Mrs Leanne Schulz

Assistant Principal (Primary)

Welcome back to Term 2! What an exciting start to the term with the Cumberland Athletics Carnival, a Prep to Year 2 THRASS dress up day, and a Year 1 excursion to Scienceworks! We all look forward to the term ahead.

Cumberland Athletics Carnival

Cumberland enjoyed a fantastic day at the Athletics Carnival on Thursday 27 April, despite the rain in the morning. Everyone got into the House spirit and encouraged their teammates. Excitement was in the air as Millar, Clarke, Cameron and Brodie students competed in a variety of track and field events. The students demonstrated determination, resilience and a positive sporting attitude. It was such a joy to see many parents attend to support the event. The Year 6 House Captains performed their duties diligently and helped the day run smoothly. A very big thank you to the House Captains, students, the teachers, support staff, parents, the PE department and Mrs Dowling for organising the event. Congratulations to Cameron House for winning the House competition, and well done to all competitors for contributing to the success of the carnival!

Mia P - Year 6 School Captain

On Thursday 27 April, Cumberland held their yearly Athletics Carnival at the Meadowglen Athletics Stadium. What can I say about the weather? They were conditions you would not want to compete in. It was raining, it was blowing a gust and it was extremely cold. Eventually the sun decided to appear and there were clear skies. Sadly, the sun only came out towards the end of the day.

The day started off with the 800m track event which was challenging but great for a long distance runner like myself. This followed by 400m, 200m and finally 100m. Whilst the track events were rolling through, the field events were taking place which included javelin, shot put, discus, long jump, high jump and triple jump. For each event there was a male and female category in each year level as well as competitors from each house: Cameron, Brodie, Millar and Clarke.

With many students competing in a number of events, large groups gathered at the starting line waiting for the gunshot to be released. Not only were there groups at the starting line, there were groups at the canteen to buy the popular hot chips, lollies, drinks and of course the coffees for the parents that turned up in the nasty, cold weather to watch the students.

The events that I competed in on that day were the 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m and triple jump. I placed 1st in all of these events which was a great achievement for me and my house, Brodie.

At competitive events such as the Athletics Carnival, many students become nervous leading up to their event. I can say I was one of those nervous kids when I was younger. With training and persistence, I have achieved outstanding results and I have built up my confidence.

Overall, this day may not have been perfect because of the weather, but we made the most of it and it was a great experience, especially for the Year 3 students as it was their first Athletics Carnival. We all put in the effort to compete for our house, we all supported one another and we all rose to the occasion.

Thank you to Mrs Dowling and her team for organising the Athletics Carnival, as well as those teachers and students that helped marshal and co-ordinate the events.

Well done to all the students who competed at the carnival and congratulations to those students that will proceed through to the next round, District.

Akshaj Middha - Year 6 School Captain

This year, 27 April was the day dedicated to a much-awaited event, Cumberland Athletics Carnival. All students from Year 3 to Year 6, were extremely excited for the fun-filled day. Since this carnival is a House competition, we were all eager to perform our best, not just to get medals, ribbons but also to get House points. The Carnival took place at Meadowglen International Athletics Stadium, Epping. The cold, wind and slight drizzle at times could not stop the spirit and enthusiasm in all of us. Cumberland students participated in many track and field events. Everybody was competitive and showed determination and fighting spirit to win. On the way back to school, many displayed their winning ribbons proudly on their uniform. Cameron house won the trophy this year. Congratulations and well done to all the winners. A big thank you to all the teachers for organising a magnificent day for all of us.

Backflips Against Bullying

The Prep to Year 6 classes have been treated to an entertaining performance called ‘Backflips Against Bullying’. Sometimes the word ‘bullying’ is used in the wrong context. Conflict among friends and peers is a normal part of learning to make friends, negotiate, compromise and socialise. Everybody is different and responds to social situations in different ways. It is very important that parents and teachers help and support young people to solve social conflict. Teachers explicitly teach students strategies to help make friends and to solve friendship conflicts. The aim is to equip students with a tool kit to support them to navigate the social world and problem solve.

Some of these strategies are encouraged to help young people to solve problems:

Stay calm and try not to respond aggressively to mean behaviour.
Be kind/nice to the person who might say or do a mean thing as this often disarms mean behaviour.
Use I statements eg. I feel….when you…so what I would like is…
If you feel angry or upset, use belly breathing, count to 10, walk away, find something to distract you, talk it out, make a deal, ignore it, or go get a drink.
Find a trusted friend or adult to talk to.

One of our roles as parents and educators is to empower young people so that they build resilience.

Social conflict is very different to bullying. Both are taken seriously by teachers as school should be a safe and supportive environment for all.

The Victorian Government Education website outlines the nationally agreed definition of bullying which all Australian schools now use:

‘Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records).

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.’

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/bullystoppers/Pages/what.aspx

https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/

Here is what some of the students in 1R learnt.

Charlie S

Today I learnt to be kind and calm when bullies are mean. Ignore the bullies and walk away.

