Years F-6 Coordinator

F-6 Key Dates:

July

Fri 14th                House Athletics

Mon 31st            Foundation 100 Days of School

August

Thurs 3rd            Calder Athletics

Wed 23rd            Parent Teacher Interviews

Wed 30th            Open Numeracy Classes

Speaking to the students, it sounds like everyone stayed warm and dry during the break. Many of the students did some extremely enjoyable things. Great job parents for providing them with these great experiences!

It has been great to get around the classes over the first couple of days to see students settling back in. It is great to share student successes with them. Already I have seen a couple of students impressive writing of the numbers 1 to 100. Something they had found challenging. I witnessed an engaging ‘Show and Tell’, where a couple of photos had been sent to the teacher, so the child could talk about what was happening. 

While other students were running around on the playground, kicking balls on the oval, throwing hoops at the basketball court, playing in the sandpit and cubby, this group spent lunchtime drawing with chalk. Apologies to their parents, they ended up with as much chalk on them as was on the concrete! But they had loads of fun and worked together well. 

Last night staff attended a Kindness Factory session run by Kath Koschel. Kath has a remarkable story of resilience having broken her back on two separate occasions. The first while playing professional cricket, the second time getting hit by a car while training for an Iron Man competition and learning to walk again on each occasion. Kath's life story puts things into perspective as to what is really important. She shared her own stories as well as some of the hero’s she has met along the way. 

Kath is the embodiment of goodness and making the most out of any situation. She chooses to focus on the things and abilities we are privileged to have in order to live a meaningful life, becoming the best version of yourself by helping others while helping yourself. 

Going forward, the F-6 staff will utilise the Kindness Curriculum to address and explore social emotional learning and pro-social skills and qualities that support wellbeing. Kindess has physical and emotional benefits, encouraging well-rounded individuals who can flourish cognitively, emotionally and socially. Have you thanked the special people in your life?

Term 3

This term is appearing ‘quiet’ by our standards at this stage. This week we have the House Athletics. This is a great practice for the Calder Athletics in early August. Year 3 & 4 are involved in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program this semester. Remember to flick to that part of the bulletin to see what they are up to each week. The Foundation students will celebrate 100 days of school and we are inviting parents to join our Numeracy Classes on Wednesday 30th August. 

This term in Humanities,Foundation are looking at ‘Inventions’; the Year 1 & 2 Learning Detectives are looking at ‘Egypt and Mesopotamia’; Year 3 & 4 will be learning about Greece and the history behind the Olympics; while Year 5 & 6 will study Asia. Remember to ask your children about what they have learnt at different times during the term.

Reports

Reports were released on the 23rd of June. They are accessible via Compass. Anyone unable to log in to Compass please contact the office to gain details. If you require a hardcopy please let me know. 

Attendance

A reminder that regular attendance is important for learning. Students should only be away if they are unwell or for unavoidable appointments. Every day they are away they fall behind and lose connection with their peers. 

House Athletics

THIS FRIDAY we will run our own athletics carnival on the College oval. 

Students are encouraged to dress in their house colours, with Calder in green/gold and Avoca in purple/blue. F-6 students will attend their regular period 1 & 2 classes and begin their athletics events at approximately 11am. (after recess). Each student will require a drink bottle and appropriate sporting footwear. Let’s hope the weather is kind. 

We encourage all parents and friends to come along and cheer on the students. 

Timetable of Events: