A Curriculum Snapshot
Cultural Diversity Week
Last week, Mount Carmel embraced Cultural Diversity Week through the involvement of multiple activities aimed to appreciate the cultures of the world. Culture is such an important thing that forms our identity and lays the brickwork of what we want to and will become. It is the essence of our being and the core of our existence. Although some parade their culture with pride on a regular basis, last week was about recognising everyone’s heritage and celebrating this diverse range. Throughout the week, it became evident just how many cultures are represented within our school. Religion, food, clothing, traditions, country and colour; they all contribute to the flare of a culture.
With so much to celebrate, Mount Carmel kickstarted the week by sending Year 8 students on an excursion to experience an Asian lunch. Following this, was Japanese craft making at lunchtime and the selling of sushi and spring rolls prepared by our very own VET students. A total of $220 was raised from the sale of these delicious creations and this will be given to the Migrant Resource Centre.
An assembly was held on Thursday, where we were entertained by a reggae musical performance on entry. This was followed by Ms Li presenting an insight of Chinese school culture.
The week ended with the Primary students embracing culture through wearing an item of clothing to school. It was wonderful to see both the diversity of items and the excitement of exchanging stories and heritage. A Balinese music workshop was held at lunchtime as a way to appreciate other cultures' music. Laughing and fun, this activity saw many students get involved in the opportunity to try something new and different.
Along with all of these lunchtime activities throughout the week, a poster and postcard competition was held across the school. Primary students were asked to design a postcard, while secondary students created a poster within their clan. The aim of the artwork was to illustrate and showcase the rich diversity of culture within their class/clan. The posters will be displayed in the library.
This was such a special week with great meaning and relevance in our school.
A Journey of Lifecycles
A number of students from the University of Tasmania are currently working alongside the Primary and Secondary teachers across multiple classes. Miss Ellie Merse is co-teaching in the Year 2 space with Mr Lowe. Under her guidance, the students have been answering a number of inquiry questions as part of their work on lifecycles. Miss Merse reported that students are recognising that living things have predictable characteristics at different stages of development.
Key questions include:
- How many stages are there in a butterfly’s lifecycle?
- What is similar in the butterfly’s lifecycle to our mealworms?
- What is the caterpillars first food? Why? Once a pupa, do they need to eat? Why or why not?
- What are these series of changes in the butterfly’s lifecycle called?
A number of activities have been enjoyed including creating a model of the lifecycle of a butterfly using paper plates and pasta.
Rose Goward and Sarah Wilson-Haffenden
Curriculum Leaders