Middle School News 

A 'SIGN' of things to come... 

article by Izzy Mackay and Mr Gooding

Learning AUSLAN

This year we have begun learning AUSLAN as a our language other than English.  Middle school students have loved the first few lessons of AUSLAN and are enjoying learning the new language alongside their classroom teacher.  

Classes watch a video presented online by a lady named Paula - sometimes there are guest presenters from the Deaf community - who signs the lesson, with a voice over explaining the signs she is teaching. 

 Each week the lesson focuses on something new.  So far our students have looked at the alphabet, colours and have begun learning some everyday signs.  " The videos we have used have been really helpful" said Ellery of MDA.  

"We have been learning how to talk to people who are deaf."  Some of the signs are for funny words, or look funny... 

"I've enjoyed the funny signs" laughed Tyler from MDA "especially like the word for toilet". (see photo).  We are sure that sign will come in useful in class, or if you are out shopping with your family and you need to let them know your 'needs.'

Khai Khai from MDB explained that it was good to learn AUSLAN because "we get to learn a new language, even though it is still English, it is new" he explained.  His friend Alyssa, also from MDB, was excited that "when I run into a deaf person, I will be able to communicate with them."

Other Learning in Middle School

Along with some great reading and writing lessons the students we interviewed described how engaging they were finding their Maths lessons this term.  Alyssa happily described how they were learning to do skip-counting and using number lines.  Tyler and Ellery really enjoyed learning using concrete learning tools like MAB blocks to show their understanding of Units, Tens, Hundreds and Thousands.  

"the different games we have been been playing with dice and getting the highest number have been awesome" - Khai Khai (MDB)

The students also described how interesting it had been learning about the First Fleet in their Inquiry Unit.  "I was surprised by how many boats they had - like eleven in the fleet" said Ellery.

New Class, New Year - New Teachers

article by Izzy Mackay

Two new teachers have started the year in Middle School, they are:

Miss Harris 

Miss Harris has made a fabulous entry to our school and is always trying to keep it clean. On Wednesdays she can be seen walking around the school collecting ice pole rappers in plastic bin bags. Miss Harris is always ready to have a great laugh. “ I would rate her 9/10, maybe even a 10/10!” Says Ellery. In the classroom she is always willing to understand and help her student's emotions and feelings. She is always happy to clarify the task to the students who don't understand it. In reading she likes to give everyone a good laugh. She reads her books with lots of expression, at the moment she is reading a Roald Dahl book. In my opinion they are some very funny books indeed. 

Miss Toner

Miss Toner has also made an amazing entry to our school. She has made a great start in our middle school community. She is already teaching great things to our middle school students. And it seems they are having lots of fun in class “Miss Toner is teaching us synonyms but I thought it sounded like cinnamon!” Said Alyssa "It was funny". She is already making everyone feel comfortable in their new classroom with their new peers. In the yard she is always willing to help, hurt little humans, and give them her time and care. "She helps me when I struggle and she lets us play games when we’re done!” said Khai Khai.

Middle camp

Middle school is looking forward to camp. Miah from MDA told me “I have NEVER been camping before, I am really looking forward to it.”   

I chatted to some of the students from Middle School about camp.  Here are some things they hope they do…rock climbing and sleeping in tents. Brodie, Noah explained that they didn't get to have the junior school sleepover, because of COVID restrictions and are really looking forward to this camp. “I really hope there is archery at camp.” Said Noah. And Miah is looking forward to the cabins!

The Middle School team head off to camp at Ferngully Lodge campsite in Healesville for 3 days and 2 nights- Wednesday 30th March to Friday 1st April. The camp will focus on promoting confidence, enhancing interactive skills and help to build positive relationships.