School of Foundations

Last Friday, we launched our Houses with the students in K-4. House groups create a sense of belonging and identity within the school community. By dividing students into smaller groups, they can develop a strong bond with their fellow group members. This fosters a feeling of unity and shared purpose, which is essential for a positive school environment. Our staff also enjoyed getting into the spirit by dressing up on the day.

Six Pillars of Learning

In the School of Foundations we have been focused on recognising students who are displaying the six pillars of learning throughout the day. 

This week we focused on:

Respect for Self (Manage)

I can

• Follow instructions
• Prepare for and manage my learning
• Wear my uniform correctly

Next week we will focus on:

Respect for Self (Manage)

I can

• Make positive choices
• Take responsibility for my actions 
• Regulate my emotions

Respect for Self (Relate)

• Accept responsibility for my behaviour

The pillars are closely linked to our school Rules of:

• Respect yourself
• Respect others
• Respect the environment

Being Safe Online

Integrating technology into our classrooms offers benefits such as increased engagement and motivation, personalised learning, access to a wide range of resources, collaboration and communication opportunities, development of digital literacy and technological skills, preparation for the future, and multimodal learning experiences. When used appropriately and under guidance, technology can be a valuable tool for enhancing education in primary schools.

When using technology at home it is important that our students in K-4 are supervised. Below is information about two webinars that can provide support for our parents. 

If you have any further enquiries please email safeguarding@parra.catholic.edu.au.

Ms Pecnik

Head of School of Foundations

Early Stage 1

Mathematics 

Kindergarten have been stretching their thinking this week in Mathematics as they learn to explore different ways to share a collection into equal groups. The students were provided with a variety of question cards and resources to solve a problem. We were so impressed with the way our students approached the tasks this week, the rich and varied drawings they showed to demonstrate their answers and the connection to multiplication and division. 

Writing 

This week in writing the students in Kindergarten had the opportunity to reflect and share their work with each other. We introduced the students to the concept of Peer Feedback and provided them with some small points that they can reflect on to improve their writing. We used small group and class discussions to model and share a variety of feedback offered, and posed the question ‘What do good writers do?’ We witnessed some wonderful reading and conversations between students as they engaged with each other on their progress so far. 

Religion 

In our Religion unit this term, we are learning to ‘Love thy neighbour like we love ourselves’. We have explored three Bible stories over the last couple of weeks; 

• The Good Samaritan;
• Zacchaeus; and
• The Great Commandment. 

These stories have taught us how to love, treat and forgive others. We have brainstormed points for how to show love to our neighbours, strangers, friends and family members. We have had some special discussions over the past few weeks and some amazing role play of the stories. The students' faith in God is growing each day and they are showing a willingness to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. 

Science 

We have been exploring the Material World with our students in Science this term. We have focused on properties of materials and how they can be used for making useful products. Students are beginning to think about their end product assessment which is to design a chair out of recycled materials for a toy of their choice.  We have made a start on our plans and are beginning to see some awesome design thinking happening in our classrooms. 

Stage 1 

The students in Stage 1 have been engaging in many learning experiences over the past few weeks. Below are some of the learning experiences we have shared:

House Launch!

Last Friday the students participated in the first House Launch day at St Luke’s. They actively participated in a range of activities which were facilitated by Motiv8 and teachers. They worked on team-building activities and competed against other students in a friendly competition.

Lions - English

Over the last few weeks, Stage 1 students have been working on writing to inform others. They have worked on planning their ideas and are learning to communicate written information to a range of audiences. The writing focus is to ensure the information is factual, clear and relevant. Many students have stretched and challenged themselves by using a range of compound and complex sentences to convey their messages in their writing.

Tinemen - Religion

This term in religion we have been learning what a faith community is and how we all belong to a community of some kind.   Some of us belong to sporting communities, neighbourhood communities and religious communities.  We specifically looked at faith communities and how we can all be part of God’s family.  We learnt that being Baptised makes us part of God’s community and also going to church, following the ten commandments and praying together is something that helps us belong to the same faith community.  We learnt that belonging to a community is important as we can come together with the same interest and learn from one another.

