Classroom Reports

Foundation & One

Wow! First Term has nearly finished and look what we have done. Hatched four fluffy ducks, Fifi, Fred, Fearless and Fido (he thinks he is a dog!). Along with learning; lots of new sounds and letters, investigating length and data and learning all about dinosaurs. We finish on Thursday with our fete. We hope you can make it to our stall with an empty stomach! The Year 12s have helped us make some 'Rainbow Balls'. 

Enjoy the Easter break.

Mrs Chalmers, Classroom Teacher

Years 1 &  2

Wow, it is nearly at the end of Term One. We are very excited about the fete on Thursday! If you want a challenge, come and visit us at the ‘Fish Tank Coin Drop’.

Thank you to those who were able to come to the Learning Conversations last week. If you have any concerns don’t hesitate to contact me any time.

Have a great holiday with your families. Hopefully the weather will allow everyone to get outside for some climbing, play and exercise. Don’t forget to squeeze in some story time and reading!

Mrs McKenzie and Ms Martin, Classroom Teachers

Year 3

Mrs Torney, Classroom Teacher

Year 4

Another busy fortnight in the Year 4 class!

We have been very fortunate to have a special ‘Year 4 only’ bat tennis court set up (big thanks to Mr Lockhart) and it has been wonderful to see the Year 4’s take responsibility for the set up and pack up of the bat tennis resources as well as getting out there and having a hit with each other at break times… Miss A and Miss Douglas have even been out for a game or two at break times! 

Year 4 have joined together with 5/6A and Miss Douglas to work together for our Fete stall.  It has been great to see students in both classes work collaboratively together, offer constructive feedback to their partners and design some awesome promotional materials and product design.  We can’t wait to see everyone at the Fete!  

Miss A is continually amazed at the awesome commitment students have to their learning and how eager they are to immerse themselves in Wedderburn College life! Looking forward to a wonderful Easter, a restful break to help recharge - ready for Term 2 and all the learning we still have to do! 

Miss Anderson, Classroom Teacher

Years 5/6 A

What a busy last week of Term 1 we are in for! This week sees us devolving deeper into our understandings of ANZAC Day, FINALLY testing out our gas powered boats and the last finishing touches for the Fete on Thursday. 

It has been such a welcoming term for me as I learn the Wedderburn ways and have loved every minute of it! We are so excited for the fete on Thursday where we will be selling our Lucky Jars that Grade 4/5/6 have worked together to create. If you attend, make sure to come and see us! 

Miss Douglas 

I love it when we do buddies because I enjoy hanging out with Sophie and doing tasks with her. I also enjoyed doing art with the butterfly water colours. I love doing all sports including swimming sports, cross country and athletics sports. 

Lily Finch

While the Grade 6s were with buddies on a Friday afternoon, the Grade 5s worked with Mrs Postle to learn more about healthy foods. We made and tried many different types of healthy foods including hummus and cucumber. 

Chelsie Tansley 

My favourite things this term was PE because my class got to play Tennis, Basketball and Old Mother Witch. I love all these games because they’re so fun and I love to work in a team.

Heath Leach 

Hi my name is Kaiden Bristow. I am in grade 5/6 A. This year we have been learning about lots of different types of things in science like chemical reactions and what they can do. Some of the tasks have been boring but they all lead up to a hands on activity, for example  we made boats powered on the reaction of bicarb and vinegar. It has been a great term with lots of exciting twists and turn that have all been fun. So far we have had the swimming carnival which out of Jacka and Ansett, Jacka won with 100 or so points ahead. This term has been great and I can’t wait for the adventures that await for next term.

This term was fun because we had tennis hot shots and that was very active but we also had some relaxed times like we are doing now listening to music and typing what we liked about this term. We also had normal days like math and english but that gets topped off with some jokes and PE. We have been also working on our gas powered boats and mine and my team's boat was one of the few that actually worked. We also had the swimming sports and I'm a House Captain so that was really fun to start off the term. We have also worked on these cool jars that we are using for our stall at the school fete we are working with the grade fours. In PE we were practicing tennis, hockey and playing games like "Old Mother Witch' and 'Capture the Flag'. There has also been bat tennis at lunch and if a team beats Mr Lockhart and Mr P they get five hundred burn bucks each. Sadly no one has beaten them yet.  

