Learning Updates -
School of Wonder
A year of learning to be proud of
Children, parents and staff have yet again had a year where many restrictions and sudden changes to the way we do things was placed upon us. Our children have certainly demonstrated learning assets taught at St Anne’s College as they have adapted to changes in where and how they learn; resilience, innovation, resourcefulness, contribution, leadership, responsibility and synthesising to name a few assets applied. All should be proud of what has been achieved throughout the year.
The last term of a year is a time of reflection, preparation, celebration and continued learning. Learning Mentors conduct final assessments, write report comments that reflect children as learners and engage in dialogue about where and how children learn best. There is often a sense of joy when reflecting on growth and development that has taken place throughout the year, and an appreciation for all who have contributed to the children’s learning.
In 2022, the School of Wonder class structures are:
Foundation - 2 Pastoral Groups;
Year 1 - 2 Pastoral Groups;
Year 2 - 1 Pastoral Group;
Year 3 - 2 Pastoral Groups.
Learning Mentors engage in professional conversation when placing children in Pastoral Groups, and next Tuesday on Orientation Day, children will learn of their 2022 Pastoral Group and who will be their Learning Mentor. There is always much excitement leading up to this day.
There are many fun activities planned for the last week of term to celebrate the end of the year - an evening Christmas picnic concert; the end-of-year Mass; a Staff vs Students soccer game, and fun activities on Friday. Learning Mentors Ellie Phillips and Linda Alampi have been preparing children for the Christmas picnic concert performance and I hope many families are able to join us next Wednesday evening to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and families for the ongoing support in teaching and learning this year and I look forward to continuing the partnership in 2022.
Wishing you all a safe and joyful Christmas and restful break.
- Laurel Baxter-Butts, School of Wonder Leader
Excursions connect to children's Inquiry topics
School of Wonder children ventured out on a mini golf excursion in Kialla recently that was connected to their inquiry, 'Being healthy helps us be our best'. Judging from the photos it looks like they not only learned about how important it is to be active, they also had a lot of fun!
The yoga excursion for the Years 1 and 2 children that was to take place at Victoria Park Lake last week, also connected to the children's inquiry, was postponed due to the wet weather forecast, however they didn't miss out. Their yoga sessions with our very own Sarah Maloney were held on site at the college. The weather was much friendlier today, allowing the Foundation children to head down to the lake for their yoga excursion and a visit to the All-Abilities Playground.
Excitement is building as the School of Wonder children continue to practise the actions and words to the Christmas songs they will be performing at the end-of-year community picnic concert to be held at the college on December 8 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. The Foundation children will also be acting out the nativity.
We hope you can come along to support the children and enjoy the celebrations. More information about the picnic concert can be found on the Upcoming Events page in this edition of il giornale.
La Befana and other Christmas fun
School of Wonder children have enjoyed learning about Italian Christmas traditions and La Befana's visit on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. They listened to a story about La Befana and engaged in an activity connected to the story, as well as other activities, including making a Christmas card for a loved one and writing a message in it in Italian. The children have also been busy practising the Italian Christmas song that they will be singing at the college's community picnic concert on Wednesday, December 8. We hope families can come along to enjoy the children's performance. More information about the picnic concert can be found on the Upcoming Events page of this edition of il giornale. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our families un buon Natale - a merry Christmas - and I look forward to working with the children again after the holiday break.
- Linda Alampi, School of Wonder Languages Learning Mentor
Library books must be returned
As the school year is drawing to a close, all library books must be returned. Children will no longer be borrowing from the library for the remainder of the term. We hope the children have enjoyed the opportunity to explore their interests by borrowing a range of books from the St Anne's College library.