Gia A

Today I learnt we can say nice words to the bullies because if we teach them nice words, they might be nice back.

Ethan S

Today I learnt to not bully, it is rude. When you are bullied, try and walk away, be calm, try not to cry and say nice words. Be nice and they might walk away.

Year 2 reflection

Isaiah M (2A) and Aniyah M (2M)

Backflips Against Bullying was a great show. All the kids were laughing while being taught a valuable lesson. They got students to come up as volunteers and they were amazing role models. Everyone was smiling from start to finish. We learnt two ways of dealing with bullying through name calling:

Don’t react or get upset!
Be nice to the bully and treat them like your best friend.

They showed us it is hard for someone to be mean to us if we are being kind to them. We now have tools to use if someone is being unkind to us. We loved the show and we can’t wait to watch it again next year.

Year 4 reflections

Mason S - 4S

We had a Backflips Against Bullying incursion. They taught us ways to deal with bullying and how to stop it. They said there’s two steps to deal with bullying. Step one: Don’t react and to be kind to the bully because they’ll think your cool. Their names were Luca and Charlie, they did some really cool backflips and tricks, but most importantly they talked about cyberbullying and bullying and how it can affect them even on school holidays, weekends and after school. After Luca told a story about a boy that got bullied for his appearance. At the end Charlie jumped over 5 kids but Luca jumped over 15 kids and 1 teacher.

Nicholas Z - 4S

Today in the Chapel and Performing Arts Centre, we went to go to see Backflips Against Bullying and hosts were named Luca and Charlie and they showed us some cool tricks and they talked about bullying and cyberbullying and Luca told us some sad stories at school. Charlie jumped over 5 students and Luca jumped over 10 students and 1 teacher and it was so cool. Luca did some funny stuff and it was funny and then Charlie did some cool handstands and it was awesome!

Year 6 reflection

Akshaj Middha - 6P

On Wednesday 3 May, all primary school students participated in an incursion about Bullying. What is Bullying? Bullying is the activity of repeated, aggressive behaviour intended to hurt another individual, physically, mentally or emotionally.

Famous Singer and YouTuber, Rebecca Black, once said “Stop Bullying, no one deserves to feel worthless”.

“Backflips against Bullying” also intended to teach all of us that "Bullying is not OK at all”. Even though it is a very sensitive topic still Backflips team managed to teach us the very important lesson in a very funny way. Their team of Acrobats was very energetic and engaging. The whole session was full of astonishing backflips, front flips, handstands, somersaults and laughter. During their performance, they invited many students on the stage. They showed us multiple role-plays to make it more realistic and engaging.

The main messages from their show were:

1. Bullying is not okay at all.

2. Bullying effects many people in a negative way.

3. People can feel down and depressed when bullied.

4. People are unable to return to their normal self after being bullied.

At the end of the one-hour session, we all were moved and definitely understood that Bullying is not okay at all anyway, anytime, anywhere.

Mrs Natasha Radley (Head of Year Prep)

Term 2 has certainly started with a BANG! The THRASS dress up day on Friday 28 April was lots of fun. The students participated with enthusiasm, and it was wonderful seeing them connect their costumes to the THRASS chart.

Thank you for the parents who attended the THRASS information evening on Wednesday 3 May. It was nice to see how enthusiastic parents were in regards to their child/ren’s learning. It was fun seeing the parents “at school”, joining in with activities which their own children do daily.

In Term 2 the Prep and Year 6 Peer Support leaders participate in a program called Peer Support. We had our first session on Thursday 4 May and the Year 6 group leaders were incredibly patient and understanding while running their group. Both Prep and Year 6 students thoroughly enjoyed the first session and look forward to seeing each other again.

Mr Jevon Scandrett (Head of Year 1 & 2)

Welcome to Week 2 and the beginning of an exciting Term in Years 1 and 2!

Scienceworks Excursion

On Tuesday this week, Year 1 students took part in an exciting excursion to Scienceworks. This excursion supports the learning in Integrated Studies for Term 2, as students are learning all about day and night. The students visited ‘Illuminate’, a brand-new exhibition exploring the science behind the fastest traveller in the universe – light.  They discovered what is light, what can we do with it and how we see through hands-on interactive play. Students also visited the planetarium where they were lucky enough to see two wonderful shows on the special screen above them. The teachers and staff on the excursion were incredibly proud of the wonderful behaviour of all the students on the excursion. I would like to once again thank the amazing parent helpers who came along and were such wonderful support on the day.

THRASS Dress Up Day and Parent Information Evening

Last week students participated in a THRASS dress up day where they had to dress up as something found on the THRASS chart. Both staff and students had a wonderful time dressing up and seeing all of the wonderful costumes. Thank you also to everyone who came to the THRASS parent information evening run by our wonderful Prep to Year 2 staff. It was an informative and helpful evening for all.

Year 8 Clowning Performances

Year 2 students were lucky to be audience members for the Year 8 Drama clowning performances. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to see the work that is being completed by their older peers.