Bastian Noordennen

Miss Douglas, Classroom Teacher

Years 5/6 B

What a great term the Grade 5/6B students have started with. They've adjusted well to their new scenery, as well as quickly learning how to use their chrome books. They've engaged in a range of learning styles and thoroughly enjoyed the hands on and creative tasks assigned to each unit. 

A focus for home: In maths, they have been working on telling the time, 24 hour time and calculating elapsed time. Many students still need work on reading analogue clocks and it would be great to support them at home with this. Working with your child at home to read the time will help support the skills that they are learning in the classroom. 

Tasty treats: In 'Buddies' students have been learning about nutrients and what a healthy snack might look like and how it fuels your body. The grade 5 students have loved learning how to make these yummy and easy snack ideas. So far, the students have made Tzatziki with fresh cucumber, hommus, cucumber rice cakes, apple and cinnamon pieces and chia pudding. Most of the snacks they rated 10/10 but they did not enjoy the chia pudding. 

Here is a copy of the students' favourite recipe: 

Ttatziki recipe:

1 cup of greek yoghurt

1 cucumber diced into small pieces

Half a teaspoon of crushed garlic.

Mix together and enjoy with crackers or carrot. 

Spelling: Students have been completing the SMART spelling course, with a new list of words each week. The students are tested on these words every Friday, and are also given homework throughout the week. This homework is due each Friday and we encourage all students to remember to complete this and hand in. Students receive a green chronicle (5 burn bucks) for handing in their spelling homework. 

Library: A reminder that students have library on Friday mornings and need to return overdue books to be able to borrow new ones. 

We hope you all enjoy a safe and happy holiday and that Easter Bunny delivers some eggs. We look forward to seeing you in Term 2. 

Mrs Turnbull and Mrs Postle, Classroom Teachers

Year 9

On Monday the 3rd of April, our Year 9 students completed their Level 1 First Aid training course. Our students can now perform CPR and basic first aid when needed. 

FETE

LOCAL AREA CAMP: Mt Egbert

Term 2 Week 1 (Thursday and Friday), the Year 9 students have their local area camp. Students are reminded to look over the equipment lists and ensure they have the required items. Please remember to pack cutlery (as discussed at school), and check your swag for poles and waterproofing. 

MY9/Duke of Edinburgh

The students must continue to work on their Skill and Physical component of the Duke Of Ed over the holidays – Log your online Record book.

ATTENDANCE

As mentioned in previous newsletter articles, we are having a drive to improve our students’ attendance. We just want to say a big congratulations to our Year 9 students (listed below) who have all achieved 100% attendance in Term 1. Fantastic job!

• Chanelle Badenhorst
• Tyson Blair
• Jason Sanderson

Remember, Everyday Counts.

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Easter break. See you next term.

Miss Milne, Miss Van De Wetering and Ms Herrington, Year 9 Homeroom Teachers

Year 11 & 12 

All VCE students have had a busy couple of weeks fulfilling their role as school leaders. At the whole school assembly on Tuesday 28th March, Eliza Turnbull made her debut as school captain running her first assembly. Unfortunately, Zen Joyner, the other school captain, was absent so Eliza ran proceedings by herself, doing an admirable job of it!

As part of the assembly, announcements were made about audition results for the school performance. To build enthusiasm and excitement prior to the announcements, all VCE students treated the audience to a rousing rendition of “We Will Rock You” complete with stamping the of feet and audience participation! 

In preparation for their stall at the school fete, students spent some time in Home Group deciding on a baking schedule and list of treats to be on offer. One special element of their cake stall consisted of a cooking session with the Foundation and Grade One students preparing Rainbow Unicorn Balls (a variation on the Rumball recipe using hundreds and thousands, but, of course, no rum!)

Overall, it has been a very busy and successful Term 1. For many Year 12s, there will be a short break for Easter and then a lot of homework and study will be expected over the rest of the break. Remember that in Year 12, a break means no classes, but it also means catch up and preparation time work for Term 2. 

