Classroom Reports

Foundation & 1

Welcome Back AGAIN! 

In inquiry, we continue to investigate the concept that objects are made of materials that have properties. We will be experimenting with all sorts of materials and seeing what affect water has on them. This information will be useful  when we make our weatherproof hats. Particularly timely considering our weather recently! We are looking forward to the Sports Day on Friday. Let's hope it doesn't rain. I suppose we could try to run in our waterproof homemade hats!

Mrs Tanya Chalmers, Teacher

Year 1 & 2

We have had a busy few weeks on top of our recent COVID Lockdowns.

We had our Mini-Olympics planned for last Friday L but unfortunately we didn’t get to wear our outfits or show off our amazing skills. However, all is not lost! We still have a chance to win “gold” for Jacka or Ansett on Friday at our Wedderburn College Athletic Sports.

There was also much excitement in our room last Wednesday. After all the rain we have been having, we arrived at school to find our classroom full of ducks – and I mean a lot. They were everywhere (thanks Mr Forrest!) After we herded them into groups of ten we were able to estimate and then count how many, 268!

This fitted in well to our Maths where we are learning to make equal groups and arrange things into arrays.

Mrs Deidre McKenzie, Teacher

 Year 5 & 6

Even with our bumpy start to term the students in 5/6 S have continued to be dedicated learners. 

We have started working in reading groups so that we can create some goals to improve the way that we interact with texts all around us. We are expanding our vocabulary with a challenge issued to the students to include the ‘word of the week’ in their writing somewhere, and they are off to a cracking start. This week they were ‘oblivious’ to so many things! 

In Inquiry we have been investigating the countries of the world, particularly the symbolism of their flags. We made an interesting discovery that the same colour often represents entirely different things in different countries and cultures. 

We are continuing to focus on up-levelling our work, taking pride in what we create and putting our best effort into everything we do. We hope that you have seen how hard working these students are while they have been working at home with you, but secretly, we are excited to have them back at school!

Mrs Annita Steel and Ms Amy Purkiss, Class Teachers

Year 9 Art

Outdoor Sculpture - Overview

In this activity, the students used natural materials to create 3D sculptures using the work of Andy Goldsworthy as inspiration. The activity was outside using only materials from nature. They were required to consider and observe art elements of line, shape, space, pattern, form in nature and use these in their creation. Joining skills hold your sculptures together was also an important element.

Overview

In this activity, the students used a bar of soap to create their own 3D sculpture using the Siam Soap Flower Carving as inspiration. They discussed the Siam Soap Flower Carvings and The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carving trees. They observed art elements of line, shape, pattern, form in the existing artwork/creations and used these in their own creations. 

Ms Sophia Herrington (Piccoli)

Art Teacher 

Maths Pathways

Welcome back again! 

Congratulations to this fortnights Maths Pathway champions. 

Just a reminder that students achieving 100% growth rate each cycle is equivalent to one year’s growth achieved in the Mathematics curriculum. 

Big congratulations to Neve Nisbet who has finished the Maths Pathway program. Neve has been working tirelessly to finish this program and is the first at our school to do so. Well done on your accomplishment, Neve.

Remember to make sure you are completing your assigned modules and revising them in preparation for your test. Students can see when their next tests are scheduled by accessing their Maths Pathway timeline. 

Miss Emma Milne 

Maths Teacher

Year 11 Business Studies 

The E&C’s Pop-Up-Shop has been postponed with a date yet to be determined. It may be later this term.  In the meantime, order forms and money can be returned in an envelope to the front office.

E&C’s Pop-Up-Shop is a short-term business activity being organised by Year 11 Business Management students. It is a fundraising initiative and all profits from the day will be donated to the Parents Association. The theme of the day will be

“D is for Doughnut Day”. Items available to purchase are Krispy Kreme doughnuts (both individually and by the dozen), toasted sandwiches, jelly, hot chocolates and coffee. Krispy Kreme doughnuts and toasted sandwiches will need to be pre-ordered but jelly, hot chocolates and coffee can be bought on the day. Coffee can only be sold to high school students and staff. 

* Pre-ordered boxes of doughnuts can be collected at the end of the day.

Ms Steptoe

Business Management Teacher

VCAL & VCE

Well with the 'topsy-turvey' term we have had so far, one thing that has stood out is the resilience our Senior Students have shown.  Most followed advice to take all books home to prepare for the Lockdown we have just experienced and we know that most have attended their WebExs to stay up to date with their studies.  We are proud of the commitment and the maturity most students display towards their study. Please remember that if we return to another lockdown that all students need to attend WebEx classes that are scheduled and actively participate, including having their camera on (as appropriate).

GAT – Further Postponed:

At the time of writing this, we are unsure as to when the GAT will be held due to Covid restrictions and the impact of ongoing Melbourne lockdowns on schools.  As soon as we receive confirmation from VCAA we will let the students know.  We will be having an extended Homeroom tomorrow to go back over the requirements and guidelines for the GAT.  

