Inquiry Centre

Curriculum

Selamat Siang to our 1 / 2 Families and Friends, 

Week 4 was filled with plenty of collaborative learning in classrooms as students shared their learning through pair, small group and whole class discussions! The Inquiry Centre has been working on our strengths of teamwork, love of learning and perseverance as we return to our onsite learning. It has been wonderful to also see students demonstrating these skills and speaking and listening skills outside of the classroom during Recess and Lunch as they continue to explore the new Junior Playground, sandpit and individual games and activities.

In Mathematics we explored fractions and students shared their understanding of fractions through a ‘fraction think board’. On this thinkboard students were able to show their learning of fractions as shapes, collections of objects, fractions in the real world and other facts about their chosen fraction. It was great to see students labelling, describing and naming different fractions. Students also continued to share their Mathematics Learning through completing their Mathematics Assessment Tasks. We were so impressed at how students used their ‘inner coach’ to complete their assessments and used the Zones of Regulation to take breaks to stay in the ‘green zone’. 

In Writing, we excitedly began sharing our persuasive speeches for the MPRPS Public Speaking competition on the topic “If I could be any animal, I would be…” We explored how to be a good audience member and how to present our speeches with confidence. We explored how to be a good speaker by watching a video of a child presenting their Ted Talk ‘Why students need Recess’. It was great to explore how we could apply his use of expression, body language and reading to punctuation. Students explored how we can also be good speakers and audience members and practiced their speeches before presenting. 

In Reading, we explored the use of alliteration in our books, in newspaper articles and even in poetry! Students were introduced to the poem ‘Bleezer's Ice cream store’, which shares interesting ice cream flavours including :Tutti-fruity Tuna Tomato, Mozzarella Mangosteen and Cotton Candy Carrot Custard!  Students practiced using alliteration to ‘hook’ in their reader and create interesting sentences.  We met in our Guided Reading Groups to continue spotting alliteration in our texts and practicing using alliteration through names such as ‘Marvellous Mia’, ‘Terrific Tom’ and ‘Speedy Sean!’. It was wonderful to see students using their Adjectives, Verbs and Nouns work from home to create their own interesting alliteration sentences. Students demonstrated teamwork by working together to create alliteration headlines for nursery rhymes such as ‘Greedy Girl Gobbles up 3 bears dinner’ and ‘Jack Jumps up Giant Beanstalk’.

We explored mindfulness and our wellbeing strategies through our end of the day ‘mini-joy’ sharing, character strength spotting in sessions such as spotting teamwork and kindness as we explored building and constructing using different materials and working collaboratively during developmental play.

We would like to extend our appreciation and a big ‘Terima Kasih’ to parents in supporting students in the return to onsite learning.

Miss Glen, Mrs Gill, Miss Honan, Mr Jenkins, Mrs Seadon, Miss Tillotson and Miss Wang

Reminders 

• Please check Sentral regularly for updates around school news and events
• Hats to be worn at recess and lunch times in Term 4
• If students decide to wear face masks, please ensure they are labelled
• Curriculum Day Monday and Public Holiday Tuesday (No school for students)
• We look forward to seeing all students back at school on Wednesday!

Student Voice

What Alliteration Ice Cream Flavour would you create?

• "Raspberry Rhubarb!" - Emma P 
• "Crunchy Choco Chip!" - Tahlia R
• "Red Rainbow Ruby!" - Ruby L
• "Cookies and Cream" - Zoe D
• "Banana Brownie Biscuit!" - Mia B

Pupil of the Week

1/2G: Princess T - 

For demonstrating your love of learning when writing and presenting your speech about koalas. It was great to see your enthusiasm in challenging yourself to add detail to each of your reasons. Keep up the fantastic work!

1/2H: Tattva D - 

For demonstrating creativity and life-long learning when drafting and presenting your speech about cheetah. You hooked the audience with a sizzling start and included interesting facts to support your opinion. Terrific Tattva!

1/2J: Christian K - 

For demonstrating a love of learning, creativity and bravery when practising and presenting your persuasive speech. You had some well thought out and convincing reasons why it would be amazing to be a spider monkey, and you did an excellent job of using the success criteria to help you present your ideas. Congratulations, Christian!

1/2ST: Elspeth M - 

For showing a love of learning during our reading sessions. You showed insightful responses when answering comprehension questions and have shown fantastic progress. You display a positive attitude and always try your best. Keep up the amazing work Elspeth!

1/2W: Emily F - 

For demonstrating bravery and perseverance when writing and presenting your speech. You shared reasons why you would be a dog using descriptive words including ‘adorable’ and confidently read your speech to the class. Extravagant Emily! 

1/2Y: Hayden K -  

For demonstrating perseverance in your Mathematics activities this week. You worked hard to complete your learning and shared your understanding about fractions in the real world and using a collection of objects. Keep up the great work Hayden!