Extra, Extra!

This week we were thrilled to see our extra-curricular activities well under way across the school, with our students excited to join in the variety of activities on offer:

Tennis program 3 mornings per week

Before-school swimming training at Harold Holt on Tuesday and Friday of this week, in preparation for the District Competition

Musical Instrument Program thriving, with over a third of our students involved in learning an instrument

Skipping competition team try outs

Junior and Senior choir sessions well under way

Soccer program this week in sport lessons

Environment Club busy working with Miss Kempton

Our Year 6 leaders and Mrs Cummings running the very popular Art Club

Netball teams opened up to Grade 1s and 2s, in addition to the already established teams.

It was fantastic to see the children join together with friends across the school to participate in something new. Of course, these extras would not be possible without the commitment of so many members of staff: from Mrs Freeman in the office running her skipping program to Ms Huebner and Mr Lappin providing swimming training, we are indeed very fortunate to have such a committed and talented staff.

Of course, the benefit to our students are numerous and not least of which is the sense of excitement at simply trying something new. Being part of a group or team provides a sense of belonging, with extracurricular activities offering an opportunity for children to interact with others with similar interests and potentially build friendships outside of their usual circle.

Clubs, sports, choir and other non-academic pursuits can play a very important part in the life of a primary school student. Although some may believe that extracurricular activities distract from academic study, there is more and more evidence to show that extracurricular activities actually enhance academic learning. There are numerous benefits to participation in these extras, not least of which is developing good teamwork skills and discovering a personal passion.

We hope that by engaging in non-academic pursuits, our students are encouraged to develop skills with teamwork, leadership, cooperation and social development. Primary school is the time for students to start developing these valuable life skills, and participating in extracurricular activities is an excellent way to foster an appreciation for them.

Primary school is also a time for students to start discovering their personal interests and passions that they may wish to develop later in life. By giving students the opportunity to experiment with various extracurricular activities outside of their academic life, we possibly open the door for potential future interest in the arts, music, sports or theatre, that may not have been sparked by strictly academic work.

We look forward to further extra-curricular programs being introduced in the coming weeks and months: ‘Kilometre Club’, Maths Olympiad and The Tournament of Minds. Whilst we don’t want to overwhelm students with too much choice, we feel it is of vital importance that there is something on offer for everyone, whether it be related to sports, the arts or the academic life of the school.

Parent Information Night

Thank you to all who were able to attend our information sessions on Tuesday- I had a lot of fun in the ‘cartoon room’ with the students! By all accounts, each classroom teacher presented very informative sessions, outlining the curriculum, routines and expectations for their grade level. I encourage you to check in regularly with the class dojo, as, throughout the week, teachers post lots of snapshots and snippets of classroom life.

Dendy District Swimming

We wish our 30 participants the best of luck as they head off to the district swimming event this coming Monday. Once again, thank you to all who have supported the students along the way, and to Ms Huebner and Mr Lappin for going the extra mile to ensure the students are well prepared. Whilst we would love some additional silverware to add to the trophy cabinet, all we ask is that our students enjoy themselves on the day!

CSIRO STEM in Schools Program (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation)

We received the fantastic news earlier in the week that our school has been accepted into the CSIRO STEM in Schools program. We have been assigned a partnership with a specialist in neuroscience from Monash University who will work with our students throughout the year on various aspects of science education. I will share specific details of our partnership in the coming weeks and outline the many benefits of our participation for both students and teachers.

Our involvement in the program is made even more special with the connection between the CSIRO and one of our students, Maudie, in Year 5. Maudie’s Great Grandfather, Sir Ian Clunies Ross, was the executive officer of the CSIR until 1949 when it was renamed the CSIRO and was chairman of the CSIRO until 1959. Very special indeed for the Clunies Ross family.

About the program

STEM Professionals in Schools connects primary and secondary school teachers and STEM professionals with a broad range of expertise and experience to enhance STEM learning in Australian classrooms.

The program is Australia's leading STEM education volunteering program and provides an opportunity for business and individuals to contribute to the community through STEM education. It provides individual matching of partnerships between schools and business, supported by a national team.

Benefits of the program- Schools

A teacher professional learning program that improves teacher confidence and knowledge in STEM skills.

Increases student engagement and awareness of careers in STEM

Fosters connections with industry across a broad range of sectors and disciplines

Supports a long term vision for the integration and delivery of STEM education in the school

Exposure to real world STEM skills for teachers and students

Benefits for Teachers:

Increases confidence to teach STEM subjects

Inspires students to undertake STEM subjects and exposure to STEM careers

Supports the development of lesson plans that bring the curriculum to life

Creates links with STEM organisations and industry for teaching and learning inspiration

Benefits for Students:

Learning critical thinking in a school context with skills relevant beyond the classroom

Gaining direct access to a practising STEM professional for career inspiration and opportunities

Learning the role and relevance of STEM in everyday life

Benefits for STEM professionals:

Provides STEM professionals with the opportunity to share their skills, experience and professional knowledge of their chosen STEM discipline

Contributes to the professional learning of today’s teachers by bringing STEM industry experiences of critical thinking and problem solving skills into the classroom

Opportunities to share their passion and be part of a program that inspires teachers and young people every day

Inspires students to consider a career in a STEM-related field

Alignment with corporate social responsibility and sustainability objectives

Opportunity to contribute to the community

We can't wait to get started!

Wishing you all a restful and relaxing weekend ahead, and don't forget to share the dates for our upcoming Open Days with families in your network; the first Open Day is next Thursday 28th February at 9.30am.

Thank you for another fantastic week in our beautiful community,

Michelle

Youth Group

Holy Eucharist & St Mary's Youth Group