Primary News

Inquiry Workshop

On Thursday Mrs Fellowes, Ms Francis and Mrs Corness presented an Inquiry workshop for Primary parents. The purpose of the workshop was to share how an inquiry-based approach looks in our PP-6 classrooms. Inquiry learning recognises the importance of learner voice and choice, and of linking new learning to prior knowledge, experiences and interests of the learner. 

Our classroom approach has been guided by experienced teacher, author and consultant Kath Murdoch. In her book ‘The Power of Inquiry’, she discusses the inquiry learning cycle. This cycle provides an inquiry framework to scaffold thinking. It is a fluid and flexible approach that has explicit teaching embedded at the core. Even though the cycle of inquiry is represented in a cyclical fashion, the process of inquiry learning is non-cyclical and non-directional, meaning that an inquirer may move in and out of the phases depending on where they are in the learning journey.

The first phase of the cycle is ‘tuning in’. This is about activating students’ prior knowledge and making student thinking visible to others in order to understand what students know and any misconceptions they may currently hold. The use of provocations - images, videos, artefacts, and questions, assist teachers to unlock curiosity and bring to the fore the wonderings students have about the concept. 

‘Finding out’ is the process of involving students in the act of planning for and investigating new information through research, or engaging in shared experiences that support students to discuss and share their thinking with others.

‘Sorting out’ is a critical phase in the assessment of understanding. Here students are engaged in the process of analysing and sharing discoveries, making meaning and connections, noticing patterns and trends, and revealing a new and deeper understanding of the concept.

‘Going further’ involves releasing more responsibility to the students. It is a key component in supporting them to apply some of the skills they have been learning in the shared inquiry to a more personalised context.

‘Taking action’ is where students put their learning into practice. it is an essential component of inquiry. Through applying learning, and actively being involved in doing something, students are placed in a good position to review, revise and reflect on what and how they have learned.  

Finally, the process of reflecting on learning growth and goal setting is not just reserved for the end of an inquiry, but an essential component of the whole process. We look forward to sharing more information with you regarding our journey into inquiry learning in the future.

Prep Bush School

This week, our Prep students extended their learning from the classroom to go bush! They attended their first session of Bush School at the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre.

Celebration of Learning - Friday 6 August

On Friday 6 August, our Assembly will be a Celebration of Learning, with Semester 1 Academic Excellence and Academic Merit awards presented. An email invitation will be sent to parents, of those students receiving an award.

Grandparents Day - Friday 13 August

An invitation was emailed to all Primary families earlier this week for our upcoming Grandparents Day on Friday 13 August. 

Wet Weather: In the event of wet weather, this event will be postponed to Friday 10 September 2021.

COVID-19 Restrictions: Requirements for this event will be advised closer to the date.

RSVP is required by Friday 6 August.

ICAS Assessments

With reference to the email communication on 20 July 2021 (ICAS Testing 2021: Years 3 - 12), students in Years 3  - 6 will have the opportunity to test their high-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics and Science ICAS Assessments. The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment. The testing will be conducted during the following weeks:

The cost per test is $17.05 including GST. If you would like your child to participate in any of the subjects listed above, please visit the new online Parent Payment System to make a direct payment to ICAS Assessments. The Parent Payment System is a simple and secure online payment service specifically for parents to purchase ICAS Assessments. The preferred browser to use is Chrome - https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps. Our school’s unique access code is ETT607.

Term 3:           Week 4 (Monday 02/08/2021 – Friday 06/08/2021)

Timetable:     Week A Primary What’s Happening Calendar Snapshot

Please refer to the online calendar, via the CC app or your Parent Lounge, for a live daily/weekly schedule of events.

Assembly:     Primary Celebration of Learning (Semester 1 Academic Awards)

In accordance with our COVID 19 requirements: 

• only 1 parent per student who is receiving an award is permitted to attend
• please check-in at the College reception via the Check In Qld app
• wear a mask and observe social distancing

Thank you for your understanding.

Primary Sports and Andrews Cup Notices

Sporting Schools Skills Sessions – Basketball

In Week 4, Prep - Year 6 students will participate in a Basketball Program every Wednesday afternoon for 4 weeks from 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm. This is a coach delivered, skills-based program, provided by Brisbane Basketball Inc. 

Prep - Year 5 Students are to wear their sports uniform to and from school on this day.

Year 6 students are to change into their sports uniform at lunch break and change back into their formal uniform after the sports session.

Please ensure your child has packed their play hat and water bottle.

Andrews Cup Netball

Congratulations to all girls who represented the College at the Andrews Cup Netball competition held at Downey Park last Thursday. 

All teams displayed fantastic teamwork and determination and their improvements in gameplay were impressive. 

Thank you to Emma Hicks and Lucy Haber for Captaining the College team and to our fabulous coaches Mrs. Robertson, Coach Karen, Coach Lucy and Mrs. Finney. 

The overall results were all very close-

• Junior B - won their Zone and then came 2nd in the final
• Senior C - 4th
• Senior B - 5th

Andrews Cup Athletics Metro Meet 1 and Meet 2

Please see attached important communication regarding the upcoming Andrews Cup Athletics Metro Meets. 

All spectators attending Andrews Cup events are asked to familiarise themselves with the Andrews Cup Code of Behaviour.