. We understand that all students will react differently to change and we encourage families to have an open dialogue with their children to alleviate their stress and enable them to express any of their concerns. Should you have any questions or concerns your first point of call should always be your child’s classroom teacher, followed by me as the Assistant Head of School (Years 1 and 2).

I look forward to a wonderful remainder of the term with students finally back in the classroom!

Year 3 and 4 News

Mrs Anne Adams (Year 3/ 4 AHOS)

YEAR 3

This month is Mental Health month. As we have been in lockdown for a while, our pets have become really important members of our families.

Year 3 Class Captains, Ella F and Madeline L, have helped remind us of the good times we can create during lockdown…

Madeline L

“I play with my dog named Millie. She makes me so happy. She loves to play with her ball and she races around the backyard like crazy. I like having play dates outside with friends in our area on nice days. I also like riding my scooter, biking and going for walks. On rainy days, I Facetime with my friends. We play Roblox and Minecraft. I also do colouring, drawing and painting! It’s super fun. Maybe you can try some of these things because it’s important to do things that make you happy!”

Ella F

“Today I want to talk about how important mental health really is. When I’m feeling down, my pet cat always finds a way to cheer me up and puts a smile on my face. Having a furry friend can make you feel less lonely.”

Year 3 students shared pics of their pets or drawings of pets they would like to have and briefly told us why they are so close to their hearts.

“My puppy keeps me happy because he gives me lots of hugs and kisses. He is also fluffy and cute.” – Lyla B

“My chickens cheer me up and keep me happy because they are funny and easy to play with! They lay amazing eggs for us too!” – Melissa E

“My puppy Luna makes me happy because she's always so excited to see me and snuggle with me and she's cute.” – Mason K

“My pet Millie makes me happy because she is always there to give me hugs and doggy kisses.” – Madeline L

“My dogs Paddy and Gracie have been with me since before I was even born. They make me happy and give me cuddles. They know if I feel sad and they come to me for cuddles. I love them very much.” – Ivy L

“I don’t have a pet but having one releases the ‘feel good’ hormone which makes us happy.”- Parthiv P

“My dogs name is Nate, he makes me happy because he Is always there to play with me.” – Scarlett P

“My dogs name is Coco and she is cute and when I’m sad she makes me feel happy ” – Elif T

YEAR 4

Year 4 students love to laugh, and laughter is always good for your mental health! We spent some time looking for funny animal memes.

Year 5 and 6 News

Mr Nigel Keegan (Year 5/ 6 AHOS)

Year 5 and Year 6 students have been engaged in a variety of interesting learning experiences and activities during Home Learning. Highlights so far this term include: Year 5 students Integrated Studies unit on Adaptations and learning about the different ways organisms evolve and adapt to survive in their environments. Students even created their own “animal mash-up” combining traits from different organisms. Our virtual tour of Aitken’s chickens was fascinating, and students have had the opportunity to try seed propagation and make mini greenhouses through the Kitchen Garden Program. Students are also busy creating poetic masterpieces in writing.

Year 6 highlights include: practical science experiments on reversible and irreversible change, hands-on Maths activities with Patterns and Algebra, and diorama making for Art.

In addition, both year levels have completed activities on awareness of our mental health and wellbeing, which has been well worthwhile. The examples below serve as a snapshot of our learning highlights. Keep up the great work, students! We are excited to see you all back on site this term!

Peaceful Parents, Peaceful Kids Seminar

A reminder that the Wellbeing Committee will be holding an online parent seminar on Monday 25 October at 7.30pm. If you would like to sign up to the workshop, please register through the link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=820123&

Key topics will include:

Mindful Parenting strategies
Introduction to Mindfulness strategies to keep stress levels low
Positive psychology strategies to boost wellbeing
Slowing life down & being more in the ‘Flow’
Helping children manage their feelings
Mindful Play
Coaching children through their problems
Importance of Self Care

VCAL News

Congratulations - 2021 VCAL Class