From the Deputy's desk

Mixing it up 

As we approach the end of our first week of Learning from Home in 2021, I was able to have some fun with the students who needed to be at school today, by teaching a science lesson at the barbecue! After measuring and mixing a simple pikelet batter, I was able to demonstrate to the children that the chemical reaction that occurred in the mixture could be seen when the batter was cooked on the barbecue. Whilst I may not have had all the correct scientific language for the reactions, the students observed the physical changes in the batter as air bubbles (created by the release of CO2), watched as the bubbles expanded with heat and eventually ruptured before we flipped them over to cook the other side. We enjoyed them with a smear of butter and some plum jam, made earlier in the year. Yum!

This lesson reminded me, as both a parent and a teacher, that teaching and learning needn't be complicated to understand. During 'learning from home', you can help your child(ren) by explaining everyday things using your knowledge of mathematics, science, English, geography and history among other things. For example, if you ask your child to help sweep the floor, you could ask them to do it in straight lines, or stack the washing up in groups of 2s, 3s or 4s. Ask them to collect the mail and count how many steps it takes to get to the letterbox (my 350m driveway takes too many steps to count). Every activity in your house can be part of learning. It just takes some imagination. And if you have several children, maybe they could try to teach each other something new each day around the house or garden. 

Whilst we are in uncertain times again, I hope that you experience the joy that can occur in teaching a new concept, a new idea or new knowledge and when a student finally 'gets it'. Our teachers are doing a great job to send work home that is manageable, enjoyable and suitable for home learning. This has not been an easy task and I thank them for their efforts on your children's behalf. We know that you, too, are doing your best to continue the learning journey for each of your children. Fingers crossed that we will be back at school soon and see all your children's faces in our classrooms. It's not the same here without them. 

Ms Christine Hawkins I Deputy Principal