We drew some mind maps of different communities we are part of.

Glindas - Mathematics

This week in Maths, students have been learning how to make equal groups and share to solve division and multiplication word problems.

Today's main task involved students answering this question:

__ people went to the movies. They sat in equal rows.

How many people were in each row?

Were there any left over?

How many rows were there?

How many different ways can you show this?

Students were provided with concrete materials to prove 

their thinking, in addition to showing their understanding through pictures and number sentences.

Wizards - Science/Art

The students in Stage One for the first half of the term have been learning about the different forms of energy. Students have learnt about heat, light and sound energy through various experiments conducted in the classroom. The final week of our unit has focused on students creating a musical instrument using materials from home. Students enjoyed making many instruments including maracas and guitars. 

The next five weeks students will be learning about the changes we can observe in the sky and on the land. These changes will include the different seasons across the year, the way the moon changes and types of weather. 

In Creative Arts, students have been learning about abstract art. Students have looked at the artist Wassily Kandinsky who uses shapes to create his artwork. They have been given the opportunity to recreate an artwork they have looked at. In the coming weeks, students will finish the term by creating their own artwork using different shapes and colours.

Stage  2

English 

On Wednesday 31 May, we had a special visit from Author and Illustrator Dr Cameron Stelzer. Dr Cameron visited St Luke’s Catholic College to run workshops with our Stage 2 students. All classes had a behind-the-scenes look at creating a book, and applied their own creative components. Students also participated in a writing workshop exploring exciting and descriptive language, and techniques to create blockbuster action stories. Students and teachers had a great day!

Mathematics: Time

For the past few weeks, Stage 2 has been learning about time. Students have been representing and interpreting time on analog and digital clocks. Students were using time to plan an event and schedule the timing and duration of different activities at their event. 

Religion: Freeze Frame 

This Term in Religion, we are learning about how Jesus is both man and God. This week we created freeze frames to visually show our understanding how Jesus can be both man and God. Students have explored a variety of examples that depict this which is evident in their ideas chosen to portray in their freeze frames. 

Science - Royal Botanical Gardens Excursion

This term in Science, Stage 2 are learning about Living Things. In order to deepen their understanding of Living Things, Stage 2 went on an Excursion to the Royal Botanical Gardens to explore the life cycles of plants. Students loved their lesson workshops led by experts as well as their scavenger hunt through the gardens to locate and tally a range of living and nonliving things they found. 

Music

In music, School of Foundation students have been fine tuning their skills on the keyboard. Stage 2 students have been focusing on creating their own pentatonic composition focusing on using the specific notes and making sure they have enough beats in each of their bars. 

Stage 1 have been working on playing different songs, getting more and more advanced each week, having a lot of fun learning ‘One two buckle my shoe’ and many others. Kindergarten students have been working on how to find middle C and playing ‘hot cross buns’. 

Ensembles

Students in the Recorder and String Orchestra have been working very hard on learning how to play their new instruments as well as playing as an ensemble. 

Recorder ensemble students are focusing on notes B A G and are looking forward to learning some new songs with the new notes! 

Diversity  

The wonderful thing about maths is the variety of games that have maths incorporated into them. Think about Monopoly - money, addition and subtraction, strategic thinking! SO much maths thinking without realising it! 

Driving around in the traffic lends itself to lots of maths time too. Use the number plates around you and get some multiplication happening - who can find the number plate that will give you the largest multiple? Or, if multiplication isn’t your thing, add the numbers together and see who can find the largest answer. 

Grab a deck of cards and play Fish with a difference - nominate a target number (eg 11) and the object of the game is to find two, maybe even three, cards that add up to 11. Challenge yourself, if you are in Stage Two try a larger number! But, let me know if there is a limit to the number that will work! 