GRADUATION DINNER:

Planning has started for the Year 12 Dinner.  The date has changed to Friday 19th November, please note this on your calendars.  At this stage we do not know what restrictions, if any, will be on the numbers or location, but we will be meeting to discuss our ideas in Homeroom this week.

VCAL:

Our VCAL class has been busy over the last few weeks moving location to what will now be a VCAL wing.  This area incorporates the general classroom, the Food Studies Kitchen and the Wood Work room.  It is great that the students will have access to these areas to enrich their course and gain experience.

STUDENT WELLBEING:

Students are reminded to be aware of their own wellbeing and ensure they are taking breaks, eating well and exercising. Stress can affect health-related behaviours like sleep patterns, diet and exercise as well, taking a larger toll. Common causes of stress for students includes school, homework, online learning, friendships, relationships and work commitments. 

Many students feel a sense of needing to relieve stress, but with all of the activities and responsibilities that fill a student’s schedule, it’s sometimes difficult to find the time to try new stress relievers to help dissipate that stress. These options are relatively easy, quick, and relevant to a student’s life and types of stress.

1.Get enough sleep

Students, with their packed schedules, are notorious for missing sleep. Unfortunately, operating in a sleep-deprived state puts you at a distinct disadvantage. You’re less productive, you may find it more difficult to learn, and you may even be a hazard behind the wheel.

Don't neglect your sleep schedule. Aim to get at least 8 hours a night and take power naps when you need them.

2.Practice Visualization 

Using guided imagery to reduce stress is easy and effective. Visualizations can help you calm down, detach from what’s stressing you, and turn off your body’s stress response. You can also use visualizations to prepare for presentations and score higher on tests by vividly seeing yourself performing just as you’d like to.

3. Exercise Regularly

One of the healthiest ways to blow off steam is to get regular exercise. Students can work exercise into their schedules by doing yoga in the morning, walking or biking riding, or reviewing for tests with a friend (online!) while walking. Starting now and keeping a regular exercise practice throughout your lifetime can help you live longer and enjoy your life more.

4. Take Calming Breaths 

When your body is experiencing a stress response, you’re often not thinking as clearly as you could be. A quick way to calm down is to practice breathing exercises. These can be done virtually anywhere to relieve stress in minutes, and are especially effective for reducing anxiety before or even during tests, as well as during other times when stress feels overwhelming. 

5. Listen to Music

A convenient stress reliever that has also shown many cognitive benefits, music can help you to relieve stress and either calm yourself down or stimulate your mind as your situation warrants. Students can harness the benefits of music by playing classical music while studying, playing upbeat music to "wake up" mentally, or relaxing with the help of their favorite slow melodies.

6. Get Organised

Clutter can cause stress, decrease productivity, and even cost you money. Many students live in a cluttered place, and this can have negative effects on grades. One way to reduce the amount of stress that you experience is to keep a minimalist, soothing study area that’s free of distractions and clutter.

This can help lower stress levels, save time in finding lost items, and keep relationships at home more positive. It can also help students gain a positive feeling about their study area, which helps with test prep and encourages more studying. It’s worth the effort.

7.Eat Healthy

You may not realise it, but your diet can either boost your brainpower or sap you of mental energy. A healthy diet can function as both a stress management technique and a study aid. Improving your diet can keep you from experiencing food-related mood swings, light-headedness, and more.

8. Use Positive thinking and Affirmations 

Did you know that optimists actually experience better circumstances, in part, because their way of thinking helps to create better circumstances in their lives? It’s true! The habit of optimism and positive thinking can bring better health, better relationships, and, yes, better grades.

Learn how to train your brain for more positive self-talk and a brighter future with affirmations and other tools for optimism. You can also learn the limitations to affirmations and the caveats of positive thinking so you aren't working against yourself.

If you would like some support around your wellbeing or school work, please contact us or your home room teacher. 

REMINDER - Term 3 Career Advisor dates:

Sue Clay, our Career Advisor will be available to meet with students on the following dates this term: 

Tuesday 17 August (VTAC session Period 3A and 3B)

Thursday 26 August

Monday 6 September

Please email or discuss with Mrs Barker or Mrs Woodman if you would like to make an appointment time. Appointments will take place in person or via WebEx, dependent on any lockdown requirements.

Additionally, Mrs Barker is available to meet for Career based appointments each fortnight. Please be in touch if you would like to book an appointment. 

Have a great week everyone! 

Mrs. Lauren Barker and Mrs. Carol Woodman

VCE & VCAL Coordinators 

Compass

Don't wait for the end of semester to view your child's progress. Log in to Compass and view teacher feedback and feed forward at any time by checking out your child's Learning Tasks. Children also received regular (every 5 weeks) progress reports on their Organisation, Behaviour, Attitude to Learning and Work Completion. Learning Tasks and Reports can be found on you child's profile page.