Mrs Leanne Schulz

2022 Primary School Theme

What interesting things have been happening in the Primary School?

National Reconciliation Week 27 May to 3 June

‘BE BRAVE. MAKE CHANGE.'

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians—individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.’

The Primary School Chapel and Assemblies highlighted the importance of National Reconciliation Week. Mrs Crisara read a beautiful story titled ‘Somebody’s Land’, written by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing. One of the messages is about recognising the history of our land and indigenous people. It is also about understanding the harm and impact that colonisation had on our First Nations people. Education plays a vital role in teaching our children about cultural significance, respect and diversity.

A very big thank you to Mr Ben Lawless and the RAP committee for organising some fun reconciliation activities throughout the week such as dances in the yard, colouring in the Library, indigenous themed uniform accessories, and yarning circle treats.

Aanya K and Aaryan K - Year 6

Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to hear about the different traditions and history about Aboriginal Australian culture and Torres Strait Islanders. Reconciliation week aims to promote positive relationships and an understanding of Indigenous Australian culture. This year we have been hosting many events in honour of Reconciliation Week. For example, wearing Indigenous-themed accessories, watching Reconciliation movies and having an Indigenous Feast. 

Aitken Live

Congratulations to all the performers who showcased their musical talents at Aitken Live on Tuesday night! We were entertained by many singing and instrumental ensembles led by the music staff. Our Year 6 Performing Arts Captains, Zara B and Amyra J, did an outstanding job compering! One of the highlights for all was the finale when our amazing music teachers rocked!!!

2021 Artist In Residence Book Launch

Well done to all the students who participated in the Artist In Residence Program last year and contributed to the creation of the book titled Sadie and Otto’s Aitken Adventure! What amazing illustrations and a great memoir to our cherished time with Sadie, Otto and Ms Donohue.

Prep News

Mrs Natasha Radley (Prep AHOS)

Almost half a year has passed since the Prep students began their school journey. They have learnt to spell, sound out words and read. It is amazing to look at the Preps’ writing as there has been so much progress and development. This week the Prep students independently wrote about their weekend and they felt so proud of themselves. The teachers were also very proud. Luckily the weekend weather was nice enough to get out and about and enjoy family time. The focus for writing has been ‘recount’ and the students are getting better every week at this writing skill.

Year 1 and 2 News

Mr Jevon Scandrett (Year 1/2 AHOS)

Welcome to Week 6!

Last week, Year 2 students took part in an excursion to the Melbourne Museum and IMAX. The students watched an informative film about the Great Barrier Reef on the enormous IMAX screen. They then toured the Melbourne Museum, including a visit to the First People’s gallery and the ‘Bugs Alive’ and ‘Dynamic Earth’ exhibits. The excursion supports the learning in Integrated Studies for Term 2, as students are learning all about the geography of Australia as well as indigenous perspectives of Australia. I would like to once again thank the amazing parent helpers who came along and were such wonderful support on the day. I would also like to thank the staff for their hard work in organising the excursion for our students.

In Year 1, students had the chance to visit the Aitken farm and see two baby calves. Some classes were even lucky enough to see the claves being fed! Students then completed some writing based on their experiences. We are so lucky to have the wonderful Aitken farm!

As always, your first point of contact should be your child’s homeroom teacher followed by me as the Assistant Head of School (Years 1 and 2).

Year 3 and 4 News

Mrs Anne Adams (Year 3/4 AHOS)

Year 3

As part of the Year 3 Integrated Studies unit ‘Communities Over Time’, students made their own community. Mrs Crisara spoke to the Year 3 students about her experiences over time in the Greenvale community and the history of the school. They have also spent time in Mathematics on the topic ‘length’ and have been learning how to measure accurately using rulers and other objects.

Year 4

As well as cooking in the Kitchen Garden program, Year 4 students have also spent time at the farm learning about living sustainably by composting waste. There are three types of composting: cold, warm and hot. These depend on whether you ‘turn’ the compost allowing it to oxygenate. The more you turn it, the hotter the compost gets. The students learnt that you could add green matter such as leaves, lawn clippings, food waste and brown matter such as chicken manure. Some added the waste and others added a little water to it to get the aerobic bacteria going. This will break down the waste and turn it into lovely soil humus which is great for our gardens at Aitken College.

Year 4 Composting

Year 4 Kitchen Garden

Year 5 and 6 News

Mr Nigel Keegan (Year 5/6 AHOS)

Primary Woodlands Division Cross Country

Congratulations to all the students who competed in the Primary Woodlands Division Cross Country on Tuesday. It was an icy cold day where Aitken students represented the College with pride and achieved outstanding results. A huge thank you to the parents for your support and flexibility as it is very much appreciated!

Mia P - Year 5

The day we had all been waiting for had finally arrived!  On Tuesday 31 May 2022, several Cumberland students represented Aitken College under the Woodlands Division in the Cross Country – Division round held at Bundoora Park. Fortunately, the reported hail and storms held off but there were pockets of rain as well as the chilly, icy wind that didn’t help us students as we couldn’t feel our hands and feet. I personally have surprised myself as I have progressed further than I have ever thought. Starting from running a 2km race at the College, then running a 3km race at Districts, then running a 3km race at Division, now I am off to Regionals with a number of other Aitken students. Congratulations to all students who ran a fantastic race at Division. Good luck to all those students who are off to Regionals!

Assembly

It is wonderful to have parents attending Fairview and Cumberland Chapel and Assemblies this term. Your support is very much appreciated, and the students and teachers enjoy your presence. Just a gentle reminder that photos and videos of class performances and students are not allowed due to Child Safe practice policies at the College. If you have taken photos or videos, please ensure that you do not share or post them. Thank you for adhering to the College policies.

It is hard to believe that there are only two more weeks left of the term and the last week is a three-day week for students. Preps and Year 5 students will be sharing their learning next week.

Assembly Roster

Week	Date	Fairview	Cumberland
7	6 June	Prep	Year 5
8	13 June (Queen’s Birthday Holiday)	No Assembly	No Assembly

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