Ms Honeyman 

Diversity Coordinator

Wellbeing

House Launch Day at St. Luke's College: A Resounding Success Marked in History

St. Luke's College recently celebrated a momentous event that will forever be etched in its history - the highly successful House Launch Day. Students from all grade levels came together to participate in a range of team-building activities, challenges, and novelty events. The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the house crests and mottos, which symbolize the values and aspirations of each house: Einstein, MacKillop, DaVinci, Curie, King, and Teresa. The House Launch Day left an indelible mark on St. Luke's College as an event filled with camaraderie, spirit, and excitement.

The House Launch Day at St. Luke's College was designed to foster unity and camaraderie among the students through various team-building activities. Students were divided into their respective houses, allowing them to interact with peers from different grade levels and form new friendships. These activities were carefully curated to promote collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills among the students.

The challenges ranged from novelty events such as Egg and Spoon races, sack races, over and under and three legged races. They also participated in an obstacle course run by Motiv8 in which students displayed a lot of energy to conquer the challenges that were set upon them. 

Students displayed remarkable teamwork and competitive spirit, engaging in healthy rivalries while also cheering for their housemates. These activities not only encouraged active participation but also instilled a sense of belonging and pride in their respective houses.

A defining moment of the House Launch Day was the grand reveal of the house crests and mottos. Each house was represented by a distinct crest, capturing the essence of their respective namesakes. The crests incorporated symbols and imagery that reflected the accomplishments and values associated with great personalities such as Albert Einstein, Mary MacKillop, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa.

Accompanying the crests were inspiring mottos that encapsulated the core principles each house aimed to uphold. These mottos served as a constant reminder to students of their shared values and aspirations, promoting a strong sense of identity and purpose within each house community.

The House Launch Day at St. Luke's College will undoubtedly go down as a historic event in the institution's history. The overwhelming enthusiasm, active participation, and display of teamwork by the students showcased the vibrant spirit of the college community. The event successfully fostered a sense of belonging, friendship, and healthy competition among the students, strengthening the overall fabric of the college.

The House Launch Day at St. Luke's College was an outstanding success, leaving an indelible mark in the college's history. Through engaging team-building activities, challenges, novelty events, and the unveiling of the house crests and mottos, students were able to forge lasting connections, discover their strengths, and develop essential life skills. The event celebrated unity, spirit, and the unique qualities of each house, instilling a sense of pride in the students. St. Luke's College can look back on this momentous day as a testament to its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Mr Chris Bettiol

Leader of Wellbeing, Growth and Development 

Storytelling at Adventure Playground

In an era where academic excellence often takes centre stage, the importance of social and emotional wellbeing in children's development cannot be overstated.the School of Foundations have initiated a remarkable program. Every Monday,eager students gather  to share the magic of books that promote social and emotional wellbeing. This interactive and engaging initiative has not only captivated young minds but has also empowered them to express their understanding of these valuable life lessons.

The Power of Storytelling

Storytelling has long been recognized as a powerful tool for learning and personal growth. Through stories, children can explore various perspectives, emotions, and experiences, fostering empathy, understanding, and self-reflection. The act of listening to stories enables students to step into different worlds, characters, and situations, building their cognitive and emotional capacities.

The Selection of Books

The heart of this program lies in the carefully chosen books that are shared with the students. The books are not only entertaining but also possess a strong social and emotional wellbeing message. They address important themes such as empathy, kindness, resilience, self-confidence, and inclusion. T

Engaging Students and Their Understandings

The storytime sessions go beyond mere reading. After each story, the students actively participate in a question-and-answer session, where they can share their interpretations and insights. This interactive component allows them to engage in critical thinking, articulation, and analysis of the stories' underlying messages. 

Impact on Students

The positive impact of this program on students' social and emotional wellbeing has been resoundingly evident. By discussing the stories and their related themes, children not only internalise valuable life lessons but also develop a deeper understanding of their own emotions and those of others. This heightened emotional intelligence equips them with the tools needed to navigate relationships, conflicts, and challenges in their everyday lives.

The program also fosters a sense of community and connection among the students. 

As the storytime program continues to inspire and engage, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling and the immense potential for building social and emotional wellbeing in the hearts and minds of young learners.