(Pictured above: Eliza Turnbull and Neve Nisbet being good role models by wearing their sunhats)

Mrs Ritchie, Mrs Woodman and Mr Gretgrix, Year 11 & 12 Homerooms Teachers

From the Art Room

Year 5/6 Art Class

Year 5/6 Art Class have been looking at Illustration, and Leigh Hobbs (from the books, Old Tom). The students explored different mediums, such as Water Colour Paint, Chalk Pastel, Colour Pencil and Ink. They have begun to develop their own style when creating an illustration. They will create a very short story about their final image and read it to the Prep Class.

Year 7 Art Class

Students have focused on Perspective Drawing throughout Term 1. They have completed drawings of buildings, optical illusions and digital scenes using Sketch up for schools.

Ms Herrington, Year 5/6 and Year 7 Art Teacher

Year 8 Art Class

Year 8 students began the year by investigating and developing ideas around symbolism and how we can represent ourselves through art. They responded to an artwork by Reg Mombassa, titled ‘Cranium Universe’, which showed the artist’s head silhouette filled with a range of symbols that represented himself. Using coloured pencil, watercolours and pen, Year 8s created their own ‘Cranium Universe’ style portraits.   

Year 8s are currently extending on the idea symbolism in Art while designing and making their own Totem Poles. These works have been constructed using recycled materials and will be spray painted by the end of this term. 

Mrs Barker, Year 8 Art Teacher

PE News - Mr P and Miss Milne

Calder Hot Shots 

On Friday the 31st of March, the Year 4-6 students had the Calder Hot Shots. It was a great day with students participating well and trying their best. Big thank you to Ms Anderson, Ms Douglas, Mrs Postle, Melinda Springthorpe and Beau Hartnell for their support, encouragement and assistance on the day.  

Cross Country: 

On Monday the 1st of May, we are holding our House Cross Country in Period 2A/B. Please remember to come dressed in your House colours. Parents and Carers are encouraged to attend and get into the spirit. There will be a BBQ lunch provided. 

Additionally, within PE lessons in Term 2 Week 1, we will be walking the course, so please make sure you are wearing running shoes. 

Mr P’s Secondary PE Student of the Week: Scott Reid. Well done Scott on achieving a great result in your VCE PE SAC showing a good level of understanding in regard to the musculoskeletal system. On top of this, Scott has shown a terrific level of engagement in our Year 10 Pickleball unit, increasing his skill level and match play. See Mr P to collect your prize. 

Miss M’s Primary PE Student of the Fortnight is: Gabbie Jaques. Gabbie has shown great growth and determination throughout our Hockey unit. Gabbie has a 'never give up' attitude and is always supporting her peers in lessons. Well done, Gabbie! Please see Miss Milne, to collect your prize.

Everyday Counts

At Wedderburn College our aim is to have each student have a minimum of 95% attendance.  This may seem a high figure to aim for, but over the 40 weeks of school, this means that at 95% a student has still had 9 days off from school. That is 54 lessons missed and 45 hours of learning has been missed.

What percentage is your child at already?   We know illness occurs and life happens.  But as parents and carers, we are asking for your support in making sure that every student at Wedderburn College is making the most of their opportunities. And to do that every student has to be at school, unless they have a viable excuse.

We don’t expect our parents and carers to carry this burden alone.  We have support in place to help you get your students to school.  The first support we offer is our wellbeing team.  This year we have set up a strong pastoral care network at each year level in the secondary school.  From Term 2 parents and carers will be contacted when their student is away.  One of the secondary homeroom teachers will reach out and see if you need assistance in getting your child to school.  We will then refer the student to the necessary support if required.

The Department policy states:

Whilst ensuring student attendance at school is a legal obligation of parents, supporting students to attend school each day is the shared responsibility of all parents, students, the school, and the wider community.

So, remember, our phone call is a means for us to be able to reach out and offer support.

Through our SWPBS we have all worked hard to create a safe and engaging environment.  We have initiated many extra-curricular activities to help make Wedderburn College a great place to be.  Students are getting heavily involved with the lunchtime activities and after school Basketball program.  We have our school production happening in September and a lot of students have put their hand up to participate both onstage and backstage. Our SRC is becoming stronger and is encouraging student voice.

We have created the best place for your students to spend each school day and we want them to be here each day to get the most of what we offer.  We need to make sure that we also have full commitment from our parents and carers. Please let us know what else we need to be doing.

Wellbeing PLC Team 

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 receive 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.