Around the Primary Classes

Prep

In Prep this term we completed a task that  focused on challenging the students by encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving in a design technology context.

The task was to design and construct a Pirate ship that floats. In our first lesson, students were given the scenario that Pirate Pete was stuck on an island and we had to build a floating pirate ship to help him escape. We spoke about the elements of a pirate ship, how we know if something floats and the materials we thought we may need to complete this task. The materials students asked for (e.g pipe cleaners, cellophane, paper, glue) were written on the board. Students were then asked to draw their pirate ship design, give their ship a name and write a list of materials that they wanted to use from our discussion.

The next task was to use the materials they wrote on their plan to create their pirate ship. Students had to use their problem solving and critical thinking skills to help them stick the mast on their boats, work out how they would create a sail and how they would keep their boat floating. The students tested their boats in a tub of water and were able to go back and forth as they came up with new ideas and came up with new strategies. When they were happy with their final product a photo was taken of their pirate ships floating in the water. The Preps thoroughly enjoyed this activity and had a lot of fun construction their pirate ships. 

Year One

The Year One students were treated to a special visit by Mrs Cooper’s neighbour, Mrs Seana Mokrzecki. The focus of Seana’s visit was to share her experiences of growing up in Queensland. The Year One students were able to gather lots of information in order to complete a Venn Diagram showing the similarities and differences of their life in the present, to Seana’s school life in the past. Interestingly, Seana attended St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Ipswich, playing similar playground games to the ones played on our playground now!  Our HASS unit of work was greatly enhanced by Seana’s vsit.

Year Two

Year Two hosted the final prayer service for Term 3 on Monday morning.  The focus of the prayer service was gratitude for the opportunities provided throughout Term 3, the connections that were made and the many blessings God bestows on us.

We began with our Acknowledgment of Country which was written and choreographed by the Year Two students using symbolic gestures/sign language so it had meaning to them. 

The key to gratitude is often surprise, wonder and awe. We took time to quietly think 

1. What has surprised us that we are grateful for?
2. When did we last take the time to notice something in awe and wonder?