Specialist Classes

Spanish students have been counting sheep while Health and PE students have been in the pool. Old Testament stories teach young minds the importance of making good choices while tech-savvy students have discovered Canva. Library classes have created elf traps, and our concert performances left a lasting impression.

Library

In the library, the Foundation and Year One students are focusing on feelings and values. We have been reading stories and using puppets and hand-held mirrors during class discussions. The students read a book called Hippo Owns Up and used puppets to role play how we feel when our friends tell the truth.

STEM/ICT

Working in pairs, Year 2 students were excited to investigate the Dash Robots. They quickly became experts at connecting their Dash to the iPad and were introduced to coding through the Dash Blockly app. They were able to program their Dash to follow instructions to move along a path. Students also discovered how to de-bug their algorithm if their Dash did not follow instructions.

Year 4 students were intrigued to explore and code with Sphero Minis. They used the Sphero Play app on iPads to navigate their Sphero through a course and a mini ten-pin bowling arrangement. Students coded their Sphero to ‘draw’ shapes and letters using the Sphero EDU app. It was fantastic to see how well students took on these challenges.

SPANISH

In Grade 4 Spanish, students have been learning about their ‘amigos’ (friends) and are recognising ways to say good morning, good afternoon and goodnight. Students also followed step-by-step oral and written instructions to create a ‘mano’ (hand) that waves ‘hola’ (hello).
Year 5 students have been reading and singing greetings and exchanges in Spanish and along the way they have met a boy called Adam and a girl called Anna who share information with each other. Learning through song helped students to read, understand and answer some questions like ‘What’s your name?’ ‘How old are you?’ and ‘Where are you from?’

Religion/Values

This term has started on a positive note with students exploring key values in their Religion and Values lessons. They have learnt about the Golden Rule — ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’ — and about respect and its meaning and importance. They have also explored love as expressing kindness and care for others. They learnt about St. Valentine and created cards and artwork to express appreciation for family and friends.

Students explored these values through discussions, videos and plenty of creative activities. It has been a wonderful start and we look forward to continuing our journey of faith and values.

Health & PE

Years 1–2

Students have been developing their throwing and catching skills with activities designed to improve hand-eye coordination and teamwork. They have enjoyed plenty of fun games to reinforce these essential skills.

Years 3–4

Invasion style games are the focus this term. Students are learning the basics of team strategy, defence and attacking in fast-paced and energetic games.

Year 5

The Year 5 students are engaged in a Sport Education unit focused on basketball. They are exploring the fundamentals of the sport including all the roles they can get involved with such as refereeing, coaching, playing and operating the scoreboard.

Stay active and have fun!

Performing Arts

We have had an exciting start to the term in Performing Arts. We have focused on music and learnt about rhythm, dynamics and tempo, while also expanding our music theory knowledge.

Foundation and Years 1 and 2 students have enjoyed using percussion instruments to keep the beat, experimenting with sound and silence, and telling stories through music. They have also been enthusiastic about learning their song for the end of year concert.

Year 3 students have started learning the recorder, while students in Year 4 are continuing to build their recorder skills.

Year 5 students have started to explore the glockenspiel and all students have already played a few short songs. Mrs Mormile has officially dubbed them the ‘Glock ‘n’ Rollers.