In Year 2 Integrated Studies, students are learning all about the geography of Australia and their connections to special places. They will also explore Australia through an Indigenous perspective. Later this term, Year 2 students will take part in an exciting excursion to the Melbourne Museum and IMAX to support their learning in Integrated Studies.

Should you have any questions or concerns, your first point of call should always be your child’s homeroom teacher followed by me as the Head of Years 1 and 2.

I look forward to another wonderful term with students, staff and families!

Mrs Anne Adams (Head of Year 3 & 4)

It’s great to see the students back ready to continue their learning journey. Term 2 began with the ANZAC Day service and the Cumberland Athletics Carnival. Congratulations to all students who participated in the sports day. Despite the weather, students showed true House spirit by participating in rain, wind and then sun.

Here are some comments from the students:

Aachal B - 3W

We are learning about Maths strategies for addition. We can count on or split the numbers and add them together. Maths is my third favourite subject. Performing Arts is my number one. We get to learn how to act and work in groups with our friends.

Hudson C - 3W

In PE this term we are learning how to play soccer. We learnt how to kick and the teacher lets us play in a practice match. The Cumberland Athletics was fun. We had a great day. We got to do lots of athletics. My favourite was high jump. I came second.

Dilara A - 3A

This term we are learning about community. We are learning about who lives in our street, like neighbours and friends. I also love art because we draw and paint. We are going to use scraps of material to create a picture. This week we have to look around for ideas.

Max C - 3A

I did high jump in the Cumberland Athletics. My favourite event is the 800m and I came first. I will be going onto the Division section to run against other schools. I won a silver medal for track. I came first in the 400m as well. I love sport!

Lisara B - 3T

At the Cumberland Athletics Carnival, I really enjoyed it because I came first in discus and 200m sprint. I received a medal on Monday for Athletics. I do athletics outside of school on Saturdays and I love it. My favourite event is long jump.

Taj F - 3T

I love Minecraft Mondays which is on at lunchtime. I have built a house in creative mode and made a really cool roof! It looks like a real house roof. I don’t have anything in it yet, except one secret trap door which no one can see. That’s where my room is. If you open the other trap doors from my room, you can see dolphins, turtles and sheep.

Levent A - 4M

This week we went to the Chapel and Performing Arts Centre to see a show called ‘Backflips Against Bullying’. They did lots of backflips and Luca told a story about how one of his friends was bullied. At the end of the show, Luca jumped over fifteen students and one teacher with a trampoline! It was awesome!

Matilda B - 4M

In ‘Backflips Against Bullying’ they talked about cyber bullying and how people bully online. Luca and Charlie spread rumours about Mr Abou-Eid picking his nose and showed us how even untrue rumours can spread. Three students came up to the stage and pretended to get a message about Mr Abou-Eid on their pretend mobile phones. Charlie spread the rumours to the whole of Cumberland! Everyone was talking about it.

Naysa A - 4R

This term I really like doing narrative writing. When it comes to non-fiction you have to stick to what you find, but with fiction writing you can choose whatever you like. My favourite genre in fiction is fantasy but also like reading graphic novels.

Alejandra C - 4R

The Cumberland Athletics was fun. I was in high jump and the 100m sprint. I came third in the sprint. It was longer than I remember. It seemed shorter last year. I also love narrative writing because you can use your imagination and write freely. I am looking forward to the picture story book competition.

Heerat A - 4S

I love Performing Arts as we get to try new movements and different types of performing arts like dancing and acting. I really like the warm-up games that we play. In one warm-up game, our teacher gives us cards of places such as ‘the beach’ or a ‘theme park’ which we have to act out. There are usually three to four people in our group and we get to work with our friends.

Rohan A - 4S

I really like Kitchen Garden as it encourages us to try new things such as the zucchini muffins. At the start I didn’t like zucchini, but now I kind of like it. In the garden we have lots of fun picking fruits and veggies that go into our food when we cook the next week.

Mr Nigel Keegan (Head of Year 5 & 6)

We have hit the ground running this term! House Athletics, practical problem-solving experiments, an engaging and informative presentation by ‘Backflips Against Bullying’, the Maths Olympiad, and Winter Interschool Sport trials are just some of our many learning experiences already this term.

During the coming weeks, students will be involved in the Winter Interschool Sport program, which is set to commence against Gladstone Views Primary School. Our Aitken sport program will continue to run for those students who are not competing in Winter teams.

Year 5 students have begun their Integrated Studies and STEM program, ‘Out of this World!’ which is all about the planets in our solar system and assessing whether colonising another planet is possible. Year 6 study Pathway to Federation, and both year levels will be planning and writing their own narratives this term.

Students will be engaged in a range of other excellent learning experiences including musical sounds and rhythm, elements of dance, AFL or Netball skills, and robotics in STEM. Well done to all students for their excellent start to Term 2. We look forward to an exciting term ahead and witnessing students’ continued progress.

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